Forces Cars Direct: Spooky Good Deals This October 🚗🎃

 

Forces Cars Direct are announcing that there are some spooky good deals available this October!

They’re excited to welcome a new brand to Forces Cars Direct, Lepas, with their L8 model available with a saving of £6,161. You can also save up to £10,367 on the Toyota C-HR+.

Want to see all of the special offers available this month? https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/special-offers/monthly-offers

Their team is on hand to help you find the right car and make the most of your discount.

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 2 October 2026

Military families invited to help shape the future of Service Family Housing

The MOD has today launched the Red Tape Challenge, inviting families to tell us about processes that are getting in the way of them enjoying their homes, so that we can work to change them.

This is just one of a series of new pledges setting out clear commitments to Service families on the quality of their homes, customer service, and ensuring their voices are heard.

For more information and details on how to make a submission, click here.

Housing Matters – Episode 6

Episode 6 of the Housing Matters podcast is out now!

On this episode, actor and campaigner Anthony Cotton joins Emma Brett, Warrant Officer for Defence Homes, to talk about Service family accommodation and why having a home you can be proud of matters.

They discuss the improvements that have been made in recent years, while acknowledging there is still much more to do to ensure Service families have the homes they deserve.

This episode and all other episodes can be found on our “Housing Matters” Defence Homes page here.

Check your boilers!

While the warmer weather is still with us, now is a great time to make sure your boiler is ready for when temperatures eventually start to fall. Heating issues often only become apparent when the system is switched on after a long period of inactivity, so a quick check now could help you avoid problems later in the colder months.

Try turning your heating on and checking that your radiators warm up properly. It is also worth looking at your boiler pressure gauge. Most systems work best with a pressure reading between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the pressure is too low, your heating may not perform as effectively when you need it.

For guidance on how to check the boiler pressure and what to do if you need to top up your boiler pressure, step-by-step videos are available on the Pinnacle website to help you through the process.

Heating oil notice

As fuel prices increase, there is a small but increased risk of fuel theft from households using heating oil. While this affects only a very limited number of families, the following safety advice is intended to help those households reduce the risk of heating oil theft.

To minimise the risk of theft, we ask you to consider these measures if your home requires oil for heating: 

• Secure the tank physically by installing a good quality lock on the tank cap. We also recommend contacting Pinnacle to request any foliage that may obscure your tank is trimmed or pruned back.
• Monitor oil levels regularly and keep a record of your usage.
• Work with your neighbours to watch for suspicious activity in your area and report any unusual behaviour to the police.
• Be smart with your deliveries by avoiding letting your tank run empty. Schedule the oil delivery when someone is home and request that suppliers not the leave the oil unattended.
• If a theft does occur report to the police straight away, then report the theft to your unit and Pinnacle. They may ask for your usage records, so it’s important to keep track of them.

Crisis and resilience fund

If you live in SFA, use oil heating, and are having trouble affording a fuel delivery, you may be able to access short‑term support through the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund. This funding, provided by local authorities in England, can help with essential living costs where there is an immediate risk to health or wellbeing. For more information, visit GOV.UK.

Families First newsletter

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.

DIO: Families First Newsletter – 2 October 2026 edition now available

 

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Give Us Time - Autumn last minute breaks and more!

Give Us Time still have lots of breaks and other opportunities available over the coming months – read all the way down for the big news!

*HIVE note – many of our customers will have seen the recent posts regarding free Parkdean breaks. Give Us Time offers have similar criteria, and may be of interest to Parkdean breaks applicants, and others who meet the criteria: “Give Us Time supports Forces families to spend time together on donated respite breaks following separation due to deployment, bereavement, physical or mental injuries, financial need, or other welfare issues.” Find out more at Frequently asked questions - Give us time - Breaks for service personnel and their families

OCTOBER

• Cwm Llan cabin, North Wales, 5 – 9 October, sleeps 2

• Broadland Sands Holiday Park, Suffolk, 5 -9 October, sleeps 6

• Seawick Holiday Park, Essex, 12 – 16 October, sleeps 6

Give Us A Moment days out for half term

• Visit the newly re-opened Palm Houses at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
• Enjoy Pumpkin Picking at Hatters Farm, Essex
• Explore the Gardens at Monteviot House near Jedburg

NOVEMBER

• Polperro, Cornwall, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6

• Pevensey Bay, Sussex, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6

DECEMBER

• Kidlandlee holiday cottage, Northumberland, 7 – 11 December, sleeps 6

PLUS THE RV GUESTHOUSE, FALMOUTH - DATES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

THE BIG ONE!!

