Friday, 31 January 2025
Thursday, 30 January 2025
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners
GFIE 415 - DWP Decision Maker
St Austell, Cornwall, Bryn, Wigan, Birkenhead, Middlesbrough, Glasgow and Falkirk
Job Description
Closing date: 17 Feb 25
Military Women’s Health & Wellbeing Conference - 23/24 Apr 25
Location: Anglia Ruskin University Campus, Cambridge UK
Date: 23/24 Apr 25
The Centre for Military Women's Research (CMWR) at Anglia Ruskin University is holding its second conference in April themed around the health and wellbeing of women in the military community. The first day of this international conference includes a wide range of speakers and panel discussions on women's experiences during and after military service, ending with a drinks reception. The second day comprises a choice of four workshops on different aspects of the theme, concluding with a review and plenary.
For Information (timings, schedule, sign-up etc): Use the link - https://www.centreformilitarywomensresearch.com/cmwr-conference-2025/
Defence Discount Service: Oakwood Solicitors
Oakwood Solicitors, in collaboration with FrontFoot. Life, is proud to provide expert legal support tailored to the Armed Forces community. Offering a free initial consultation, their services include Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, employment law advice, and assistance with military injury and medical negligence claims. They currently have a special offer for Will writing at a reduced fee of £50.
Find out more on the Defence Discount Service website: https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
SSAFA Short Breaks 2025 - Applications are now open
SSAFA Short Breaks are free, residential adventure breaks for Forces families who have a child with an additional need and/or disability, aged between 5 to 18 years. The break is for the whole immediate family to enjoy together.
Short Breaks in 2025:09 – 11 May at Calvert Trust, Lake District
21 – 25 July at Calvert Trust, Lake District
04 – 08 August at Calvert Trust, Exmoor
27 - 31 October at Calvert Trust, Exmoor
Research Participants Sought - Survey of British Military Parents
Challenges, support mechanisms and coping strategies of parents in the British armed forces.
Who is doing this research? The research will be conducted by Lt Col Jess Beck, a student on the Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and will be supervised by Dr Ellen Hallams, School of Security Studies Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, King’s College London.
What is the research about? The study will examine the challenges, advantages and disadvantages of being a parent in the British military, and the coping strategies which are used by military parents. It aims to understand what additional support and flexibility is required to enable a military career to be maintained, and where there are current shortfalls.
NHS Step into Health: Upcoming Webinars
NHS Step into Health are pleased to share that their next Application Guidance Webinar, and Introduction to Step into Health webinar registration links are now live.
A reminder also that NHS England are also hosting a series of Introduction to Allied Health Profession webinars.
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Tuesday, 28 January 2025
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 24 Jan
Open Offices
Following feedback from families at recent SFA Roadshows; DIO, Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO have opened local housing office drop-in sessions to offer support and guidance face to face. The following locations are now available:
- South West: Larkhill, Plymouth, Blandford, Gosport, and Portsmouth
- South East: Windsor, Brize Norton, Brompton, and Aldershot
- North: Leuchars and Weeton
- Central: Colchester, Cosford, and Waddington
Dates and times are available on the Pinnacle website.
Raising repairs prior to move-out
It is important to report any necessary repairs in your home even while you're in the process of moving out. This allows for any required work to be completed before a new family moves in, creating a smoother transfer for all. You should report any repair issues by contacting the Pinnacle National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628 or Repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk
Raising repairs prior to move-out
It is important to report any necessary repairs in your home even while you're in the process of moving out. This allows for any required work to be completed before a new family moves in, creating a smoother transfer for all. You should report any repair issues by contacting the Pinnacle National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628 or Repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk
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Monday, 27 January 2025
Episkopi: Bank of Cyprus ATM
Please note: The Bank of Cyprus has clarified that the sticker on the ATM currently states that it performs both cash and cheque deposits. However, this will soon be replaced to accurately reflect that only cash deposits can be carried out on this ATM.
Thank you and enjoy all the cash!
