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.

https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/spring-saver?utm_source=Organisations&utm_medium=Organisations&utm_campaign=Springsaverweekend

 

Give Us Time: Spring & Summer Respite Breaks

 

For Further info please visit: www.giveustime.org.uk

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.

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 25

 

For Newsletter please visit: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK

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/

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.

Life in the UK Test Dates 25

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 HIVE

Join 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.

 SALUTEMYJOB is delighted to announce their new partnership with althaus to further up-skill veterans and police officers aspiring to become leaders within the cybersecurity industry. 

 The fully-funded althaus x SMJ Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway into Cybersecurity Management, offers practical training, industry-recognised certifications, and direct links to employers looking to hire from the military and police talent pool.

 A study by Security Brief UK revealed that 71% of organisations have been impacted by the cybersecurity skills shortage, with most of these shortages being mid-level or more senior roles. Veteran and police officers, with their sharp decision-making skills, security mindsets and leadership and crisis management experience, are well-suited to fill roles in this burgeoning field of cybersecurity and help close the widening skills gap.

 Managing Director, Andrew Jackson, said: “We are delighted to partner with althaus to further develop our successful pathway programme. In doing so, we hope to give ex-military leaders, and retired and current police officers, a chance to showcase their skills and make their mark within the cybersecurity world in civvy street.”

 The partnership also offers a Higher Apprenticeship in Cybersecurity, which combines practical learning with full-time employment, so veterans will gain commercial experience, earn a salary and professional qualifications.

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)

Project Manager G7

EOL form

EOL Guidance

WSBA Adults Football

Episkopi: BARC Volunteers

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.

Sounding Retreat

 

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.

Important Changes GHIC BFC

BFC / SBAA UK Family Members Employment Survey - post CDP Visit - UPDATED LINK

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP): Don't miss out on your State Pension entitlement

The 5 April 2025 deadline for paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in your record between 2006 and 2018 is approaching. To support anyone wishing to check their records, or make a payment, there is now a DWP video and an online form to request a callback.

Watch the DWP video How to check your State Pension and pay for gaps in your National Insurance record on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_8GkTNgyXqs

DWP’s online form is available to request a call back at: https://ow.ly/oGbl50VarlC

VE Day 80 – Hold a Brew and Bake for Combat Stress

This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and Combat Stress would very much appreciate your help celebrating it with a Brew and Bake Coffee Morning - a great way to bring people together over coffee and cake while raising funds for veterans’ mental health.

The official Brew and Bake day is Thursday 8 May 2025 – VE Day, but events can be held on any date that suits. Every pound raised will help Combat Stress provide their life-changing mental health treatment to veterans today.

Find out more and sign up here to get sent a Fundraising Pack: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/event/brewandbake/home

Blue Light Card: Spring Saver Weekend 28–31 Mar

We’re excited to share that Blue Light Card is bringing you the Spring Saver Weekend – think Black Friday, but in the spring! Don’t miss out during this event we are bringing you some special Spring discounts!

Ay Nik Playhouse - Easter Party

Places are limited and tickets can be obtained from the Ayios Nikolaos HIVE. 

Contact BFC-HQ-HIVE-AYNIKGpMailbox@mod.gov.uk for more details or to reserve your tickets.

Aurora New Dawn: Armed Forces Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking Helpline launches on 31 March 2025

On 31st March 2025 @ 09:00 Aurora New Dawn are delighted to be launching the first helpline for Royal Naval, British Army, and Royal Air Force personnel and their family members who are victims and survivors of:

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence
• Stalking

Coverage is available for all UK forces personnel and their families including those deployed abroad. The service is independent, confidential, and free - with phone and WhatsApp functionality available.

Please note callers from outside of the UK may need to dial 00 44 333 091 2527

National Memorial Arboretum: Talent in the Ranks Artist Development Programme 2025

 

For more information please contact Rasmith@thenma.org.uk

BFC Young Star Awards

BFSWS British Forces Social Work Services announce that the nominations for the 2025 Young Star Awards are now open.

Akrotiri Endometriosis Meeting

 

Like cake? Then pop along to the Chaplaincy Centre to support Endometriosis UK!

57th Dhekelia Dash

SSAFA Veterans Breakfast Club

SSAFA Cyprus - Veterans - First Breakfast Club – Oroklini
Date: Tuesday, 15th April 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: The King's Cellar, Oroklini (Click here for directions and more information)
We’re excited to invite you to the very first SSAFA Breakfast Club in Oroklini! This trial event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy delicious food, and connect with others in the community.

