The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) has long been dedicated to enhancing the lives of those who serve in our naval forces. A recent initiative, involving the distribution of specially designed coasters, has proven to be a remarkable success in raising awareness and encouraging the use of crucial support services among service members and their families.
Recognising the challenge of ensuring that sailors and marines are aware of the support available to them, RNRMC funded the creation and distribution of coasters featuring essential information about support services. These coasters have been strategically placed across various naval environments, providing daily reminders to personnel that help is readily accessible.
The feedback from this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, far surpassing expectations. There has been a notable increase in self-referrals, with many individuals specifically attributing their decision to seek help to the visibility of the coasters. This straightforward yet impactful tool has enabled early intervention, allowing issues to be addressed before escalating into more significant problems affecting both work and personal lives.
The initiative has reached a broad segment of the naval community, including 700 personnel from the Royal Navy and 150 personnel from the Royal Marines. Among these, a significant number have self-referred directly due to the coasters, demonstrating the initiative's effectiveness in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
One poignant example comes from an air engineer who kept his coaster prominently displayed on his board. Seeing it regularly prompted him to seek assistance for debt issues sooner than he might have otherwise. Thanks to the timely support he received, facilitated by another charity, he was able to resolve the situation before it worsened.
The success of this project underscores the value of investing in thoughtful initiatives that build confidence among sailors and marines to utilise available support services. The insights gained will guide future projects, ensuring that support for the naval family remains robust and effective.
The RNRMC’s coaster initiative is a testament to the charity’s commitment to providing innovative and effective support solutions for naval personnel and their families. By enhancing awareness of available help, RNRMC is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve.
