Sodexo Announcement - Cyprus Bank holiday 01 October

 

DIO Families First Newsletter for SFA Occupants – Issue 30 Out Now

Issue 30 of DIO’s Families First newsletter, dated 25 Sept, is now available to view online or download on the Defence Homes website

Akrotiri - BFSWS Coffee morning

 

Ladies Leading Health and Wellbeing Event

 

Cyprus walkdown

 

Blesma's 11k

 

DMWS offer a new online counselling service for Serving and Reservist women across the UK

Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, DMWS are proud to offer a new online counselling service for serving and reservist women across the UK.

With their military expertise, they understand the unique pressures of service life. This service gives those in need a safe space to talk, connect, and feel heard.

This free, confidential support is tailored to service women’s needs and covers:

✨Stress and anxiety

✨Loneliness and isolation

✨Health concerns

✨Relationship and family issues

✨Work pressures and more
📧Self-refer by emailing: seenandheard@dmws.org.uk
☎️Or call their free helpline for support: 0800 999 3697

To find out more about this exciting project, visit https://dmws.org.uk/seen-and-heard/

 

Conference: How military partners fit within the workforce of the future – 3 Nov

Monday 3 November, 9:00 – 17:00, Town House, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EQ

Kingston University are holding an important conference on the employability and skills of Service partners. Hear about the latest research which highlights the skills of Service partners in the workplace, and consider the practical steps needed to ensure these are incorporated – and valued – at work.

Serving personnel and partners, including those who are dual-serving and Reservists, are welcome to attend. Veterans, policy makers, employers and related organisations are also invited.

This event is free to attend and will offer refreshments and networking opportunities.

Find out more about the event and register your place in advance.

BFC Cyprus Walkdown

Episkopi: Community Events

Episkopi: Pop Up Market

Episkopi: Swimming Pool Timetable

Nexus: Young Carers within the Armed Forces - Autumn Newsletter and Upcoming Webinars

 

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.

The Autumn Newsletter can be read online at this link: Autumn Nexus Newsletter.

A new webinar series ‘A guide to the Armed Forces Covenant for young carers services’ has also been scheduled, with the first webinar taking place on the 11th November at 13:00. For more information please click here.

BFBS Big Salute BIG10 2025 - 16 Oct

BFBS says, 

“We’re holding a massive day of fundraising for The Big Salute on Thursday October 16th and we’d LOVE you to get involved!

We’re inviting you to organise an event that will raise much-needed funds for small military charities. Charities that will help serving personnel, veterans and military families.

This year, the theme is the Big 10. How about a 10 hour endurance challenge, 10 laps of a swimming pool, baking 10 cakes for a Big Salute bake sale, or do something crazy like pull a truck for 10 meters! You could even organise 10 raffles, a 10 round pub quiz, take 10 dogs for a walk - you get the idea!

Your event can be as big or as small as you can manage. Every little helps!

You can download resources like posters and bunting to add a little sparkle to your excellent efforts and a sponsorship form here - https://www.bfbs.com/big10

Donations can be made at - https://www.justgiving.com/bigsalute/donate "

Give Us Time: Two last minute breaks available - Cornwall and North Wales

 

Give Us Time have TWO last minute breaks available FOR NEXT WEEK– Monday 29th September to Friday 3rd October.

Hengar Manor, Cornwall – sleeps up to 8 people

https://www.parkholidays.com/our-parks/cornwall/hengar-manor/caravan-holidays

Located in the heart of Cornwall and set on a stunning country estate, Hengar Manor occupies the grounds of a 35-acre country estate and is a great location from which to explore the delights of North Cornwall. With the rolling hills of Bodmin Moor nearby and the popular seaside towns of Port Isaac and Padstow a short distance away, it is easy to see why we are such a popular choice for a Cornwall holiday.

Brynteg Country and Leisure Retreat, North Wales– sleeps up to 6 people

https://www.parkholidays.com/our-parks/wales/brynteg/caravan-holidays

Perfectly placed in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our Brynteg Country & Leisure Retreat offers stunning views of Snowdonia and the surrounding countryside of North Wales. Nestled in the foothills of Snowdon with its own private lake, Brynteg offers majestic mountain ranges, stunning beaches, and charming countryside. Whether it’s exploring castles in Caernarfon, soaking up history in Llanberis, or relaxing on Anglesey’s miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why people escape here time after time. For those who enjoy a more leisurely pace of life, indulge in the on-park facilities including an indoor pool, gym, restaurant, and bar.

