Akrotir Watering Hole. Speed quizzing.

 The Watering Hole invites you to come and take part in their Speed quizzing nights on Wednesdays at 19.30 - 22.00. 2 euros per player, maximum 6 players per team.

Episkopi: IMD ParkRun

Join us for a special parkrun event celebrating the incredible women in our community.

When: 8th March 8am
Where: Happy Valley parkrun

Everyone is welcome to run, walk, jog, volunteer, or cheer! Bring your friends, family, and positivity.

Let's come together to empower, inspire, and celebrate women.

Wear purple to show your support!

Episkopi: Les Mills Class Schedule

Updated SSAFA Community Health Feedback Survey Poster

Akrotiri Crafting event for Mothers Day!

The ACG Mothers Day Craft Workshop.

The Akrotiri Community Group are putting on a free craft workshop, for all ages, the week before Mothers Day.

No sign up required. Come along to make something for all mothers, grandmothers or mother figures.

2pm - 4pm at Aki Rugby Club.

Akrotiri Ladies Formal Dinner and Dance. Open to all!

 Akrotiri WO's and Sgts Mess are hosting a formal dinner and dance open to all ladies with a station pass. Ticket information coming soon.

Akrotiri Beach Clean. Volunteers please!

 

WSBA Turtle watch are calling out for help please with their beach clean up event on Sunday 27th April. Meet at the yellow helicopter at 8.45am for guide to the coves. Clean up starts at the coves from 9.00am.

Please do help out if you can!

Op ASCEND – Careers After Service

Op ASCEND is a free, government-backed service to support veterans in growing their careers.

Whether you’re a veteran seeking employment or an employer looking to attract skilled veterans to your workforce, find out what signing up to the Op ASCEND service can do for you.

For more information visit: https://careersafterservice.campaign.gov.uk

Episkopi: Cake Stall

Episkopi: Holi Festival

Give Us Time: New Motorhome Breaks Now Available

Give Us Time have had a new donation of breaks from the team at Sponsored Breaks. These are 3-day/2-night stays in their fully kitted out motorhome, which sleeps up to 4 people. The motorhome is based in Wolverhampton, so does need to be collected and dropped off back to site, and any drivers must be between 25 and 70 with 2 years’ experience of driving and less than 6 points on licence. Unfortunately no pets are allowed.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Latest round of grants under The Armed Forces Families Fund - Early Years Programme

What’s the programme all about?

The Early Years programme is designed to help Armed Forces families access good quality early childhood education and childcare provision close to where they live or serve.

The programme is designed to address barriers that service families may experience in accessing good quality childcare for their preschool aged children and will support projects lasting up to two years that can meet one of the four outcomes:

· Expanded capacity in early years settings, allowing more service children to attend.

· Enhanced learning environments that better support the educational development of service children.

· Improved staff skills and knowledge through targeted training and professional development.

· Establishing collaborative networks and shared resources through clusters to effectively address the needs of service children.

New for this round is the theme of ‘Establishing collaborative networks and shared resources through clusters to effectively address the needs of service children’ to focus on building strong support networks and sharing best practices to better meet the needs of service children.

How to protect yourself from loan sharks

How to protect yourself from loan sharks

A loan shark – or illegal money lender - is someone who lends money illegally without proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

That means if you borrow from them, they don’t have to follow the rules – they can decide how much you pay back and when.
These criminals are not always easy to spot - they can be a friend, a fellow service member, even a senior officer.
Whoever they are, they will usually appear as a friendly face, offering you a favour. They may tell you that what they are offering is nothing more than peer-to-peer lending and their offer may seem hard to resist.
But very quickly the situation can spiral out of control, and you could find yourself having to pay back much more than you initially borrowed. You might even be subjected to threats, violence and intimidation if you struggle to make a payment.
There are some signs that you can look out for, which may indicate that an agreement has crossed the line from peer-to-peer lending into more sinister and dangerous territory.

Have Your Say: Accompanied Established Long-Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Survey open until 14 Apr

To take part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot Survey please click HERE (survey open from 08 Jan 25).

More information is available on Sway HERE.

BFBS Survey

The MOD has launched an online survey about the services provided by BFBS.

They’re keen to ask serving personnel and their families some questions including what you find useful, what you would miss most if the service changed, and what could be improved?

