Tuesday, 16 December 2025
New Awards Made under The Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Hidden Voices Programme
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For generations, many within the armed forces community have carried burdens few could see and even fewer fully understood. LGBT+ veterans, foreign and commonwealth personnel, survivors of military sexual violence, and older veterans in care homes have faced challenges that too often went unspoken.
Their stories were whispered in quiet rooms, softened or silenced beneath the louder narrative of service and sacrifice.
But today, those voices are rising.
In the latest round of the Hidden Voices programme, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) have awarded nearly £600,000 to 26 projects dedicated to changing that narrative for good.
Across every corner of the UK, remarkable organisations are stepping forward with compassion, courage, and innovation - ensuring that no one who has served is left without support, understanding, or community.
From trauma-informed courses that help veterans rebuild after difficult experiences, to weekly fitness and wellbeing sessions tailored for female veterans; from amplifying the voices of children affected by domestic abuse to early intervention programmes addressing loneliness among older veterans in care - these projects are paving the way toward a more inclusive and supportive future for all who have served.
Age Cymru Gwynedd a Môn
Age Cymru Gwynedd a Môn has secured funding through the Hidden Voices programme to deliver vital support for older veterans living in care homes across North Wales. This initiative will focus on reducing loneliness and isolation, improving wellbeing, and ensuring that those who have served receive the recognition and tailored care they deserve.
Through a series of inclusive activities and community engagement efforts, the project aims to implement meaningful social connections and create environments where veterans can share their experiences and feel valued.
Scottish Action for Mental Health
Scottish Action for Mental Health is an organisation committed to improving mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. With support from the Hidden Voices programme, the organisation will deliver initiatives aimed at supporting veterans who have experienced trauma or mental health challenges. The project seeks to provide tailored interventions, reduce isolation, and create inclusive spaces that support resilience and recovery.
Kathryn Howell of Scottish Action for Mental Health explains what the grant means to them:
"We are delighted to receive support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Hidden Voices Programme. Veterans living in Scotland often face barriers to mental health support, including stigma, long waits, and complicated referral pathways. Our project, Veterans' Wellbeing at the Nook, will provide accessible, co-designed wellbeing support in the heart of Glasgow that will reduce these barriers and enable early intervention."
Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust
Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust is an organisation dedicated to improving wellbeing through the therapeutic power of music. With funding from the Hidden Voices programme, the Trust will deliver tailored music therapy sessions to support veterans and their families, helping to address trauma, reduce isolation, and promote emotional resilience. This initiative aims to create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can express themselves and rebuild confidence through creative engagement.
Laura Shuttleworth of Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust reflects on what the grant will mean to the Trust:
“Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust is delighted to get the opportunity to deliver this ground-breaking programme with The Somme Nursing Home. The results of service life do not go away when veterans become older, but the symptoms of PTSD/Complex PTSD and the impact of physical injuries are often complicated by the introduction of other illnesses related to old age. Our therapists will be able to provide bespoke treatment programmes focused on individual needs and help improve mental health outcomes for all residents of the nursing home. We are extremely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for supporting this important piece of work.”
Aurora New Dawn
Aurora New Dawn, a leading charity dedicated to safeguarding and empowering individuals affected by abuse, has been awarded funding through the Hidden Voices programme. This support will enable the organisation to consult with and amplify the voices of children impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking within armed forces families.
The initiative aims to deliver meaningful change by improving mental and physical health, fostering wellbeing, and ensuring that children in forces communities receive compassionate, effective care. Through this project, Aurora New Dawn reaffirms its commitment to creating safer, more supportive environments for those who need it most.
Dr Shonagh Dillon, CEO of Aurora New Dawn, offered this concluding remark:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this vital funding for children and young people in armed forces communities who have been subjected to domestic abuse - children remain unseen and unheard as victims and we are committed to ensuring they receive the right support in a bespoke setting that understands their unique needs as children of forces families.”
Find out more
Full list of all projects funded under the Hidden Voices programme are available on the Trust’s website here.
