UNIT WELFARE OFFICER INTRODUCTION
OUR AIM
To provide a confidential welfare support service that is responsive to the needs of soldiers, families and the chain of command, fulfils statutory requirements and helps to maintain the operational effectiveness of service personnel within the Regiment.
To meet this aim The 9 Regt AAC Welfare Office will provide primary support to soldiers and their families to help alleviate the problems associated with military service.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
There are five key work areas for the Unit Welfare Office:
1. Aiding Social Integration - To help individuals and families settle into their new surroundings.
2. Providing a helping service - UWO staff are not counsellors. Netherless, by applying appropriate training coupled with experience gained within and during our military careers our staff can provide a confidential and helpful support service.
3. Providing information about the Army and Unit - Keeping our families informed of what is going on in the Army and the Unit.
4. Supporting individuals and spouses during periods of seperation - Separation from familiar locations, families of origin, spouses, partners and children is an inevitable feature of Army life. The UWO plays a critical role in enabling individuals and families to manage this seperation in the best possible way.
5. Liaising with other Army and associated agencies - The key agency for the UWO is the Army Welfare Service (AWS). However we also liaise with other agencies:
- Army Welfare Service - Local Welfare and Social Services Advice Centres / Local Medical Centres.
- Defence Housing Executive (DHE) - Hand over / Take over of service family accommodation.
- Housing - Local Housing Authorities associations.
- UK Social Welfare Agencies - Department of Social Security, Social Services, Probation Services etc.
- Child Support Agency (CSA) - Forces Focal Point.
- Benefits - Working Families Tax Credit, Child Benefit, Sure Start Maternity Grant etc.
- Service Children's Education - Department of Education - Department and Emloyment, Local Education authorities, Local Schools etc.
- Immigration and Nationality Department - Visa's and Nationality information.
- Citizens Advice Bureau.
