Episkopi: Pool Bar - Chelona

COME IN — WE’RE OPEN!

Chelona Episkopi is Back!

Now Freshly Renovated with a

*New Family-Friendly Area & Proudly Serving Costa Coffee

New Look. Same Heart. Even Better Vibes.

Monday-Friday: 08:30-14:00 / 17:30-23:00

Saturday - Sunday: 09:30-14:00 / 17:30 - 23:00

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse - Welfare staff interviews request

SafeLives are keen to speak with Army Welfare Officers and Unit Welfare Officers who have experience of supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse. They want to understand your experiences of providing welfare support, and hear your views on the barriers victim/survivors from military families and relationships may face when trying to access help.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Army Personnel ABF

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse victims/survivors interviews request

Survivor Interviews

SafeLives, with support from the Army Benevolent Fund, is looking to improve the domestic abuse response for victim/survivors from serving and veteran families.

SafeLives want to hear directly from victim/survivors who have lived experience of domestic abuse in military families or relationships. Their voices are central to this work.

Victim/survivors who take part will also receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Survivor ABF

Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy in Southern England

🚨Become a Champion for Service Children🚨

Forces Employment Charity are looking for a passionate and motivated Youth Employment Advisor to join their team!

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people from Armed Forces families? 🎓💼

In this rewarding role, you’ll:
✅ Provide 1:1 & group support to young people navigating their #career and #education choices
✅ Work with schools, colleges, and organisations to inspire the next generation
✅ Help break down barriers and open doors to brighter futures
✅ Raise aspirations & build confidence

💡 They are looking for someone compassionate, proactive, and ready to empower service children with the guidance they need to thrive.

Experience in Youth Work or a Post-16 education setting would be ideal.

📍 Location: Remote but frequent travel across Wiltshire, Hampshire & Surrey is required, so living within either county is preferable. The role requires you to attend schools at various times during the school day, so you must have your own car to get to and from events. https://forcesemployment.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=9dabea51-3e5e-4e16-80d7-ea3a30aba98c

🕒 Full-time

🔗 Apply now or share with someone who'd be perfect: https://forcesemployment.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=9dabea51-3e5e-4e16-80d7-ea3a30aba98c

ACORN programme run by ManKind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

This course has less than six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

Give Us Time: Welfare Summer Update

 

For more information, please visit www.giveustime.org.uk

Alternatively please follow them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Family Focus Programme reopens for applications

When a serving person becomes wounded, injured, or sick, life can change quickly for those around them. Family members might take on the role of primary carer, carrying a heavy emotional and practical load during recovery.

Ongoing support is essential. Its helps carers recognise their own needs and ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

In 2024/25, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded more than £1.3 million to 16 projects under the Family Focus programme to improve the lives of family members of Wounded, Injured or Sick personnel and veterans.

Focus on family members

Today, the Trust are opening this programme and inviting applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel better informed and more able to access relevant information, advice and guidance, applicable to their situation.
• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel less lonely/isolated, more resilient and better equipped to deal with their circumstances.
• Family members of those who are wounded, injured and sick have developed their skills for work, or have greater confidence to pursue volunteering or employment when it's right for them.

Grants of between £50,000 and £100,000 are available for projects lasting 12-18 months, which focus on addressing the needs of family members currently experiencing significant impact to their lives.

The Trust are looking for projects that recognise that each family has a unique set of circumstances. You’ll take a person-centred approach with tailored support and information, and there will be tangible outcomes for those you are working with.

What’s new for 2025/26?

The programme will focus on interventions that explore and pilot innovative solutions, as well as projects that refine and implement learning from successful recent pilots.

The Trust also welcome initiatives that embed good practice or build upon and expand services developed and tested within the past five years. These projects should sit outside an organisations core or routine work, offering opportunities to innovate and grow based on proven foundations.

Applications will be accepted from:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Local authorities
• NHS organisations

Full eligibility is available on the Trust website Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Find out more

Full details of this funding opportunity are available on the Trust’s dedicated Family Focus programme page.

Application deadline is 12pm Wednesday 24 September 2025.

Gov.uk: Emergency Alerts Sunday 7 September at 3pm

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.

Your mobile phone or tablet will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent. The alert message will confirm this is a test and that you do not need to take any further action.

Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency. Find out more at gov.uk/alerts.

You can opt out of the Emergency Alerts, including the national test, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety.

