THE coronavirus crisis has led to financial hardship for a great many people across the UK.

However, work here at the RAF Benevolent Fund has not stopped.

In fact, we have awarded more than £1.5 million in individual grants since the lockdown measures were announced on March 23.

The grants help support retired and serving RAF personnel and their families at this challenging and uncertain time.

We have launched a new online application system to allow members of the RAF Family to access financial assistance more easily than ever before.

Many older members of the RAF Family struggle with social isolation and loneliness on a daily basis; a problem that is compounded by the necessary social distancing rules.

To tackle this issue, we have introduced a weekly Check and Chat service.

Our welfare team is currently contacting vulnerable members of the RAF Family to invite them to use this.

We have also expanded our telephone friendship groups service to allow more veterans to join in a weekly chat.

I urge your readers to consider their neighbours, their family, and their friends; if they previously served in the RAF, or are the spouse of someone that once served, they are eligible for our support – be it financial, practical, or emotional.

To refer someone to the RAF Benevolent Fund, visit rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919.

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chef executive, RAF Benevolent Fund