Thursday, 20 February 2025
National No Smoking Day 2025 – 12 March
- Take back your life this No Smoking Day – Wednesday 12th March
2025.
- Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
- It’s never too late to quit smoking. Even if you’ve tried quitting
before, give it another go this No Smoking Day.
- When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to
your health.
- There’s no need to go it alone – it’s much easier to stop smoking
when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose
from.
- Getting free expert support from your local stop smoking service is
proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully. Some are now
able to offer free vape starter kits too.
- NHS Better Health offers a range of free quitting support including
the NHS Quit Smoking app, Personal Quit Plan, 28-day email programme,
local stop smoking service look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking
aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.
- On average, you could save around £2,500 per year by quitting
smoking.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.
The Trust is
delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’
Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran
homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need,
including housing.
Current
findings from the RVH programme
Following on
from the initial awards made in July 2023, the Trust commissioned Alma
Economics to consult with key stakeholders in the housing sector, including
those awarded funds in the first round. Key recommendations from this
consultation include:
·
A
need for increased support for veterans with acute, complex or multiple support
needs.
·
Promoting
a needs-based approach to support provision.
·
Addressing
bottlenecks across the lifecycle of support provision.
·
A
focus on partnership working.
Both the RVH interim programme evaluation report and the summary of consultation findings are available to read on the Trust’s
website.
Further
funding available
Under this new
round of the RVH programme, charities, local authorities and registered social
housing providers can apply for up to £300,000 towards a project delivered for
up to nine months.
There is also
an opportunity for organisations to apply for an enhanced award of up to a
further £200,000 where that work will fill a significant level of unmet need.
What applicants
will need to show
Projects should
improve the capacity of services in supported housing to better help veterans
with a range of different needs. Full details of the programme priorities are mapped
out in a Programme Guidance document available on the Trust’s website.
Op Fortitude
Funded projects
will need to work with Op Fortitude, a UK wide referral pathway supporting
homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, into housing.
Find out
more
Want to know
more about applying to the RVH programme? Full details are available at: www.covenantfund.org.uk
Application
deadline is noon, 31 March 2025.
Akrotiri Festival is coming soon
Akrotiri: Car Booters and Traders please book your pitch!
There's still time to get yourself a stall at the Aki Market on Saturday 1st March! Please pop into Akrotiri HIVE with your five euros to book.
Akrotiri HIVE is open Mon 8.30 - 11.00. Tues, Wed and Thurs 8.30 - 13.30 and Friday 8.30 - 11.00.
Akrotiri. WSBA cultural day. Wednesday 26th February at 13.00 - 16.00.
RAF Akrotiri presents WSBA Cultural Day, with food tastings, art display, face painting and much more. This event is free for all families and WSBA community.
APEA Akrotiri Stadium. RAF v ARMY. Football.
On the 1st March go along to support Cyprus Inter-Service Football. RAF v ARMY at the APEA Akrotiri Stadium. Food drink and raffle on the day.
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - you are not alone
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners
The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
GFIE-417 - AO Case Manager - Basildon
Job Description [insert GD link]
Closing date: 24 Feb 25
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)
Women into Employment 2025:Tues 18th March in London. Event for women from across the military community
Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
The full day will focus on how you bring the real YOU to the workplace. With an agenda packed with key points and ideas, you are guaranteed to take away some key points and ideas for the next steps in your career path. Register here for the event.
Women into Employment 2025 (WIE25) is the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship event and offers support to women from across the whole Armed Forces community, welcoming those of you preparing to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans of all ranks, military partners, spouses and young people.
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Are you a family member of a Veteran who is suffering with addiction?
Places are limited and will go fast so to find out more or book your place email: events@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk
Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Monday, 17 February 2025
Friday, 14 February 2025
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners
The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
GFIE- 414 Quality Assurance Analyst
Two vacancies – HMRC, Liverpool and Preston
Closing date: 21 Mar 25
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)
Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy – Families Employment Advisor, Colchester/SE England
Forces Employment Charity is seeking a dedicated employment advisor. As part of a national team, you will provide employment and training advice and guidance to a remote caseload of spouses and partners of still serving Armed Forces and ex-service personnel (Veterans) in the UK and overseas with personal development and/or until they are settled in sustainable careers.
Reporting to the National Employment Projects Manager. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a salary of £29,000 per annum. This role is Home-based (with community outreach) in the Colchester region with community outreach throughout the region (Southeast, East of England, London).
The closing date for applications is midnight on 21 Feb.
