Second hand Uniform Swap at Ay Nik HIVE

Just moved to Ay Nik?

We have a second hand swap rail for school uniform (for both QBS and KRS) with summer dresses, cardigans and jumpers and polo and sports shirts. Items can be swapped for free or taken with a donation to SSAFA or Homestart.

If your children have grown out of their uniform, but it is still in good condition, please consider donating it to the HIVE to be used by other members of our community.

New BFBS Royal Air Force Documentary: Top Flight Fitness – Available to Watch Now

 

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) spent six months at RAF Cosford following trainee Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) on one of the Royal Air Force’s toughest and most demanding courses, in a brand-new programme, Top Flight Fitness.

BFBS Forces News had special access to this intense and demanding training journey, capturing the brutal workouts, military theory lessons, real-world teaching sessions, and relentless physical and mental assessments that push even the fittest to their limits.

From raw recruits straight off civvy street to experienced service personnel, the series reveals what it really takes to become a PTI, and it’s not just about six-packs and speed.

BFBS Forces News reporter Kirstie Chambers joins the course every step of the way, sharing insight into the teamwork, psychology, resilience and sheer determination it takes to earn the coveted PTI badge, she said: “They didn’t just train bodies, they built minds. The women matched the men, the competition drove camaraderie, and the real test? Just keeping up the pace.”

Expect sweat, setbacks and serious inspiration in this must-see look inside the RAF’s most physically demanding training ground.

Top Flight Fitness: What it takes to keep the RAF fighting fit, is available to watch now on BFBS Forces News 

Evolve House event on 28th Sept for frontline women, in partnership with Motorfinity and She’s Electric

Evolve House in partnership with Motorfinity and She’s Electric

An opportunity for frontline women….

Motorfinity in partnership with She’s Electric are hosting an inspiring day at Stubton Hall in Nottinghamshire / Lincolnshire border on Sunday 28th September – created especially for you, the incredible women who keep everything moving.

Whether you’re part of the UK’s Armed Forces, a Veteran, or work in the Emergency Services, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance services, Prison Services, Education, Social Care or the NHS – this event is a way to say thank you, and to give something back to the women who do so much for others.

Expect powerful conversations, expert wellbeing insight, a fun electric drive experience and a chance to recharge.

If this sounds like you, or someone in your circle, we’d encourage you to register – places are complimentary but limited.

Link to register:

https://www.sheselectric.co.uk/motorfinity-evolve-house?utm_source=toolkit&utm_medium=comms&utm_campaign=EvolveHouse

Give Us Time: new donor in the NE of England

Give Us Time have a new donor in the North East of England – please see the poster for more details and for how to book.
 

Dept of Work and Pensions: WP Work Coach Vacancies

 

The following Executive Officer work coach vacancies are now open:

Civil Service Jobs link:

Decision Making Directorate - Decision Maker - Bangor, Ty Taf (Ref: 740)

Open from 07/08/2025 to 21/08/2025

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

NEW VACANCY - DWP DECISION MAKER - MIDDLESBROUGH - CLOSING DATE: 2 SEPTEMBER 2025

 

GFIE - 447
DWP Decision Maker
Middlesbrough

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:2 September 2025

Join Our Team as a Decision-Maker in the Universal Credit Service

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you possess strong analytical skills and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service? We are seeking dedicated individuals to become key contributors within the Universal Credit service team, supporting claimants through complex decision-making processes.

Reading Force’s memoir competition for adults, children and young people – closes end of August

There is less than a month left to enter Reading Force’s 2025 writing competition, which is open to adults AND children & young people.

The deadline for entries is end of August. 

There are book tokens to win – and three entries will be published in the family federation magazines. 😊.

Akrotiri Baby Clinic

 

Army Cadets / RAF Cadets at Episkopi and Akrotiri

 

KNOW SOMEONE AGED BETWEEN 12-17? UP FOR A CHALLENGE? JOIN THE CADETS!

