Friday, 4 April 2025
Civvy Street Magazine – May 25 Edition now available online
Thursday, 3 April 2025
Episkopi: Station Swimming Pool Update
The pool will be back in action on Wednesday 30th April 2025.
Episkopi: Community Notice
Episkopi: Services Sailing Club at Tunnel Beach is looking for volunteers
We are looking for military personnel from all ranks, UK Family Members and UKBC to volunteer and help run the club. Whether you’re interested in sailing or powerboating, or not, there are some real opportunities to get involved with an active club!
The club is looking for members in the following areas:
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Southern England (multiple locations)
The Department of Work and Pensions has 100 new Executive Officer work coach opportunities across Southern England. These are now open for applications until 17 Apr 2025.
Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Southern England (Ref: 729) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
There are jobs available at the following locations: Abingdon, Aldershot, Andover, Aylesbury, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bedford, Biggleswade, Borehamwood, Bracknell, Chesham, Didcot, Eastleigh, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, High Wycombe, Hythe, Leighton Buzzard, Letchworth, Luton, Maidenhead, Milton Keynes, Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Salisbury, Slough, Southampton, St Albans, Stevenage, Waltham Cross, Watford, Witney
More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.
HomeStart Easter Trail - now available at Ay Nik
The Easter Bunny has come a little early to Ayios Nikolaos and left a trail for kids to follow. Complete the trail and you get a chocolate treat at the end.
You can collect instructions and your first clue from the Ayios Nikolaos HIVE. €1 per child.
New guidance for schools and local authorities on supporting Service pupils
On 1 April 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education published non-statutory guidance to help state-funded schools and local authorities in England to understand and address the needs of Service pupils in schools (reception to year 11).
Speaking about the new guidance, Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said:
“Armed Forces families play a vital role in supporting our Service personnel to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Fittingly, this announcement coincides with the Month of the Military Child, which is a time to speak up for our Service children.
“Service children face many challenges due to the unique nature of Service life, but it’s important that they are able to benefit from their exceptional experiences.
“That’s why this joint guidance with the Department for Education, explains how we can break down barriers and help our Service children to thrive in education.”
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in London area (multiple roles/locations)- available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
GFIE 428 - Work Coach – Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP)
London – 18 vacancies across multiple inner/outer London locations
Closing Date: 28 April 2025
Job Description: Work Coach
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)
Wednesday, 2 April 2025
SSAFA Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference - Registration Now Open
The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025 is taking place on 2 June 2025. This is an empowering and informative event designed for current service personnel and their families with additional needs or disabilities. Hosted by the FANDF committee and facilitated by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, this conference will offer expert insights and practical advice for service families.
The event will be FANDF’s first hybrid FANDF event. You can join in person or virtually, making it accessible for those with caring responsibilities or living further afield.
The event will feature guest speakers from Defence (MOD) and support services offering valuable advice, information, and insights on available support for families. Our theme for this conference is 35 years strong: Championing Families, Shaping Change and we hope to celebrate some of the successes of support available for service families, whilst also highlighting how we can continue to shape change.
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
FLASH SALE 30% OFF WaterWorld Tickets - Limited Amount Offer!
Get it while you can.
Summer 2025 OPENING DAY - APRIL 10th!
NAAFI Fund 2025 – Applications Now Open
NAAFI Fund is now open for 2025!
