Through a grant of £15,000, Reading Force supported more than 2,000 serving Army families during the funding year, providing books, scrapbooks and journals designed to encourage shared reading and communication. Resources are distributed through schools, welfare networks and community organisations, reaching families across the UK and overseas. The programme is particularly valued during deployments, training exercises and postings, when maintaining meaningful connection can be more challenging.
Alongside the distribution of over 7,600 shared-reading resources, the charity supported book clubs, school events and community activities, creating opportunities for families to read together, reflect and stay in touch. Feedback from families highlights improved communication between parents and children, stronger sibling relationships and increased confidence in reading. Many families describe the activity as providing both a practical focus during separation and a shared experience that strengthens relationships.
By investing in accessible, family-based wellbeing support, the Army Central Fund helps ensure serving personnel and their families have simple, creative ways to maintain connection, reduce isolation and support children’s emotional and educational development. In doing so, the programme contributes to family stability and resilience across the serving Army community.