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.
Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Help RBLI Lifeworks better understand the needs of the Army Forces Community – please complete their short online questionnaire
RBLI is exploring how to best deliver its Lifeworks Families courses to meet the unique needs of our Armed Forces Community: ‘Your input is essential in helping us shape our employment skills training to be as effective and accessible as possible’
https://forms.office.com/e/779uzXUBj0
Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Its courses equip families with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces. https://rbli.co.uk/what-we-do/lifeworks/
Fasouri Waterpark Seasonal Club Membership
Waterparks Military Discounts:
Fasouri - €24 per person over 12 years old
€15 per child 3 -11 years old
Children from 0-2 years old receive complimentary entrance
Paphos - €19.20 Adults 12 + years old
€11.20 Children 3 -11 years old
FREE for Infants under 3 years old
Valid until the 31st October 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting Partners Programme reopens for applications, closing date: 12pm on 23rd July 2025
Supporting Partners Programme reopens for applications
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Supporting Partners programme under the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!
What’s the programme all about?
Once the norm of traditional military life: the ‘stay-at-home parent and serving partner’ image no longer reflects many of today’s families.
Since 2023, the Trust have awarded over £1.5m on behalf of the MOD to 28 projects under the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme which seeks to provide support and solutions to help partners of serving personnel navigate the challenges of service life.
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Friday, 23 May 2025
Thursday, 22 May 2025
RBLI Lifeworks Families – new remote courses now available
Lifeworks Families Remote courses will run on the following dates:
Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th May
Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th June
Monday 28th - Thursday 31st July
Lifeworks Families courses are available to those in the UK and overseas.
Lifeworks families courses are available to spouses, partners, school-leaving age (and above) children and extended/blended family members.
Lifeworks Families courses are available to serving and veteran family members.
To view the Lifeworks Families leaflet, please click here
Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Following their service, ex-military personnel or reservists can experience difficulties transposing their skills into the civilian employment market, resulting in homelessness and a decline in their mental health. Our Lifeworks team ensures that the military community receives the best support possible through our FREE 4-day employment skills course within a year-long employment support programme. Not only does this cover the support but also covers the cost of travel, food, and accommodation (if necessary).
RBLI Lifeworks courses are held nationwide and tailored to suit the requirements of those who need them. Our specialist advisors and Vocational Assessors remain on hand throughout the journey to help them find the right opportunity. Lifeworks equips veterans, families, and reservists with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces.
If you’re looking for FREE employment support, or know someone who is, contact us today on 0800 3196 844 or email lifeworks@rbli.co.uk
The most recent independent evaluation can be found here : Lifeworks Evaluation by RBLI - Issuu
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
East Cyprus Veterans Breakfast Club - Brunch at Zafeiros Pernera Boardwalk
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Join the Veterans Breakfast Club on 24th May 2025 at Zafeiros, Pernera Boardwalk 1100-1400.
For more information see their facebook page: East Cyprus Breakfast Club
Dhekelia Station Inflatable Pool Session May 31st
Inflatable Pool Session - Dhekelia Station
You can get your tickets from the Hive.
Prices:
- Adults 3€
- Children 2.50€
- Under 3s Free
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Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update from DIO, 16 May 25
Early adopters of new online platform HomeHub
DIO in collaboration with Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO, have invited a small group of Personnel and families as early adopters of HomeHub – a new online platform for households to easily manage repairs, appointments and their SFA in general.
Monday, 19 May 2025
Defence update - Your Offer - recognising your service
What Defence is doing to improve Service life and information on support and opportunities for you and your family.
The substantial range of benefits and allowances available in your Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of military life and individual needs, at home and abroad.Pay is the most well-recognised aspect of the Offer, but the breadth and complexity of everything that’s included within the Armed Forces employee package means it can be difficult to navigate and understand.
That’s why work is underway to help simplify the way we talk about ‘Your Offer’ – with Discover My Benefits being the place to go to find out what’s covered, what it’s worth, where to find out more and what you need to do.
What is Discover My Benefits?
Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) bank holiday arrangements for 26 May 2025
The Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) office opening arrangements are different for the 26 May bank holiday.
England, Scotland and Wales:
On Monday 26 May offices and phone lines are closed.
To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.
If the expected payment date is Monday 26 May then benefits will be paid early on Friday 23 May. If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Gov.uk News Update: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare
Government announces £1.8 million investment to transform NHS care for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Armed forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the government has announced as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.
The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, doctors and NHS nurses will work with regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services.
To read this news announcement in full please go to: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare
(SFA) Communications Update 13 May 25: Business from Home - update
Applications to run a Business from Home in your Service Family Accommodation (SFA) were paused in January 2025, to allow a review of the policy and associated processes to take place.
This review has now been completed, and DIO is able to confirm that the processing of applications to run a Business from Home has resumed with immediate effect.
The existing guidance and application form for running a Business from Home is available here. DIO is working with Pinnacle to finalise some adjustments to the application process, form and policy. Once these changes are finalised, the policy will be updated and shared on the Pinnacle website in the near future.
