BFBS TV - 1-7/11/2025

 

Secrets, sibling rivalries & the race of a lifetime Only on BFBS TV! - 1-7/11/2025 Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. Full listings can be found on our website Movies This Week Kimi is an agoraphobic Seattle tech worker who uncovers evidence of a crime in this week's premiere. Escape into a magical double bill of Roald Dahl films with Matilda The Musical and Charlie Chocolate Factory. You have a VIP ticket into the hottest event of the year in House Party the remix to the fan-favourite '90s classic as well as 21 Jump Street, where a pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring. Classic 90's film The Lost Boys rounds off this blood-sucking Halloween season. And Benediction explores the turbulent life of First World War poet Siegfried Sassoon ahead of Remembrance Sunday. All this and so much more, this week on BFBS TV. Mr Bigstuff

Little Troopers: SQUAD Podcast is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors

SQUAD Podcast - Series

SQUAD is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors.

The Little Troopers podcast – SQUAD – is created especially for young people aged 11–18 who are part of a military family. As we get ready to launch Series 2, we’re on the lookout for young contributors to feature in the new episodes! Recording will take place throughout November and the podcast will launch in January 2026. You’ll be able to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other major platforms – as well as on the Little Troopers website. 🎧 This is a fantastic opportunity for military young people to share their experiences and join conversations alongside an inspiring line-up of guests – including celebrities, sports stars, and musicians who also grew up in military families. We’d love to hear your story and your questions for our guests about how being part of a military family has shaped their lives and careers. Find more information and the application form here: https://www.littletroopers.net/looking-for-military-teens-with-a-love-of-digital-media/ SQUAD series 1 episodes can be found here:  https://audioboom.com/channels/5060133-squad-by-little-troopers?

Department for Work & Pensions Bulk Recruitment: 175 vacancies for Universal Credit Review Executive Officers nationwide

The Department for Work and Pensions has 175 vacancies for Universal Credit Review Executive Officers, open for applications between the 28/10/2025 and the 11/11/2025. The vacancies are available to veterans, reservists, currently serving personnel who are looking to transition into civilian roles and their family members.

The link for further information on the role, locations and how to apply is at: Universal Credit Review - Executive Officer - National (Ref: 749) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Episkopi: Venue for your next Event

Venue Space at Tunnel Beach

Movember Charity Event - Ay Nik

Get involved by growing a moustache or walk/run 60km through the duration of November.

Sign up at www.movember.com and enter the team code - 2493233

31st October - Clean shaven meet-up

28th November - Best moustache meet-up

For more information contact Ay Nik HIVE

DIO SFA Communications Update: 23 Oct – Defence Homes Colour Palette

 

Patch Hacks: New painting guidelines for UK SFA

As part of their commitment to modernise outdated policies and give Service families more freedoms, DIO has introduced a new Defence Homes Colour Palette. And they say:

“We understand that being able to personalise your home is important. Whilst previously all interior walls had to be returned to magnolia or white before moving out, our new colour palette offers a broader range of colours for families to choose from.

“Colours within this range are light and neutral and will not require reverting to white. Take a look at our new colour palette along with some inspiration on how they could be styled in your home here.

“To give you as much freedom as possible, we haven’t dictated particular paint brands, colour names or types (like matt or silk). If you’re unsure whether your chosen colour complies with the approved range on the colour palette, you can check with your dedicated Housing Officer.

“As always, you are welcome to paint your interior walls other colours outside of the new palette range, but these will require reverting back to white upon move out.

“More information on this new policy, including a Top Tips guide for painting the interior of your SFA, can be found on the Defence Homes website. This includes helpful guidance on everything from choosing the right type of paint for a room to prepping the walls and aftercare.”

Defence Update: Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

The Supporting Partners Programme 2025/26 awards almost £1 million to projects that empower Service partners to thrive.

A further 17 projects have been awarded almost £1 million (www) to help promote skills and experience in the workplace, enhance access to vital services, and improve wellbeing.

Compared to last year, this year’s Supporting Partners Fund allocated over 20% more funding to projects and received more overseas applications than ever before.

Bigger budget, bigger impact

Here are some of the important projects that have been awarded grants in the latest round of funding under the Supporting Partners Programme.

AI training initiative to bring new opportunities to partners, worldwide

The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (www) provides a range of media outlets and events for British forces and their families. Supporting Partners Funding will help to deliver an online and in person training programme for Service partners, worldwide.

The programme aims to equip Service partners with skills and confidence to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their everyday lives and work. This will help open new opportunities for employment, self-employment and further education.

Building futures through business support

Enterprise Pathways for Forces Partners is a comprehensive business start-up support programme delivered by X-Forces Enterprise (www), for Service partners.

This programme offers specialist guidance tailored to individual business ideas, for those in the UK, overseas bases, and online.

