Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Episkopi: Station Darts Club
The Episkopi Station Darts will be up and running soon. A place to play darts in a no pressure environment, socialise and improve your overall wellbeing.
Episkopi Station Darts Club Grand Opening 20th June, 25 from 4pm - 8pm
To join group click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1310836474094511
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in Portsmouth - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
GFIE – 439 – HMRC Customer Services Advisor, Portsmouth
5 positions available
Closing Date: 18 Jul 2025
Job Description [GFIE - 439 HMRC Customer Services Advisor Portsmouth]
GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).
To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)
Little Troopers New Forest Reconnection Weekend – next events are Dorset, 25 to 27 July, and 26 to 28 Sept
‘Group of children photographed with Little Troopers Founder, Louise’.
In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully-funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.
The weekend was the second one to take place, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Dorset.
Families arrived on Friday (13th June), kicking off the weekend by taking part in an evening woodland nature walk, before staying in shepherd’s huts.
On the second day, families got to try out raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft, a BBQ cooked by the parents, and campfire games for the children in the evening. Families headed home on Sunday 15th June after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees and enjoying some Father’s Day treats.
Stuart More, serving in the Royal Navy based in Portsmouth, attended with his daughter. He said: “My favourite thing from the reconnection weekend was the family time. Military families have come together as one, played different types of games, and interacted with each other with no use of technology, which is brilliant. It’s brought us all back to nature and it’s been really rewarding to be part of it.”
Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans
Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.
In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.
To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 June 25
Revised move-in and move-out specification
We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.
One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year.
Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life
Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey: spousal / partner employment
education and childcare
communications
safeguarding
Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.
How to complete the survey
Invitation to attend Financial Literacy Focus Groups
Introduction
Financial literacy is a key life skill and is critical to the development of our personal and collective resilience. The Financial Times charity FLIC is has funding to expand financial literacy into the Armed Forces and they are running 2 online focus groups in June and one face to face focus group in July (details below). 20-30 Service personnel and family members across a mix of ranks, ethnicity and gender are being sought for each focus group, to help FLIC understand the financial challenges that the Armed Forces face, and the information that would be useful.
The three focus groups will take place on the following dates/times:
19 Jun 25 (1130-1230 tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
24 Jun 25 (0900-1000 tbc) – Online focus group delivered via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
17 Jul 25 0900-1200 – Face to face focus group delivered by FLIC, Buller Conference Centre, St Omer, Aldershot. (35 pers). Civilian attire, lunch at PAYD facility.
Register interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/at8DSE3evc
Volunteers will be asked to take part in a discussion to help shape a package that informs our Service community in a way that is relevant, engaging and accessible. The discussion will explore their topics of interest, financial challenges and how they want to receive the information. The session will also include the opportunity to test video and e-learning platform capabilities.
Monday, 16 June 2025
Episkopi: Volunteers Needed for Armed Forces Day – Saturday, June 28 at Happy Valley Tunnel beach
We're calling on volunteers to help make Armed Forces Day a fun and successful community event!
Your support will make a big difference!
Volunteers needed:
08:45–12:00: Registration Assistance for:
Paddleboarding (2 volunteers)
Rowed Inflatable (2 volunteers)
Cultural Tour (2 volunteers)
12:00–15:30: Help Run the Cash-Only Bar (2 volunteers)
08:30–16:00: Minibus Drivers (3 with D1 license)
€50 cash paid to each driver on the day (drivers only)
Shuttle service through the tunnel
To apply, contact: philip.edwards369@mod.gov.uk
Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update
25 JUNE 12:30-13:30 - SAVE THE DATE!
The FPS will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 on Wednesday 25 June via MS Teams.
It will cover:
The latest on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud) implementation
A reminder of how pension benefits are/were earned during service and the ages that deferred pensions are paid
When and how the pension benefits increase
How to obtain a pension forecasts whilst serving or as a Veteran
Dependants Benefits
When and how to claim a deferred pension
The benefits of membership of the Forces Pension Society
For more information, click here.
Friday, 13 June 2025
News release: Improved support for serving families facing separation challenges
Deployment, training and exercises make separation a fundamental part of service for many, but this can have a significant impact on family life. Being apart can cause loneliness and a sense of isolation – whether you’re ‘weekending’ and adjusting to a constantly changing family dynamic or dealing with long separations.
