In reaction to the new funding announced by the Government to support Armed Forces charities, Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE, Chief Executive at the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), says:

“I welcome today’s announcement from the Government for funding Armed Forces charities. Both serving and ex-Service personnel have played, and continue to play, a critical role in reacting to the Covid-19 crisis, delivering services on the frontline and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

“Armed Forces charities, like many others, have faced a drop in funding whilst also responding to an increase in demand. The funding from Government will help to ensure that they can continue to deliver some vital services and support in the short term, but more will need to be done to help the sector cope sustainably. Our research with the Directory of Social Change has highlighted the huge gap between lost charitable income and what the Government has so far pledged.

“Through unprecedented levels of collaboration between organisations, and innovative planning of future services informed by the credible evidence FiMT provides, the serving and ex-Service community can help lead the way out of the current crisis. This is as tough a battle as many within our community have ever fought. We are determined to work resolutely together to help those most vulnerable, but taut financial resources continue to be a key constraint on our work.”

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