Friday, 27 June 2025
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
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).
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
MyWay APP by Sodexo
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: Breakfast Club
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.
Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas
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
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.
Friday, 20 June 2025
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/
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/
Thursday, 19 June 2025
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
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)
Wednesday, 18 June 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)
Little Troopers New Forest Reconnection Weekend – next events are Dorset, 25 to 27 July, and 26 to 28 Sept
‘Group of children photographed with Little Troopers Founder, Louise’.
In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully-funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.
The weekend was the second one to take place, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Dorset.
Families arrived on Friday (13th June), kicking off the weekend by taking part in an evening woodland nature walk, before staying in shepherd’s huts.
On the second day, families got to try out raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft, a BBQ cooked by the parents, and campfire games for the children in the evening. Families headed home on Sunday 15th June after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees and enjoying some Father’s Day treats.
Stuart More, serving in the Royal Navy based in Portsmouth, attended with his daughter. He said: “My favourite thing from the reconnection weekend was the family time. Military families have come together as one, played different types of games, and interacted with each other with no use of technology, which is brilliant. It’s brought us all back to nature and it’s been really rewarding to be part of it.”
Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans
Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.
In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.
To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 June 25
Revised move-in and move-out specification
We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.
One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year.
Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life
Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey: spousal / partner employment
education and childcare
communications
safeguarding
Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.
How to complete the survey
Invitation to attend Financial Literacy Focus Groups
Introduction
Financial literacy is a key life skill and is critical to the development of our personal and collective resilience. The Financial Times charity FLIC is has funding to expand financial literacy into the Armed Forces and they are running 2 online focus groups in June and one face to face focus group in July (details below). 20-30 Service personnel and family members across a mix of ranks, ethnicity and gender are being sought for each focus group, to help FLIC understand the financial challenges that the Armed Forces face, and the information that would be useful.
The three focus groups will take place on the following dates/times:
19 Jun 25 (1130-1230 tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
24 Jun 25 (0900-1000 tbc) – Online focus group delivered via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
17 Jul 25 0900-1200 – Face to face focus group delivered by FLIC, Buller Conference Centre, St Omer, Aldershot. (35 pers). Civilian attire, lunch at PAYD facility.
Register interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/at8DSE3evc
Volunteers will be asked to take part in a discussion to help shape a package that informs our Service community in a way that is relevant, engaging and accessible. The discussion will explore their topics of interest, financial challenges and how they want to receive the information. The session will also include the opportunity to test video and e-learning platform capabilities.
Monday, 16 June 2025
Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update
25 JUNE 12:30-13:30 - SAVE THE DATE!
The FPS will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 on Wednesday 25 June via MS Teams.
It will cover:
The latest on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud) implementation
A reminder of how pension benefits are/were earned during service and the ages that deferred pensions are paid
When and how the pension benefits increase
How to obtain a pension forecasts whilst serving or as a Veteran
Dependants Benefits
When and how to claim a deferred pension
The benefits of membership of the Forces Pension Society
For more information, click here.
Friday, 13 June 2025
News release: Improved support for serving families facing separation challenges
Deployment, training and exercises make separation a fundamental part of service for many, but this can have a significant impact on family life. Being apart can cause loneliness and a sense of isolation – whether you’re ‘weekending’ and adjusting to a constantly changing family dynamic or dealing with long separations.
Re-opening today, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) devised their Apart, not Alone programme to tackle this issue head on, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.
Building on the success of last year’s programme, this year the Trust are delivering support where and when it’s needed most - reflecting the changing nature of deployment, recognising the different types of separation and the sometimes very different challenges these can present.
Why are we running this programme?
Apart not Alone aims to improve the quality of life for those impacted by service-related separation. So far, The Trust have awarded over £70,000 to support forces families facing these challenges.
Female Veterans' Transformation Programme
Question: What have Plymouth, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Cannock and Winchester got in common?
Answer: We will be in those locations next month with Agora Photography taking photographs of female veterans!
