Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure families maintain networks of support when other family members are away on active service.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises that the families of those who serve, play a vital role in the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces.

The UK Armed Forces Families Strategy published in January 2016 and its associated Action Plan recognises the unique challenges that Service families face including during periods of separation for operational reasons, often at short notice. The Strategy's vision is to create resilient and self-sufficient families, and to do this places Service personnel and their families at the centre of our welfare commitment and future policy formulation.

Welfare is the responsibility of the Chain of Command and is delivered in the first instance by the Commanding Officer, supported by the Unit Welfare Officer who makes sure that families know who they can contact for support. Further advice and networks are available through the single Services Community and Development Officers, Regimental Associations, Charities, and the Armed Forces Families Federations.

The Families Welfare Grant is used to enhance communication and engagement with families during deployments. It funds activities including distribution of welfare information such as leaflets, web pages and by the promotion of community activities. Also Social media (Facebook/Twitter) groups are used regularly by the Services, information support centres (HIVES) and Service families to communicate and as a peer support network.