Both breaks are available on our website now - https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login.

As always;

Breaks are accommodation only – we can not cover the costs of travel, food, entertainment etc

Families will need an account - https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 19 September 25

An update on SFA maintenance appointments

The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April 2025 shared our commitment to provide reliable repairs and clearer communication for serving personnel and families.

In response to your feedback and to improve our service to you, we are making a change to the allocated appointment window for SFA repairs and maintenance bookings.

We currently provide a one-hour window when you can expect an engineer to arrive at your property to carry out repairs and maintenance tasks on behalf of Amey or VIVO. While we had hoped this would provide you with greater certainty around the timing of the engineer’s arrival, we have found that providing such a short window can make it difficult to achieve the best outcomes for you.

We understand it can be frustrating when our maintenance teams arrive early or late for appointments, or when tasks are not completed within the allocated time because they need to move onto the next appointment. Similarly, where jobs require spare parts, there is not always time to complete the task within the allocated time slot and follow-up appointments are often required.

From 1 October 2025, you will be given a 4-hour window within which your engineer will arrive to carry out your repairs and maintenance tasks. This aligns line with common industry standards and will allow engineers more time to complete tasks fully, as well as undertaking any additional tasks identified to reduce the need for follow up visits.

Extending the arrival window will mean our teams will get to more appointments on time and enable them to spend longer completing jobs to deliver a better service for you and families.

Requests for repairs and maintenance to your home should continue to be directed to Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628, who will book your appointment and confirm the four-hour window. You will receive a reminder message from Amey or Vivo the day before your appointment.

New complaints process (UK SFA)

DIO and our suppliers are focused on providing the best service we can to you and your families. However, we know sometimes things go wrong and we want to ensure you feel heard and supported.

The SFA Consumer Charter, published in April 2025, outlines a series of commitments we will be making to improve our accommodation service offer. This includes a revised, streamlined complaints process that will shorten the process to two stages in line with industry best practice, so that you have quicker resolution.   

In collaboration with Chief of Defence People Accommodation team, important changes have been made to the complaints process currently outlined in Joint Service Publication (JSP) 464. These changes are designed to make the process quicker, simpler, and more robust, providing you with greater confidence and assurance.

What’s changing?

From 1 October 2025, the current three-stage complaints process for UK SFA will be streamlined into a new two-stage process:

Stage 1: There is no change to how complaints are initially raised, and the Stage 1 process will remain as it is now. However, DIO will be providing greater assurance of our suppliers to ensure quicker resolution is provided for you. Where there are difficulties in meeting the timescales promulgated in the Service Level Agreement, they will verify that there is strong justification for this.

Stage 2: This will combine the current Stage 2 and Stage 3 complaints into one streamlined step, making the process more efficient. There will also be scope within this for more complex cases to be forwarded to a panel for consideration. The panel will include DIO, Accommodation Policy, Subject Matter Experts and Housing Colonels or representative. By reducing the number of stages, we’ll be able to resolve complaints more quickly while maintaining fairness and transparency.

Complaints that require escalation from Stage 1 to Stage 2 will usually be because of one of the following factors:

The resolution provided at stage one has not resolved the issues of the complainant.

The complainant believes procedure and/or policy may not have been followed.

The complainant believes key information has been overlooked.

What isn’t changing?

The policies and procedures for UK SLA complaints, and any overseas complaints, will not be changed by the introduction of this new process for UK SFA.

DIO engagement

Escalation of a complaint from Stage 1 to Stage 2 means that the complainant remains dissatisfied, and complaints are generally more challenging to resolve. As such, there will be an opportunity to engage with a member of the DIO Customer Services Team through new customer calls. The Customer Services Team may need to gain more context around the complaint to help drive timely resolution. The success of customer calls will be dependent upon everyone engaging with professionalism and mutual respect.

When will this happen?

The new process will take effect from midnight on 1 October 2025:

Any complaints raised before 2359 hrs on 30 September 2025 will continue to follow the current three-stage process until they are resolved.

Any complaints raised from 0000 hrs on 1 October 2025 will follow the new two-stage process.

Why are we making these changes?

