Episkopi: Army Cadets

Episkopi: Discount Dog & Cat Neutering Week

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE 415 - DWP Decision Maker

St Austell, Cornwall, Bryn, Wigan, Birkenhead, Middlesbrough, Glasgow and Falkirk

Job Description

Closing date: 17 Feb 25

Military Women’s Health & Wellbeing Conference - 23/24 Apr 25

Location: Anglia Ruskin University Campus, Cambridge UK

Date: 23/24 Apr 25

The Centre for Military Women's Research (CMWR) at Anglia Ruskin University is holding its second conference in April themed around the health and wellbeing of women in the military community. The first day of this international conference includes a wide range of speakers and panel discussions on women's experiences during and after military service, ending with a drinks reception. The second day comprises a choice of four workshops on different aspects of the theme, concluding with a review and plenary.

For Information (timings, schedule, sign-up etc)​: Use the link - https://www.centreformilitarywomensresearch.com/cmwr-conference-2025/

Defence Discount Service: Oakwood Solicitors

Oakwood Solicitors, in collaboration with FrontFoot. Life, is proud to provide expert legal support tailored to the Armed Forces community. Offering a free initial consultation, their services include Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, employment law advice, and assistance with military injury and medical negligence claims. They currently have a special offer for Will writing at a reduced fee of £50.

Find out more on the Defence Discount Service website:            https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/​

Online Wellbeing Sessions

Research Participants Sought - Survey of British Military Parents

Challenges, support mechanisms and coping strategies of parents in the British armed forces.

Who is doing this research? The research will be conducted by Lt Col Jess Beck, a student on the Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and will be supervised by Dr Ellen Hallams, School of Security Studies Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, King’s College London.

What is the research about? The study will examine the challenges, advantages and disadvantages of being a parent in the British military, and the coping strategies which are used by military parents. It aims to understand what additional support and flexibility is required to enable a military career to be maintained, and where there are current shortfalls.

Aurora New Dawn Domestic Abuse Survey - Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces community

Click here for the survey: Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces Community​

Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas

Serving personnel and families are entitled to claim Universal Credit, regardless of their location. This means families stationed overseas can submit claims in the same way as those in the UK.

Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas - GOV.UK

Pinnacle Group: Free Coaching & Mentoring

Do you have links to the military community? Pinnacle Group's Social Value team deliver employability, money management and business mentoring programmes which are free to SP, Veterans, Reservists, and their Spouses / Partners and their families.

So whether you are looking to change your job or find yourself out of work we can support you to get that next role via our employability programmes and if you are someone looking to start a business or maybe you are a Veteran or Spouse / Partner with an Existing Business looking for support to grow your income and profits, we have business mentoring programmes where experienced Business Mentors will support you all the way.

For more information please visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/families-first/family-and-community-support/ or email psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk​

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum Conference - Save the Date

Episkopi: Bus 33 Route and Timetable

You can use public transport to go from the Episkopi base to Limassol, Kourion beach, Kolossi Castle and the shopping centre (My Mall)!

The bus stop to Limassol is just outside the main gate.

To see the schedule and route please:

- Download the app “Cyprus Bus” from the play store!
- Go to “Line Schedules” and choose bus no. 33 - Limassol Marina – My Mall – Waterpark – - - - 

- Kolossi Castle – Kourion Beach – Episkopi (UK Sov. Bases).
- Choose the direction you want to go.
- Choose the stop. The stop near the main gate is called “Garrison”.
- See when the next bus is coming!
- Arrive at the bus stop few minutes earlier.
- Enjoy the ride!
- Price: € 2 (cash only)

**Remember: Bus timetables in Cyprus are not as reliable as in other countries so keep calm and be patient if sometimes bus is few minutes (or more) late.

Akrotiri: Cultural Day Event

BFC/SBAA Whole Force Townhalls

WSBA Church Services

Episkopi: Hockey Club

Episkopi: Arrivals Q&A

ESBA Combined Medical Practice - new eConsult web address

 

Please be aware that the eConsult Web address has changed from dhekeliamedical.webgp.com to esbamedical.webgp.com

If you google esba eConsult it will pick up the old Web address because of your search history.

If you would like to access eConsult, please type the new web address esbamedical.webgp.com directly onto the address bar or click on the link below.

New Defence survey for those in a Long Term Relationship

If you’re in a Long Term Relationship (LTR) with a Service person, Defence would like to hear your views and experiences about Service family life. 

Defence has launched a pilot survey to better understand the experiences of Long Term Relationship partners, including dual-serving partners, of serving personnel. This survey is anonymous and closes on Monday 3 February 2025.

