SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse - Welfare staff interviews request

SafeLives are keen to speak with Army Welfare Officers and Unit Welfare Officers who have experience of supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse. They want to understand your experiences of providing welfare support, and hear your views on the barriers victim/survivors from military families and relationships may face when trying to access help.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Army Personnel ABF

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse victims/survivors interviews request

Survivor Interviews

SafeLives, with support from the Army Benevolent Fund, is looking to improve the domestic abuse response for victim/survivors from serving and veteran families.

SafeLives want to hear directly from victim/survivors who have lived experience of domestic abuse in military families or relationships. Their voices are central to this work.

Victim/survivors who take part will also receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Survivor ABF

ACORN programme run by ManKind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

This course has less than six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

Give Us Time: Welfare Summer Update

 

For more information, please visit www.giveustime.org.uk

Alternatively please follow them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Family Focus Programme reopens for applications

When a serving person becomes wounded, injured, or sick, life can change quickly for those around them. Family members might take on the role of primary carer, carrying a heavy emotional and practical load during recovery.

Ongoing support is essential. Its helps carers recognise their own needs and ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

In 2024/25, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded more than £1.3 million to 16 projects under the Family Focus programme to improve the lives of family members of Wounded, Injured or Sick personnel and veterans.

Focus on family members

Today, the Trust are opening this programme and inviting applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel better informed and more able to access relevant information, advice and guidance, applicable to their situation.
• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel less lonely/isolated, more resilient and better equipped to deal with their circumstances.
• Family members of those who are wounded, injured and sick have developed their skills for work, or have greater confidence to pursue volunteering or employment when it's right for them.

Grants of between £50,000 and £100,000 are available for projects lasting 12-18 months, which focus on addressing the needs of family members currently experiencing significant impact to their lives.

The Trust are looking for projects that recognise that each family has a unique set of circumstances. You’ll take a person-centred approach with tailored support and information, and there will be tangible outcomes for those you are working with.

What’s new for 2025/26?

The programme will focus on interventions that explore and pilot innovative solutions, as well as projects that refine and implement learning from successful recent pilots.

The Trust also welcome initiatives that embed good practice or build upon and expand services developed and tested within the past five years. These projects should sit outside an organisations core or routine work, offering opportunities to innovate and grow based on proven foundations.

Applications will be accepted from:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Local authorities
• NHS organisations

Full eligibility is available on the Trust website Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Find out more

Full details of this funding opportunity are available on the Trust’s dedicated Family Focus programme page.

Application deadline is 12pm Wednesday 24 September 2025.

Gov.uk: Emergency Alerts Sunday 7 September at 3pm

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.

Your mobile phone or tablet will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent. The alert message will confirm this is a test and that you do not need to take any further action.

Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency. Find out more at gov.uk/alerts.

You can opt out of the Emergency Alerts, including the national test, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety.

Emergency Alerts will warn you via your mobile or tablet if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. Only the government and the emergency services are able to send them.











There are simple and effective steps we can all take to be more prepared for an emergency. Visit gov.uk/prepare for advice on how you can prepare.

Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF): Carers and Careers Survey

Are you juggling life in the Armed Forces while caring for someone with additional needs or a disability? Whether you're serving yourself or you're the partner of someone who is, if you're a carer, the Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) wants to hear from you!

FANDF is collecting lived experiences through a short survey, and the results will be shared directly with the MOD and policymakers at our next committee meeting.

Complete the survey now—it only takes a few minutes but could help shape the future: https://forms.office.com/e/zT65EDwM9

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager, Plymouth

 

The Department of Work and Pensions has 12 new Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager Executive Officer opportunities in Plymouth. These are now open for applications until 4 Aug 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Child Maintenance Service - Enforcement Case Manager - Plymouth (Ref: 735) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

 

Little Troopers: All together Build-A-Bear workshops on 13 Aug

 

All Together this Summer!

Little Troopers has once again partnered with Build-A-Bear Workshop to bring a very special experience to military children across the UK this summer!

