Introduction
Funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to deliver Serving Families On the Move Programme, CVS Lincolnshire is supporting newly relocated serving families to settle into life in Lincolnshire.
Offering personalised bespoke support and creating a space to continue to be a positive and valued part of the community improving wellbeing through connections and reducing loneliness and isolation.
Why This Project is Needed
CVS Lincolnshire know about the needs of armed forces relocated families from our membership on The Lincolnshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Board and also being an integral part of The Lincolnshire Military, Veterans & Families Wellbeing Network.
Social isolation and loneliness were the top themes encountered by relocating service families because of:
- Frequent moves and being in transient communities
- Living in relatively isolated locations away from family and support networks
- The need to build confidence and motivation
- Having self-worth and own identity
CVS Lincolnshire staff (Armed Forces Community) have ‘lived experience’ of relocating to a new area and have faced the challenges associated with the frequent moves.
Geographical Area Where the Project Will be Delivered
Service Families newly posted to:
- RAF Waddington
- RAF Digby
- RAF Coningsby
- RAF Cranwell
- Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham
- Sobraon Barracks, Lincoln
Project Aims
The project aims to achieve the following outcomes:
- Families in a new posting have more accessible information to support them to settle into a new and unfamiliar location.
- Newly arrived families report improved wellbeing by being introduced to and connected with activities provided in their new area.
- Fewer newly arrived and relocated service families report feeling isolated or lonely and more service families say they have effective support networks.
- Families feel more able to navigate the challenges of relocation, because their relationships are stronger.
What Support Will I Receive?
- Initial contact will be made with newly arrived families across Lincolnshire within 6 to 8 weeks of their arrival and 2 to 3 sessions offered.
- The Health and Wellbeing Officer will have a meaningful, personalised ‘What Matters To Me’ conversation with the service family/member(s) to identify and address any immediate and emerging need(s).
- Support is provided by offering solution planning and helping the family to access resources and navigate an unfamiliar location and setting. The Health and Wellbeing Officer will offer to accompany people to groups, activities and services and make the necessary introductions and help them familiarise and integrate into their new community.
- The focus will be very much related on connecting to the community the benefits of which include a sense of belonging, developing and fostering new relationships and connections, building confidence and resilience and improving overall health and wellbeing.
How Can I Get Support?
You can contact Vanessa by calling her on 07458 016054 or sending her an email to vanessa@cvslincolnshire.org.uk.
You can also follow this link to complete the Military Move and Mingle enquiry form online.