Emergency Alerts will warn you via your mobile or tablet if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. Only the government and the emergency services are able to send them.











There are simple and effective steps we can all take to be more prepared for an emergency. Visit gov.uk/prepare for advice on how you can prepare.

Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF): Carers and Careers Survey

Are you juggling life in the Armed Forces while caring for someone with additional needs or a disability? Whether you're serving yourself or you're the partner of someone who is, if you're a carer, the Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) wants to hear from you!

FANDF is collecting lived experiences through a short survey, and the results will be shared directly with the MOD and policymakers at our next committee meeting.

Complete the survey now—it only takes a few minutes but could help shape the future: https://forms.office.com/e/zT65EDwM9

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager, Plymouth

 

The Department of Work and Pensions has 12 new Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager Executive Officer opportunities in Plymouth. These are now open for applications until 4 Aug 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Child Maintenance Service - Enforcement Case Manager - Plymouth (Ref: 735) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

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

 

Forces Employment Charity: Empowering You employment workshop - 15 to 17 Sept 2025

 

Empowering You is a hybrid three-day employability and confidence-building workshop in collaboration with Barclays and Forces Employment Charity

Event Overview

Days 1 and 3 are virtual. On day 2, delegates will be hosted at three Barclays locations (simultaneously). Day 3 you will meet employers online from across industries who value the skills and qualities that people from the Armed Forces Community bring.

Join us in person at one of the illustrious Barclays locations in London, Knutsford or Glasgow.

The event is for military spouses and partners (all genders), ex-military women and reservists.

What can you expect:

• Receive a free one-to-one mentoring session with a corporate mentor
• Hear directly from employers about pathways for the Armed Forces community and regional job opportunities
• Understand the value that your transferrable skills can bring to employers and gain confidence in yourself
• Expert sessions delivered by our Families Employment Advisors who are all military spouses or partners with lived experience and who have served too.

Dates and times:

This event takes place on the 15th - 17th September 2025.

Virtual event timings (days 1 and 3): 10:00 – 13.00 (duration may vary due to group sizes)

In-person event timings (day 2): 10.00 – 16.00

Locations on day 2:

• Barclays Radbroke Campus – Knutsford WA16 9EU
• Barclays Glasgow Campus – 30 Clyde Place, Glasgow, Glasgow G5 8AQ
• Barclays Headquarters – 1 Churchill Pl, London E14 5RB

Registration Link and Further Info:

Registration Form

Event Overview

Recruit for Spouses: What’s on this Summer?

 

RFS are offering a number of events programmes and services over the coming months.

All services are free to access for military spouses, partners, veterans, and serving personnel.

Events include:

• Wellbeing Programme: We are currently accepting registrations for our six-week virtual programme, supported by a psychoeducational therapist. The sessions are designed to reduce isolation and help participants forge meaningful connections.
• Coaching & Mentoring Programme: We have spaces available in our coaching and mentoring initiative. With a pool of over 80 volunteers from various sectors – including BAE, Virgin, and AMS – we’re ready to match individuals with mentors who can support professional development or help build confidence. Our Coaching and Mentoring Manager, Helen Callis, is available to guide participants every step of the way.

For more information on Recruit for Spouses, please visit: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/

To register and sign up, please go to: RFS Portal

Appeal for donations for those affected by wildfires in Cyprus

 

Episkopi: Vultures Volleyball

Forces Families Jobs: X-Forces Start-up Skills Workshop – online 30 & 31 Jul

 

X-Forces two-day Business Start-Up Skills course expands on the content from the Self-Employment Discovery workshop.
This course provides members of the military community specific training to enable them to launch and sustain a business. The course is ideal for anyone interested in starting their own business or enterprise and is tailored towards your specific business idea.
Find out more & sign up at: https://bit.ly/3GLdjTn

 

Little Troopers: All together Build-A-Bear workshops on 13 Aug

 

All Together this Summer!

Little Troopers has once again partnered with Build-A-Bear Workshop to bring a very special experience to military children across the UK this summer!

Is your little trooper missing a deployed parent?

If your child has a parent currently deployed, you can apply to attend one of our exclusive group workshops happening nationwide. Each child will have the magical opportunity to create their very own ‘Little Troopers’ bear at Build-A-Bear — a treasured keepsake to hold close while their parent is away.