Is your little trooper missing a deployed parent?

If your child has a parent currently deployed, you can apply to attend one of our exclusive group workshops happening nationwide. Each child will have the magical opportunity to create their very own ‘Little Troopers’ bear at Build-A-Bear — a treasured keepsake to hold close while their parent is away.

A Nationwide Shared Moment

On the same day and at the same time, children in multiple Build-A-Bear locations will come together for this special summer event — a moment of connection and comfort for our military families.

Event Details:

Date: 13th August 2025

Time: Approximately 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Age Group: Military children aged 4–10 years, each accompanied by one adult

Locations: Windsor, Exeter, Edinburgh, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Southampton, Maidstone, and Newcastle Build-A-Bear Workshops

Apply via the form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPKJPVR

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

 

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Akrotiri Sunrise Meditations

 

Akrotiri Chelona childrens fun day.

 

Get ready for a morning full of fun, games & smiles at Chelona in Akrotiri!

This Saturday – 26th of July

10:00 – 12:00

A cheerful kids fun leader will keep the little ones entertained with games, music, and laughter

Special guest: Stitch will be there to play, hug, and take photos!

Meanwhile, parents can enjoy their coffee, drinks, and snacks

Don’t miss this joyful morning at Chelona — a perfect mix of play and relaxation for the whole family!

See you in just 3 days!

RAF Job Opportunities for Rejoiners and Inter-Service Transferees

RAF Recruitment | Rejoiners | Royal Air Force

Military Mortgage Advice – Housing Webinars, July to Sept 25

 

 

Webinars | Military Mortgage Advice

Akrotiri Library Summer Reading Challenge

 

Akrotiri Library Assistant

 

Akrotiri- Turtlewatch Shop volunteers

 

Turtlewatch shop are looking for volunteers 

If you have any spare time and fancy volunteering or for more information please contact

jackwilkins222@hotmail.com

You can pick what hours suit you best. The shop is currently open 

Tuesday & Thursday 9-11am

Akrotiri Swimming Pool Summer Timetables

The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter: Family Support together

 To read online, please click Summer 2025 Newsletter

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

 

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Ay Nik Summer Library Event

 

Defence update: Wraparound Childcare funding updates for autumn term 2025

 

Are you eligible to join the 9,000 Service families claiming up to £3,400, per child, per year, for their before and after school childcare costs?

What is Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

The WAC scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of disability allowances), who are in full-time education in school or being home educated. WAC funding is available to eligible working Service families in the UK, assigned overseas within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S), assigned overseas and using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision or assigned overseas unaccompanied with family remaining in an eligible location.

Since September 2022 WAC has provided funding for 12,500 Service children's before and after school childcare.

WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Wraparound childcare is also known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Age Childcare’ in Scotland.

Akrotiri Med Centre - Patient Participation Group

 

SAVE THE DATE- THURSDAY 17th July

The next Akrotiri Medical Centre drop in Patient Participation Group will be held over coffee and cake at the Chaplaincy Centre on THURSDAY 17th July 1030-1200.

If you are a Sqn / Group Rep or registered service user, why not pop down and see us.

* Let us know what we are doing well

* Let us know how we can improve services

* Help shape the future of the WSBA medical services

No appointment required, just pop in!

For further information or to have your say via our virtual (email) group please contact either Sqn Ldr Marsdunn, or FS Terri Fenton.

Akrotiri - UEFA Womens Euros 2025

 

BIG NIGHT at Chelona in Akrotiri!

Join us LIVE for the Quarterfinals of UEFA WOMEN’S EURO 2025!

Sweden vs England

Thursday 17 July 2025

Kick-off at 22:00

Come early, grab the best seat and enjoy:

Ice-cold beer

Cocktails & drinks

Delicious food share platters

Bring your friends, and feel the thrill together at Chelona in Akrotiri!

See you there!

#UEFAWomensEURO2025 #Chelona #LiveFootball #SwedenVsEngland #FoodAndBeer #footballnight