Unlocking potential: Opportunities for forces partners : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

May 6, 2025

“The skills and experiences of partners and spouses are widely understood, valued and sought after. They can navigate extensive cross-sector provision to access timely support that meets their needs and helps them to develop and pursue their own career path.” UK Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022-32

Delivered on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the vision for the projects awarded under the Supporting Partners programme is to empower the partners of serving personnel by opening opportunities to upskilling and exploring new work solutions to fit around the demands of service life.

We’ve awarded almost £800,000 to 15 projects that will provide tools, resources and training to help partners move into a job or a career change, and to build easier access to wellbeing support.

partners sitting in a circle in conversation.

Our CEO, Anna Wright, says:

“This award will provide vital support for service partners, helping them build resilience, connect with others, and navigate the challenges of military family life. It also opens new opportunities, offering practical guidance and wellbeing activities, to create a stronger, more confident community.”

Opening new opportunities

Each project will address at least one of the following outcomes:

Improve the mental health and wellbeing of partners of serving personnel.
Raise awareness of the unique challenges faced and improve access to services to overcome challenges.
Identify and address known and emergency gaps in provision.
Provide opportunities to upskill and explore new ways of working.

Strengthening connections and building resilience

Excel Together is putting their £57,000 award to good use with a focus on non-UK nationals. They’re helping the partners of service personnel – including reservists, – to settle into life in the UK, offering support with mental health awareness, practical skills, and social connections. With a mix of online and in-person sessions, they’ll help people build resilience, tackle loneliness and find their feet in a new career.

Sushila Magar, Project Manager told us:

“We are truly honoured and overjoyed to receive this funding. It means so much to our organisation and the Nepali community we serve. This support will allow us to empower non-UK national spouses with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing.

Through this programme, we can help our community build a vital support network and thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally in the UK. For many, this will be the first time they feel truly seen, heard, and supported — and we’re so excited to begin this meaningful journey together.”

Flyer of information for the Excel Together programme.

Tackling loneliness, improving wellbeing

In partnership with 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, ‘Tackling Life Together’ is a project all about early support for the mental health and wellbeing of reservists’ partners and spouses. Awarded £40,623, the project was designed with those it helps and will offer a weekly programme of group activities to help to tackle loneliness, boost mental health, and inspire positive futures.

David Abbott, Armed Forces Coordinator said:

“Developed in partnership with 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and co-produced with reservists’ families, Tackling Life Together is an early intervention programme using weekly group activities to combat loneliness, boost mental wellbeing, and inspire healthy aspirations.”