As we gather with loved ones this Christmas, we also reflect on those in the Army family who may be in need of help and support. Christmas can be hard for some – its focus on togetherness can deepen feelings of isolation among those who may be experiencing loneliness, and it can put a further strain on already stretched or precarious family finances.
That’s why we’re committed to reducing loneliness and supporting the wellbeing of the Army family all year round and especially at this time of year. Here’s how we are making a difference this Christmas through partnerships old and new.
“We had a brilliant time and massively appreciate the opportunity to take part in this festive event as it was not something we would have been able to afford ourselves.”
– Ellie, beneficiary.
We’re pleased to award a £80,000 grant to Royal Star & Garter, continuing our longstanding support for its Wellbeing Programme for veterans. The charity provides high-quality, person-centred care for elderly veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, in its homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe.
Our funding will help the charity deliver thousands of physiotherapy sessions; plus activities and outings designed to help their residents maintain mobility, independence and confidence, while reducing isolation. The Wellbeing Programme combines clinical expertise with holistic care and is tailored to the unique military backgrounds of those taking part, increasing their sense of belonging and quality of life.
Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre
This year, we’re proud to support the Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre in Lowestoft, Suffolk, with a £10,000 grant. This funding will subsidise accommodation costs, enabling Army veterans and their families, particularly those on low or fixed incomes, to enjoy affordable respite breaks.
These restorative holidays offer more than relaxation: they promote wellbeing, reduce isolation, and create opportunities for veterans to connect with others who share similar experiences. By removing financial barriers, this project ensures that those most in need can enjoy time away in a supportive and welcoming environment.
We are delighted to continue our support for Give Us Time, which helps military families reconnect and spend time together. Give Us Time provides respite breaks for families facing challenges such as bereavement, injury, extended separation or financial hardship – or often a combination of these issues.
Our £10,000 grant towards the charity’s running costs will help Give Us Time send almost 200 Army families on respite breaks in the UK and overseas, offering families a chance to rest and recover together, while strengthening family bonds and improving wellbeing for those most in need.
We’re pleased to award a £5,000 grant to Together Co, a charity that supports veterans and their families in Brighton & Hove who are experiencing loneliness and isolation.
This funding will help sustain its befriending service, where trained volunteers provide one-to-one support and group activities that build confidence, reduce anxiety and develop meaningful connections. By offering trusted companionship and access to local networks, Together Co helps veterans feel less alone and more part of their community.
Peter Monteith, Chief Operations Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, said:
“Through our partnerships with specialist charities, the Army Benevolent Fund is dedicated to ensuring no member of the Army family feels forgotten – at Christmas or any time of year. This support spans the whole country, from local community projects in areas such as Sussex, Suffolk and the West Midlands, as well as UK-wide initiatives that reach soldiers, veterans, and their families wherever they are.”