Join the Cadet Forces Units based in the Cyprus.

We are recruiting Cadets, Adults and Service Instructors at both the Army and Air Cadets based on the island.

1 Overseas (Akrotiri) Air Cadets is based at RAF Akrotiri, they parade Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1800-2030. Their open evening is 23rd September!

Episkopi Army Cadet Force is based at Episkopi Station, they parade Wednesdays between 1800-2000. Their recruitment evening is mid September (date TBC)!

Please fill in this form to express your interest and a member of the unit will be in touch about joining our brilliant team.

WSBA-[https://forms.office.com/e/TgrV2r2izG](https://forms.office.com/e/TgrV2r2izG)

Home Start Volunteering - Episkopi

 

We Need You! Become a Mini-Explorers Volunteer 

Our beloved Mini-Explorers group is looking for a new volunteer to help keep the adventure going! 

If you have a little one who’s walking and a couple of spare hours each week, this could be the perfect opportunity. It's a win-win — your child gets to play and explore, and you get to make new friends whilst giving something back to the community.

 No professional training needed — you don’t need to be Forest School trained. Home-Start staff will take care of all the planning. We’re just looking for someone who enjoys the outdoors and is happy to show up, join in, and bring the fun!

Interested or want to know more?
 Email us: homestartwsba@yahoo.com
 Give us a call: +357 2596 3748
 Or drop us a message right here on Facebook

Let’s keep this amazing group going — together! 

Volunteering opportunity across island

 

You ever thought about VOLUNTEERING ? British Forces Social Work Services would love to welcome you.

A little about the role :

Volunteer Befrienders can provide a wide-range of practical help and support to Service personnel and their families. Examples include visiting, welcoming, giving practical advice and support or providing transport.

Our aim

To support vulnerable children and adults who are socially isolated, who may be experiencing a period of significant difficulties, loss or change in their lives and would benefit from the input of a volunteer.

If this sounds like you then please get in touch

Episkopi Pool Timetable

 

Family Action – UK remote, full time, permanent job opportunities

Family Action have 5x UK remote, full time, permanent job adverts: ‘Not only are they all fantastic opportunities to shape what we do at Family Action and Relate (part of Family Action) but we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role and, we are also applying positive action to improve the representation of people of colour in management roles at Family Action. As such, the guaranteed interview scheme is extended to applicants of colour who meet the minimum criteria. To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person’.

Performance Business Manager – Full Time / Permanent – UK Remote - £36,842 - £41,106 FTE per annum
Closing date to apply – Tuesday 19th August at 23:59
Job ID: 1535

Continuous Improvement Manager – Full Time / Permanent – UK Remote - £42,140 - £46,240 FTE per annum
Closing date to apply – Tuesday 19th August at 23:59
Job ID: 1536

Continuous Improvement Manager – Relate Counselling Services - Full Time / Permanent – UK Remote - £42,140 - £46,240 FTE per annum
Closing date to apply – Tuesday 19th August at 23:59
Job ID: 1537

Mission Motorsport August Newsletter is now out

August is here, and it’s been a fantastic summer season so far. Mission Motorsport has been running powerful and inspiring recovery sport experiences — and the best part? There's still a lot more on the horizon.

This edition of our newsletter brings you the latest stories, a look ahead at what’s coming up, and plenty of ways for you to join in. Here's a taste of what’s included:

• Mission Motorsport Racemakers Shine at Silverstone
• Mission: Possible - Mission Motorsport Featured in IMI’s MotorPro Magazine
• Upcoming events - Beneficiary tickets available, and the Forces Family Track Day in Croft
• Fundraising Force - great efforts continuing to raise money for Mission Motorsport

You can read the newsletter by clicking the attachment or visiting our website here.

BFBS to Broadcast 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition as Official Media Partner

 

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) will deliver exclusive livestream coverage of the 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC), bringing forces audiences around the world closer to the action.

