New Research into the Needs of the Royal Navy Submarine Community and the Impact of Separation on Family Life
The Trust is excited to announce that, after a rigorous selection process, we have awarded funding to the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to undertake a critical study on the needs of the Royal Navy Submarine Community and the effects of separation on family life.
This research will play a crucial role in shaping future grant programmes by identifying the most pressing needs within this community and informing the development of targeted support interventions.
Study Objectives and Focus Areas
This comprehensive study is designed to gain a deep understanding of the support needs of submariners and their families, identifying gaps in the current provision.
The research will be guided by five primary objectives:
- Examine the impact of separation on families: Understanding the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families during prolonged separations.
- Identify barriers to accessing existing support services: Uncovering obstacles that prevent families from receiving the help they need.
- Determine effective support mechanisms for families: Exploring the most effective ways to support families in the submarine community.
- Evaluate the role of not-for-profit sector support: Uncovering obstacles that prevent families from receiving the help they need.
- Assess the adequacy of existing statutory provisions: Reviewing the effectiveness of government-provided services and support structures.
Consultation-Driven Insights
In the summer of 2023, the Trust conducted a wide-ranging consultation, revealing a need to prioritize reducing stress and challenges for Armed Forces families. The consultation highlighted three key concerns within the Armed Forces communities:
- Support with family life
- Reducing isolation and loneliness
- Accessing support and advice when needed
Further consultations and workshops focused on the submariner community underscored their unique and complex needs, which will be central to this research.
Impact and Future Grant Programme
The insights gained from this study will directly influence the Trust’s upcoming grant programme, under the theme of ‘enhancing the quality of life for those affected by the challenges of mobility, separation, and isolation during and after service. This initiative aligns with the Trust’s broader programme, Apart Not Alone: Support for Serving Families, which seeks to mitigate the impact of prolonged or frequent involuntary separation on service members and their families.
The Trust will use the learning from NatCen’s research to develop a new grant programme designed to address the unique challenges faced by the submariner community, particularly in relation to separation and the impact on family life. The new grant programme will be designed, and awards made by the end of this financial year and will focus on the needs of the current serving submarine community.
Dr. Jasna Magić, Research Director said of the study, “The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is delighted to be working with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) on this important project. Through our evidence-based approach, we will explore the unique challenges faced by Royal Navy Submariner families, helping to shape AFCFT’s future grant framework and ensure vital support is in place for families in the future.”
Find out more
For more information on the Covenant Fund programmes the Trust has launched so far, visit our programmes page.