Improving support for bereaved military families
A new funding opportunity for charities supporting bereaved military families is now accepting expressions of interest.
Our Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme will seek to build a strong, collaborative network to meet the needs of those who have given most.
Understanding the needs of the bereaved military community
In late 2024, the Trust commissioned Alma Economics to explore the needs, experiences and priorities of the bereaved Armed Forces community, as well as to map the scope of support currently available.
We’ve used the findings from the research to develop this new programme. These included ensuring it:
- facilitates partnerships across the bereavement sector
- creates a centralised list of all bereavement support available
- supports the development of a long-term bereavement strategy
- increases the provision of mental health support for adults and children
- expands the support available to all family members
- widens the scope of support for adults.
Empowering bereaved military families
In designing this programme, we have ensured that the lived experiences of the military bereaved shine through – and we will be looking for this in any project which is awarded funding.
This is a two-stage programme, which will award a single grant of up £1.8 million to an organisation which will lead a portfolio of support for the bereaved military community.
The successful bid will need to achieve long-term, transformational change in the non-statutory support provided to bereaved military families. This includes achieving each of the following outcomes.
- Bereaved military families, including wider family members, feel it’s straightforward to access mental health support throughout the stages of grief.
- Bereaved military families feel that support is equitable, inclusive and holistic, regardless of the nature of bereavement.
- Bereaved military families feel a sense of connection to the community, should they wish to retain that.
- Strong collaboration between organisations working to support bereaved military families, and commitment to this as a sustainable way of working together.
- Better access to holistic packages of support, combining peer-led and professional support.
What to do now
We are now accepting expressions of interest. Head to our dedicated programme page for full details. The closing date for submission is midday, Wednesday 2 April 2025.
Successful stage one applicants will be invited to make a full application at stage two.
The Trust is hosting a lunch and learn webinar on 24 February, 12-1pm, to provide an opportunity to learn more about this programme and the findings from the research we commissioned.
Applicant lunch & learn webinar
If you are planning to apply to the Empowering Bereaved Military Families Programme, you can sign up below to attend a lunch & learn webinar where we will discuss the programme in detail and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have.
Sign up to attend