Please note that this survey is open to the entire LTR population, and is separate to the LTR Overseas pilot scheme survey that is also currently ongoing.

What do you like about Service life? What can be improved?

Your feedback will help Defence to deliver the UK Armed Forces Families Strategy (2022-32), which drives policy and initiatives in areas such as family healthcare, education and accommodation.

 Your feedback will also help Defence to develop eligibility for support, allowances, and accommodation to those in couple relationships. 

How to complete the survey 

Civilian Housing Briefs 2025

Episkopi: HV Parkrun

SSAFA Health Campaigns 25

MOD Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP)

The Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP) is a partnership between the MOD and 19 English local authorities that have committed to work together to improve the experience and outcomes of children of UK Armed Forces families. The local authority membership of MODLAP represent those authority areas with the highest numbers of service children in England.

Full information can be found HERE

Never Such Innocence: Month of the Military Child - April 2025

Never Such Innocence will be offering a wide variety of activities for Month of the Military Child in April. Whether you are joining the 'Purple Up' day on 25 April, entering the poetry and art competition or singing Dandelions - there is something for everyone! Please visit their website to learn more or access their range of activities. www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

Soldiers Arts Academy - free online workshops

The Soldiers' Arts Academy aims to provide a platform through which serving and veteran military personnel and their families can participate in the creative arts. Using their skills and experiences to create and engage audiences worldwide, the SAA strives to encourage excellence, engagement and inspiration in its members, as well as building a supportive and strong community.

Online workshops include art, signing, guitar lessons and poetry. All are free for military personnel, veterans and military families. Find out more at www.soldiersartsacademy.org

Join the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Team for two free webinars

​The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund are kicking off 2025 with two FREE webinars and they would love you to join them.

The first will focus on the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme, sharing key findings from the programme evaluation.

The second will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together programme, the next phase of the successful VPPP programme.

Join us on Tuesday 14 January, 1pm to 3pm to discover the insights and impact of the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme. Jointly funded by the Covenant Fund, NHS England and NHS Improvement, this programme supported pilot projects aimed at exploring better ways to support Veterans and their families when they are in an acute hospital setting https://covenantfund.org.uk/2024/12/11/from-data-to-impact-a-webinar-to-show-the-outcomes-of-the-supporting-armed-forces-in-acute-hospital-settings-programme/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_24_2022_12_4_COPY_01)

Our second webinar of 2025 will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together Programme.

Building on the work of the successful Veterans’ People Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP), Thrive Together will step up support for vulnerable Veterans and their families across the UK, driving future sustainability. ​Want to learn more about Thrive Together? : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust​

Royal British Legion Poppy Hike, Epsom Surrey – 18th May 2025

The RBL Poppy Hike is taking place in the beautiful Surrey Hills on Sunday 18th May. By taking part, you'll be helping to raise vital funds and awareness so that RBL can continue to support serving & ex-serving personnel and their families, for as long as needed.

Starting and finishing at Epsom Racecourse, you'll hike through stunning landscapes in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will also pass through a Centenary Wood which commemorates the sacrifices made in WW1.​

For more information on this event, please go to: rbl.org.uk/eventhike or click here

To find more information on:Other RBL fundraising events and challenges, please visit: rbl.org.uk/eventbrochure

The RBL and how they support beneficiaries, please visit : Our Beneficiaries

How to be a volunteer, please visit: rbl.org.uk/event-volunteer

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6 Jan 25

Are you ready to register?

Great news for Service families assigned to locations within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision. WAC Overseas is now available to eligible families in these areas from today (6 January 2025).

Reading Force: Celebrating 1,000 Members

Connect, Read and Enjoy

Reading Force and Book Clubs

Reading Force has been encouraging Forces families to choose and share books for fun, and as a way of staying connected with deployed parents and their wider families for over 10 years.

Financial Recognition and other restorative measures for LGBT veterans

For further information, please see the following links:

LGBT veterans: Support and next steps – This GOV.UK page has centralised information and signposting for pre-2000 LGBT veterans and pre-1967 LGBT veterans. It also contains support services for veterans and families.

Financial Recognition Scheme: GOV.UK page with information on how to apply, eligibility, scheme rules and FAQs.

New GOV.UK page about the Qualification of Administration Discharge and Rank Restoration, including FAQs, guidance about eligibility and applications, and public policy.
​

Pre-1967 veterans: GOV.UK page about restorative measures and FAQs.