Recruit For Spouses January newsletter
Click here to read the RFS January newsletter: https://recruit4spouses.cmail19.com/t/r-e-thfltyd-bdhxulutj-z/%E2%80%8B
Friday, 24 January 2025
Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas
Serving personnel and families are entitled to claim Universal Credit, regardless of their location. This means families stationed overseas can submit claims in the same way as those in the UK.
Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas - GOV.UK
Pinnacle Group: Free Coaching & Mentoring
Do you have links to the military community? Pinnacle Group's Social Value team deliver employability, money management and business mentoring programmes which are free to SP, Veterans, Reservists, and their Spouses / Partners and their families.
So whether you are looking to change your job or find yourself out of work we can support you to get that next role via our employability programmes and if you are someone looking to start a business or maybe you are a Veteran or Spouse / Partner with an Existing Business looking for support to grow your income and profits, we have business mentoring programmes where experienced Business Mentors will support you all the way.
For more information please visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/families-first/family-and-community-support/ or email psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk
Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards
Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce over £3.3 million has been awarded in the latest series of grants made under the Covenant Fund.
The Trust has supported a total of 34 fantastic projects across four different Covenant Fund programmes, all set to make significant improvements for Armed Forces communities across the UK.
Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Episkopi: Bus 33 Route and Timetable
The bus stop to Limassol is just outside the main gate.
To see the schedule and route please:
- Download the app “Cyprus Bus” from the play store!
- Go to “Line Schedules” and choose bus no. 33 - Limassol Marina – My Mall – Waterpark – - - -
- Kolossi Castle – Kourion Beach – Episkopi (UK Sov. Bases).
- Choose the direction you want to go.
- Choose the stop. The stop near the main gate is called “Garrison”.
- See when the next bus is coming!
- Arrive at the bus stop few minutes earlier.
- Enjoy the ride!
- Price: € 2 (cash only)
**Remember: Bus timetables in Cyprus are not as reliable as in other countries so keep calm and be patient if sometimes bus is few minutes (or more) late.
- Choose the direction you want to go.
- Choose the stop. The stop near the main gate is called “Garrison”.
- See when the next bus is coming!
- Arrive at the bus stop few minutes earlier.
- Enjoy the ride!
- Price: € 2 (cash only)
**Remember: Bus timetables in Cyprus are not as reliable as in other countries so keep calm and be patient if sometimes bus is few minutes (or more) late.
Friday, 17 January 2025
ESBA Combined Medical Practice - new eConsult web address
Please be aware that the eConsult Web address has changed from dhekeliamedical.webgp.com to esbamedical.webgp.com
If you google esba eConsult it will pick up the old Web address because of your search history.
If you would like to access eConsult, please type the new web address esbamedical.webgp.com directly onto the address bar or click on the link below.
BFC Community Learning Programme is back and open for registration!
Kick start 2025 with a new skill via one of the many courses on offer with BFC's Community Learning Programme!
Available to all BFC personnel and UKFM.
Online registration is now open and closes midday 27 Jan 25.
New Defence survey for those in a Long Term Relationship
If you’re in a Long Term Relationship (LTR) with a Service person, Defence would like to hear your views and experiences about Service family life.
Defence has launched a pilot survey to better understand the experiences of Long Term Relationship partners, including dual-serving partners, of serving personnel. This survey is anonymous and closes on Monday 3 February 2025.
Please note that this survey is open to the entire LTR population, and is separate to the LTR Overseas pilot scheme survey that is also currently ongoing.
What do you like about Service life? What can be improved?
Your feedback will help Defence to deliver the UK Armed Forces Families Strategy (2022-32), which drives policy and initiatives in areas such as family healthcare, education and accommodation.
Your feedback will also help Defence to develop eligibility for support, allowances, and accommodation to those in couple relationships.
How to complete the survey
Rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets
Back and bigger than ever rail sale.
From 14 to 20 January 2025, selected advance and off-peak fares will go on sale at up to 50% off for travel between 17 January and 31 March 2025.
As part of this year’s rail sale, thousands of popular routes across almost all UK train operators, including Transport for Wales and ScotRail, will be offering discounted tickets with journeys spreading the length and breadth of Great Britain.