Re-opening today, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) devised their Apart, not Alone programme to tackle this issue head on, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.
Building on the success of last year’s programme, this year the Trust are delivering support where and when it’s needed most - reflecting the changing nature of deployment, recognising the different types of separation and the sometimes very different challenges these can present.
Why are we running this programme?
Apart not Alone aims to improve the quality of life for those impacted by service-related separation. So far, The Trust have awarded over £70,000 to support forces families facing these challenges.
Female Veterans' Transformation Programme
Question: What have Plymouth, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Cannock and Winchester got in common?
Answer: We will be in those locations next month with Agora Photography taking photographs of female veterans!
We are creating a toolkit to aid services who support female veterans. Additional funding has been sought from the Office for Veterans' Affairs & Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to raise the profile of Female Veterans. Part of this funding will be spent on a photoshoot and we are touring the UK with Agora Photography
We want Female Veterans from the breadth of the UK to be involved in this photoshoot, regardless of age, rank, time served, ethnicity, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. The more diverse the better!
To sign up for a photoshoot click this link: https://forms.office.com/e/SmuxuxW6EQ
To find out more here.
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
80s & 90s Night at Ay Nik
A chance to roll back the years and re-experience shell suits, girl power and Brit pop.
Full details and tickets available from Ayios Nikolaos HIVE
Episkopi: Co-Working Hub
Looking for a flexible, inspiring space to work, create, or collaborate? Our Co-Working Hub is here for our Station's freelancers, remote workers, creatives, and small teams who need a professional environment!
Fast Wi-Fi Comfortable workspacesWhether you need a desk for a day or a place to grow your ideas long-term, they've got you covered.
Join our Facebook group to connect and learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/16kbGdZDH3/
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Akrotiri: Save the date! The next market is coming on 5th July!
Please pop into Akrotiri HIVE to book your table!
Solihull online parenting courses from SSAFA
SSAFA are pleased to share that our service now has access to the Solihull Approach Online Parenting Courses via InOurPlace, fully funded by us for our military families. These high-quality, evidence-based courses are designed to support parenting confidence, strengthen relationships, and promote emotional wellbeing for children and families.
For access details, please contact your local HIVE or Unit Welfare Officer
There are a wide range of courses available, including:
- Understanding your baby
- Understanding your child
- Teen brain development
- Parenting children with additional needs
These courses are self-directed, available in many languages, accessible 24/7, and suitable for all stages of parenting from bump, birth and beyond.
For more information please see our dedicated page on our website.
Monday, 9 June 2025
NEW VACANCY - DWP Fraud Officer - Leith and Glasgow - Closing Date 23 June 2025 (V,S&P)
GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow
10 positions available
Closing Date: 23 Jun 2025
Job Description NEW VACANCY - DWP Fraud Officer - Leith and Glasgow - Closing Date 23 June 2025 (V,S&P)
GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).
To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form(also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)
British Forces Cyprus (BFC) Mass Notification System (MNS)
Click here https://member.everbridge.net/76486388220041/login or scan the QR code below. It's quick and easy!
Andrea Morrelli Summer Events
BFC Discount applies. BFC Children 0-15 years old are FREE with their parents.
Friday, 6 June 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to new applications
The Support for Relocated Service Families - reopen for new applications!
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Serving families: On the Move Programme under the Armed Forces Families Covenant Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!
What’s the programme all about?
Moving to a completely new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can feel surreal. You’re pushed out of your comfort zone, knowing that if you don’t reach out, the feeling of loneliness can quickly grow. But not everyone has the confidence to walk into a coffee morning or event on their own for the first time.
“Having a first point of contact, a friendly face, a supportive presence makes such a difference. Someone who can help you find your way, learn about your new area and most importantly, open the door to connections and friendships.
That kind of support isn’t just help, it’s essential for finding your way and keeping your momentum in this military way of life” – Jenna, Army spouse.
Thursday, 5 June 2025
Queen Berengaria Primary School, Dhekelia PTFA volunteers
QBS PTFA are looking for volunteers to organise the Summer Fayre.
If you can offer some time or expertise, please contact the school reception or pop into one of the HIVEs and we can point you in the right direction.
