TROOPS SPECIAL REPORT:Agony of loved ones who are left behind

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Sunday 9th Feb 2003.

MILITARY families in Wiltshire are preparing to spend several agonising months away from their loved ones.

Soldiers could be deployed in the Middle East for as long as six months, but are allowed to send letters, emails and make a limited number of free telephone calls home every week.

There are structures in place to support families including designated welfare officers, the Army Welfare Service, the Army Families Federation and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

Lizzie Iron, chairman of the Army Families Federation, said: "There is a constant strain on military communities but the families help each other through it because they are so strong."

Many Army communities have places where worried families can meet.

Col Bob Boothroyd, the army welfare officer at Warminster said: "Every unit has places like community halls where activities such as coffee mornings and pre-schools are organised.

"When troops are deployed a number of structures kick into place. Wives and children are taken to the cinema and youth clubs are organised. Many units also have a information centre where people can send emails."

Worried schoolchildren have access to counsellors and teachers can discuss any concerns with them.

A spokesman for Wiltshire County Council said: "If war does break out we may reconsider what we offer but there are structures involving counsellors and Army welfare officers which are already in place."

Community sports have also been affected by the looming war. Colerne B football club has withdrawn from the Chippenham Sunday League because eight players have been called up.

Archive Home