They’d like your opinion even if you don’t read, watch or listen to BFBS’s services.

You can do the survey on a mobile, laptop, or tablet and it takes about 10 minutes.

This feedback will help Defence improve BFBS’s services and ensure that the views of its users and potential audiences are considered.

Find the survey at bfbs.com/feedback.

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- 416 – HMRC Criminal Investigator Officer

Multiple vacancies – UK wide
Job Description 
Closing date: 4 Apr 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

This position is eligible for Flexibility Payment. For more information, please click here

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)

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

SFA Roadshow

If you would like to attend one of the Roadshows, please use the QR code on the poster above to sign up.

Reporting damp and mould

Tackling damp and mould in SFA remains a top priority for DIO and our suppliers. Over 9,000 homes have already benefited from the delivery of damp and mould works since the taskforce stood up in 2023. In response to the works delivered, reoccurrence of damp and mould has been addressed in circa 85% of cases.

It is important that you report all cases of damp and mould and to let us know of any reoccurrence of the issue so that we can continue to tackle this. Please also see our guide for families that outlines helpful tips to prevent damp and mould developing in your homes.

We are aware of a recent IT issue which may have affected your ability to log damp and mould issues using the online repairs form on Pinnacle’s website. This has now been resolved; however, if you have used the online form to log an issue and have not yet received a follow up call, please call Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628, selecting option 1.

Any issues of damp and mould can also be reported by calling Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628 or emailing repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk

Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition

T​he updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.

Please click the link to read this edition online: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66eabc22ba4b4b3f9450167f/Service_Leavers_Guide_Sep_24.pdf

Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme

 

Applications are now open for the Service Pupil Support Programme which is part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3). The programme will award grants between £5,000 and £150,000 to projects supporting service children along their educational pathway, and to reach their full potential. Deadline is midday on 30th April 2025. See the Press release for more detail and links.

Give Us Time: respite breaks for military families - 2025 dates are live!

The charity ‘Give Us Time’ offers accommodation for respite breaks for UK military families. No referral is required from Welfare for families to sign up. Please see the posters for more details and the current March dates, but more 2025 dates are available on the website: https://giveustime.org.uk/

Month of the Military Child – April 2025

To find out more about this year’s Month of the Military Child, please visit: www.neversuchinnocence.com

You can watch the Dandelions music video, a song written by the Armed Forces Children's Choir for Month of the Military Child, on YouTube: Dandelions Music Video

Headspace App – Five FREE family & friends subscriptions available for Army Personnel and Army Civil Servants

Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.gov.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

Headspace says, “We make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience. Through our flagship Headspace app, we provide mindfulness tools for everyday life, including meditations, sleepcasts, mindful movement and focus exercises. Our enterprise offerings combine this experience with a human-centered model of care, with coaching, therapy, psychiatry and EAP services under one roof. Our team of experts ranges from mental health clinicians, to Emmy award-winning producers and data scientists, working together as one to help millions of people around the world be healthier and more productive.”

Defence launches the Families Hub – an information portal to help navigate Service family life

The Families Hub – which signposts to information, support and organisations to help navigate all stages of Service family life – has launched.

For the first time, Armed Forces families will be able to access a “one stop shop” digital platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations – to help you navigate Service family life.

The Families Hub is for all Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) families and personnel – from the moment of entering the Forces, through to leaving.

Visit the Families Hub today and explore a range of topics, including partner support, housing, health and wellbeing, childcare and finance.

Give Us Time: March breaks for Forces families

Give Us Time have provided a round up of the breaks they have available for Forces families for March below:

NEW!

21 – 28 March

Bird’s Nest, Carrick Shore, SW Scotland – property is for 2 people only Airbnb link

AVAILABLE AGAIN DUE TO CANCELLATION

17 – 21 March

Letham Feus, Fife, Scotland – 2 bed lodge WITH HOT TUB!

https://largoleisure.co.uk/holiday-parks-scotland/letham-feus-park

STILL AVAILABLE – ALL SLEEP UP TO 6 PEOPLE

17 – 21 March

Braidhaugh, C Scotland

https://largoleisure.co.uk/holiday-parks-scotland/braidhaugh-holiday-park

24 – 28 March

Seawick, Essex

https://www.parkholidays.com/our-parks/essex/seawick/caravan-holidays

31 March – 4 April

Broadland Sands, Suffolk

https://www.parkholidays.com/our-parks/suffolk/broadland-sands/caravan-holidays

Sand Le Mere, East Yorkshire

https://www.parkholidays.com/our-parks/yorkshire/sand-le-mere/caravan-holidays

As always

Our breaks are accommodation only, we cannot cover the costs of food, entertainment, travel etc