We’re also thrilled to have more tickets for the Polar Express! This year we’ll be travelling along the Spa Valley Railway from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on Friday 6 November, leaving at 7pm - please visit the website for more information!

As always, we book on a first come first served basis via the website - https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login - breaks are accommodation only, days out are entry ticket only – GUT cannot cover the costs of travel, food etc.

Girls Brigade: 'Forces Connect' free online group launched for girls aged 13+ from military families

 

The Girls' Brigade is currently partnering with the Methodist Forces Board to provide opportunities for girls and young women in military families. You can read all about the project on their website.

Are you aged 13+ and part of a military family? Join online for a fun, relaxed, and welcoming Girls’ Brigade session via Zoom! This special event is a great opportunity to connect with other young people from military families across the country, share experiences, and make new friends.

• Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families
• When: Thursday 15 October • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT
• Where: Online via Zoom
• Cost: FREE!
• What to expect: We'll be diving into the fantastic Girls' Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions.

No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life.

How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance. https://girlsbrigadeonline.eventbrite.co.uk

Army HQ: Army HQ: Family Welfare Matters Edition 04 now available

To read online with accessible links, please go to Family Welfare Matters Sept 2026

For those with access to MODnet, both this edition and the full internal Welfare Matters newsletter is uploaded onto the Army HIVE SharePoint site in the Welfare Latest News section. The link to access is: Welfare

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) - Armed Forces Personnel Portal Beta Testing

As part of the continued development of the Armed Forces Personnel Portal (AFPP), Defence are preparing to commence the next phase of Beta testing for the Wraparound Childcare (WAC) service. They are seeking current or recent WAC users who may be interested in supporting this important activity. User participation is essential to ensuring the service meets the needs of Service Personnel and their families and has been tested by representative users prior to wider release.

Expression of Interest Required

Any Service personnel who would like to be considered for participation in the Beta testing programme, please complete the Expression of Interest survey using the link below:

Expression of Interest Survey Link

Survey Deadline - The Expression of Interest survey will close at 2359hrs on Fri 23 Oct 26.

Only individuals who complete the survey by this deadline will be considered for participation in the Beta testing programme.

The Beta testing programme is currently planned to commence from Mon 2 Nov 26 and may be conducted across multiple iterative testing periods. This approach will enable the AFPP team to gather user feedback, implement improvements and, where required, re-test enhancements before wider release.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) scheme: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS), Leyland - Closing Date 27 October 2026

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (2 vacancies in total):

GFIE 509 - Specialist Prison Industries (SPI) : Engineering Machining – Leyland  (HMP Wymott)

 

Closing Date: 27th October 2026

 

What You’ll Be Doing

Teaching & Supervising: Teach, instruct, and supervise prisoners in an engineering machining workshop to help them attain nationally recognised qualifications and improve their employment prospects upon release.

Workshop Management: Set work schedules, manage production targets and quality standards, log attendance, approve wages/hours, and maintain machinery and tool checks.

Safety & Security: Maintain security and discipline, conduct metal detector scans or rub-down searches, complete safety/incident reports (such as ACCT, VRIR, and SIRs), and enforce health and safety standards (including COSHH).

Prisoner Development: Induct prisoners, tailor training to individual needs, and contribute to progress reports, parole, and sentence planning.

 

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)

 

From gripping mysteries to unforgettable drama, there's something for everyone on BFBS TV!

Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. Full listings can be found on our website   Must-Watch TV Heading Your Way   LEGENDS SEASON CONTINUES ON BFBS EXTRA! Get ready for epic battles, fearless warriors and unforgettable stories. In King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, a young Arthur discovers his true destiny and must rise up to reclaim his throne from a ruthless tyrant. Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe, follows the legendary outlaw as he returns from the Crusades to fight corruption and defend the people of Nottingham. Two iconic heroes. Two epic adventures. Don't miss Legends Season on BFBS Extra! Legends on BFBS TV | BFBS

Serve and Protect Credit Union: Fixed Saver 14 - **Fixed interest rate now increased** Guaranteed Return of 4.25% AER

Serve and Protect Credit Union are pleased to announce the latest fixed-rate savings account is now available paying a guaranteed return of 4.25% AER

4.25% AER fixed for 12 months (starting 1st November 2026)

Balances between £1,000-£10,000

No fees or charges

Available until 28th October 2026

 

This is simply for your awareness—it’s not a recommendation.

 

Please take a look and decide if it’s right for you.

 

The account is available to apply for between 1st to 28th October 2026 and you need to become a member first – which is free.

 

You can learn more here:

https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver/

 

Terms and eligibility criteria apply.