The NAAFI Fund was launched back in 2020 and has supported 467 projects so far, donating over £4 million to help improve the lives of service personnel and their families around the world. To read more about the projects that NAAFI have supported to date: https://naafi.co.uk/giving-back/
For more information or to apply visit: https://naafi.co.uk/fund
Forces Employment Charity Monthly Update - Award Nominations, Marathons, and Events
Heropreneurs Awards 2025 nominations are now open
A round-up of events across the UK and online webinars
Marathon preparations
Get to know Forces Employment Charity’s military women employment lead
Satisfaction survey
Links for further information
Read the update in full at this link: Get involved: Award Nominations, Marathons, and Events
Monday, 31 March 2025
Recruit for Spouses: March Newsletter
The March
newsletter from Recruit for Spouses is out now. To read this on line,
please go to: recruit4spouses.cmail19.com/t/r-e-thfluid-nhlmhutrr-m/
Blue Light Card: Spring Saver Weekend Reminder
Get ready to unlock incredible savings at Blue Light Card’s Spring Saver Weekend from March 28th to 31st! Think Black Friday but in the spring!
For four days, enjoy exclusive discounts
from top brands across fashion, home, beauty, and more.
FamCAS 25: Have you shared your views on Service family life? Time’s running out!
The Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2025 closes in 1 week! Don’t miss your opportunity to tell us what you think about Service family life.
Each year, Defence invites a random sample of Service partners to complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS). This survey is your chance to tell us about your experiences and views in relation to various aspects of Service family life.
You can see if you are in this year’s sample, and can access the survey, by using the online tool. The survey closes on Monday 7 April 2025 at 23:59.
Why complete the survey?
Your feedback will help us to understand what Service life is like for your family, which will help us to make informed decisions on what changes to prioritise and develop policies to address your family’s challenges and needs. Whether it’s with childcare and children’s education, housing, deployment, or employment.
Who can complete the survey, and how?
To find out if you can take part in FamCAS 2025, please use the online eligibility tool. You will be asked to enter a token/access code, which is your partner’s Service number. This is needed for security reasons only. Please be assured that all survey responses are anonymous.
If eligible, the tool will direct you to the survey. We recommend using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
If you have any questions about this year's FamCAS, please email: Analysis-Surveys-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk.
Information and support
Check out our new Families Hub, which signposts to support, guidance and organisations to help you navigate Service family life.
Visit Discover My Benefits to find out about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support for you and your family.
Serve & Protect Credit Union: April Update
📢 Free financial webinars this April from
Serve and Protect - don't miss out!
🌍 Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
📝 Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your
Money
🚀 Credit Score 101: Boost Your Score
☔ The Road to Financial Resilience
🔍 Before You Borrow: Things to Know
🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars
NEW Fixed Cash
ISA
Serve and Protect
have launched their new Fixed Cash ISA for the 2025/26 tax year 💷
Secure a guaranteed
and tax-free 4% AER return over the next year and watch your savings grow!
🔗 Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/cash-isa/
Podcast Episodes 11 & 12 🎧
Loan sharks can have a devastating impact on
people's lives and becoming a victim is easier than you may think 👤
Our friends at Serve and Protect recently
welcomed Stop Loan Sharks to their podcast to explore some misconceptions,
stories from victims, and the support available!
🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/6z-xdYbehBs?si=di6_UU_0OCTptnkB
For Debt Awareness
Week, our friends at Serve and Protect welcomed the Money and Pensions Service
to their podcast to explore the stigma around debt 🗣️
If you find it
difficult to talk about money with your loved ones, this episode includes some
manageable steps to start a conversion.
🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/X_PkxsAG1co?si=voGbF96Aovyafy9l
Stress Awareness
Month - April
April is Stress
Awareness Month, a time to understand the causes and cures of stress 😔
If your finances
make you feel stressed, Serve and Protect are here to help you save and build
your financial resilience.
🔗 Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Friday, 28 March 2025
WSBA: 20th Christodoula’s March
Sunday, April 6
10:00 AM
Starting Point: SBA Police Akrotiri Station, M1 Road
Finish: Akrotiri Community (Reception to follow)
This meaningful event is under the auspices of Minister of Justice & Public Order, Mr. Marios Hartsiotis and in liaison with 44 communities.
Let’s walk together for a great cause!
Episkopi: Community Notice
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY NOTICE
Peel Park Closed Until Further Notice
With immediate effect, Peel Park is out of bounds until further notice.