Armed Forces Covenant: 2024 annual report

The Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report was published on 18 December and is available to read on Gov.uk at this link: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2024 - GOV.UK​​

The annual reports set out major achievements of the armed forces covenant and highlight remaining challenges and new commitments.

Money & Pensions Advice Service guidance: Making the Most of your Money

Taking the time to manage your money can make a real difference.
Whatever stage of life you’re at – whether you’re saving into a pension for the first time, buying or renting a home, starting a family or planning to retire – there are always ways of making your money go further.

Find out more on the Money and Pensions Advice Service's Money Helper website at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en​ and you can download the leaflet at https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ViewProduct.html?sp=Sengmakingthemostofyourmoney-400​​

Also there is a library of advice booklets that are free to download at: https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ArticleOverview.html?sp=Sguide​

GamCare: Spotting the signs of gambling harm

GamCare hears from people who have become isolated and lonely as a result of their gambling, and who haven’t spoken to anyone else about what they are going through. These feelings can worsen over the Christmas period, when people might encounter loneliness or pressure to seem as if everything is alright.

We recognise that gambling is known as the ‘hidden addiction’, and often the signs are not clear. From experience, we understand that these are the most common ways to identify if your own or someone else’s gambling has become harmful.

Some signs to consider about your own or someone else’s gambling:

· Preoccupation – Do you spend much of your day thinking about betting? Are you finding that your gambling is taking you out of the moment when you spend time with friends and family this Christmas? Often thinking about or planning to gamble can be one of the early warning signs that gambling could be harmful.

· Withdrawal – Removing yourself from social situations so that you can place a bet is another warning signal that your gambling might be going too far, and that the urges to gamble are potentially harming other areas of your life and the people around you. Withdrawal may be one of the early warning signs that someone’s gambling could be harmful this Christmas; such as wanting to stay at home more frequently or needing to check their phone constantly to check the latest results.

· Escape – Life – and the Christmas season in particular - can be overwhelming at times, and you might feel like you want to escape it for a while. Using gambling as a coping mechanism is a sign of harmful gambling and can lead to losing significant amounts of money.

· Chasing losses – Chasing losses is where your motive for gambling changes from winning money to getting back the money you have already lost. This can be dangerous and lead to significant losses. There might be more financial signs that a loved one is struggling with gambling, such as a need to borrow money or money missing from bank accounts.

· Changing mood – There could be noticeable changes to your mood and behaviour, including looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason in the lead up Christmas.

· Lying – You may find yourself hiding how much you are spending or lying about the amount of time you are spending gambling, or perhaps asking for money to cover bills that you are spending. These are just some signs that gambling is harming your life and possibly risking your relationships with family and friends.

The National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 for free during the Christmas period. Contact our Advisers on Freephone 0808 80 20 133, via WhatsApp on 020 3031 8881, or via online chat at gamcare.org.uk.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

Last month, a Written Ministerial Statement was published, announcing that the MOD has reached a formal agreement with Annington Property Ltd to repurchase more than 36,000 Service Family homes in England and Wales.  

This means that the homes that were previously privately owned will return to public ownership. This deal not only delivers long term value for money for the taxpayer but also means future improvements to the SFA estate will benefit Service families directly.

We hope this will be welcome news as DIO will now have the freedom to embark on a substantial programme of redevelopment and improvement of the estate.

While it is too early to discuss the specifics of future works, we will continue to update you through our Families First newsletter and our continuing series of SFA Roadshows in 2025.

​Full details of the announcement can be found here. We appreciate you may have questions and we will update you in due course with further information.

Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand

HIVE also has an information sheet on Domestic Abuse support, which can be downloaded from the Information Sheets section of the Army HIVE UK Blog.

Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas

The Armed Forces Accommodation Policy Team is thrilled with the feedback from more than 50 service members taking part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot in Cyprus. Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027.

To ensure families feel supported, a tailored allowance package is available for pilot participants. Since allowances depend on the assignment location and individual circumstances, service personnel are encouraged to check specifics for their country.

Updated Volumes 4 (Pilots) and 5 (Overseas Accommodation Policy) of JSP 464 (with country appendices and allowances) to clarify any queries will be published soon.

Furthermore, effective immediately the Pilot has been extended to BATUS and some GDN (Global Defence Network) sites.

For further information please contact people-accom-asc@mod.gov.uk

Episkopi: Junior Golf Lessons

New Year, New Sport…

Now looking for new members, spaces are limited.

WSBA Clubb Fit

Calendar for MOD Schools in Cyprus 2024-2025