No matter what time of year it is, finances can be a challenge for us all. Whether it's covering the costs of childcare, paying off the car loan, dealing with the mortgage, managing the food bills, keeping the heating running during the winter or trying to zero the credit card after paying for a holiday or getting the kids ready for the new school year or buying gifts for the nearest and dearest ready for the festive season, it's a lot! This can easily cause us all stress to add to already busy and demanding lives.
The RAF's Personal Support and Social Work Service, currently provided by SSAFA and the RAF Benevolent Fund(RAFBF) have recently provided some very useful guidance on what to do and how to access support should you need it. Having financial pressures can happen to us all, help is there to assist you so it doesn't need to feel like a source of embarrassment, which is it isn't, or fear judgement from others, which shouldn't happen.
SSAFA Welfare Officers can talk through a wide variety of issues, including financial challenges and are well-versed in assisting with resolving many challenges. Their recent recent article: Toolkits for Tough Times: Financial Issues provides food for thought for us all, as well as pulling together some useful guidance and resources.
The RAFBF has partnered with Lightning Reach to provide access to a free online portal that connects you to financial support from various sources, quickly and securely - all in one place. It does not replace the valuable and existing Minor Financial Assistance process.