Please do not enter the area as there have been several reports of dogs falling ill within the last 24 hours. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community and pets safe. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
Peel Park Closed Until Further Notice
With immediate effect, Peel Park is out of bounds until further notice.
Please do not enter the area as there have been several reports of dogs falling ill within the last 24 hours. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community and pets safe. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
Thursday, 27 March 2025
Ayios Nikolaos - CAMEO event - Easter Wreath Making Activity
Date: 2nd April 2025
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Location: Check the Team Up App or contact the HIVEJoin us for CAMEO (Come and Meet Everyone), hosted by the AYN Welfare Team. This event is a friendly, casual evening for everyone who lives and works on Ayios Nikolaos Station. Whether you're new or have been here for years, it's the perfect chance to meet new faces or reconnect with friends whilst enjoying some refreshments.
We are also offering an opportunity for 10 people to create their own Easter Wreath with the help and guidance of our very own creative Lindsay Halor, sign up and payment is required by the 28th March so get in quick to secure your place!
Cost: €7.50 per person* Each sign-up = 1 wreath. (choices in pictures)
All materials supplied Sign up and payment by 28th March at the HIVE!
Tel: 2395 7699
Email: bfc-hq-hive-aynikgpmailbox@mod.gov.uk*Please note only personnel (and their family) who contribute to the UAF can sign up for the Wreath Making Workshop as the UAF have kindly contributed to this activity.
SaluteMyJob: Pathways programme to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans
SaluteMyJob expands their innovative pathways
programme with exciting partnership with Ofsted-skills provider to enhance
cyber leadership opportunities for veterans and police officers
For a decade, social enterprise
SaluteMyJob has been helping ex-military personnel upskill into areas with a
notable cybersecurity skills gap, with many candidates going on to make their
mark in multi-national companies. And now, an exciting partnership is set to
fast-track more veterans and police officers into a career in cybersecurity
with their Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway.
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 26 March 25
Reduce the risk of lead in drinking water
Lead pipes may still exist in Service Family Accommodation built before 1970, but DIO and our repairs contractors are committed to removing them during modernisation.
The risk of exposure to lead is very low but the following steps can help to reduce lead levels in drinking water in older properties:
- Only drink water from the mains supply in your kitchen.
- Before you drink, cook or clean your teeth, run the cold taps first thing in the morning (the amount to fill a washing up bowl should be sufficient) to flush out water that has been standing in pipes overnight.
- If you have been away from your home for a long period, run hot and cold taps for at least 5 minutes to prevent legionella.
The UK has a very safe water system, but these precautions will help to lower the risk. For more information visit the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s website
Reporting Sewerage Spills
Should you notice a sewage spillage or leak, please report this directly to the Pinnacle Helpdesk on 0800 031 8628 and follow Option 1 for Repairs.
SFA Roadshows
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Crown Commercial Service Senior Project Manager Role, multiple locations - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme, at the Civil Service grade of Band 5 (Grade 7), and a salary range of £56,031 - £62,261:
GFIE-424 - Senior Project Manager - Crown Commercial Service
Liverpool / Norwich / Birmingham or Newport
Closing Date: Sunday 13th April 2025
Job Description [link to Google Drive doc]
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)
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
AYN Welfare and Pastoral team visit to RAF Akrotiri
Unit Welfare Officer, Welfare Assistant, UAO Clerk and Padre will be visit Akrotiri HIVE monthly.
Akrotiri Market!
The next Aki market is taking place on Sat 5th Apr 09.00 - 13.00! Pop into Akrotiri HIVE to book your table for 5 Euros. Traders and car booters welcome. Charity tables FREE.
Visa Fee Increase – 9th April 2025
Some Visa fees will be increasing from 9th April 2025; a full list of the increases can be found here.
A summary of the increases that may affect our Service Community are in the image.
Friday, 21 March 2025
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)