The China Fleet Trust was delighted to welcome Rear Admiral Andy Perks MBE RN, Director of Submarines (DSM), and his family to the China Fleet Country Club on 23 July 2026.
The visit marked Rear Admiral Perks’ first opportunity to experience the Club and learn more about the work of the China Fleet Trust in supporting serving and former members of the Royal Navy family. It also coincided with the Trust receiving confirmation of grant funding from Greenwich Hospital to launch the new Submarine Service Wellbeing Support Initiative, which will commence on 3 August 2026. The 18-month pilot programme will provide funded wellbeing and respite opportunities for serving submariners and their families, helping them reconnect, recover and recharge in recognition of the unique pressures associated with Submarine Service life.
The initiative has been designed to strengthen wellbeing, resilience and family cohesion, while providing Command Teams with an additional welfare resource to support personnel and their loved ones. Eligible beneficiaries will be able to access accommodation, health and wellbeing facilities, and targeted welfare support through the China Fleet Country Club.
Commenting on the visit, Trust CEO Gordon Hannah said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Rear Admiral Perks and his family to the Club. Visits such as this provide an excellent opportunity to showcase both the facilities available and the support that the China Fleet Trust delivers for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
The recent approval of funding for our Submarine Service Wellbeing Support Initiative represents a significant milestone for the Trust and demonstrates the growing recognition of the important role that charities can play in supporting operational effectiveness through enhanced wellbeing and welfare provision.
With the support of senior leaders across Defence and the Royal Navy, we are ambitious about expanding our impact and ensuring that more members of the Naval Family can benefit from the unique support available through the Trust.”
