The Ministry of Defence has expanded entitlement to its Enduring Families’ Free Mail Service (EFFMS) delivered by Royal Mail and the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) to service personnel on Operations and Ships around the globe.

The expansion of the EFFMS opens up access to the service to another 1200 military personnel deployed overseas. The service to additional locations starts on September 1 2015.

In the last year, over 1.3 million items have been handled by Royal Mail on behalf of BFPO.

The Enduring Families’ Free Mail Service allows family and friends to post letters – known as “blueys” – and small parcels up to 2kgs to personnel serving around the world. The mail is then, sorted and delivered to BFPO London for onward delivery to troops. Mike Newnham, Chief Customer Officer at Royal Mail, said: “Royal Mail is delighted that access to the Enduring Families’ Free Mail Service has been expanded via the BFPO. We have been providing this service to British troops and their families for more than 200 years. Our people are honoured and proud to do so.”

The EFFMS is a staple of the military postal service, as it makes sure that deployed military and civilian personnel can stay in touch with loved ones, which is vital to keeping morale high in the hostile environments in which they serve.  Small welfare parcels sent by friends and families are also really important, as they typically contain ‘comfort items’, including crisps, biscuits, cakes, branded toiletries, and quality coffee, all of which can give the troops ‘a taste of home’ and lift spirits.

Mark Lancaster MP, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, said: “The importance of a letter from a loved one or a parcel of home comforts should not be underestimated. The free mail service is a vital element of the welfare support provided to our forces deployed overseas and by extending it, we are once again demonstrating the MOD’s absolute commitment to the wellbeing of our people and their families.”

The postal service to British troops has been provided by Royal Mail and BFPO for more than 200 years and through many different conflicts and peace-time operations. The service is especially busy at Christmas when family and friends send Christmas gifts to military personnel who are away from home during the festive season.

Royal Mail has already signed up to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant to show its support for the UK’s armed forces community. The covenant means that Royal Mail recognises the value that serving regular and reservist personnel, veterans and military families contribute to its business and the UK.

Source: Royal Mail