The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children's Fund

What is it? The fund is dedicated to supporting children whose parents work, or have worked, for the Naval Service. Help is available for children and young people up to the age of 25 who are in need, hardship or distress.

How much is on offer? The charity spends around £1.2m each year supporting around 2,000 children and young people. Originally, the fund primarily supported the children of ex-servicemen, although at present, around 80 per cent of its beneficiaries’ parents are still serving. An area of particular growth has been the charity’s focus on assisting children within its remit who have special needs, which now accounts for nearly half of its awards to beneficiaries.

What will it fund? Support is available in a number of different ways. Help is given to support families at home when partners are away, at sea or in an area of conflict; provide at-home support in times of crisis; assist with childcare when a parent is unable to cope; or help children who have suffered bereavement.

The fund can also help children who are suffering family breakdown or parental divorce; provide special family days out in times of grief or distress; support families where there has been an injury or illness; or provide respite care for children when there is only one caring parent.

When is the deadline? Applications can be made at any time. An application form can be downloaded from www.rnrmchildrensfund.org.uk/those-seeking-assistance.