Free From Fear Programme

The Free From Fear programme supports projects that will address the impact of, and have a long-term effect in preventing, domestic abuse in the armed forces community.

It is open to projects supporting serving personnel and their partners or children; veterans, reservists, and their families.

Grants of between £100,000 and £250,000 are available towards a project being delivered for two years.

They invite applications from:

• UK‑based charities which have been registered for a minimum of three years
• Local authorities
• Combined authorities

Projects must work to address one or more of the following main programme outcomes:

• Victim-survivors from armed forces communities have clear routes to access support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
• Perpetrators of domestic abuse within armed forces communities recognise and are accountable for their harmful behaviour and engage with opportunities for meaningful change.
• Incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities are prevented through measures which address emerging and current challenges.
• Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.

There are two additional, optional outcomes and they also welcome proposals which would address one or both of these:

• People in the armed forces community facing additional barriers, stigma or marginalisation can access bespoke interventions which meet their needs and increase their safety and wellbeing.
• Organisations work collaboratively through formal partnerships, using shared or complementary expertise to improve project quality, reach, and effectiveness. Projects must support veterans who are at risk of experiencing homelessness, currently homeless, or are being supported by transitional housing services.