For just 6 euros, you’ll enjoy:
A hearty small English breakfast
Freshly toasted bread
A choice of tea or coffee

While this event is open to all, we especially welcome Commonwealth military veterans and their families. It’s a relaxed setting where you can meet new faces, share stories, and start your day with great company.

Important: To help us plan accordingly, please confirm your attendance by Friday, 11th April by emailing Alison Penn at Alison.Penn@Cyprus.ssafa.org.uk.
Payment will be collected on the day or payment can be made to Alison.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Alison.Penn@Cyprus.ssafa.org.uk by email.

The SSAFA Cyprus - Veteran’s volunteer team look forward to seeing you there!
About SSAFA:
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) is a UK-based charity that provides lifelong support to those who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. Through a network of volunteers, SSAFA offers practical, emotional, and financial support, ensuring veterans and their loved ones are never left behind.

Akrotiri VE Day Celebrations

 

SAVE THE DATE

Akrotiri Community Group brings you...

VE Day 80 Celebration

Across RAF Akrotiri

BFC Dog Walking Group

Hi dog lovers! 

We've had such a fantastic time growing our group, and we're so excited to share that we're now opening it up to the entire BFC community!  This means we can have more local get-togethers, really make a difference for our local dog rescues, and share all our best tips for dog-friendly Cyprus, from walks to shops. 

Please help us welcome more friends by inviting anyone in the BFC who loves dogs! 

On Facebook look up 'Akrotiri Dog Walking and Socialisation Group'

Episkopi: Youth Club Easter Trips

Seniors ages 12+

Monday 7/04/25 Larnaca Mall shopping trip, Free activity, bring your own spending money, 1200 - 1700hrs

Wednesday 9/04/25 Marios 9 hole golf (pitch and putt) and McDonalds visit, Paphos area, 15 euros. Bring money for your Food.
1100 - 1530hrs

Friday 11/04/25 Agora food court Limassol for lunch followed by Akrotiri Bowling, cost 5e, bring money for your Food, there's plenty to choose, from pizza, Chinese, sushi to baked potatoes to name just a few.
1200-1615hrs

Episkopi: RBL Fundraising Race Night

Women in Defence Awards 2025 – Nominations now open, including new International category

 

The Women in Defence Awards 2025 are now open for nominations, until 2 May 25.

This year there is a new International category; the International Award is designed to recognise individual women or groups of women completing exceptional work in support of the defence of their own country. This award is open to individual women, groups or teams, as members of the Armed Forces, Civil or Public services, or those who work in Defence industries or associated bodies. Locally Employed Civilians (LECs) in overseas locations have been confirmed as eligible for this category.

Details of all categories and how to nominate can be found at: Women in Defence UK | Awards 2025 Criteria

Help for Heroes: Seeking Help and Recovery College Courses

Help for Heroes have a new leaflet to explain how they can support, and how to access this. To view the leaflet please click HERE

There is also a range of courses available through the Help for Heroes Recovery College. Information and the prospectus can be found on the Help for Heroes website: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/recovery-college/self-help-guides/

For further details on Help for Heroes services and how to get in touch, please go to: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

RFS Virtual Event with Preet Chandi MBE – 2 Apr

 

Recruit for Spouses (RFS) are absolutely THRILLED to announce their upcoming session with Polar Preet Chandi MBE!

RFS says: “We can hardly contain our excitement about this extraordinary opportunity for the military community! Polar Preet—who conquered Antarctica SOLO three times and holds FOUR Guinness World Records—will be sharing her inspirational journey with us.

“This FREE virtual session isn't just about polar exploration. It's about how the remarkable resilience you've developed as a military spouse can become your competitive advantage in the tech and cyber industries.

“We're counting down the days and can't wait to see you there.

“👉 Limited places available, so register now by emailing: careeracademy@recruitforspouses.co.uk”

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Scotland - 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- 422 - Document Coordinator

1 x Paisley

Job Description
Closing date: 4 Apr 25

GFIE- 423 - Fiscal Officer

1 x Glasgow, 1 x Hamilton

Job Description 
Closing date: 11 Apr 25

​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)

Government partners with young people to help develop new national youth strategy

 

The government has launched its national listening exercise to let young people have their say on support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates. Through youth engagement charity My Life My Say and the #iwill Movement young people will be able to engage with Government both in-person and online. The Deliver You online survey is now open and will close on Wednesday 16 April, it is for young people aged 10 – 21 years old (aged 25 with SEND).

See Gov.uk article here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-partners-with-young-people-to-help-develop-new-national-youth-strategy

Click here to access the survey