Army Welfare Service – Contact Number Changes for Intake & Assessment Team (IAT) and Services Cotswold Centre

Please be advised that the Army Welfare Service has introduced updated contact numbers for two key services. These new numbers are now active and replace the previous lines, which have been permanently disconnected.

Intake & Assessment Team (IAT)

07813 019 490

The IAT remains available for queries, phone referrals, support, and contact from units, partners, and Service Users via:

Telephone: 07813 019 490
Email: RC-AWS-IAT-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Referral Form: via the standard AWS referral process - Army Welfare Service (AWS) Specialist Welfare (SW) Referral Form – Fill in form

Services Cotswold Centre

03311 432754

This number replaces the previous SCC contact line.

Money Saving Central: Places Kids Eat Free (or for £1) Easter

Here's our full list of Kids Eat Free (or for £1) restaurants this Easter:  www.moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free

Transformative new childcare support could save Armed Forces families up to £6,000 a year

 

A new Ministry of Defence scheme to transform support for Armed Forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary has announced on 20 March 2026.

This major boost could save eligible Armed Forces families up to £6,000 per year for each child, depending on where you are in the UK.

Defence is committed to supporting Armed Forces families, wherever you live and work. This scheme will help with the cost of living and navigating life as a family in the Armed Forces, recognising the demands placed on Service personnel and the critical roles families play in support of them.

Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme. 

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

"Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation's security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them. 

“This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.

 "We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families - supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side." 

island wide BFBS Box update

 

We’ve got some key information to help you stay connected to all your favourite shows, movies and sport on BFBS TV.

On Tuesday 31 March, local time 1215, there will be a change to one of our satellites. If you’re using a Technisat set top box, you’ll need to retune your box on or after this date to continue watching.

Please note: you won’t be able to retune your box before 31 March.

We’ll make sure you have everything you need to get set back up quickly, so you don’t miss a moment. If you have any issues or queries, please visit your local BFBS office for assistance.

Akrotiri Egg Hunt

 

After a bit of last-minute scrambling, I’ve managed to put together a fun Easter letter hunt around the camp instead. The hunt will still end with an Easter egg collection from the bowling alley, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy 

As the eggs have already been purchased from the fund, I’m kindly asking for a small donation of €2 to help top it back up. If you’re taking part, please take one egg per child, as supplies are limited.

I’ve tried my best to make sure there’s still something fun for the children… and the adults too! 

Collect your Easter Hunt Map from myself in the housing office between the 26th March - 2nd April (Mornings Only)

Recruit for Spouses: New RFS opportunities this April for military spouses and partners

 

New RFS opportunities this April for military spouses and partners  

 

Recruit for Spouses has released its latest upcoming events, career programmes and support available throughout April. 

 

If you’re looking for employment, training, or support with your next step, there are a range of opportunities to explore.  

 

To register your interest, sign in to the RFS Portal:   

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

Or email: info@recruitforspouses.co.uk  

Defence UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) – launches Sept 2026

Further information will follow in due course, but please contact HIVE with any queries in the meantime.

WSBA Homestart Charity Marathon Challenge

This isn't just about 26.2 miles...

Its about supporting families in our community who are facing tough times, families who need someone in their corner. 

Dan has seen first hand the incredible impact Home-Start has, and now his taking on this huge challenge to give something back.

Through injuries, busy family life, and months of training, his kept going, all to raise vital funds and awareness.

Let's get behind him!

You can support Dan by scanning the QR code or following the link below and donating whatever you can. Every pound helps a local family feel supported and less alone.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/danielhughes896...

Sodexo Public Holidays

Changes in Sodexo program during public holidays 25 March & 1 April 2026.
Recycling Centres will be closed.

General Refuse Collection as per usual program
01st of April - Kerbside Recycling Dhekelia & Ayios Nikolaos will be done on the 30th of March. 

(Dates on yearly schedule)

All other subcontractors will be closed.

Sodexo Helpdesk will be closed. 

For any urgent inquires please contact us via e-mail or call us on 24641818 / 80006060 and we will come back to you.

Movies This Week

 

Popcorn at the ready! BFBS Extra brings you some great films this week.

Following 9/11, less than 100 US troops were sent to overthrow the Taliban, this cautionary tale highlighting the impact of 15 years of constant combat in Legion of Brothers 

Gladiator tells the tale of a former Roman General, who sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.

There's another chance to see F1: The Movie - a Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.

Then we bring you IT and IT: Chapter Two, in the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry.
Then twenty-seven years after their first encounter, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.