R.A.F.A. and the Wider World
The RAF Association is the largest single-service membership organization in the UK, with 92000 members ranging from 18 year olds to our most senior veteran. Membership is open to all past and present members of the RAF, their families and friends and all those with an interest in aviation who wish to support the aims of the Association.
We are a comradeship organization. We have a network of nearly 550 Branches, both in the Uk and overseas, many of which have clubs. Here you will be able to meet people with similar experiances and interests. People relocating or leaving the service find this social network a valuable resource.
The RAF Association provides advice, care and support to all those members of the RAF family that need it and is an important part of our work. We have over 800 Honorary Welfare Officers who made 26000 visits in 2006 [thats 70 per day] and these volunteers signpost people to the best available help as required. We also have dedicated welfare offices who can give advice on disability, war pensions and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Sometimes being able to take a break is essential to those either recovering from an illness or with disabilities. Their carers also need to rest and recharge their batteries. We can offer long term care for those who need it at Sussexdown House or for those in need of short term respite the Asociation runs three respite care homes situated in some of the loveliest parts of the country.
All this needs money and as the Association gets no government aid all its funding comes from the generous donations of members of the public either via the Wings Appeal, donations and other sources. These donations are not just to help those ex-members of the RAF, the Association helps those who are still serving both home and abroad as well as ensuring the familes of those on active service are not forgotten.