Discounted rail ticket prices will apply to journeys made between 17 January and 31 March 2025 across Great Britain.
The sale is now live with tickets available through the Rail Delivery Group’s microsite or through individual train operators until 20 January.
For further information: Back and bigger than ever: rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets - GOV.UK
National Transition Event, Silverstone, 24 Feb 25
Register for the National Transition Event, the largest Armed Forces community event of this kind, with over 200 exhibitors and Mission Motorsport’s Troops’ Track Day on the GP Circuit. To register for free, hit this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-national-transition-event-2025-tickets-1086959307549?aff=oddtdtcreator
#NTE25
#NTE25
Thursday, 16 January 2025
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
MOD Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP)
The Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP) is a partnership between the MOD and 19 English local authorities that have committed to work together to improve the experience and outcomes of children of UK Armed Forces families. The local authority membership of MODLAP represent those authority areas with the highest numbers of service children in England.
Full information can be found HERE
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Never Such Innocence: Month of the Military Child - April 2025
Never Such Innocence will be offering a wide variety of activities for Month of the Military Child in April. Whether you are joining the 'Purple Up' day on 25 April, entering the poetry and art competition or singing Dandelions - there is something for everyone! Please visit their website to learn more or access their range of activities. www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child
Friday, 10 January 2025
Victory Services Club - Club Life Newsletter December Issue
For more information on the VSC, please visit their website https://www.vsc.co.uk/
Soldiers Arts Academy - free online workshops
The Soldiers' Arts Academy aims to provide a platform through which serving and veteran military personnel and their families can participate in the creative arts. Using their skills and experiences to create and engage audiences worldwide, the SAA strives to encourage excellence, engagement and inspiration in its members, as well as building a supportive and strong community.
Online workshops include art, signing, guitar lessons and poetry. All are free for military personnel, veterans and military families. Find out more at www.soldiersartsacademy.org
Join the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Team for two free webinars
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund are kicking off 2025 with two FREE webinars and they would love you to join them.
The first will focus on the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme, sharing key findings from the programme evaluation.
The second will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together programme, the next phase of the successful VPPP programme.
Join us on Tuesday 14 January, 1pm to 3pm to discover the insights and impact of the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme. Jointly funded by the Covenant Fund, NHS England and NHS Improvement, this programme supported pilot projects aimed at exploring better ways to support Veterans and their families when they are in an acute hospital setting https://covenantfund.org.uk/2024/12/11/from-data-to-impact-a-webinar-to-show-the-outcomes-of-the-supporting-armed-forces-in-acute-hospital-settings-programme/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_24_2022_12_4_COPY_01)
Our second webinar of 2025 will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together Programme.
Building on the work of the successful Veterans’ People Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP), Thrive Together will step up support for vulnerable Veterans and their families across the UK, driving future sustainability. Want to learn more about Thrive Together? : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Thursday, 9 January 2025
Royal British Legion Poppy Hike, Epsom Surrey – 18th May 2025
The RBL Poppy Hike is taking place in the beautiful Surrey Hills on Sunday 18th May. By taking part, you'll be helping to raise vital funds and awareness so that RBL can continue to support serving & ex-serving personnel and their families, for as long as needed.
Starting and finishing at Epsom Racecourse, you'll hike through stunning landscapes in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will also pass through a Centenary Wood which commemorates the sacrifices made in WW1.
For more information on this event, please go to: rbl.org.uk/eventhike or click here
To find more information on:Other RBL fundraising events and challenges, please visit: rbl.org.uk/eventbrochure
The RBL and how they support beneficiaries, please visit : Our Beneficiaries
How to be a volunteer, please visit: rbl.org.uk/event-volunteer
Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6 Jan 25
Are you ready to register?
Great news for Service families assigned to locations within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision. WAC Overseas is now available to eligible families in these areas from today (6 January 2025).
Have Your Say: Accompanied Established Long-Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Survey opens on 8 Jan
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Reading Force: Celebrating 1,000 Members
Reading Force and Book Clubs
Reading Force has been encouraging Forces families to choose and share books for fun, and as a way of staying connected with deployed parents and their wider families for over 10 years.
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