Are you focused on providing equitable access to mental health services and wellbeing support; and raising awareness of the needs of underrepresented groups within the armed forces community?
There’s still time to get an application in for round two - visit the Hidden Voices programme page for the full details.
Application deadline is 12pm Wednesday 21 January 2026.
Advance into Justice: Careers in Prisons and Probation for the Service Community
What is Advance into Justice?
Advance into Justice is a campaign exclusively for the Armed Forces family, which provides second career opportunities within our frontline roles within prisons and probation
You can apply for a role via the Advance into Justice scheme if you are:an Armed Forces service leaver within your resettlement period and due to leave the services within 18 months
a veteran of the Armed Forces
a spouse or civil partner of an Armed Forces service leaver or veteran (your current partner must either be still serving or have been discharged within the last 12 months)
an Armed Forces Reservist
To find out more please visit: Advance into Justice
Akrotiri Winter Resilience Campaign and HIVE opening times
Akrotiri HIVE open hours...
In the HIVE window you will be able to see all of the winter resilience posters....
Akrotiri Park Run - Santa Run
RAF Association Annual Santa Run
0750 registration, 0800 start.
Come along to the annual Santa Run (linked in with the Akrotiri parkrun )
Bring the families down to walk/run dressed as Santa!
Limited suits available to buy on the day or before, please contact me.
At the Chaplaincy Centre this Saturday
Friday, 12 December 2025
Episkopi: HIVE Holiday Closure
The HIVE will close for the Christmas holidays on Monday, 15th Dec 25, until Friday, 9th Jan 26.
We wish everyone a joyful Christmas and a successful New Year.
Big risks, big emotions & battles worth watching – only on BFBS TV! - 13-19/12//2025
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First Defence Finance: Top Christmas Discounts for the Military
Top
Christmas Discounts for the Military
The
Christmas rush is officially here. The shopping lists, the family visits, the
hunt for the perfect gift at the perfect price.
The good
news is you don’t have to do it alone.
The MOD has
partnered with First Defence Finance, a credit union providing savings
and loans the military community. Opening an account with them gives you access
to their discount platform packed with offers that help you stretch your winter
budget.
From food to gifting, we’ve pulled together some of the best festive deals to make the season a little brighter and a lot more affordable.
Thursday, 11 December 2025
Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closure
The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.
Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.
We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.
To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on www.army.mod.uk/hives, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.
Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.
Akrotiri Letters to Santa
Last Call for Letters to Santa! 
Ho ho ho! Make sure your Christmas wishes reach the North Pole in time! The official closing date for all letters to Santa is December 16th.
Wednesday, 10 December 2025
Episkopi: SSAFA Survey
SSAFA are listening!
It sounds a bit cliché but they rely on your feedback to let them know how they are doing or if something needs to change. They know its tedious filling out the form but it really does help and it should only take a few minutes of your time.
Please follow the link below to let them know what you think of their services - both positive and constructive welcome!
It sounds a bit cliché but they rely on your feedback to let them know how they are doing or if something needs to change. They know its tedious filling out the form but it really does help and it should only take a few minutes of your time.
Please follow the link below to let them know what you think of their services - both positive and constructive welcome!
Santa's Sleigh Alcohol Awareness Event, hosted by JSSU (Cy)
With Storm Byron now in full swing, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning to the area, the decision has been made to postpone the Santa Sleigh event, which was scheduled for this evening.
The safety of the community, our volunteers and the team supporting the event comes first — and with the current conditions, it simply wouldn’t be safe or enjoyable for anyone involved.
But don’t worry… Christmas magic is still coming!
We are pleased to confirm that Santa, Mrs Claus, the Grinch and all the Elves will now be visiting Ay Nik on:
Tuesday, 16th December
All sleigh stop timings remain exactly the same
Thank you for your understanding and patience. Sov, Matty and the team has put an enormous amount of work into this event and we want to make sure it’s delivered properly, safely and with the festive spirit it deserves.
See you all on Tuesday for an amazing evening!