We are creating a toolkit to aid services who support female veterans. Additional funding has been sought from the Office for Veterans' Affairs & Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to raise the profile of Female Veterans. Part of this funding will be spent on a photoshoot and we are touring the UK with Agora Photography
We want Female Veterans from the breadth of the UK to be involved in this photoshoot, regardless of age, rank, time served, ethnicity, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. The more diverse the better!
To sign up for a photoshoot click this link: https://forms.office.com/e/SmuxuxW6EQ
To find out more here.
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
80s & 90s Night at Ay Nik
A chance to roll back the years and re-experience shell suits, girl power and Brit pop.
Full details and tickets available from Ayios Nikolaos HIVE
Episkopi: Co-Working Hub
Looking for a flexible, inspiring space to work, create, or collaborate? Our Co-Working Hub is here for our Station's freelancers, remote workers, creatives, and small teams who need a professional environment!
Fast Wi-Fi Comfortable workspacesWhether you need a desk for a day or a place to grow your ideas long-term, they've got you covered.
Join our Facebook group to connect and learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/16kbGdZDH3/
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Akrotiri: Save the date! The next market is coming on 5th July!
Please pop into Akrotiri HIVE to book your table!
Solihull online parenting courses from SSAFA
SSAFA are pleased to share that our service now has access to the Solihull Approach Online Parenting Courses via InOurPlace, fully funded by us for our military families. These high-quality, evidence-based courses are designed to support parenting confidence, strengthen relationships, and promote emotional wellbeing for children and families.
For access details, please contact your local HIVE or Unit Welfare Officer
There are a wide range of courses available, including:
- Understanding your baby
- Understanding your child
- Teen brain development
- Parenting children with additional needs
These courses are self-directed, available in many languages, accessible 24/7, and suitable for all stages of parenting from bump, birth and beyond.
For more information please see our dedicated page on our website.
Monday, 9 June 2025
NEW VACANCY - DWP Fraud Officer - Leith and Glasgow - Closing Date 23 June 2025 (V,S&P)
GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow
10 positions available
Closing Date: 23 Jun 2025
Job Description NEW VACANCY - DWP Fraud Officer - Leith and Glasgow - Closing Date 23 June 2025 (V,S&P)
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)
British Forces Cyprus (BFC) Mass Notification System (MNS)
Click here https://member.everbridge.net/76486388220041/login or scan the QR code below. It's quick and easy!
Friday, 6 June 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to new applications
The Support for Relocated Service Families - reopen for new applications!
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Serving families: On the Move Programme under the Armed Forces Families Covenant Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!
What’s the programme all about?
Moving to a completely new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can feel surreal. You’re pushed out of your comfort zone, knowing that if you don’t reach out, the feeling of loneliness can quickly grow. But not everyone has the confidence to walk into a coffee morning or event on their own for the first time.
“Having a first point of contact, a friendly face, a supportive presence makes such a difference. Someone who can help you find your way, learn about your new area and most importantly, open the door to connections and friendships.
That kind of support isn’t just help, it’s essential for finding your way and keeping your momentum in this military way of life” – Jenna, Army spouse.
Thursday, 5 June 2025
Queen Berengaria Primary School, Dhekelia PTFA volunteers
QBS PTFA are looking for volunteers to organise the Summer Fayre.
If you can offer some time or expertise, please contact the school reception or pop into one of the HIVEs and we can point you in the right direction.
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Little Wonders Early Years Teaching Position Vacancy
Little Wonders Early Years Teaching Position Vacancy, Limassol - September 2025 Start
Akrotiri: Sunrise Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Tuesday and Thursday mornings
REMINDER!
Where: The Snug Beach Club
When: Thursday 5th June 2025Time: 05:00am (Sunrise will be at 05:35 Thursday morning, you will need to arrive 30 minutes prior)
There will be a sign up sheet available at the club, please speak with our Beach Masters for further details regarding sign up and equipment hire.
All are welcome!
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