We know how important it is for you to feel supported. These changes are being introduced to:

        Speed up the time it takes to resolve complaints

        Simplify the process

        Provide a more robust and effective system for everyone

        Provide greater assurance across both stages to drive swifter resolution

        Enable greater support and accessibility to DIO for the most complex of 

        complaints where a conversation may be beneficial in aiding resolution

How can you learn more?

We’ve put together a FAQ document about the new process on the Defence Homes website.

For further queries about the revised process or to share feedback about these changes please contact DIORDAccn-Complaints-Feedback@mod.gov.uk.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to refine our processes to improve the way we serve you.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – HEO Universal Credit Operational Leader roles, Scotland

The Department for Work and Pensions has 51 new DWP Universal Credit Operational Leader Higher Executive Officer opportunities available across various locations in Scotland. These are now open for applications until 30 Sept 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Operational Leader - Scotland (Ref: 748)

Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub / Executive Officer Recruitment , DWP

Mission Motorsport’s 2025 Race of Remembrance Launch – Friday 3 October, Thruxton Circuit

 

On Friday 3 October 2025, Mission Motorsport, The Forces’ Motorsport Charity – will launch the 2025 “Race of Remembrance” at Thruxton Circuit.

They warmly invite you to join them for this free, multi-activity day to:

Meet some of the teams taking part in the event

Connect with beneficiaries and supporters in the paddock

Experience the build-up to the charity’s highlight of the sporting year: the Remembrance Service with an endurance race attached

Event Details

Date: Friday 3 October 2025

Time: 09:00 – 17:00 hrs

Location: Thruxton Circuit

Important: This is a ticketed event and pre-registration is required.

Please register using the link below or by scanning the QR code on the attached poster:

https://RoR-launch2025.eventbrite.co.uk

BFBS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BFBS TV FOR ARMED FORCES AT RTS CAMBRIDGE CONVENTION 2025

 

Today, BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) proudly marks BFBS TV’s 50th anniversary. First launched on 18th September 1975 in Celle, West Germany, this golden milestone coincides with the Royal Television Society’s (RTS) Cambridge Convention at King’s College, a fitting stage to celebrate five decades of trusted partnerships, delivering top-quality television to the UK Armed Forces and their families overseas.

On its inaugural broadcast Hilary Osborn declared: “It is a historic moment for us in BFBS as we open up our first television service.” From a 30-foot mobile control room at Trenchard Barracks, with content support and engineering expertise from the BBC and ITV contractor London Weekend Television, BFBS TV began transmitting UK programmes abroad.

From tape distribution in 1975 in Celle, to live news and sports via a bespoke microwave link in the 1980’s - stretching from Wembley across northern, eastern and western Europe, eventually reaching West Berlin – to satellite coverage in the 1990’s and the introduction of multi-channel and initial live services for the Royal Navy, BFBS TV has consistently adapted to meet the needs of its audience.

The launch of secure streaming in 2014, followed by on-demand services in 2018 brought BFBS TV into the digital era, offering over 2,000 hours of content to browse, and up to 40 live channels wherever personnel are posted. This includes bespoke edge solutions enabling streaming, catch-up TV, audio and digital print offerings, whether at sea or in locations where connectivity is limited.

As of 2025, BFBS TV works with more than 20 trusted partners including British public service broadcasters, subscription TV and streaming platforms, international studios and sports rights holders, all supporting the service in reaching armed forces communities overseas.

Ben Chapman, CEO of BFBS, said: “Celebrating 50 years of BFBS TV at the RTS Convention was a powerful moment to honour our history and thank the studios, stakeholders, and teams whose outstanding content and collaborative partnerships have kept the UK Armed Forces connected for half a century. We also raised a glass to every colleague who has made this possible.”

Adam Hardwick, Deputy Director of BFBS TV & Cinemas, added: “Reaching this milestone is about recognising the breadth of services BFBS TV delivers today. From live sports, movies and series to trusted news, children’s content and so much more, we’re proud to offer a service that continues to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of the armed forces community wherever they are deployed or posted.”

More information on BFBS TV can be found here.

CSF Visits to Cyprus

CSF Education will be in Cyprus from the 22nd September 2025, visiting bases to connect with military families. Details of where they will be are above. Their focus is on providing information and support regarding boarding school options and the opportunities available for these families.

