For many serving personnel and their families, life in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines can be rewarding, but it can also bring periods of stress, separation and uncertainty. Whether adjusting to life in training, coping with family pressures, managing finances, or navigating the challenges of deployment, having someone to talk to can make a significant difference.
Supported by funding from Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), Aggie Weston’s delivers pastoral and wellbeing support to serving personnel, Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, and naval families across training establishments, frontline bases and air stations throughout the UK.
Aggie’s Pastoral Workers are embedded within the naval community, working “inside the wire” at locations including HMS Collingwood, HMS Sultan, HMS Excellent, HMS Nelson, HMS Drake, RNAS Culdrose, RNAS Yeovilton and Worthy Down.
Their role is simple but invaluable: providing time to listen.
In busy and demanding environments, Pastoral Workers offer confidential, informal support before personal problems escalate. Sometimes that means helping a young recruit struggling with homesickness. Sometimes it is supporting a family under strain. Other times, it is simply being there to notice when someone is not themselves and starting a conversation.
Thanks to RNRMC funding, Aggie’s delivers more than 365 hours of pastoral support every week.
“Pastoral support is not an added extra to life in the Royal Navy – it is a vital part of it. At Aggie’s, we see the difference that a listening ear, trusted support and a consistent presence can make to serving personnel and their families. Whether alongside ships, within establishments or out in the community, our teams are there to help people navigate the pressures that come with service life. When personnel know that they and their families are supported, they are better able to focus on the demanding role they undertake in defence of our nation.” – Andy Gordon, CEO of Aggie’s
Aggie’s supports a wide range of beneficiaries, including Royal Navy and Royal Marines serving personnel, Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, recruits and trainees in Phase 2 training, Commonwealth personnel adjusting to life in the UK, personnel recovering from illness or injury, and spouses, partners and children.
This support is open to anyone who may need a listening ear, practical guidance or help accessing further services.
“Quite simply, I would not be where I am today without the care and support of Aggies – and Emma in particular. The organisation has been a genuine lifeline, both for me and my family, and I am deeply grateful. Thank you for everything you do for serving personnel and their families” – Lt Cdr Ian Robinson RN
Aggie’s Pastoral Workers run and support a wide range of activities, including weekly Aggie’s Butties events, games and film nights, Storybook Waves recording sessions and book clubs, family days and homecoming events, money management courses, bumps and babies groups, after-school clubs, group walks and gardening projects.
Many serving personnel are under the age of 25 and may be facing significant life changes, including living away from home, starting families and managing financial pressures. By providing accessible and trusted support early, Aggie’s helps address issues before they escalate, improving wellbeing across the naval community.
RNRMC is proud to fund this vital service, ensuring naval beneficiaries can access compassionate and practical support wherever they are based. Through the partnership, thousands of serving personnel and family members benefit each year from meaningful connections and timely intervention.
To find out what Aggie’s events are available in your area, visit the Aggie’s Events Page.
To read more about how Aggie’s has supported serving personnel, visit James’ Story: Jame’s Story | The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