Now in its 21st year, the IDRC is the world’s premier military rugby tournament. In 2025 the second Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition will take place, running throughout August and September, featuring elite teams made up of soldiers, sailors and airwomen from armed forces around the world, plus a unique squad brought together by Vodafone and rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz. All teams will compete for the title of the greatest armed forces rugby team in the world.

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

 

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

GFIE-443 HMRC STRAP Security Officer- Stratford Regional Centre - London

Closing Date: 1st September 2025

Job Description: click here

​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)

August Quest Magazine is Out Now

To read this issue online, or any previous issues, please go to: Quest Magazine | Quest Online

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 29

 

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter is now available on the Defence Homes website and Defence Connect.

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.

Wherever your assignment order is taking you, HIVE is here to provide the local information!

 

If your posting is in the UK you can find our blog and location guides here. Please use our MS Forms enquiry function for any additional locations or if you have any enquiries.

Are you assigned overseas? If you’re posted to an overseas location where we have a HIVE, you will find information – plus our local office’s contact details – at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

Posted elsewhere overseas? Don’t worry if your new location is not listed above, the iHIVE covers the rest of the world, with over 100 location guides available plus online enquiry support.

Get Safe Online: Parents Leaflet

Get Safe Online states, “today’s children are growing up in a connected world – but that doesn’t mean they always know how to stay safe in it. As a parent, grandparent or guardian, your guidance can make a huge difference”. Get Safe Online has produced a new leaflet, which provides some practical ways to help your child explore the internet with confidence and care this summer holiday.

Alternatively, take a look at the advice on the Get Safe Online website: Are you in touch with what your kids do online? - Get Safe Online

The leaflet can be read and downloaded from this link: July25_Parents_Leaflet.pdf

Women’s International Defence Rugby – 14 Aug to 4 Sept

 

For more info: https://www.interservicerugbychampionship.co.uk/166/2582/idrc-home-page

Recruit for Spouses Career Academy: Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

Are you a member of the Foreign & Commonwealth community with a qualification from your home country that you need transferring to its UK equivalent?

Then RFS has some very exciting news to share with you!

RFS are thrilled to announce that applications are now open.

RFS will cover the costs of obtaining a Statement of Comparability and facilitate the application process, working with trusted service providers to ensure qualifications meet UK standards.

Eligibility:

• Partner of a Foreign or Commonwealth national serving in HM Forces (Royal Navy, British Army, or Royal Air Force)
• Over 18 years of age
• Partners include spouses, civil partners, fiancés(e), or individuals living with serving personnel in a relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership for at least two years

Application Requirements:

• Partner’s service number
• Date of entry to the UK
• Visa status (if applicable)

To apply for this support and service, sign up to our portal and navigate to 'programmes.'

https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in

University of York Research: Fijian Military Spouses Participation Invite

For more information and to register interest: https://forms.gle/GbeXzXmfLaBAtYoKA

BFBS August Update

To read BFBS’s latest update, please click HERE
 

Barclays Eagle Labs: Veteran and Military Spousal Founders Programme starting online on 29 Sept 2025

Designed to support those wishing to start or grow their own business, the FREE 5-week programme is completely online and consists of a series of self-learning online modules as well as access to a Barclays Champion who will act as a mentor throughout. The programme is designed to be flexible as well as virtual to allow those with work or caring responsibilities to complete it at their own pace and at their convenience.

The next cohort will start on 29 Sept 2025 and individuals who are interested in the programme can apply online using the links below (applications close on the 1 Sept 2025).

https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/diversity-at-eagle-labs/veteran-and-military-spousal-founders/

How satisfied are you with family life while serving overseas?

 

Halfway through Defence’s Overseas Families Survey – have you had your say?

Wherever you are in the world, Defence is here to support you and your family to navigate various aspects of Service life, including:

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

If you’re serving overseas, it’s important that Defence understands your positive experiences and any challenges. Your feedback will help to improve Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet your family’s needs.

Take the Overseas Families Survey.