Thousands of RAF veterans like Clive are living isolated and alone, facing a lonely and depressed Christmas.
In these unprecedented times we have been working hard to reach the most vulnerable in our community, so your donation is more vital than ever before.
No one who served their country should be left with only memories for company. Please, help make Christmas different for lonely veterans like Clive by giving a gift today.
“Whatever we did, we were in it together…”
This is a sentiment that will be shared by many who served in the forces. A time Clive looks back on fondly. Joining the RAF in 1964, he was posted to RAF Changi in Singapore and was later posted to RAF Bawtry, where he worked until 1969. He remembers these as the best days of his life.
Undoubtedly it was hard work, and not without sacrifice; but Clive loved the comradeship and friendship bonds he was able to develop. When he left the service, Clive struggled to adjust to life without the forces. By the time he retired, he was living alone and becoming increasingly isolated.
But in 2020 Clive found a friend: the RAF Association. It started during the first lockdown when our volunteers dropped off bags of shopping when he couldn’t get out. Now our Connections for Life service means he receives regular calls from Doug, a fellow RAF veteran, who has bought much needed friendship back into his life. But Clive is one of many who needs our support, over 170,000 people in the RAF community say they suffer with relationship or isolation problems. You could help end their loneliness through our Connections for Life service by paying for a trained volunteer to call a lonely veteran.
Please, this Christmas help bring friendship back into the life of a veteran like Clive and give a gift today.
About the Royal Air Forces Association
We are the charity that supports the RAF community. We believe we have a duty to those who have served our country so bravely. That’s why we’re here to offer friendship, advice and support whenever someone needs it.
Whether a vulnerable member of the RAF community needs a friend to talk to, help finding financial support, or some time away to rest and recuperate, our dedicated welfare team is ready to help. What’s more, we’re here for those currently serving, as well as veterans and family members.
Find out more about how your donation will help our RAF community.
“Thanks to your support I won’t feel lonely this Christmas, and neither will thousands of other veterans.”
Clive, RAF veteran.