A Nationwide Shared Moment

On the same day and at the same time, children in multiple Build-A-Bear locations will come together for this special summer event — a moment of connection and comfort for our military families.

Event Details:

Date: 13th August 2025

Time: Approximately 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Age Group: Military children aged 4–10 years, each accompanied by one adult

Locations: Windsor, Exeter, Edinburgh, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Southampton, Maidstone, and Newcastle Build-A-Bear Workshops

Apply via the form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPKJPVR

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

 

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Covenant Fund programme, Hidden Voices, reopens for applications

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has reopened the Hidden Voices programme for applications. This is the second year of this popular programme with funded projects last year supporting:

-          veterans in the justice system in

-          LGBT+ veterans

-          victim-survivors of Military Sexual Violence

-          carers in armed forces communities

-          foreign & commonwealth personnel

-          And more…!

Free August webinars from Serve and Protect Credit Union

 

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

Thu 7th - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money

Thu 14th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money

Wed 20th - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

Thu 21st - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score

Thu 28th - Before You Borrow: Key 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

 

 

 

Akrotiri Sunrise Meditations

 

Akrotiri Chelona childrens fun day.

 

Get ready for a morning full of fun, games & smiles at Chelona in Akrotiri!

This Saturday – 26th of July

10:00 – 12:00

A cheerful kids fun leader will keep the little ones entertained with games, music, and laughter

Special guest: Stitch will be there to play, hug, and take photos!

Meanwhile, parents can enjoy their coffee, drinks, and snacks

Don’t miss this joyful morning at Chelona — a perfect mix of play and relaxation for the whole family!

See you in just 3 days!

British Forces Social Work Service are looking for volunteers

Become a BFSWS Community Volunteer in Cyprus!

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of British Forces families serving in Cyprus?
We're looking for extraordinary people to join our team of BFSWS Community Volunteers.

Whether offering practical help during difficult times or simply being a friendly face, your support can truly improve the quality of life for our British Forces personnel and their families.

Make a positive impact
Support others through challenges
Enjoy a rewarding and meaningful experience
Whatever role you choose, you’ll be part of something that matters.

To find out more, contact us at:
contactuscyprus@forcessocialwork.com

Together, we can make a difference. 
#BFSWS #VolunteerInCyprus #SupportOurForces #CommunityMatters #MakeADifference

Akrotiri: Astra Cinema- August Schedules

RAF Job Opportunities for Rejoiners and Inter-Service Transferees

RAF Recruitment | Rejoiners | Royal Air Force

Military Mortgage Advice – Housing Webinars, July to Sept 25

 

 

Webinars | Military Mortgage Advice

Akrotiri Library Summer Reading Challenge

 

Akrotiri Library Assistant

 

Akrotiri- Turtlewatch Shop volunteers

 

Turtlewatch shop are looking for volunteers 

If you have any spare time and fancy volunteering or for more information please contact

jackwilkins222@hotmail.com

You can pick what hours suit you best. The shop is currently open 

Tuesday & Thursday 9-11am

Akrotiri Swimming Pool Summer Timetables

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

 

If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.

Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• safeguarding

Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.

How to complete the survey

You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

You have until Saturday 30 August to make your voice heard.

Help us to help you

The more people that complete the survey, the better able Defence is to make informed choices on how to improve various aspects of Service life for you and your family.

The previous Overseas Families Survey contributed to the launch of Defence’s new Families Hub – this is a one-stop-shop digital platform, which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations, to help navigate Service family life. Topics include childcare, partner employment, housing, welfare and much more. – this is a one-stop-shop digital platform, which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations, to help navigate Service family life. Topics include childcare, partner employment, housing, welfare and much more.

If you have questions about the survey, please contact the MOD Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding team: people-AFFS-data-research@mod.gov.uk.

To view previous survey results, visit GOV.UK.

Useful information and resources

To find out about the range of allowances, opportunities, and benefits for you and your family, visit the Discover My Benefits site.

For useful signposting to information, guidance and support to help navigate Service family life, visit the Families Hub.

To explore Defence’s plan to drive forward positive initiatives for Service families, read the Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022-2032.

For information and support on a wider variety of topics affecting your Service and personal life, including relocation and local area information, contact the relevant HIVE:

• Royal Navy Family and People Support
• Army HIVE
• Royal Air Force HIVE

The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter: Family Support together

 To read online, please click Summer 2025 Newsletter