Once the norm of traditional military life: the ‘stay-at-home parent and serving partner’ image no longer reflects many of today’s families.
Since 2023, we have awarded over £1.5m on behalf of the MOD to 28 projects under the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme which seeks to provide support and solutions to help partners of serving personnel navigate the challenges of service life.
Today, we’re reopening this programme for new applications which will achieve one or more of the following outcomes-
- Improved mental health and wellbeing of partners of serving personnel, with consideration to modern family dynamics.
- Service providers and employers have greater awareness and understanding of the unique challenges faced by partners of serving personnel.
- Partners of serving personnel, including non-UK nationals, can access the support they need more easily.
- Partners feel they have increased their skills and confidence through additional opportunities to explore new ways of working and/or to change careers.
Grants of £10,000 to £70,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.
Why are we running this programme?
Although many military partners already have qualifications and experience, they often face a lack of career opportunities that match their skills and ambitions.
With dual income households now the norm, there’s a growing demand for flexible employment that supports family life and mobility . Recent research from Tri-service families continuous attitude survey: 2024 – GOV.UK highlights that career disruption remains one of the most negative aspects of military life for partners with many also reporting anxiety and loneliness. While employment rates are strong, improving access to information and support especially for those returning to work or changing careers could significantly enhance partner wellbeing.
The Supporting Partners programme addresses this need by enhancing the support available to military partners. This includes promoting their skills and experience in the workplace, improving wellbeing, and increasing access to services.
A previous funded initiative in North Wales recognised the changing dynamics of family life and developed a tailored approach to support military partners by embedding the core themes of the programme. One participant shared,
“This is a prime example of why these spouses and partners projects are so important, especially on isolated units where forming relationships can often be difficult.
Due to Welsh being the primary language spoken in North Wales, these sessions have been crucial for providing a space where there are no barriers, allowing all spouses and partners to attend without obstacles.”
The project offered practical peer led activities to help build new skills, while also tackling social isolation and strengthening community connections.
Who can apply?
We’re inviting applications from registered charities, armed forces units or bases, Community Interest Companies (CICs), and UK universities or colleges.
Full eligibility details are available in our programme guidance document.
Find out more
Head to our Supporting Partners programme page for full details about this empowering programme, including how to apply.
You can also read about the previous projects we’ve supported
Application deadline is 23 July 2025.