Breaks are booked on a first come first served basis

All the breaks – except Bird’s Nest – are live on the website – the link to create an account/log in is here https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

FAQs including criteria are here https://giveustime.org.uk/what-we-do/faqs/

Blue Light Card Offers - February Round-up

Member Days:

Blue Light Card’s Member Days are back and bigger than ever before. Each year, attractions across the UK will close their gates to the public, on selected dates, and open them exclusively for our members. Expect smaller crowds, free parking, selected discounts on food and drink. Our first Member Day at Alton Towers takes place on Friday 7th March so don’ t delay in getting your tickets.

Find out more about Member Days here: Blue Light Card News

Mother’s Day campaign:

From the first-time mum and work mum, to foster mums and stepmums – in the run up to Mother’s Day, we celebrate all those who mum. We have a range of offers so those in the Blue Light community can celebrate the mother figure in their lives. Make the most of deals with brands such as eFlorist, SpaBreaks, Moonpig and many more.

Big Saver Weekend:

Taking place between Friday 28th March – Monday 31st March, our Big Saver Weekend is a four day sale-event, providing fantastic discounts to the Blue Light Community. From fashion and homeware, to everyday essentials and gifting – there are Spring savings for everyone to take advantage of.

New Offers:

We’re always on the lookout for new brands and offers to ensure our community gets the most out of its membership. Some of the new and exciting offers we’ve recently introduced, include: 20% off food, Sunday – Friday at Banana Tree, £10 off your first order over £15 or more with Just Eat, save 10% on the latest trends at All Saints.

https://auth.blcshine.io/login?client_id=7b854of9jqjte75vglfnm1gd3t&response_type=code&scope=aws.cognito.signin.user.admin+email+openid+profile&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bluelightcard.co.uk%2Fauth%2Fcallback.php&state=eyJwYWdlIjoiZmxleGlibGVPZmZlcnMucGhwP2lkPTEyIiwic3RhdGV0b2tlbiI6ImZjZGY3Mjg4MjFmNGU3NDkwZTNjMmNmMjM1YjExNDkxN2NmNTQ5ZGJkYzI3ZjI3YWIyM2I5YWRhMTU4MzFjODQifQ%3D%3D&utm_source=B2Bemail+&utm_medium=Email+&utm_campaign=BLCroundupFeb&utm_id=NewoffersFeb

About Blue Light Card

Blue Light Card is the UK’s leading discount service for those working in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, teaching community and armed forces.

We’re here to help our members do more with less! For just £4.99, members can enjoy 2 years access to over 13,000 discounts online and instore.

For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/?utm_source=Roundup&utm_medium=UTM&utm_campaign=BLCFebroundup

Forces Employment Charity: ‘Empowering You’ Employment Workshop, Manchester and online – 10-12 Mar

 

Empowering You is brought to you by the Forces Employment Charity, from Monday, 10 March, to Wednesday, 12 March 2025. It is a hybrid three-day employability and confidence-building workshop for spouses and partners, including military women, and those who are separated, divorced, or bereaved. Please note military spouses and partners of any gender may attend.

Your top 5 reasons to attend:

• Receive a free one-to-one mentoring session with a corporate mentor
• Join us in person in Radbroke where Barclays will host our sessions
• Hear from employers about pathways into employment and regional job opportunities
• Understand the value that your transferrable skills can bring to employers
• Expert sessions delivered by our Families Employment Advisors

For more information and to register, please go to: https://rfea.my.site.com/forcesemployment/s/community-event?id=a48N1000000C66TIAS

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 24

This issue and previous issues can be read online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-infrastructure-organisation-service-family-accommodation

Serve and Protect Credit Union - March update

Content:

📢 Free financial webinars this March from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!
🌍 Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
📝 Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
🚀 Credit Score 101: Boost Your Score
🔍 Before You Borrow: Things to Know
🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars

Mindfulness can be a simple and effective tool to live in the moment and reduce financial stress.

