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BDF Social Support Services

Social Support Services

The Barbados Defence Force Social Services Cell is comprised of professionals dedicated to ensuring the well-being of BDF personnel and their families.

Through the BDF's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Committee, the Social Services Cell develops and delivers educational, social and leisure programmes all of which are aimed at building and maintaining individual well-being and force-wide morale.

Services Offered

  • Counselling and mental health support for concerns related to bereavement, relationship conflicts, and mediation of child maintenance and access.
  • Employee engagement and workplace satisfaction.
  • Facilitating BDF personnel linkages and referrals to agencies to access resources.
  • Conducting home or hospital visits to ill soldiers, civilians or their relatives.
  • Assisting military personnel in their readiness and transition before, during and post deployment.
  • Developing and delivering educational, social and leisure programmes aimed at building and maintaining individual well-being and force-wide morale.
BDF Social Services Coordinator

Coordinator of Social Services

Harriet Clarke

Harriet Maria Clarke took up the post of Force Welfare Officer at the BDF on 16 June 2014. Her social work career has spanned agencies such as the Barbados Family Planning Association, the Welfare Department (both National Assistance and Family Service sections) and the Ministry of Health Ladymeade Reference Unit.

Her professional and social work training has afforded her opportunities to provide interventive and supportive services to persons facing several life challenges and social problems including chronic illnesses, poverty, domestic violence and other challenges.

Her career at the BDF focuses on providing command support emotional care to personnel for matters related to grief, parental conflicts and workplace satisfaction. Additionally, she is tasked with developing social and educational programmes for BDF personnel and their families.

BDF Social Support Activities

Have a Heart Charity 5k Walk and Run

An annual charity event organised by the BDF Social Services Cell to promote fitness, community spirit, and raise funds for charitable causes.

Camp Energy

A youth development programme that combines physical activities, team-building exercises, and life skills workshops for children of BDF personnel.