Under the changes, those operating a Business from Home can expect to receive better and clearer communication from a named Housing Officer who can help answer their specific housing related queries.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business
Those working on the frontline with vulnerable veterans know this challenge all too well. It’s why the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) has made this a key priority in their Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme (EVPS), awarding over £1.5 million to 18 projects that are driving real change in veteran suicide prevention.
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Forces Employment Charity: Heropreneurs Awards nominations close on 10 Jun 25
Do you know someone in the military community who deserves recognition for their entrepreneurial achievements?
The Heropreneurs Awards celebrate the exceptional talent and entrepreneurial spirit within the military community. With four categories still open, now is the time to nominate yourself, a friend or a family member for one of these prestigious awards.
Don’t miss your chance to recognise the exceptional contributions of the military community! Nominations close on 10 June 2025.
To view the latest update on award nominations, and how to nominate, please click HERE
Thursday, 8 May 2025
Frontfoot Jobs: Engineering job opportunities open nationwide
Frontfoot Jobs are pleased to announce that they now have engineering job opportunities open nationwide.
Please visit their website for more details : https://www.frontfoot.life/jobs and any questions please get in touch with admin@frontfoot.jobs
National Stop Loan Sharks week 2025 – 19 to 25 May
It can take time – sometimes months, even years – for someone to reach out for help with a loan shark debt.
Stop Loan Sharks figures show some borrowers waited for around four years before seeking support. But it’s worth it when they do.
These are real words from borrowers who took that brave first step and reached out to Stop Loan Sharks for help:
“It feels like a massive weight has been lifted.”
“You just understand and haven’t been judgemental.”
“After reporting you came back really quickly which put my mind at rest.”
“The person on the hotline created an immediate bond with me. I feel so much better.”
The Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7. No call centres. No scripts. Just real people who care.
Call in confidence on 0300 555 2222
· Text or WhatsApp on 07860 022116
· Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
· Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk where you will find a reporting form and a Live Chat option, available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Ay Nik - Mental Health Awareness Week
JSSU (Cyp) will be holding a series of events to mark Mental Health Awareness Week. Everyone who lives and/or works on Ayios Nikolaos Station is welcome to attend.
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations UK-wide - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
GFIE 433 – HMRC Field Collections Team - Debt Collector (Multiple Locations)
30 posts in England, Wales (Bilingual required), Scotland and Northern Ireland
Job Description GFIE-433
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)
Gov.uk News Update: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network
Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system announced 5 May, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.
To read the news update in full, please go to: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network
Little Troopers reunites military families in first-of-its-kind family reconnection weekend
‘Credit to Paul Brewer Photography’
Military families were reunited this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, kicked off the first of their “All Together” family reconnection weekends.
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 charity hosted its first weekend this week in Portland, Dorset, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the Portland Outdoor Centre in Castletown.
Families arrived on Friday (2nd May), kicking off the weekend by spending time together over a beautiful sunset on the beach and drinking hot chocolates.
On the second day, families got to try out coasteering at Portland Bill, exploring the shoreline by swimming, jumping, scrambling and climbing the rocks and cliffs, and learning coastal bushcraft and cooking fish on the fire. Families headed home on Sunday 4th May after giving kayaking, rafting and stand-up paddleboarding a go.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced their Free from Fear Programme is once again accepting applications for funding.
In 2024/25 the Trust awarded over £1M to seven major projects under their Free from Fear programme which seeks to address and prevent domestic abuse within serving armed forces communities.
The programme is seeking applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.
· Effective measures are delivered to prevent incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities and these address emerging and current challenges.
· Clear routes are provided which enable victim-survivors from armed forces communities to access effective support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
· Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.
Grants of £75,000 to £150,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Quest Magazine – May Edition
To read this issue (and previous editions) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/pages/magazine-archive
VE Day: Defence Discount Service special offer at Tesco 8-11 May
Show your Defence Discount Service (DDS) Privilege Card, Forces Personnel ID card, or Veterans card at the checkout and save 10% in-store at Tesco, from 8-11 May.
To help mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and recognise our Armed Forces, Tesco is giving all DDS cardholders an exclusive 10% off in-store grocery shopping.
Whether you’re celebrating with a street party, testing out a traditional wartime recipe or need to stock up on your everyday essentials, the discount with Tesco can help you save.
Defence Children Services (DCS) Attendance Week 2025: Celebrating School Attendance, Achievement and Educational Opportunities Available to Service Children
Service Children are excelling in their educational journey, embracing diverse opportunities to learn in schools across the globe. Despite the challenges of high mobility rates that can lead to educational gaps, DCS are proud to highlight the remarkable attendance rates in educational facilities within Host Nations worldwide, and in DCS Schools and Settings, whose attendance is consistently above the UK national average.
In collaboration with the Education Welfare Service, DCS Schools and Settings are championing the significance of education for all Service Children overseas. They aim to raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities accessible to Service Children and address the issues and trends that may impact their attendance and achievement.
Join us in supporting this vital campaign by sharing this article, advocating for school attendance in your community, and fostering a positive dialogue about education, attendance, and attainment. Together, let's ensure every Service Child receives the best educational experience possible.
