Regular two-way engagement between Community Liaison Officers and AFF is essential when it comes to support for military families overseas, a conference at SHAPE heard.
Open communication channels help to identify emerging issues and share valuable information. And they ensure the voices of military families are heard and represented, said Rachel Barnes, AFF Overseas Assistant (Europe).
She was giving a presentation to the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Conference hosted by Global Support Organisation (GSO).
It was also an opportunity to raise awareness of the vital role the Families Federations play within military life.
She said: “Events such as the CLO Conference are invaluable in building relationships, sharing best practice, and ensuring that military families remain at the heart of the conversation.”
Rachel was able to highlight AFF’s work within military communities to provide independent support, gather evidence of family experiences and influence positive change on behalf of serving personnel and their families.
Alongside the conference programme, she met representatives of other organisations to talk about continuing support for families. They included Army Welfare Service Chief Community Development Officer Rebecca Wakefield and RAF Chief Community Development Advisor Jenny Withers.
Discussions focused on collaboration, shared challenges and opportunities to strengthen support for military families overseas.
PUBLISHED JUNE 25 2026