Menopause Information Session - 15th July 2025

 

Special Guest Visit – Eileen Munson from Menopause Wales!

We’re incredibly lucky to be joined by Eileen Munson, a leading expert on menopause from Menopause Wales, for an informal and informative session right here in our community!

Eileen is a highly experienced menopause nurse specialist and educator, dedicated to improving awareness and care around menopause for women across Wales and the rest of the UK. Her career in menopause care began in 2000 as part of a national project focused on educating healthcare professionals and supporting women through the menopause transition.
Eileen is a registered British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist; Queens Nurse; retired Senior Lecturer in Nursing; and retired Lt Cdr RNR among numerous other qualifications and experiences.

When: Tuesday 15th July 6:00 PM
Location: Please check the Team Up App or pop in the HIVE.

Everyone is welcome – come along for a relaxed chat, bring your questions, and feel free to bring a friend too!

Please note that this session is only open to AYN personnel and families.

July Quest Magazine is Out Now

 

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

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

 

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

New surveys for Service children aged 8-18 – share your experience of growing up in a military family

To access the surveys, you can also follow the links below:

Age 8-11 survey 

Age 12-15 survey 

Age 16-18 survey 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over 2.5 million awarded to address the needs of service pupils

 

“Service pupils are more likely to experience family separation, as their serving parent(s) can be deployed to remote or dangerous locations. This can affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing, and they may require additional support at school during these periods.” -Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance

Delivered on behalf of the MOD, the Service Pupil Support programme ensures the needs of service pupils are met through effective interventions to support them along their educational pathway.

In this latest funding round, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded just over £2.5 million to 34 projects across the UK, dedicated to helping service pupils thrive. These initiatives are transforming the way schools support children from armed forces families by breaking down barriers to identifying additional needs, improving access to vital services, and empowering professionals through targeted development to ensure every service child has the chance to reach their full potential.

RFS July Newsletter - Celebrating women, progress, and possibility

 

To view the newsletter online, please go to: recruit4spouses.cmail20.com/t/r-e-thurxjd-nhlmhutrr-m/

SSAFA Community Health Team. Is your child starting school in September?

 

Akrotiri- Sundowners at the Rugby Club

 18th July 4.30pm till 11pm

Episkopi Station swimming timetable

 

Akrotiri - SLS Welfare Coffee Morning

 

Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, Scotland – Open Morning 2025 on Sat 13 Sep

 Please contact the school to register for the open event, and for further info go to: Queen Victoria School - Boarding School, Dunblane, Scotland

Serve and Protect Credit Union - July update

 

📢 Free financial webinars this July from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!

This July, Serve and Protect Credit Union are delivering a range of free educational webinars on the following financial topics:

• Thu 3rd - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
• Thu 3rd - People Over Profit: The Credit Union Movement
• Tue 8th - Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together
• Thu 10th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
• Tue 15th - Harmful Effects of Gambling: Presented in collaboration with GamCare
• Thu 17th - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
• Tue 22nd - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected
• Thu 24th - Before You Borrow: Things to Know

With actionable tips to prepare for financial emergencies, improve your credit score, and budget your money, don't miss out on these free webinars from Serve and Protect!

🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

 

NEW webinar available 🚨

Credit unions are an ethical and responsible way to manage your money and improve your finances. These not-for-profit cooperatives are all about putting people over profit! 🌍

Discover how you could benefit from joining a credit union with the latest webinar from Serve and Protect Credit Union this July.

👉 Learn more and register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

 

Improved website accessibility

Serve and Protect Credit Union are here to help you meet your financial needs 🙌

Their new website accessibility toolbar also means you can access Serve and Protect's free financial resources in a way which meets your unique requirements.

From built-in screen reading functionality, to reading aids, customisable styling options, and translation into over 100 languages, their website is truly accessible to all 😊

👉 Learn more about Serve and Protect via their website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-update

 

Understanding loan sharks

Why are loan sharks so dangerous? 💸

When life throws us financial surprises, it can be tempting to consider quick fixes such as a loan from an unregulated lender. However, turning to loan sharks can bring devestating consequences to you and your loved ones 🤕

Serve and Protect Credit Union recently spoke with Stop Loan Sharks to understand the dangers, signs to look for, and the support available for victims.

👉 Read the full article here: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/articles/what-are-loan-sharks-and-why-are-they-so-dangerous/

Protaras Film Festival

 Visit Protaras film festival to check out the films available and dates/times

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

 

 

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

From 1 July, eligible Service personnel are now invited to register for a new overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.

Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) is being trialled as a new way to receive a financial contribution towards expenses that arise when you move to or from an overseas permanent assignment in:

· Brunei – 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) and Brunei Garrison Staff (incl. 667 Sqn, 5AAC) only

· USA – British Defence Staff US (BDSUS) administered locations only

· Kenya – British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Garrison Staff only

· Europe/ Rest of World (RoW) – Global Support Organisation (GSO) administered locations only

The new Global Mobility Allowance Calculator (accessible via defnet or Defence Connect) gives a real-time, tailored estimate of the GMA allowance you will receive, and a comparison of GMA trial versus non-trial allowances.

