WGPlus (Archive)

Editorial item:  Public memory dims, but family pain remains; especially for the children

As the headlines revert to Brexit, etc. and the ‘dozens’ of BBC reporters leave the area surrounding the Palace of Westminster, one is reminded that ‘the world goes on’ and, while memories of tragic/shocking events dim in the public’s mind.  Meanwhile, those directly involved through the loss of ‘loved ones’ struggle to cope without a mother, father, brother, sister, etc. and to regain ‘normality’ in their lives.

This is especially true for the partners & children of our armed forces personnel, who not only have lost their partner/father, but also faced the prospect of having to leave their service home & support network on ‘his’ base camp.

A degree of financial support does become available to the widow (in due course), but it is the emotional & mental side of life that can be the real issue.  How does a mother help her young children to ‘move on’ in  a civilian world where ‘civilians’ generally haven’t faced months of absence, intermittent telephonic contact and the ‘fear’ of a knock at the door’ from the base Visiting Officer.  

Some years ago the Families' Activity Breaks (FAB) charity was set up to offer bereaved military families the chance to go on an activity holiday with people who have suffered similar losses.  FAB is a non-public-funded, tri-Service charitable initiative which works in partnership with the Youth Hostel Association to provide bereaved military families with activity-based holidays.

Staffed by volunteers from all 3 Services & civil servants from the MoD, the aim of FAB is to provide bereaved military families with an adventurous yet safe environment in order to encourage self-confidence, resilience & peer support whilst having fun

One mother who has benefited from FAB said:

"For the first time in my entire life I was able to let go of so much emotional baggage that, if they hadn't taken the time to listen to me, I think in the end would have killed me. Slowly from the inside out, I know it sounds dramatic, but FAB and the volunteers saved my neck."

The FAB holidays are for any bereaved military family with a child under the age of 19 years (accompanying older siblings may attend) who has suffered the loss of a serving loved one regardless of where and how the Service person died.

The military & civilian communities have so far been at the forefront of fundraising & donations to allow FAB to carry out its invaluable service, and the need for continuous monetary contributions continues

So if you can remember back to the frequent PM’s announcements at the beginning of PM’s Questions and the sad pictures of the planes landing at Brize Norton, followed by the flag-draped coffins of fallen servicemen & women being met by large crowds who lined the streets (come rain or shine) to pay their respects in the small Wiltshire town of (Royal) Wootton Bassett.

Then perhaps you could consider donating to this charity (Fundraise/Donate) which continues to help families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us in ‘some foreign field’ and help them to ‘move on’.
Researched Links:

FAB holidays available for bereaved military families

Photos and related links

Notification of a military death | Cruse Bereavement Care

Casualty procedures - British Army Website

The Soldier by Rupert Brooke ~ If I should die, think only this of me ...

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