Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £300K awarded to enhance Early Years provision for Service families

Ten projects by nurseries and childcare settings across the UK have been awarded a share of £300,000 in grants to help forces families access early years education - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund.

The projects, which will also provide development and upskilling opportunities for early years staff, will work to further improve educational experiences for young children from service families as part of the Fund's Early Years programme.

“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme. These projects and the meaningful change the funding will create, allows the organisations to enhance their services to mitigate the challenges faced by young Service children and their families, due to military life” - Debra Barton, Early Years Specialist Lead, Ministry of Defence.

Providing better learning environments

· Each project will address at least one of the following outcomes:

· Increased capacity to accommodate more service children.

· Enhancing learning environments by improving provisions and resources to support service children with special educational needs/or disabilities (SEND).

· Providing targeted environments for early years practitioners to better meet the unique needs of service children.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Servicewomen - Seen and Heard Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Servicewomen: Seen and Heard programme is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

Following the popularity of the programme in 2024, the Trust conducted further research with servicewomen from all three armed services, via several meetings and discussions, to discover more about their current needs and challenges to ensure this year’s programme hits the mark. The Trust would like to thank everyone who shared their experiences to help shape the programme for 2025.

What’s the programme all about?

Part of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, The Servicewomen: Seen & Heard Programme will award grants of up to £100,000 for two-year projects that expand support options for serving women, ensuring they are aware of, and able to access, help that is tailored to their specific needs.

It will address the unique challenges servicewomen face, providing education and information to help maximise their health and wellbeing.

X-Forces Enterprise: Virtual 3-day Spouse and Partner Self Employment Workshop

X-Forces Enterprise

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2025: A Night of Inspiration, Recognition, and Unforgettable Moments

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2025 took place on Friday 25th April, at the stunning De Vere Connaught Rooms in London, marking a powerful and emotional evening dedicated to the incredible contributions, resilience, and achievements of UK Armed Forces families.

This year’s ceremony was packed with heartwarming stories and brand-new features that made it a night to remember. Hosted by the brilliant Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne, returning for her fourth year, alongside new co-host Richard Jones, the only magician ever to win Britain’s Got Talent. Richard wowed guests throughout the evening with his spellbinding magic, blending illusion with heartfelt tributes to military life, leaving the audience both entertained and deeply moved. Reflecting on the evening, Richard Jones said “It’s so important to highlight the courage and hard work of individuals and groups within the forces community and the CFF Awards have done a fantastic job to ensure their stories have been celebrated”.

And the Winners Are…

Month of the Military Child: Final week to enter the Poetry and Art Competition

Final week to enter the Month of the Military Child Poetry and Art Competition – the closing date is 2 May.

Prizes include a £25 Amazon voucher, goodie bag and invitation to come to an award ceremony in London, and the best school display will win a £250 book voucher!

Learn more and enter here:

https://www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Upcoming Webinars and May Update

This May, Serve and Protect Credit Union are delivering a range of free educational webinars on the following financial topics:

Thu 1st - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money

Tue 6th - Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together

Thu 8th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money

Thu 15th - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score

Wed 21st - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

Thu 22nd - Before You Borrow: Things to Know

With actionable tips to prepare for financial emergencies, improve your credit score, and budget your money, don't miss out on these free webinars from Serve and Protect!

🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Podcast Episode 13 🎧

If you're unhappy with how gambling makes you feel, or are worried about a loved one, confidential and free support is available 🎲

Our friends at Serve and Protect Credit Union recently welcomed GambleAware to their podcast to discuss gambling stigma and how to reach out for help.

🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/BwkPUGu4X9Y?si=RcUvqmAP4MhhTZfb

NEW Fixed Cash ISA 💷

Serve and Protect Credit Union's new Fixed Cash ISA is here 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://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-isa

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £290,000 to support those with seldom heard needs in Armed Forces communities

Ensuring under-represented voices in armed forces communities are heard is vital. In the latest round of their Hidden Voices programme, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) awarded grants totalling more than £290,000 to 15 projects delivering accessible mental health and wellbeing support for those with seldom heard needs in armed forces communities.

These projects will focus on improving access to bespoke support for groups whose voices, opinions or needs are not adequately represented or who face barriers to accessing support services.

Trust CEO Anna Wright said: "This programme is all about giving a voice to armed forces communities who may have been overlooked or unheard. Providing tailored, accessible mental health and wellbeing support, these projects will improve awareness and understanding of the of the unique needs of these communities, improving service provision for years to come."