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Little Wonders Early Years Teaching Position Vacancy
Little Wonders Early Years Teaching Position Vacancy, Limassol - September 2025 Start
Akrotiri: Sunrise Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Tuesday and Thursday mornings
REMINDER!
Where: The Snug Beach Club
When: Thursday 5th June 2025Time: 05:00am (Sunrise will be at 05:35 Thursday morning, you will need to arrive 30 minutes prior)
There will be a sign up sheet available at the club, please speak with our Beach Masters for further details regarding sign up and equipment hire.
All are welcome!
Quest Magazine - June Edition now available
To view online please click this link: https://www.questonline.co.uk/pages/magazine-archive
To view the Quest news update, including a summary of topics covered in the June magazine, please click this link: June Quest Magazine is Out Now.💂
Tuesday, 3 June 2025
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 2 Jun 25
As you may have seen in the news over the weekend, the Defence Secretary Rt Hon John Healey MP announced an additional £1.5 billion of funding, over the next five years, to improve military accommodation across the UK.
Following the landmark deal which brought 36,347 military homes back into public ownership, we have already begun the process of transformative change. This includes the delivery of the seven commitments set out in the Consumer Charter that we shared with you last month. These commitments reflect our plans to transform living conditions for you across the UK through improved service provision, communication and upgrades to homes.
DIO has advocated for sustained investment into the estate for many years and we believe this will be a turning point in allowing us to deliver significant change to your future lived experience.
Friday, 30 May 2025
Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 Results
The results from the armed forces continuous attitude survey (AFCAS) 2025 have been published and are available here.
Thursday, 29 May 2025
Serve + Protect Credit Union’s latest podcast about managing debt successfully
There are lots of times when borrowing money can be useful. However, managing your debt can sometimes become overwhelming 😔
The latest podcast episode from Serve and Protect Credit Union is full of useful information on managing your debt effectively and the support available if you are struggling.
🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/qtL02Yl2lV0?si=DJmTfo-KNo-G5euF
MOD staff benefit update: new fixed-rate savings account available from Serve + Protect Credit Union
A new issue of the fixed-rate savings account from Serve and Protect Credit Union is available from 1st to 26th June 2025.
This is available to you as part of the financial wellbeing benefits we offer through our partnership with them.
✅ 4% AER fixed for 12 months
✅ No fees or charges
This is just for your awareness - not a recommendation. Please review the details and decide if it’s right for you.
👉 https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-fixed-saver
Terms and eligibility criteria apply
Mercury Theatre present "The Vicar of Dibley" – Audition Notice
Known to most from its origins as a BBC sitcom starring Dawn French, this wonderful comedy has been adapted for the stage and has become extremely popular with theatres across the UK. However, we understand that our production will be the first production overseas by a military theatre group.
Auditions will be held at the Mercury Theatre on 2nd and 3rd June 2025 (timings available from the HIVE). Auditions will consist of an unprepared reading for any part for which you want to try out.
Our cast of characters:
- Geraldine Grainger – the title character. Fun, feisty and straightforward, with a not-so-secret love of chocolate. This character is in most scenes and will need to be able to commit to the rehearsal period.
- Alice Tinker – the good natured but intellectually challenged verger, and Geraldine’s best friend. Her heart is in the right place, even if her brain needs a bit of time to catch up with it.
- David Horton – the pompous and conservative head of the Parish Council. Father to Hugo, he is a bit domineering, but eventually recognises Geraldine as a necessary breath of fresh air.
- Hugo Horton – David’s son, he is the male version of Alice – the very definition of “nice but dim”.
- Owen Newitt – a brusque farmer, more comfortable with livestock than people.
- Jim Trott – best known for his “no, no, no, no, no…yes!”. A loveable rogue, who has a bit of trouble communicating.
- Frank Pickles – the fussy and pedantic clerk of the Parish Council. Always nattily dressed.
- Leticia Cropley – the matriarch of the Parish Council, but with quite a way with cuisine. Her lard and fishpaste sandwiches have to be tasted to be believed.
There will also be the opportunity for four children (aged 8 to 14) to be involved in a small capacity (including lines). If your child would like to be involved, please contact Emma Harper directly (contact details available from the HIVE). Children will not be auditioned at the audition dates listed above, but will be selected following a meeting with the director.
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