The safety of the community, our volunteers and the team supporting the event comes first — and with the current conditions, it simply wouldn’t be safe or enjoyable for anyone involved.
But don’t worry… Christmas magic is still coming!
We are pleased to confirm that Santa, Mrs Claus, the Grinch and all the Elves will now be visiting Ay Nik on:
Tuesday, 16th DecemberAll sleigh stop timings remain exactly the sameThank you for your understanding and patience. Sov, Matty and the team has put an enormous amount of work into this event and we want to make sure it’s delivered properly, safely and with the festive spirit it deserves.
See you all on Tuesday for an amazing evening!
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing
For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families
Victory Services Club latest newsletter - The VSC is Sparkling for Christmas!
The latest newsletter from the Victory Services Club is now available to view online at this LINK
To find out more about Christmas celebrations at the VSC, please visit: Christmas at the VSC is here! - Victory Services Club
NHS England: Calling All Young Carers! Workshop dates for Dec 25 and Jan 26
For more information about the support and resources available to young carers in the Service community, please contact Army HIVE on RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk, PM via our social media pages, or use our blog enquiry form (from the blog menu please go to: “If you need further information Please contact us: here”).
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 04 December 25
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Over the last few years we have made substantial progress in tackling damp and mould that has been reported to us. Condensation is usually the biggest cause of damp within homes, and we know this often increases in colder months of the year. There are 4 key steps that you can take to prevent condensation, damp and mould in your home.
Please read our helpful guide to preventing condensation, damp and mould in your homes here.
Bravery, brilliance & battles of every kind – only on BFBS TV! - 6-12/12/2025
Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. Full listings can be found on our website
The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026
First introduced in March 2024 the DAW was designed to support home ownership and replace older SLA waivers. The DAW supports eligible SP to use Single Living Accommodation (SLA) free of charge, providing they maintain a separate home elsewhere in the UK.
Recruit for Spouses: Op SPOUSE and how RFS supports you
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RFS gives the following overview:
“A nationwide initiative to strengthen Defence retention, readiness and resilience.
“Family dissatisfaction is the leading driver in the Armed Forces retention challenge – and supporting spouses more effectively is critical to improving outcomes across Defence.
“Op SPOUSE is the solution – it equips military spouses with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, helping to sustain family stability and long-term commitment to Service life.
“Delivered by RFS – the UK’s leading military families charity – this scalable initiative enhances existing MOD commitments to support Service families, and strengthens Defence outcomes by improving retention, readiness and cost-efficiency.”
Find out more at: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/op-spouse
To find out more about the support available from Recruit for Spouses, please view/download the ‘How RFS Supports You’ brochure. [Recruit for Spouses]
Friday, 5 December 2025
Episkopi: Reindeer Express
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Santa and his little helpers are visiting Episkopi station to deliver presents to big and little people from the forces community. Do you want him to visit you house? YES!
The Reindeer Express will be delivering presents by sleigh on the following dates to;
WEDNESDAY 17th December 1630 to 1930hrs. North/South Paramali, Gibraltar, Kensington estates.
THURSDAY 18th December 1630 to 1830hrs. EPISKOPI Garrison, starting at Biggin Hill, Eldorado and finally Lion Heart.
IF YOU WANT A PRESENT DELIVERED THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Complete a present label and secure it to a gift wrapped present, no bigger than shoe box size, and take it to Episkopi Youth Club, on FRIDAY 12th December between 0800 and 1600hrs.
Book it in with the elves and pay a fee of TWO euros per present. The money will go towards youth club projects.
REMEMBER, No more than 2 presents per child.
Flyers with labels have been handed into early years, the HIVE, Epi primary school. They can also be found at Episkopi Youth Centre and can be filled in on the drop off day 12th December.
Akrotiri Chritmas Grotto
Drumroll please from the Akrotiri Community Group…. 
Save the date for Akrotiri Christmas grotto 2025.
The letters and grotto are being run separately this year. More info to follow as the festive season approaches
Follow the Grotto page for more info and updates.