Akrotiri Cinema listings for May

 

Akrotiri Library Timings

 

Dhekelia 7s - participants and supporters welcome

 

BFC Women's Football Club - Open to all Serving Women at BFC

NEW SODEXO CENTRAL HELPDESK CONTACTS

Episkopi: Community Notice

Community Notice – Episkopi Station renovation plans (pinned to featured posts)
Please be advised that the Pool Club at Episkopi will be closed for renovations starting 1 May as it transforms into our new venue, Chelona. Chelona will offer a fresh menu, Costa Coffee, and a children’s area.

Coffee & Co in Dodge will remain open with extended hours:

Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 22:00 
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 22:00 

Thank you for your support—they look forward to welcoming you to Chelona soon! 

— Sodexo Team —

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

 

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE 430 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Service Delivery

Stratford, Barking, Hounslow, Ealing, Forest Hill and Gloucester

Closing Date: 9 May 2025

Job Description 

​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)

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – 17 April

 

Defence Secretary commits to improving homes for Service families

Earlier today, Defence Secretary John Healey announced a new Consumer Charter to improve SFA for personnel and families. This forms part of the Defence Housing Review that is underway following the MOD’s landmark deal to bring 36,000 UK SFA homes back under our ownership.

The Charter outlines a list of commitments we will be making to improve our accommodation service offer for you, including:

• A more robust move-in standard so that you can have confidence that the home you are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional.
• Providing you with improved, clearer information ahead of your move, including photographs and floor plans when you apply for SFA.  
• More reliable repairs, including a requirement to complete urgent repairs within a set timeline consistent with Awaab’s Law, and an online portal for service personnel to manage repairs. 
• Raising the minimum standard of SFA with a new programme of works targeted at the worst homes, with up to 1,000 refurbished.
• Better and clearer communication for you, including a named housing officer for every service family who you can contact for specific housing related queries. 
• A revised, streamlined complaints process that will look to shorten the process to two stages so that Service Personnel and families have a quicker resolution.
• Modernising our policies to allow more freedom for you to make improvements, giving you a greater sense of pride in your homes. 

We know we haven’t always got things right in the past; however, we are already making great progress in transforming the service we provide. Working closely with our suppliers, our dedication to transforming the SFA estate remains our top priority, and we will continue to update you on plans and developments as they happen.

These commitments will be in place by December, and there will be further detail in the Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year following consultation with personnel and families. 











The strategy will be driven by a new independent review team of housing experts whose members have also been announced today. The review team will be chaired by former Member of Parliament and housing expert Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, and includes Housing Specialist from the Army Families Federation, Cat Calder. The review team bring with them a wealth of expertise from the housing sector and will play a vital part in providing independent advice and challenge to ensure the strategy meets the needs of Service personnel and families.











Later this month DIO will be launching a new website that will feature all our latest SFA news, updates and act as a helpful source of information for SFA queries.

Job opportunity: DWP Universal Credit Job Centre Work Coach - Central England

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has Executive Officer Work Coach opportunities available across Central England. Applications can be made through the Civil Service Jobs website before 11.55pm on Wed 30th April 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Central England (Ref: 730) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on DWP’s EO Microsite

Job opportunity with a charity: Senior Social Media Executive (Remote, Full Time, Permanent)

Job opportunity at Relate (now part of Family Action, a national charity) that might be of interest to Service leavers, veterans, spouses, partners and the wider military community.

A link to the advert can be found here

Job Reference: 1439

Location: Homeworking

Hours of Work: 37 hours per week (full-time)

Salary: £32,311 FTE + £480 home working allowance per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 11 May 2025

Relate at Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

Family Action is a national charity that supports people through change, challenge and crisis across England and Wales. On 1st January 2025, Relate, the largest provider of relationship support, joined the organisation helping us reach even more people and support the creation of secure foundations for children and young people, and safe, supportive relationships for all.

For over 150 years Family Action has seen first-hand the power of family and relationships to shape lives, for better or worse. That's why we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Whatever family means or looks like to us, it's relationships that matter. With Relate at Family Action, we are able to extend the support we provide with counselling, information, mediation and support to individuals, couples and families from all backgrounds and sexualities, as well as provide expert training for relationship support practitioners.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our organisation and help shape the future of Relate’s social media presence as part of Family Action. You will oversee Relate’s paid and organic social media activity, build brand awareness and drive sales of services and toolkits, whilst also supporting wider Relate at Family Action work aligning both brands.