For more information about our services, please visit:

• https://www.csfeducation.co.uk
• https://www.csfeducation.co.uk/blog/

Armed Forces Commissioner Bill becomes law

 
With Royal Assent, we move closer to appointing the first Armed Forces Commissioner, giving personnel and families an independent voice to champion their welfare.

Further information: First ever independent Armed Forces Champion gets the 'royal seal' - GOV.UK

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): New vacancies across Northern England - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme, all are Dept of Work & pensions roles, and all have a closing date of 8 Oct:

GFIE-455 - Associate Supplier Manager
Location: Peel Park, Blackpool, Grade: EO, Salary: £32,137, Contract length: 18 months

GFIE-453 - Associate Capability Manager
Location: Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham. Grade: EO, Salary: £32,137, Contract length: 12 months

GFIE-454 - Digital Capability Manager
Location: Newcastle (Benton Park View). Grade: EO, Salary: £32,137, Contract length: 12 months

GFIE-452 - Capacity & Capability Delivery Assurance Officer
Location: Leeds (Quarry House), Grade: EO, Salary: £32,137, Contract length:18 months

GFIE-456 - Associate Business Services Practice Manager
Location: Peel Park, Blackpool & Quarry House, Leeds. Grade: EO, Salary: £32,137, Contract length: 12 months

GFIE-457 - Software Engineer
Location: Sheffield, Manchester. Grade: EO, Salary: £32,137, Contract length: 18 months

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)

Army HIVE: Help with navigating MOD and Army Policy is available

 

Army HIVE staff, wherever they are based worldwide, all have access to MODnet and are thereby able to source both MOD and Army policy documents to support customer enquiries.

Often, the answers that our customers need on topics like entitlements, allowances, eligibility and access to services are contained within JSPs (Joint Service Publications), DINs (Defence Instructions and Notices), ABNs (Army Briefing Notes), and AGAIs (Army General and Admin Instructions). Whilst these can all be accessed internally by MODnet users, and some JSPs are published externally on Gov.uk, knowing which policy the required guidance is contained within - and where to find it in the document - is not always that easy.

This is where HIVE staff can help; if we don’t immediately know where the answer can be found, we will carry out all the research required to assist both our Service community customers and our colleagues within the MOD. We always aim to provide a timely answer, and usually within 24 hours wherever possible.

A recent ‘HIVE in action’ example of this was a customer who wanted to know if they were entitled to removals on a Medical Discharge, and how long they were able to stay in their Service Family Accommodation on discharge. The HIVE Information Support Officer was able to provide information on both of these issues, and emailed extracts from JSP 752 and JSP 464 confirming entitlements on a Med Discharge and the appropriate SFA policy guidance to the Service person. Disturbance Expense entitlement was also covered within the answer provided, as it was equally relevant.

So if the answer that you require is a policy one, please contact us via any of the following means:

• Get in touch with your nearest HIVE – see www.army.mod.uk/hives
• Email RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
• Use the ‘contact us’ function on our HIVE Blogs or go direct to our Enquiries MS Forms
• Find us on social media and drop us a Direct Message – Facebook is @ArmyHIVE, X and Instagram are @ArmyHIVEInfo

Travel Medicine Fees for DPHC Overseas Civilian Patients

With effect from 1st July 2025 there will be a new mechanism for charging for entitled civilian patients requesting travel medicines.

The following travel vaccines are free and in line with NHS direction, this list will be reviewed when the NHS policy regarding travel medicine is changed. This policy by the NHS is under review.

(Polio) Combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio.
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Cholera – this will ONLY be provided if it meets the strict criteria

All other vaccines and medicines for travel purposes not related to duty and posting for registered entitled family members and other non-military patients will be charged.

Give us time@ Orlando Break available 27th September to 11th October 2025

 

TWO WEEK BREAK TO FLORIDA!

 

Give Us Time: 

 

Discover a perfect blend of comfort and family-friendly fun at Encantada Resort from 27th September to 11th October 2025. Sleeps up to 6 people - please note flights are not included!  Escape to our enchanting haven, where every moment becomes a cherished memory.

Ayios Nikolaos - Lifeguarding Course open for applications

 

Akrotiri: Potential Road Closures

Episkopi: Calling all SBA Leading Ladies!

They're building something special - a supportive space for women of all ages living in the SBA to connect, grow, and thrive together.

