Building Stability in Challenging Times – Charity Beneficiaries Chris and Natalie, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Family

Chris served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary for 17 years before leaving the service to care for his family. His wife Natalie lives with multiple complex health conditions, including ADHD, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, a brain condition, diabetes, impaired memory and arthritis, all requiring ongoing treatment and support. Their son Jack also has significant additional needs, including ADHD, autism, a learning disability, a genetic tissue disorder and scoliosis, for which he recently underwent major spinal surgery. Jack has also faced a long and difficult battle with anorexia, spending ten months in a specialist eating disorder clinic to keep him safe.

The family were referred to Sailors’ Children’s Society through SSAFA at a time of significant change. With Chris no longer in full-time employment, the family faced financial hardship alongside the emotional challenge of adjusting to a new routine, moving from long periods apart to being together full-time while managing complex care needs.

Since joining the charity, the family has received ongoing monthly financial support, along with emergency grants and food vouchers to help cover essential living costs. Regular family support has been provided through weekly and biweekly home visits, offering practical help with budgeting, form-filling, and accessing additional services such as SAIL. Dedicated one-to-one support has also been provided to Natalie, helping her manage her communication and navigate the challenges she faces day-to-day.

A respite break gave the family the opportunity to spend time together away from daily pressures, helping them to reconnect during a particularly difficult period. During Jack’s recent hospital stay for spinal surgery, the charity also supported the family with essential living costs whilst staying in hospital accommodation, easing the financial strain at a critical time.

Today, the family is in a more stable position. With support, their outgoings have reduced, debts are being actively managed, and they are no longer relying on borrowing to get by. Jack is making positive progress in his recovery and has returned to education with support, while Chris has been able to access local community groups, giving him valuable time to step away from his caring responsibilities.

Natalie said: “Thank you so much for all your help… what you have done for us is more than your job role. It takes away the strain of thinking about money.”