The health and wellbeing of personnel at Royal Air Force Wittering in Cambridgeshire is at the heart of the brand new ‘Benches for All’ project.
Image By: SAC Jack Welson
Public Health England guidelines have allowed RAF Wittering to establish some ‘Park Areas’ on the Station, so that personnel can have relaxation outside. After a long winter in lockdown and with continuous operational commitments maintained throughout, the Park Areas will provide some respite for Station and A4 Force personnel.
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
Supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the project has provided those who live and work at RAF Wittering with somewhere to sit and absorb sunshine and fresh air. 20 new picnic benches will allow people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, as well as provide a COVID-safe space to meet up with colleagues and friends – in line with social distancing requirements.
The new benches, which were placed at selected locations around the Station by personnel from No 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, are made from recycled plastic, are weather resistant and maintenance free. All being well they will be sustainable and guaranteed for up to 25 years.
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
The project was funded by a generous grant of more than £8,500 from the the Fund. To mark this, each bench has a small plaque proudly displaying the the Fund's logo and all of the benches will have a branded parasol.
Image By: SAC Jack Welson
Hemma Gooljar from the the RAF Benevolent Fund said: “We’re delighted to support RAF Wittering with the development of this vital project. Now more than ever we know it’s important to support the mental wellbeing of serving personnel and these benches provide a great, safe opportunity for individuals to enjoy the outdoors. Over the years the Fund has been proud to support RAF Wittering, playing a crucial role in the welfare and wellbeing of serving personnel, and we hope that these facilities help lift spirits following a challenging period.”
Station Commander Gp Capt Jo Lincoln said: “The health and wellbeing of our personnel is a constant Station and A4 Force priority. These picnic benches will provide a useful and safe place for our personnel to meet and chat outside of their own rooms and places of work. We are extremely grateful to the the Fund for their generous donation and this is a culmination of some great work by our welfare team. Thank you to all involved.”