Episkopi: Sailing Club

Leonardo Insight Events 2025

 

Ayios Nikolaos: BFC Community Learning Programme is back and open for registration!

Our courses are out and available to all BFC personnel and Family Members.

In Ayios Nikolaos, Greek Level 1, Yoga and Dance Fitness are all taking place this term!

Whether you want to get active or learn something new, there’s a course waiting for you!

Online registration is now open and closes midday 28 Apr 25.

Don’t miss out, secure your spot today!

For more information and to sign up please follow the link:

https://community-learning-programme.sumupstore.com/

POC: chrystalla.americanou678@mod.gov.uk

Akrotiri: Pool Timetable

Full timetable back now for the Aki Pool.

Lessons are back today and we're all looking forward to seeing you all.

The swim team.

Panto at Akrotiri Cinema. Wednesday 21st May

Akrotiri music club

 

Akrotiri Swimming Pool Timetable

 

Ayios Nikolaos - Community Learning Programme now open for bookings

 

The Community Learning Programme for the Summer Term is now out. At Ayios Nikolaos, we have Greek, Yoga and Dance Fitness.

To book, pleas click here

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference – Registration Now Open

 

In-person tickets are now down to the last few, however there is still availability for virtual tickets.

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.

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

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.

 

MOD: Victim Witness Care Unit

  For more information, please visit Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) - GOV.UK

Celebrating Forces Families Awards - Countdown to 25 Apr 2025

Date: 25th April 2025

Location: De Vere Connaught Rooms, London

As April marks the Month of the Military Child, it’s the perfect moment to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary strength, resilience, and spirit of children from Armed Forces families. That’s why this year’s Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2025 is proud to shine a special spotlight on these remarkable young people – and to honour them in a truly unforgettable way.

Jacob’s Medal – brand new for 2025 – has been presented to 31 military children who have been nominated for the Young People’s Award. Each child receiving the medal has shown outstanding courage, kindness, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges unique to military life – from coping with long parental deployments to navigating new schools and communities time and time again.

This awards evening is more than a celebration — it’s a movement. It’s about giving visibility to the invisible work military families do every day. It’s about saying thank you. And it’s about showing families, whether near or far, that they are seen, heard, and deeply valued.

To read the CFF press release in full, please click this link: CFF Awards 2025 — Celebrating Forces Families

There is also an auction taking place; prizes and bidding information is at: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/celebratingforcesfamiliesawards2025

If you can’t attend the awards in person, you can watch on livestream from anywhere in the world. Please sign up or view at: Livestream — Celebrating Forces Families

BFC Amateur Photographic Competition 2025 now open for entries

 

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: Project Manager G7

​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)

NHS England: Armed Forces health stakeholder brief - Spring 2025

NHS England’s Spring 2025 Armed Forces health stakeholder brief provides updates on the following topics:

• Op RESTORE, the NHS England-commissioned physical health and wellbeing service for veterans

• Op NOVA, the NHS England commissioned support service for veterans in the justice system

• The NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) Veteran Aware Annual Conference

• Step into Health - assisting with the transition from military service to careers within the NHS

• NHS SARCS: Care and support available to sexual assault and abuse survivors

• Latest primary care network veteran friendly accreditations

To read the brief in full please click HERE [Armed Forces Health Stakeholder Brief 2025]

Recruit for Spouses: Free programmes designed to empower and guide you every step of the way

The latest Recruit for Spouses flyer outlines a range of upcoming free employability, industry insights, and financial workshops available to members of the Armed Forces community.

The link to sign up is: RFS Portal

In addition to these workshops, RFS are now accepting applications for two further free programmes offering additional support:

1. Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme

This 6-week virtual programme is available to spouses of serving personnel, veterans, and reserves. It covers a range of topics, including:

• Managing isolation and anxiety
• Communication strategies
• Building support networks

2. Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

This programme provides support to the Foreign and Commonwealth community, helping individuals convert their home nation qualifications to their UK equivalents, alongside tailored employment support.

