Abstract: This report provides estimates of the size, profile and welfare needs of the RAF Family, largely drawing upon recent research by Compass Partnership for The Royal British Legion, which included 500 respondents from the RAF ex-Service community. The profile and opinions of Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) beneficiaries have been collected through an extensive postal survey asking about their needs and the quality and impact of charitable assistance received, which achieved a very high response rate of 57%, yielding 1,600 replies. The RAFBF have also conducted some desk research into the size of the RAF Serving community, who make up the rest of ‘the RAF Family’, to whom the RAFBF provides support.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …