Home-Start Norfolk was honoured to be part of His Majesty The King’s visit to RAF Marham, where he met service personnel, their families and members of the community support teams working to support military families.
During the visit, His Majesty was accompanied by our Patron, the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, Lady Dannatt, as they learned more about the support available to families at RAF Marham and the unique challenges that can come with military life and deployment.
Supporting families through military life
Home-Start Norfolk has a dedicated Family Services Coordinator at RAF Marham, providing support and opportunities for connection to parents and young children within the station community.
During the visit, His Majesty met Charlotte Grief, our Family Services Coordinator at RAF Marham, and heard about the work she does to support families.
Charlotte’s role includes providing practical and emotional support, running groups and creating opportunities for families to connect with others who understand the realities of military life.
As part of the visit, His Majesty was also introduced to a family supported by Home-Start Norfolk, providing an opportunity to hear directly about the difference that family support can make.
Mrs Allison, whose family receives support from Charlotte, shared what this support has meant to them:
“Charlotte is truly invaluable to our family. We’re a young family with a toddler, and being new to military deployment life, and solo parenting, having someone like Charlotte around has made such a huge difference to us. We absolutely love her groups and the sense of community and company they provide. It’s so reassuring to have a safe and welcoming space where we can connect with others who understand what we’re going through.
Charlotte’s help, advice and support have been amazing. She is always so approachable, kind and willing to help, and we genuinely don’t know what we would do without the support she provides. She has made what can be a challenging and unfamiliar experience feel so much easier and less lonely.
We’re incredibly grateful for everything Charlotte does and the positive impact she has on our family and so many others.”
Helping families feel less alone
For families living within a military community, deployment can bring periods of solo parenting, uncertainty and a feeling of being far from their usual support networks.
Having someone to talk to, practical support when things feel difficult, and welcoming groups where families can build connections can make a real difference.
Mrs Allison’s experience is a wonderful example of why this support matters. It is not about having all the answers. It is about being there, listening and helping families feel supported through the challenges and changes that family life can bring.
We are incredibly proud of Charlotte and the support she provides to families at RAF Marham, and grateful to have had the opportunity to share the work of Home-Start Norfolk during such a significant visit.
We would also like to thank the RAF Marham community and everyone who helps make this support possible.
Because childhood can’t wait.