For further information please visit: Recruit for Spouses - Championing Military Spouses for Career Success

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – multiple locations

The Department of Work and Pensions has 76 new Executive Officer Team Leader opportunities across multiple locations. These are now open for applications until 24 Apr 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Operational Delivery - Team Leader - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK (job reference 366699)

There are jobs available at the following locations: Bangor (Gwynedd), Basildon, Bristol, Burnley, Dundee, Glasgow, Hastings, Motherwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Preston, St Austell, Stockport, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Swansea, Wigan, Wrexham

Please note: this vacancy is not on the DWP EO microsite but there is a candidate pack available within the advert content on Civil Service Jobs – see link above. Candidates will be asked to complete two online tests, then if successful complete a 250 word personal statement. If their statement is successful they will then be invited to a live Microsoft Teams interview.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust latest round of grants: Serving Families - On the Move programme

A further three projects have been awarded bringing the total number to 14 projects worth over £1.25 million! These inclusive projects will improve the quality of life for service families affected by the difficulties and challenges relocation can bring, by implementing support for families not to just adapt but thrive in their new communities - in the latest round of grants from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

Tackling the challenges head-on, each of the projects is all about connecting families with local groups, services and activities; helping to build friendships and making sure service families have a community to lean on, so relocation doesn’t have to be such a struggle.

Our CEO Anna Wright says: “This funding in vital in ensuring service families feel supported, connected and empowered as they navigate the challenges of relocation. By having these projects, we’re strengthening communities and hopefully make every move a little easier.”

Connect, build and explore

The first few weeks and months at a new location can make or break a posting. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) have funded Home-Start Norfolk to provide one-to-one practical support to settle families into their new home and provide opportunities for families to meet through baby and toddler groups and planned activities. The project also links with the community hub and HIVE service to provide bespoke resources and information on services to the new families stationed at RAF Marham.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancy in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE 429 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Fraud Officer - Ayr, Scotland
Closing Date: 6 May 2025
Job Description [DWP Fraud Officer- Ayr (Scotland)]

​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)

BFBS Update April 2025

The BFBS April Update is now available to read on line – please clink this link to view the latest news.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: 2025/26 Cash ISA now launched!

Serve and Protect Credit Union's latest Fixed Cash ISA is here 📢

Secure a guaranteed and tax-free 4% AER return on your savings for the 2025/26 tax year, while supporting the wider community of those who serve and protect. Here’s how the new Fixed Cash ISA benefits you:

Start Small, Save Big: Deposit as little as £5, with contributions up to £20,000 for this tax year.

Tax-Free Growth: Enjoy a guaranteed 4% AER return to maximise your savings effortlessly.

Peace of Mind: Your savings are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).

Community Impact: Your savings make a meaningful difference by supporting others within the credit union.

Learn more at: https://sandpcu.co.uk/isa-hs-email

Akrotiri: VE Day Celebration May

Akrotiri: Give blood

Save a Life – Give Blood!

Join us for a Blood Donation Drive on 28 April, from 11:00 to 13:00 at the Watering Hole, Akrotiri – Red Room.

Your one donation could save up to 3 lives!
To sign up, contact:
Communications.cy@sodexo.com or call the Sodexo Helpdesk at 25852302

Let’s make a difference, together.
#GiveBlood #SaveLives #SodexoCares #Akrotiri

Veterans Karting Championships with Mission Motorsport

Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service by offering exciting opportunities in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. It’s all about helping individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and have a great time doing it.

Please see the image for details of all event locations and dates.

Registration is now open for all rounds — you can sign up via the links below or simply use the QR code on the poster.

Here are the event dates and sign-up links:

Military vs Cancer Rugby Event – Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle, 21 Jun

Tackling cancer, one try at a time - Join us for the Military vs Cancer Rugby Event at Kingston Park on 21 June at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle.

This Armed Forces Day, be part of an unforgettable event that celebrates courage, community, and the fight against cancer. Watch as the UK Armed Forces Rugby Teams take on the North Select XV in thrilling men’s and women’s matches. This is more than just rugby — it’s a day of unity, remembrance, and support for a vital cause.

Honour Your Loved Ones

Make this event even more meaningful by having the name of a loved one featured on the official rugby kit worn by the players. For just £20, you can ensure their name becomes part of this incredible day. With space for 750 names, this is a unique way to celebrate someone special while supporting Military vs Cancer. Names are limited to 20 characters each — so act fast to secure your spot! To add a name to the jersey, include it in the comments when purchasing your reward online via the link or QR code. Let’s fill that kit with love, strength, and remembrance!

NEW VACANCY: DWP Application Operations Engineer - Blackpool - Closing Date for applications 28 April 2025

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE 426 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Application Operations Engineer

Blackpool
Closing Date: 28 April 2025
Job Description [Operations Engineer]

​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)

Young Carers within Armed Forces Families - Nexus Easter Newsletter

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

To find out more, and the latest updates, you can read the Easter Newsletter at: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/lf8Y498zQGK5rJt9?ref=Link