To find out more and to apply for this role, please click HERE
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners
The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
GFIE- 402, Dept of Work and Pensions, Service Delivery Officer, Leicester - Job DescriptionClosing date now extended to Thu 6 Mar
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 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)
Thursday, 13 February 2025
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – Utility Bills
Water bills
We are aware of instances where water providers have written directly to SFA homes, requesting payment of water bills. Families in SFA are not responsible for water charges as a contribution is included in your accommodation fee and so this is paid by DIO. These letters have been sent in error and we apologise for any concern they may have caused. DIO is engaging with water and energy providers to resolve this issue.
What's On at Mercury Cinema Ayios Nikolaos February 2025
Pet Relocation Brief
Elite Pet Relocation will be visiting the HIVE Dhekelia on 20th February 2025 1300-1600 to give relocation quotes and answer any questions you may need. Please visit the Hive for any other information.
Little Troopers celebrates the Month of the Military Child – come and get involved!
April is the international Month of the Military Child and the charity Little Troopers is celebrating by launching a new dandelion-themed book for military children, as well as organised a special month packed full of workshops, activities and events for all forces families and schools with service children.
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Safer Internet Day 2025: 11 Feb
Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. Each year we cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.
Find out more at: Safer Internet Day 2025 - UK Safer Internet Centre
National Apprenticeship Week 2025: 10 – 16 Feb 2025
A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
For more information, including events taking place, please go to: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025
Toolkits available are available at: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Introducing MyCadet
MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.
Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/
Pinnacle Service Families: Latest News Update for SFA Occupants
Our doors are open
Alongside colleagues from DIO, Amey, and VIVO, we continue to up our local offices so families can drop in for support.In total, we are now offering this service across 14 locations, with the plan to open more in the coming weeks.
We keep the list of locations up-to-date on our website here, so please do share with your communities for the latest news.
NHS Step into Health webinar – 26 Mar: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad
NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce their upcoming information session: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad due to take place on Wednesday 26th March, 10 - 11am.
During this one-hour webinar, attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.
The Step into Health team, in collaboration with their key speakers, has developed a comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet. During the session, speakers will elaborate on relevant sections, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The objectives of the session are:
Provide a clear overview of the steps involved in returning to practice for spouses and partners posted abroad with serving personnel.
Offer detailed information from various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions to ensure participants are aware of the requirements and standards.
Highlight the resources and support available from NHS England’s return to practice team.
Introduce the comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet developed by the Step into Health, explaining its relevance and how to use it effectively.
Facilitate an interactive question and answer session where participants can seek clarification and additional information from the experts.
To find out more and to register for a place please visit the SiTH events web page.
England: Sexual Assault Referral Centres
There are 48 SARCs across England, which provide help 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.
To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding to support bereaved military families
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new funding opportunity for charities supporting bereaved military families.
The Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme will seek to build a strong, collaborative network to meet the needs of those who have given most.
British Gas Apprenticeship Week Open Days
To mark Apprenticeship week, British Gas are hosting a series of open days at our engineering academies this week:
Hamilton Academy Open Day:
Dartford Academy Open Day:
Apprenticeship Information Webinar: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1116398420729?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thatcham Academy Open Day:
Leicester Academy Open Day:
Monday, 10 February 2025
Friday, 7 February 2025
Talkin Tables at Akrotiri HIVE with BFSWS
Please join us for a natter on Thursday 20th February at Akrotiri HIVE, 10.00 - 11.30.
Thursday, 6 February 2025
Car booters and business license holders book your pitch! Akrotiri!
East Cyprus Club Breakfast Club
The Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club - East Cyprus Breakfast Club will meet at Mambos Bar and Restaurant in Kapparis on Saturday 8th February 2025. For more info please visit their Facebook Page.
Office for Veterans Affairs’ ‘10 Things to Know About Veterans’ animation
The aim of the '10 Things to know about veterans and their families' is to provide a range of stakeholders with the basic knowledge that can support their work with veterans.
Find out more at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-things-to-know-about-veterans-and-their-families
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting the submariner community
The
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has released the findings from new
research into the needs of the Royal Navy submariner community and the impact
of separation on family life.
The
Trust commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to
undertake further research following an event they attended in April 2024,
hosted by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich
Hospital.
Over
two days, they heard from the Armed Forces community located in Helensburgh, Scotland,
to understand more about the support available for Naval personnel and their
families; and identify any gaps and opportunities.
Listening
to the submariner community
The
research highlighted that personnel and families can suffer poor mental health
and emotional strain due to unpredictability, frustration, separation and
feeling unprepared for deployment. This can also include a period of
pre-deployment anxiety as well as the deployment period itself. Reintegration
following deployment can also be a challenge as routines are disrupted. An
enduring stigma around mental health can deter some from seeking the help they
need.
