China Fleet Trust is proud to announce the launch of its new Submarine Service Wellbeing Support Programme, commencing on Monday 3 August 2026, following the award of funding from Greenwich Hospital and with the support and endorsement of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Flotilla. The 18-month pilot programme has been specifically designed to address the unique pressures faced by serving submariners and their families, including prolonged maintenance periods away from home, operational deployments, patrol cycles, family separation, reintegration challenges and the wellbeing needs of single personnel.
The initiative will provide funded three-night family and wellbeing breaks at China Fleet Country Club, together with access to health, leisure and wellbeing facilities and travel support to ensure that geography is not a barrier to accessing support. The programme will be available to submariners and families affected by displaced maintenance activity in Devonport, Faslane and Barrow-in-Furness, those experiencing extended deployment and patrol cycles, and Command Teams seeking to recognise, reward or support personnel following periods of sustained operational pressure.
The programme follows extensive engagement with the Submarine Service and has been developed as a preventative welfare intervention designed to strengthen resilience, family cohesion and morale whilst supporting the operational effectiveness of a critical element of the United Kingdom’s defence capability.
Rear Admiral John Weale CB OBE, Chair of Trustees
“The China Fleet Trust exists to improve the wellbeing of serving personnel, veterans and their families within the Royal Navy community. We are immensely proud to launch this pioneering programme in support of the Submarine Service, recognising the exceptional commitment and sacrifice made by submariners and those who stand beside them. Through this initiative, we hope to provide meaningful opportunities for recovery, reconnection and resilience at a time when they are needed most.”
Gordon Hannah, Chief Executive Officer, China Fleet Trust
“This marks a significant milestone for the Trust and demonstrates our shared commitment with Greenwich Hospital and the Royal Navy to support those serving within one of the most demanding operational environments in Defence. By removing financial barriers and providing access to high-quality wellbeing facilities, we aim to help submariners and their families reconnect, recover and recharge, whilst generating valuable evidence that could inform future welfare provision across the Naval Service.”
The programme has also received strong endorsement from Commodore Benjamin S Haskins CBE, Commander Submarine Flotilla, who, in his letter supporting the Greenwich Hospital funding application, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“This funding will enable many of them to enjoy periods of extremely valuable time with their families, thus boosting their morale and increasing their pride to serve.”
The Trust extends its sincere gratitude to Greenwich Hospital for its investment in the wellbeing of serving submariners and their families and to the Submarine Flotilla for its support in developing and endorsing the programme. The pilot will initially run for 18 months, supporting personnel through funded family breaks, recovery opportunities and flexible welfare interventions, whilst measuring impact through recognised wellbeing indicators to help inform future development.
Support can be accessed through Command Teams, welfare channels and chaplaincy networks, or directly via the China Fleet Trust. Eligible personnel or those seeking further information are encouraged to contact the Trust Fund team at trustfund@china-fleet.co.uk.
