Compassionate support

Primary Welfare for families can be provided by the support of family and friends, work colleagues and by their GP or other healthcare staff (such as a pharmacist).

Family members can also get support from their local community chaplains, Naval Service chaplains or ‘Aggies’ – pastoral workers from the Aggie Weston’s charity, who work within many Royal Navy units and local communities.

The Royal Navy also maintains a network of community centres located close to Naval Service units. Community centres are a great way of getting together with like minded people and building a support network – especially if you’re living away from extended family.

The RN FPS Information Support team can provide you with impartial information on a range of support services across the UK. They can also guide you to Secondary Welfare services where appropriate.

You can access Secondary Welfare by calling the RN FPS Portal on 023 9272 8777 or Freephone 0800 145 6088. If your serving person is working overseas, outside of UK waters and you experience a serious illness or death in your family, you should call Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) on 01452 519951.

Primary Welfare for serving personnel sits with their Divisional Officer (DO), medical and chaplaincy staff.

Any personal issues can be discussed with the DO with added support from medical staff if required. Both can provide any action that may be needed, such as compassionate leave.

If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your DO, your local chaplain and pastoral workers are always on hand to lend an ear. And if you’d rather speak to someone outside of the Royal Navy, your RN FPS Information Officer can signpost you to external services.

Secondary Welfare comes into place when the Primary Welfare has been exhausted and more specialised advice and support is needed.

You can access this support by calling the RN FPS Portal on 023 9272 8777 or Freephone 0800 145 6088. A full assessment will be carried out, with recommendations given to your chain of command regarding compassionate action if the situation should require this.

You may also be allocated an RN FPS Case Worker to support you through your difficult time, or you may be provided with practical support from the RN FPS Integrated Support Workers.