For more information about the services provided by DCS, please visit their website.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities
Fifteen projects have been awarded a share of almost £800,000 in grants to empower partners and spouses of serving personnel by opening opportunities to upskilling and exploring new work solutions - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund.
The projects will also provide tools. Resources and training to support partners move into a job or a career change, and to build easier access to wellbeing support as part of the Fund's Supporting Partners programme.
Anna Wright, CEO of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, said: "This award will provide vital support for service spouses and partners, helping them build resilience, connect with others, and navigate the challenges of military family life. It also opens new opportunities, offering practical guidance and wellbeing activities, to create a stronger, more confident community.”
Opening new opportunities
Each project will address at least one of the following outcomes:
· Improve the mental health and wellbeing of partners and spouses of serving personnel.
· Raise awareness of the unique challenges faced and improve access to services to overcome challenges.
· Identify and address known and emergency gaps in provision.
· Provide opportunities to upskill and explore new ways of working.
Strengthening connections and building resilience
Excel Together is putting their £57,000 award to good use with a focus on non-UK nationals. They’re helping the partners and spouses of service personnel - including reservists, - to settle into life in the UK, offering support with mental health awareness, practical skills, and social connections. With a mix of online and in-person sessions, they’ll help people build resilience, tackle loneliness and find their feet in a new career.
Sushila Magar, Project Manager told us:
"We are truly honoured and overjoyed to receive this funding. It means so much to our organisation and the Nepali community we serve. This support will allow us to empower non-UK national spouses with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. Through this programme, we can help our community build a vital support network and thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally in the UK. For many, this will be the first time they feel truly seen, heard, and supported — and we’re so excited to begin this meaningful journey together."
Tackling loneliness, improving wellbeing
In partnership with 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, ‘Tackling Life Together' is a project all about early support for the mental health and wellbeing of reservists’ partners and spouses. Awarded £40,623, the project was designed with those it helps and will offer a weekly programme of group activities to help to tackle loneliness, boost mental health, and inspire positive futures.
David Abbott, Armed Forces Coordinator told us:
“Developed in partnership with 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and co-produced with reservists’ families, Tackling Life Together is an early intervention programme using weekly group activities to combat loneliness, boost mental wellbeing, and inspire healthy aspirations.”
Find out more Check out the full list of awards made in this latest round on the Trust website
Are you on the mailing list?
Did you know the Trust have a newsletter dedicated to the AF3 programmes? Get the latest updates and news straight to your inbox Sign up here.
Family Action Job Opportunity: Social Media Manager, Full Time, Home-based
Family Action Social Media Manager, Permanent, UK Remote, Full Time, £36,842 to £41,106 FTE per annum
A great opportunity to lead Family Action’s social media and manage a team of two Social Media Executives, driving brand awareness, income generation and service marketing whilst also providing strategic insight around wider external engagement activity.
Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Milspo Thrive, 13th May, a FREE ONLINE summit designed to help Military spouses and partners grow a business that works for them
Are you a military spouse or partner running a business (or dreaming of starting one)?
Join us on 13 May for Milspo Thrive – a FREE ONLINE summit designed to help you grow a business that works for you, wherever military life takes you.
✨ Hear from expert speakers
🤝 Connect with fellow military spouse business owners
📈 Walk away with practical tools and fresh inspiration
Join the waitlist: www.milspo.co.uk/milspothrive2025
Give Us Time - new respite breaks available!
We are absolutely thrilled to have a new set of donations for 2025 from Meadow Bay Villages
We have 20 breaks available in June, September and October at Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, and Hayling Island Holiday Park, near Portsmouth. That’s 10 breaks at each park, all running Monday to Friday!
This is Meadow Bay’s second year donating to Give Us Time and we’re delighted to have their ongoing support for our Forces families.
Nikki Rathie, Holidays Director, Meadow Bay Villages, said "At Meadow Bay, we believe in the power of time well spent—especially for those who give so much of theirs in service to others. Donating midweek breaks to Give Us Time is our way of saying thank you to military families, offering them a chance to reconnect, recharge, and make lasting memories in the peaceful surroundings of our parks. It’s a small gesture, but one filled with immense gratitude."
Alex Youngs, Operations Director, Give Us Time, said, “We are honoured and grateful to receive another generous donation from Meadow Bay. Thanks to their generosity, we are able to help more families get away to rest, reconnect and strengthen the bonds that are so essential to our wellbeing."
For more info, please email enquiries@giveustime.org.uk
DIO SFA Communications Update: An introduction to the Defence Homes website
DIO has launched a new website called Defence Homes for Service personnel and their families, as part of our commitment to enhance the overall SFA experience.
The Defence Homes site hosts the latest SFA information and updates, and has now replaced the Service Family Accommodation pages on GOV.UK.
The Defence Homes site is a helpful and improved source of information and support for your SFA queries. Features on the new site include: SFA news – helping you easily access the latest Families First newsletter
Events within your local community – sign up to a SFA Roadshow
Find out who’s who – read more about the teams who are here to support you
Information and guidance – to support you throughout your time in SFA, such as requesting a repair or reporting an issue
