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Naval Children’s Charity supports over 400 families with Christmas grant

The Naval Children’s Charity (NCC) has provided over 400 families with grants to help them through the Christmas period. 

These grants were made available to some of the most in need children known to the charity. 

Some 350 families received a sum of £300 to cover the cost of groceries over the festive period, with a further £100 donated to cover the cost of a present for each child. 

A further 50 children have received a gift directly from NCC. 

2020 has been a rough year for us all, both mentally and financially. Research conducted by the University of Essex estimates that the average family is £515 worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This will cause many families further stress in the buildup to Christmas. We asked some of our beneficiaries in 2020 to describe their feelings and emotional state before and after receiving the grant. 

Of the 98 respondents to our survey, the percentage of parents feeling anxious (85%), stressed (84%) or worried (83%) was nearly identical. 

However, after receiving help from the charity, the overwhelming majority of respondents said they now felt both supported (88%), and relieved (87%). Over two-thirds (68%) said that the grant would improve their lives, while 76% reported an improvement in their wellbeing. 

We asked some of the recipients of the grant to confidentially share their thoughts on the grant process: 

“I am so thankful to the Naval Children’s Charity for the financial support they provided me and my children. The process was easy to go through and the team were all amazing. They really care about people and the children and families they help and I’m so overwhelmed they helped me.”

“Your team was compassionate, approachable and took away the stigma from asking for help.”

“The support my children and I have received has been phenomenal, I can’t speak highly enough of those I have had contact with. I’m truly grateful for the support.”

Clare Scherer, CEO of the NCC commented: 

“The Naval Children’s Charity gives help throughout the year to families around the UK.  This has been a particularly difficult year for our families and we have seen many more than usual who are in crisis and are facing hardship.  

“We are delighted that we were able to offer some extra help to some of our children this Christmas. By giving these grants for groceries and Christmas presents for the children we hope that we have managed to spread a little joy.”

How we can help you

Apply for Financial Assistance using the Lightning Reach portal.

For applications for financial assistance you can apply by clicking on Register for Help below which will take you to the Lightning Reach portal. This platform is provided by our trusted partner, Lightning Reach, a social impact startup which uses secure technology to make the application process as quick and safe as possible for you.

A simple 3 step process
  1. Register and complete your profile here
    When asked to specify which of the Armed Forces you have served in, make sure to select ‘Royal Navy’, ‘Royal Marines’, ‘Merchant Navy in support of the Armed Forces’ or from the roles / industries list to ensure you are matched to Naval Children’s Charity.

  2. Once you’ve completed your profile, you should receive a support match to The Naval Children’s Charity. Click ‘continue’ to complete and submit your application.

  3. Provide your supporting evidence and submit your application to The Naval Children’s Charity.

Once your application has been made a caseworker will be in touch as soon as possible, this is usually within 3 days.

The profile you create on the Lightning Reach portal can also help you to find and apply for support from other support organisations easily and securely. We recommend that you submit your application to The Naval Children’s Charity first before submitting applications to other organisations.

For help with completing your application, visit Lightning Support and search for ‘The Naval Children’s Charity’.

If you have a question or not sure what help you need and require information or advice please use this online form.

Alternatively, If you would prefer to call our casework team, we can be contacted on 023 9263 9534, our office hours are 0830-1600 Monday to Friday.

How we can help you

The Naval Children’s Charity supports children up to and including the age of 25 whose parent(s) serve or have served in the Naval Service: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, WRNS, their Reserves and the RFA. If you need information or advice regarding support for your child(ren) please fill in the form to the best of your knowledge. One of our caseworkers will then contact you.

If you would prefer to call us we can be contacted on 023 9263 9534, our office hours are 0830-1600 Monday to Thursday and 0830-1300 on Friday.