The tool simplifies what would be a complex and time-consuming calculation process and enables you to make informed decisions about your assignment – including considerations on family support, cost of living and financial planning.

Episkopi: July Cinema Programme

Episkopi: Quiz Night

Episkopi: Swimming Pool Timetable

Episkopi: Foody Friday

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 28

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

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 June 25

 

An update on communal areas

We have heard from many of you at our SFA roadshows and we know families wish to be able enjoy communal spaces and gardens to the front of their properties. In many cases, these areas provide a valuable space for garden furniture and play equipment.

We have a duty to ensure that communal areas are safe, but we also want to see a common-sense approach that balances safety and convenience for families.

The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April sets out our commitment to empower families and to enable you to take decisions about your home.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, please note the following advice regarding the use of outdoor communal spaces:

Episkopi: Race Night

New digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad.

Reckon it’s worth a look…

A reckoner is ‘a table or device designed to help with calculations’ and that is exactly what our new Power BI OAR tool does. It puts financial clarity at your fingertips, transforming how you and our HR teams plan for postings abroad, by producing accurate values in minutes – rather than the hours it may previously have taken.

Fully integrated with JSP 752 policy rates, the OAR offers real-time figures for a range of products – including Local Overseas, Disturbance Expenses, and Get You Home Overseas allowances.

Simply input your personal details and posting information – such as assignment location, family status, and accommodation type – and you’ll receive an immediate breakdown of your overseas allowances, all in one place. There’s no need to wait for paperwork to be processed or complex policy details to be explained.

Ayios Nikolaos Uniform Swap

Thank you to everyone at Ay Nik who is leaving this summer and who have already donated school uniform to the HIVE Uniform Swap rail.

If you have any unused uniform in good condition, either for Queen Berengeria School or King Richard School, please consider donating it to the HIVE.

If you would like to get new uniform for your children, please come in and see what we have in stock. You can swap items for free or take items without swapping for a small donation (donations go to either SSAFA or Homestart, both of which put the money back into our community).

MyWay APP by Sodexo

Introducing the MyWay by Sodexo App – Designed for You!

Whether you're service personnel, a contractor, or part of a military family, the MyWay by

 Sodexo app puts essential info right at your fingertips.

Download the app
Enter your details
Scan the QR code for your station
Tap the menu (☰ top left) to access:
Facility opening hours
Recycling centre and kerbside collection dates
Shopping from the Forces Stores
Dining options and more!

Stay up to date with everything Sodexo has to offer at each Station — all in one place.

 MyWay by Sodexo — your station, your way.

Episkopi: SBA Leading Ladies

Episkopi: Breakfast Club

Please come and join us next breakfast which will be on Saturday 5th July 2025. At The 3 Keys Pub in Episkopi from 0930 hrs. Serving members of the UK Armed Forces and Veterans and guests are most welcome. We hope to see you there. If you are planning to attend please book in so admin can give the numbers to the PUB.

If not already a member and would like to join this group please apply through the facebook link below. Please let admin know your connections to the military.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/afvbc.episkopi/

Email: episkopi.afvbc@gmail.com

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

 

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas.

To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).

Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.

From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).

This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.

For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

 

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 20 June 25

Prolonged dry weather and water conservation

Those living overseas will be well-accustomed to warmer weather, but for those living in the UK please note several areas across England and Wales have experienced the driest spring for over 60 years, and in some cases since records began. This has led to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a combination of drought status and prolonged dry weather status for many regions.

To help conserve water follow the recommended actions:

• Consider taking a quick shower instead of a bath.
• Be mindful not to keep taps running for longer than needed to avoid water wastage.
• Try to run dishwashers and washing machines with a full load.
• Check and report any leaks in toilets, faucets or pipes to Pinnacle by calling 0800 031 8628.

Collectively, these small actions can make a big difference to available water resources. Thank you for your support and co-operation.

Summer safety tips

Summer is upon us, and we want to share some Summer Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe during warmer weather.

For advice on summer safety including window restrictors, BBQs, and what to do if you find a wasp or bees nest inside your property, visit: https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-my-home/summer-tips/

Silverline Teaching Job Vacancy

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

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow
10 positions available
Closing Date: 23 Jun 2025
Job Description [DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow]

​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)

Akrotiri Coffee morning for Ay Nik Salt Lake Site people

 

Episkopi: Youth Centre Summer Activities 2025

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

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE – 439 – HMRC Customer Services Advisor, Portsmouth
5 positions available
Closing Date: 18 Jul 2025
Job Description [GFIE - 439 HMRC Customer Services Advisor Portsmouth]

​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)

Civvy Street Magazine – Jun/Jul 25 Issue out now

To view magazine please click here: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=6b09d14d-165d-4488-891f-7f1b5eb6edda