April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognise and celebrate the resilience and contributions of children in military families. This month also highlights the unique challenges they face and the remarkable strengths they demonstrate.

The Army Benevolent Fund is dedicated to supporting the children of Army families. Through grants to our partner charities, we help empower the children of serving and former soldiers and provide essential resources for their wellbeing.

To mark this important month, we are proud to showcase our ongoing support for Army children and their families through our partnerships with specialist charities.

Strengthening Army families

Life in the Armed Forces can be unpredictable, with home moves frequent, often leaving Army parents and their children with limited control over the services and support available to them, no matter where they are stationed in the world.

We are committed to alleviating these challenges by continuing our support for the Army Families Federation (AFF). This year, we have awarded a grant of £55,844 to help meet the financial, employment, training, and health needs of Army personnel, their spouses, partners, and families.

As the independent voice of Army families, the AFF works closely with the Ministry of Defence, government departments, and other agencies to provide specialist advice on key aspects of service life, including housing, health, education, childcare, employment, training, finances, and allowances.

Our grant will directly support AFF’s specialist teams, ensuring they continue to provide expert guidance on Army and Defence policies while identifying and addressing the key issues affecting Army personnel and their immediate families.

Funding activity breaks for bereaved children

Losing a loved one can be a very difficult experience, particularly for military children, who may also feel  disconnected from the Armed Forces community after their loss. This can lead to a decline in confidence and emotional wellbeing.

To support bereaved military families, the Army Benevolent Fund provides vital funding to Family Activity Breaks (FAB), a charity that organises fun and challenging activity camps across the UK. Our grant of £43,000 allows bereaved children and their families to reconnect with the military community in a supportive environment.

This funding will provide two FAB camps—fully funded week-long retreats where bereaved military families can meet others who have experienced similar losses. Additionally, it will support a FAB15 event, where past participants can return and share their experiences with newer families at different stages of their grief journey.

Supporting military children in education

Military children often encounter unique challenges, particularly in their education. Frequent relocations, separations due to deployments, and the emotional impact of military life can make school a critical place of stability and support.

To address this, we have awarded £9,725 to Little Troopers, a charity dedicated to ensuring military children and their families receive the support they need. This grant will help fund the ‘Little Troopers at School’ programme, designed to provide children with a sense of belonging and emotional support within their school environment.

As part of this initiative, schools will be encouraged to establish Little Troopers Clubs for primary school children and Forces Life Clubs for secondary school students. These clubs will create safe spaces for military children to connect with others who share similar experiences, encouraging a sense of recognition, inclusion, and celebration.

A lifelong commitment to military families

At the Army Benevolent Fund, we are proud to stand alongside military families, ensuring they receive the support they need to navigate the challenges of Army life. Whether through financial assistance, bereavement support, or education programmes, we remain committed to empowering Army children and their families throughout the Month of the Military Child and beyond.

For more INFORMATION on our work and how you can support military families, visit our website.