This
wasn’t limited to immediate family members, with extended family not feeling
included in the support networks available.
Availability
and accessibility of services was raised. Families reported a low awareness of
support available and there was some hesitancy in accessing statutory services
affiliated with the Royal Navy, in case of impact on the submariner’s career.
There were added issues for those living in remoter areas, further from the
base, with fewer activities and services available.
For
the organisations themselves, the research found that collaboration could be
better. Especially between military and non-military organisations, where there
can be a lack of integration for military families into services designed for
civilians.
Other
issues included impact on the spouse’s career. However, those who took part in
the research talked about the importance of coping strategies such as focusing
on work, staying busy and maintaining routines.
Recommendations
from the research included:
·
Tailored mental health support
·
Improved communication and practical advice for managing deployment
challenges
·
Fostering community connections and encouraging peer support initiatives
· Help with adjusting post-deployment, and the complexities of being away for a long time
·
Initiatives that enhance career development for spouses.
Anna
Wright, Chief Executive of the Trust said: “Lots of work on these
recommendations is already underway under our three-year Covenant Fund
framework. Our Hidden Needs programme focuses on tailored and specialist mental
health support, while our Apart not Alone programme centres on reducing the
impact of long or frequent separation for military families. However, until
now, we have not focused this support on any particular service or location.
This important research has informed what will come next and we are excited to
share more about that very soon.”
Dr
Jasna Magić, Research Director, the National Centre for Social Research
(NatCen): “This research has given submariners’ families a vital voice,
highlighting the emotional and practical challenges they face due to long
separations, uncertainty, and stigma around seeking support. By truly
listening, we can shape support that genuinely meets their needs. We’re proud
to have worked with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust on this important
project and hope these findings drive lasting change for the submariner
community.”
Putting
findings into action
The
Trust in encouraging anyone in a position to support this community to read the
research findings and consider how they too can make a difference.
You
can read the report in full on the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk
Episkopi: Early Years January Newsletter
Please find below the link for Early Years January newsletter, hope you enjoy it.
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
Recruit for Spouses - Feb/March 2025 info
Wednesday 12th February 1200 - 1300 Defining Engagement
We're excited to welcome you back for the second workshop in our "Engage to Succeed" series. This session will help you dive deeper into understanding your personal and professional engagement.
If you missed the first session you can catch up here.
Tuesday 4th March 1930 – 2030 Empowering Foreign & Commonwealth Military Spouses/Partners
Join us for a focused workshop for Foreign & Commonwealth military spouses, hosted by the Army Families Federation (AFF) and Recruit for Spouses (RFS). This session will provide crucial insights into legal and career support, including immigration and visa assistance from AFF, and employment support from RFS through the Career Academy’s Foreign & Commonwealth Programme. Gain valuable resources, connect with peers, and enhance your journey towards personal growth and financial stability in the UK. Join us to empower yourself and thrive.
Wednesday 5th March 1200 – 1300 Driving Engagement
Join Us for the Final Module of Engagement!
Don't miss out on our upcoming virtual session where we'll dive into the final module of the "Engage to Succeed" model. Whether you're currently working or exploring new opportunities, this workshop is packed with valuable insights and practical steps to help you align your career growth with future opportunities.
This session is designed to provide you with the tools and strategies to navigate your career path effectively, regardless of your current employment status.
The RFS Annual Survey
Contribute to Our Annual Survey!
The annual RFS Community Survey is now open. We’re inviting military spouses, veterans, and Foreign and Commonwealth members to share your insights and help shape the future of our support. This anonymous survey is your chance to provide feedback so we can continue to meet your needs.
Fill it in here – Annual Survey
Coaching Programme
Our FREE coaching and mentoring programme is open to the entire military community—because everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
Whether you’re a spouse, partner, serving personnel, service leaver, veteran, or military child aged 18+, this programme is designed to help you take charge of your personal and professional journey. Let’s make this 2025 a year of progress and possibility!
Read Steph’s story and how the programme helped her build confidence, self-belief and growth.
Business Analyst Talent Programme
Looking to transform your career in 2025? Our fully funded Business Analyst training programme is now open for both career changers and returners! This comprehensive 7-week remote course, valued at £6,000, includes cutting-edge AI and data modules. Whether you have transferable skills from another industry or previous Business Administration experience, we'll equip you with industry-recognised qualifications and support you into a client placement.
Join our Sourcing Programme with Social Talent!
Are you interested in a career in sourcing or looking to refresh your recruitment and sourcing skills?
Look no further! We are currently seeking individuals to join our exclusive course.
Sign up now via the RFS portal and take the next step in your professional journey! 🚀
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