What we do
Support with emotional and financial issues
We try and help with emotional and financial advice when it is needed. We don’t claim to be experts on all the issues but we do have a large collective experience and if we don’t know the answer, we can probably point you in the right direction. See our information booklet for more details:
RAFWA information booklet (PDF 190k)
“Without the help and advice given to me by RAFWA I would not have received an attributable pension. Whilst the RAF do their best by providing a Visiting Officer, it is only a temporary measure. The mountain of paperwork is done whilst feeling the full force of grief. It was only when I reached out, and found, the extensive companionship and advice offered by the Association that I found the strength to pursue what should rightfully be mine. It has made an enormous difference to my life both emotionally and financially.”
“Even with my ‘good’ experience of the RAF, after being bereaved there were still things I felt could have been done better and the Association gave me a voice in feeding this back to the RAF.”
Annual events
We have two weekend meetings each year. The spring meeting is at varying locations in the UK and the autumn meeting is at Amport House in Hampshire. There are also many other opportunities to meet on a variety of days out.
“My relief at not having to explain myself or worry about what to say (or not) was wonderful. It wasn’t as though the weekend was spent in bonding sessions or pouring our hearts out to each other but just being around people who knew and had some idea of what I was going through was very calming, especially as I felt a little as if I was going mad. The point is that we are all widows and having a group of friends who understand what that is like is invaluable.”
“It was difficult going along for the first time, I so wished I hadn’t qualified to become a member of this club. Everyone was so friendly, welcoming and most of all understanding. It was good to be able to talk knowing that the company wouldn’t feel uncomfortable or stop the conversation. The weekend programme was full and varied and I went home having made new friends and feeling there was hope for the future.”
Regional events
We have a number of regions throughout the UK. Some regions are more active than others, arranging things like paintballing, pantomime visits and visits to air shows for children. We are also in touch with other organisations that arrange forces children’s events including theatre trips and holidays.
“It was great to get the opportunity to go to a flying station and see the sort of work that my dad was involved in. I didn’t really know anyone else but it was nice to see the children enjoy each other’s company.”
“When mum told us that we were going to an air show I couldn’t believe it because I had always wanted to go. The whole thing was huge but the parking and everything was well organised and there was loads to look at as you walked along. We were able to meet some pilots and sit in some fighter planes. We were really well looked after, all the food and drink was provided, shelter and good seats for watching the flying. Thanks for a great day out and for the chance for all the family to go to the show.”
Keeping in contact
Two or three times a year we send out a glossy magazine called “Contact” to all our members. This keeps you in touch with other members, and upcoming events, as well as offering relevant articles and information, support and advice.
Being part of RAFWA
We are happy for you to have as much or as little involvement with us as suits you. There is no need to be a member in order to feel you may contact us for support or advice.
“I admit I dip into and out of the Association as I feel the need. Not being at every event has never made me feel any less welcome at those I do attend, in fact probably the opposite applies. The excellent magazine also keeps me in touch.”