Right now, they're looking for passionate, positive people to help shape this journey by joining their committee. If you have a strength, skill, or spark you'd love to share - whether it's organising events, creative ideas, listening ears or leadership experience - they would love to hear from you.

No formal experience needed, just a desire to build something meaningful.

Drop Ona Croft or Fay Colegate a message on Facebook, if you’re interested in being part of the committee or want to learn more. Help them create a space where every woman feels empowered.

Episkopi: Lifeguard Course

Episkopi Station Swimming Pool will be running a Lifeguard course in order to full fill the much needed requirements for available lifeguards in order to cover the demands of the Station’s 3 Swimming pools.

Venue: Episkopi Station Swimming Pool

Course dates:22-26/09 and 29/09- 03/10/2025

Course timings: 0830-1330

Cost: €250 including Course Material, Assessment fees, Police Checks and Uniform

Course PreRequisites:

-Age: 16+
-Jump or dive into pool in deep water
-Swim 200m without stopping
-Able to swim 50m in one minute or under
-Tread water for 30 seconds
-Climb out of pool unaided
-Surface dive to the deepest part of the pool

This is a Level 3 , UK qualification.

Episkopi: Netball Club

Episkopi: Macmillan Coffee Morning

DWP: Executive Officer (EO) Work Coach opportunities in Merseyside and Cheshire. Closing date 25th Sept 2025.

 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has Executive Officer Work Coach opportunities in Merseyside and Cheshire. The closing date for applications is 25^th Sept 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link:

 

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Merseyside and Cheshire (Ref: 747)

Armed forces Commissioner Bill becomes law

 

With Royal Assent, we move closer to appointing the first Armed Forces Commissioner, giving personnel and families an independent voice to champion their welfare.

Further information:  First ever independent Armed Forces Champion gets the 'royal seal' - GOV.UK

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

Primarily focused at  our  frontline women…. we are also offering the event to Defence Civil Servants and you are welcome to bring a guest. 

Forces Employment Charity awarded £25,000 to support young people from military families

The Forces Employment Charity has been awarded £25,000 by the Armed Forces Education Trust to expand support for young people from military families across the UK.

For more information please read here - Press release

 

Give Us Time: details of a late availability break from 22-26 Sept near Chichester

 

‘Give Us Time’ has got a last minute break available at the Chichester Lakeside Holiday park for 22 – 26 September. 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – EO Work Coach roles, North England

 

The Department of Work and Pensions has 16 new DWP Work Coach Executive Officer opportunities in North England. These are now open for applications until 23 Sept 2025.

 

Civil Service Jobs link:   Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - North England (Ref: 746)

 

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

Dhekelia : DOYRMS visit

 The Duke of York Royal Military School is hosting a virtual Dukies Careers Advice Week for all military students across the overseas military bases during the week of 15-19 September.

Mission Motorsport September Newsletter

 

It’s been a busy and exciting summer at Mission Motorsport with family events, fantastic sponsorship announcements, and new collaborations, all centred around recovery through motorsport supporting the Armed Forces community.

Duke of York Royal Military School: Dukies Careers Advice Week - Online and in Cyprus

 

The Duke of York Royal Military School is hosting a virtual Dukies Careers Advice Week for all military students across the overseas military bases during the week of 15-19 September.

 

The event is for families with children coming to the end of their GCSEs or A Levels and wondering what their next steps might be. The DOYRMS Careers Leader is on hand to provide British Forces students with virtual careers advice sessions. These sessions are designed to provide a snapshot of advice to students of secondary school age to help them navigate the complexities of subject choices, university & apprenticeship options, and the world of careers.

 

AFCAS 2026 is live – have your say!

The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) is now open!

The annual Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) is an opportunity for Service personnel to share views on working conditions, living conditions, and day-to-day Service and family life.

Complete the survey to have your say!

HomeStart childrens groups are back in Aki and Epi!

 

We are excited to announce that our 'Stay and Play' and 'Mini-Movers' groups are back next week!

Stay and Play Episkopi is back on Wednesday 18th September and we can't wait to share with you our newly revamped families room

Mini-Movers, RAF Akrotiri is back on Thursday 19th September with our new mover and shaker, Charlotte

No need to book on for these groups and more details in the posters below

Looking forward to seeing you all next week

Home-Start WSBA Team