Supporting RAF Families – How the Airplay Project is Making A Difference

Life in a Royal Air Force (RAF) family comes with unique challenges - frequent moves, long periods away from a parent, and the difficulty of settling into new communities and schools. Recognising these pressures, the RAF Benevolent Fund launched the Airplay project in 2010 to ensure that RAF children and young people have the support they need to thrive.

Delivered by One YMCA, Airplay is now the RAF's flagship youth work programme, reaching thousands of children aged 5 to 18 across 24 RAF stations in the UK and beyond. With a blend of face-to-face and online support, Airplay is helping young people feel connected, confident, and cared for - wherever they are.

Airplay Youth Support

At the heart of Airplay is a network of trained youth workers who deliver fun, safe, and supervised activities on RF stations across the country. Weekly youth clubs provide opportunities for young people aged 8 and over to make friends, develop social skills, and enjoy everything from creative workshops and sports, to exciting day trips and holiday activities.

For younger children, aged 5 to 7, there's Ben Club - a welcoming term-time club offering age-appropriate activities such as arts, crafts, and games. These sessions are designed with young children's needs in mind and help develop confidence and early social skills in a fun, nurturing environment.

Airplay clubs are currently active on key Lincolnshire bases such as RAF Coningsby, RAF Cranwell, RAF Digby, RAF Scampton, and RAF Waddington, with others running across the UK.

Airplay Connect: Youth Work Without Borders

Understanding that not all RAF families live on or near bases, Airplay Connect offers a secure digital space where RAF children and young people can take part in youth work sessions no matter where they live - even overseas. Airplay Connect provides a wide range of virtual content, including:

  • Online group sessions and youth forums
  • Themed activities, such as gaming, baking, fitness and arts
  • National challenges, courses and competitions
  • A chance to meet other RAF young people and share their experiences

Young people can also contribute ideas through the Airplay connect platform, helping shape the future of the project.

Building Confidence, Belonging & Wellbeing

The Airplay Annual Review has highlighted the profound impact the programme has on lives of RAF young people. Through participation, children report increased confidence, self-esteem, and a greater sense of belonging. Many also note improvements in their mental and physical wellbeing and reduced stress in their everyday lives.

These outcomes are especially important given the mobile lifestyle of many RAF families. Airplay provides a much-needed thread of continuity, helping children transition between locations while maintaining a consistent and supportive youth work environment.

Why Airplay Matters

Airplay was developed following research by the RAF Benevolent Fund which revealed that parents' top concern was keeping young people safe and positvely engaged. In repsosne, the programme was designed to create:

  • A safe and inclusive space for young people to meet and grow
  • Access to top-quality facilities, including play parks and digital resources
  • A stable programme of support that continues even when families move

Whether through weekly clubs, national residentials, or digital events, Airplay is a vital part of the RAF community - helping children and young people feel seen supported, and celebrated.

What's next?

Airplay continues to evolve, with plans to extend its reach and introduce new activities based on feedback rom young people and families. The projects remains committed to offering conistent, high-quality youth support that moves with RAF families - on base, online, and everywhere in between.

To explore more about Airplay or get involved, visit the Airplay Connect platform and check out the latest Annual Review to see how youth work is transforming lives across the RAF community -Airplay: See Our Youth Support Programme | RAF Benevolent Fund