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The Webster’s Story

We’re proud to provide continuing and sustained support to naval families. In this case, we’ve helped an ex-serving family look after two generations of their family, for the past 12 years. 

The Websters* first came to us in 2008. Dad was about to be deployed and, with five children, Mum needed some help during the school holidays. Their eldest son, Dan, has learning disabilities, while his younger brother, Sam, has Autism.

We continued to support the family through the hard times and the good. We provided respite activities for the two boys with special needs during the holidays and supported Mum as the marriage broke down.

After Amy, her eldest daughter, began to show a promising academic streak, we helped with an educational grant that part-funded her tuition at a private school.

Despite her difficulties mum has continued to provide amazing care for her children. Her third son has now joined the Army, and she has recently become responsible for her two grandchildren, holding special guardianship for both children.

We recently gave the family one of our Christmas grants, to help with groceries and presents over the festive period. A special delivery was also made for the latest addition to the family, as we were able to supply baby toys and clothes for her youngest grandchild.

Testimonial:

“Thank you so much for all of your help, without your kindness I would have encountered real difficulties.

I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to you for all of your help and support.

You have really made a difference to us.”

 

* The names included in this article have been changed to protect the subjects’ identities.

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.