Welfare support for serving military witnesses
All serving personnel who are potential witnesses will have received a letter from the Ministry of Defence offering independent legal assistance. This letter was accompanied by an information pack containing, among other things, details of the welfare support available to serving and former members of the armed forces.
Army personnel
Serving personnel and their immediate family have access to a range of welfare support from the Army. At unit level, this includes the welfare officer, padre, medical officer and their unit’s chain of command.
In addition, if it would help to speak to someone outside the unit in confidence, they may contact the Army Welfare Service on 01722 436569 during normal working hours and ask for an Army Welfare Worker. Alternatively they can contact the Confidential Support Line from 1030hrs to 2230hrs every day of the year on 0800 731 4880. Both operate a confidential service.
Other services
Royal Navy and RAF serving personnel and their families also have access to a range of welfare support; this includes the chain of command, Chaplain, Divisional Officer (RN) or Officer Commanding Personnel Management Squadron (RAF) and Medical Officer.
Outside of the chain of command, the Naval Personnel and Family Service (NPFS) provides confidential support and advice to serving members of the Navy at www.rncom.mod.uk or on 02392 583 806 during working hours.
The RAF Families Federation, RAF Benevolent Fund and RAF Charitable Trust (www.rafcom.co.uk) provide services for members of the RAF.