4Children to launch nationwide youth programme

Delivered by charity 4Children, "Ben Clubs" will give children living on or near RAF stations the opportunity to take part in activities and social opportunities. It will also work to support families.

?The programme forms part of “Airplay”, a £24m RAF Benevolent Fund initiative that launched in 2010 to deliver structured activities for young people aged eight to 19 at RAF stations.

Ben Club youth workers will work alongside RAF community development officers to deliver the programme, which will run a session once a week during school term times on all stations where Airplay is provided.

?Imelda Redmond, chief executive of 4Children said: “We are pleased that we can now extend our coverage to younger children – helping them through all the challenges that living as part of the RAF family brings.”??

So far, one Ben Club has been launched at RAF High Wycombe, with the aim of seeing 21 RAF stations offering the sessions by the end of the year. ?
 
Damian Pinel, chief community development adviser at the RAF, added: “The implementation of Ben Clubs will provide further high-quality support by the RAF Benevolent Fund to the RAF family.

??“The continued success of Airplay youth support has demonstrated the need for activities and programmes for children aged five- to seven years.

“Ben Clubs will enhance life in the RAF for families with children, providing both activities for the under eights and support to parents.”