About Us
The RAF Association was formed in 1943 and has over 60 years of history.
The RAF Association is a charitable membership association of serving end ex-serving members of the RAF and also those with an interest in aviation. Indeed with 67,000 members, it is the largest single-service membership organisation in the UK.
No membership Association can 'stand still' however and we are actively seeking to recruit new members - from 18 year old Air Cadets to those within the Air Force, those with an affinity with our charitable aims to the more mature adult coming to the close of their careers. A growing and vibrant membership is vital to the continued future of the Association.
Welfare and Care, both for serving and former members of the Royal Air Force and their dependants, is at the very heart of what we do and comprises three elements:
- Advice and support
- Short respite breaks
- Supported and sheltered housing
This is provided through a network of over 600 Honorary Branch Welfare Officers, supported by Area Welfare Officers; and a Welfare Director.
In the Association we take the view that welfare is all about people. And the cornerstone of our welfare work is the Honorary Branch Welfare Officer
Each of our 460 branches has at least one Welfare officer and last year they worked tirelessly to undertake, on an entirely voluntary basis, almost 50,000 welfare visits.
The support they give on these visits varies enormously. Anything from conversation and comradeship, to preparing and submitting application forms for financial assistance, providing advice on War pensions, short term welfare breaks or longer term care.
It goes without saying that, in the absence of any direct Government funding, raising money is essential.
To continue to provide the level of welfare and care that our members require we need to raise over £8 million each year.
Our annual Wings Appeal is the cornerstone of our fundraising raising circa £2 million every year, through street collections, events and other fundraising activities. Whilst the focus is the anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September, Wings fundraising take place throughout the year.
Legacies are an important source for all charities. Last year we attracted £1.7 million. To augment this we also undertake as number of mailings each year.
The Annual Grand Draw raising circa £150,000 each year, and Association staff and members are also involved in air shows, marathons and fun runs to fundraise
These events generate important income for RAF Association Branches throughout the UK, attract new members, and raise the awareness of the charity with the public and current and past members of the RAF.
To make your donation online now
to the RAF Association. click here »
Blades Merchandise now in stock
Our new Blades products from the 2011 airshow season are now available online in the RAFA ShopClick here »
Welcome to the RAF Association
The First Annual Report of the Armed Forces Covenant
The First Annual Report on the Armed Forces Covenant has been published. Signed off by the Secretary of State for Defence, the RAF Families Federation is hoping to stimulate Parliamentary debate as to the progress of the Covenant and its impact on improving the lives of serving personnel and their f... Read more »
RAF wine a treat for RAF mess
A highly acclaimed RAF wine has gone down a storm at RAF Cranwell, raising hundreds of pounds for the RAF Association in the process. Read more »
2011 Everest Base Camp – Yeti Trek
RAFALO Dave Craven left RAF Cottesmore last year, bound for the Himalayas in search of the fabled yeti, or to be more accurate, to trek to Everest Base Camp raising almost £3000 for the RAF Association. Read more »
Wellington Bomber Bike Ride, Waterbeach to Landsmeer
A group of airmen from RAF Brize Norton will take on a huge commemorative feat for the RAF Association's Wings Appeal when they cycle 400 miles in four days. Read more »
15% off shared rooms at our Homes from Home
We are offering 15% off the cost of a stay for each person when sharing a room at Flowerdown House, Rothbury House or Richard Peck House. Read more »
Trek the Great Wall of China 14-23 September 2012
Discover a country immersed in history, mythology and ancient traditions and trek the Great Wall of China while raising valuable funds for the RAF Association's Wings Appeal Read more »
Cycle London to Paris 22-25 June 2012
Encounter historic towns, sleepy villages and rolling countryside en-route from London to Paris Read more »
Nightrider - 9th to 10th June 2012
Cycle London at night and raise funds for the RAF Association's Wings Appeal Read more »
Great East Swim 16th June 2012
The Perfect Challenge for swimmers of all abilities, take part in the Great East Swim for the RAF Association's Wings Appeal Read more »
Great Manchester Run - 20th May 2012
Take part in the nation's favourite 10k running event for the RAF Association's Wings Appeal Read more »
Take on a skydive for the Wings Appeal
Challenge yourself and take on a skydive for the RAF Association's Wings Appeal. Read more »
New Years Honours 2012
A group of hardworking and dedicated individuals have been nominated to receive the RAF Association’s highest honour. Read more »
A helping hand for those who need it
For many elderly veterans living alone, loneliness and isolation is their reward for the sacrifices they made for their country. The RAF Association has a UK-wide network of over 550 voluntary welfare officers who actively seek out ex-RAF personnel and their families in need of support Read more »
Jon-Allan nominated for British Cycling award
Following his huge successes over the past year, former SAC Jon-Allan Butterworth has been nominated for British Cycling’s Ride of the Year 2011. Read more »
Christmas calling from the frontline
The RAF Association will send another 3,000 Miles More Minutes telephone cards out to Afghanistan this Christmas to support serving personnel. Read more »
Trekking the Trail
After months of planning, training and fundraising a trio of trekkers from RAF Lyneham and RAF Marham completed the Great Wall of China trail to raise money for the RAF Association’s Wings Appeal Read more »
In memory of Flt Lt Sean Cunningham - Red 5
We would like to express our great sadness at the tragic death of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham – Red 5 of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. Read more »
On track to the Paralympics
After losing his left arm in a rocket attack in Basra, former SAC Jon-Allan Butterworth took up cycling as a professional career upon leaving the RAF. His goal now is to compete at the 2012 Paralympics in London. Read more »
Former airman takes to the skies for the Wings Appeal
When former SAC Christopher Hawes, 37, was medically discharged from the RAF he didn’t know where to turn for the support he needed. The RAF Association provided Christopher with the advice and support that he was so desperately looking for when he needed it the most. Read more »
Rewards from the RAFATHON
RAF Association President Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller KBE was welcomed to RAF Waddington to meet the team behind the station’s leg of the 2011 RAFAthon. Read more »
Calling all runners! Edinburgh Marathon Festival 26/27 May 2012
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is one of the UK's major running events so join the RAF Wings Appeal team to make sure you're involved Read more »
Taking the plunge
71 years after he first joined the RAF, 92-year old WWII veteran John Hitchmough is once again returning to the skies, to take part in his first ever skydive in aid of the RAF Association. Read more »
200 Days 3,500 Miles An Anthology of Poems
This book of poems written by the families and members of 27 Squadron RAF Regiment is dedicated to all the men and women who have served with the Royal Air Force Regiment and their families. Read more »
Show the world you care online
Add our new Twibbons to your Facebook and Twitter profiles and help us spread the word! Read more »
The RAF Association Wings Appeal - Miles More Minutes Campaign
The RAF Association's Wings Appeal - Miles More Minutes Campaign Read more »