Discover how to navigate your financial journey with clarity in Episode 10 of the Smile and Save Podcast.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/gb8ItNJ76_A?si=-IvTvTA_qSesz-GT

Start of Spring - Thu 20th March

Why not give your finances a fresh start and start saving from your pay with Serve and Protect Credit Union?

Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/

Debt Awareness Week - Mon 24th - Sun 30th March

Boost your financial knowledge this Debt Awareness Week with the free webinars provided by our friends at Serve and Protect Credit Union!

Discover 10 steps to improve your credit score and what to consider before applying for credit.

Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/education/webinars/

Recruit for Spouses: Online Workshop for Foreign & Commonwealth military spouses and partners

Calling All Foreign & Commonwealth Military Spouses - Unlock Your Potential: Master Immigration, Visas, and Career Growth with Recruit for Spouses!

Are you navigating the complexities of life in the UK? Let RFS help you thrive! Join the exclusive workshop hosted by the Army Families Federation (AFF) and Recruit for Spouses (RFS), tailored specifically for Foreign & Commonwealth military spouses.

Date: 4th March 1930 – 2030 Location: Virtual

What’s in Store?

- Visa & Immigration Insights: Get crucial guidance from AFF on securing your family's legal residency and work eligibility in the UK.

- Career Advancement Tools: Discover RFS Career Academy’s unique programme, designed to help you recognise qualifications, develop your career path, and expand your professional network.

- Q&A session with AFF’s qualified immigration advisor

Register now! https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in

This is more than a workshop - it's a lifeline to comprehensive support specially designed for Foreign & Commonwealth military families, covering everything from legal advice to career progression.

Connect with experts, access essential resources, and meet fellow spouses in similar situations. Take a giant leap toward personal growth and financial stability in the UK. Step into your power and pave the way for success! Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your life and career in the UK.

Episkopi: ESSC Training Programme

Episkopi: K1 Triathlon

Episkopi: Cinema Club Timetable

Episkopi: Early Years February Newsletter

Please see use the link below to access their February newsletter, hope you enjoy it!

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/K9ZBRj6YPv1ftBle?ref=email

Recruit for Spouses Roadshow, Colchester – 25 Mar

 

Come and join Recruit for Spouses for a brew and a slice of cake 🍰☕ while learning all about what RFS has to offer.

One of our reps will be there to chat about our programmes and how we can help you thrive.

• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• 
  
• Foreign & Commonwealth
• 
  
• Coaching & Mentoring
• 
  
• Recruitment
• 
  
• Resources
• 
  
• and Much more!

Don't miss out on this chance to connect and discover new opportunities!

Head over to the portal to sign up https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 is open!

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 – which hears from Service spouses and civil partners about their views on Service family life – is now open!

Take part in this year’s tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) and help Defence to understand your experiences and thoughts across a broad range of areas. Your feedback will help Defence to make changes and develop policies to better meet your needs.

The survey invites a random sample of civil partners and spouses of regular serving personnel to take part. To see if you’ve been invited to complete the survey, and to access the survey, please check the online eligibility tool.

The eligibility tool and survey work best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge and will ask for a token/access code. This refers to your partner’s Service number, which is required for security reasons only. Please be assured that all survey responses are anonymous.

The closing date for FamCAS is Monday 7 April 2025.

How can FamCAS benefit me and my loved ones?

FamCAS is one of the main ways that Defence hears from Service families on their attitudes and experiences about various aspects of Service family life. This includes childcare and children’s education, housing, deployment, employment and more.

Every response counts in providing crucial evidence to help Defence make decisions and changes that will better address your family’s challenges and needs.

Previous FamCAS feedback has contributed to the new Families Hub, which Defence launched yesterday. The Families Hub is a “one stop shop” platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support, and guidance – to help you navigate Service family life. To explore your options – across childcare, housing, finance, health and wellbeing and partner support – visit the Families Hub.

Service families play a vital role in the Armed Forces, and your feedback will help to make sure that Defence’s “Armed Forces Offer” continues to reflect the needs of you and your family. To explore a range of allowances, opportunities, and benefits as part of Your Offer, visit the Discover My Benefits site.

If you have any questions about this year's FamCAS, please email: Analysis-Surveys-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk.