Aggie Weston's

Who we are

Dame Agnes Weston’s Royal Charity for the Naval Service was founded in 1876 by Dame Agnes Weston. Known to all as Aggie’s we are a charity with a rich history, which you can find out more about on our website.

Since our inception Aggie’s has strived to support serving personnel and their families. While our objectives and methods have changed over the years, our purpose has remained the same: That all serving members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and their families live life to the fullest measure and know the value that Jesus places on them.

Aggie’s Pastoral Workers are based in and around various Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary establishments across the UK, and generally work in close collaboration with the Naval Chaplaincy Service. Their primary role is to provide ‘pastoral support’ – by which we mean that they are there to listen to you when you need to talk, to encourage, comfort and support. They will also have knowledge of where specialist advice is available should you need it.

Pastoral Workers are engaged in helpful practical tasks. Often they will be running the Chaplaincy Coffee Bar (normally called 'The Haven') which is designed to be “a home from home”. Facilities can include TV, internet access, games and pool table. All however have good coffee and comfy chairs. 

They may be serving bacon butties, or running a crèche, toddlers’ group or partners social event. Whatever they are doing, they are doing it to help make the lives of serving members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary or their families, a little bit better. By being engaged in these practical activities they are placing themselves at the heart of our naval community, so they can be available with time to provide a listening ear if you ever need one.

Our Strategic Objectives are as follows:

 Support to Personnel in training in order to reduce the numbers withdrawn from training;

 Support to Personnel who are experiencing stress in order to reduce the numbers becoming medically non-deployable;

 Support to Personnel weighed down by family, financial or practical issues in order to restore their efficiency;

 Support to Families through testing times, particularly during lengthy deployments, in order to reduce the numbers resigning from the Royal Navy early due to family reasons.

Our culture and values

Aggie’s Values:

Inclusive - Aggie’s treats all members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary and their families with respect and dignity.

 Safe and Welcoming - Aggie’s provides a safe and welcoming, hospitable space: Aggie’s listens; it does not judge; is not part of the chain of command.

 Motivated by the love of Jesus - Aggie’s staff live out their faith by showing care and compassion for those of all faiths and none.