Supporting partners across Wales

Adferiad (www) is a member-led charity that campaigns for and provides services to people affected by mental ill health, drug or alcohol use, gambling harms, and other challenging circumstances.

The charity has been awarded a grant to deliver an 18-month, Wales-wide programme aimed at supporting partners with volunteering and employment.

There are 14 more projects which have been awarded funding – all just as important and dedicated to improving the experience of life for Service partners. Read about all 17 projects (www) and the impact they will make.

What is the Supporting Partners Programme?

Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) partners make incredible sacrifices and face unique demands. Whether it’s relocating from loved ones, dealing with the emotional impact of separation or navigating employment.

The Supporting Partners Programme recognises the crucial role and impact of Service partners and provide grants to help serving partners to navigate the challenges that can come with Service life.

The programme is part of the Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding (AFFS) Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3) – funded by Defence and managed on Defence’s behalf by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

This programme supports the MOD UK Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022 – 32 (www) by funding projects which address challenges faced by Service families.

What’s new for 2025/26?

Building on last year’s success, the programme expanded eligibility for Overseas projects and increased the funding limit to £70,000 per project. This year, there were 43 applications from the UK, and more overseas applications than ever before.

Recognising the complexity and diversity of challenges that partners may face with Service life, the programme awarded applications that align with the UK Armed Forces Families Strategy more broadly.

To receive funding, projects had to demonstrate how they support one or more of the following outcomes:

• Improving mental health and wellbeing of Service partners, with consideration to modern family dynamics.
• Promoting greater understanding of the unique challenges faced by Service partners among Service providers and employers.
• Improving access to support for Service partners, including non-UK nationals.
• Increase the skills and confidence of Service partners through additional opportunities to explore new ways of working and/or to change careers.

Stop Loan Sharks: WhatsApp Launch & Lets Talk About Loan Sharks online presentations

 

📱 Stop Loan Sharks is now on WhatsApp!
You can now access support or report illegal money lending quickly and confidentially by messaging the team on 07700 102773. This new service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and all messages are treated in confidence.

Outside those times, you can still reach the team by calling the 24/7 helpline 0300 555 2222 or visiting stoploansharks.co.uk
Let’s help protect our communities - please share this with anyone who might need support.

Let's Talk about Loan Sharks explores why 1.08 million people are turning to loan sharks. With the rise in cost of living, job loss, gambling debts, illness and increased pay day lending, more and more people are turning to loan sharks. In the Army it is known as “Double Bubble” However, lending money without the correct permission required by the Financial Services and Markets Act is illegal.

Let's Talk about Loan Sharks provides useful information, guidance and support to help us help those who might be struggling. No registration needed and you can join via laptop or mobile.

29 Oct 25 1200- 1300 TEAMS link to join here Meeting ID: 377 727 192 932 6 / Passcode: et3KX2Mo

Alternatively dial in by phone: +44 20 3443 8728,,847358711# Phone conference ID: 847 358 711#

05 Nov 25 1200 - 1300 TEAMS link to join here Meeting ID: 340 057 025 199 4 / Passcode: cZ7dZ9iJ

Alternatively dial in by phone +44 20 3443 8728,,536765765# Phone conference ID: 536 765 765#

If you or someone you know needs help, call Stop Loan Sharks on the confidential support line 0300 555 2222 or via WhatsApp on 07700 102773.

Search this database to see if a money lender is legal.

Social Media hashtags: #StopLoanSharks #SupportWhenYouNeedIt

ESBA Parkrun hits 100!

Did you know that Ay Nik is home to the ESBA Parkrun?

This Saturday (25th October) marks a huge milestone for the parkrun as it is the ESBA Parkrun’s 100th event!

To celebrate the big 100, there will be bacon, sausage, egg and hash brown baps, plus chocolate brownies, cookies, cold and hot drinks waiting at the finish line.

So whether you’re volunteering, running, walking (or recovering from Pickle Night), come down and be part of the milestone fun.

When: Saturday morning 08:00 sharp - on the start line by 0759
Where: ESBA course start point behind the UAO

Note - Mercury Barracks station passes will be required for access.

Sunday Social at Ay Nik Dog Park

 

Inflatable Fun

 

Centrica 2026 Kitchen Appliance Engineer Traineeship opportunities open!

Centrica have a new traineeship opportunity opening 2026, application being taken now:

Trainee Kitchen Appliance Engineer, Flexible | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to support for serving families facing separation challenges

 

Military life can put a significant strain on the family unit, and service-related separation can play a key role. Maintaining a balanced home life through frequent periods apart is a challenge that many armed forces families face, and one which can cause feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness.

Give Us Time & Walling2Recovery Spring 2026 dates now available

 

Give Us Time are teaming up with Walling2Recovery again for spring 2026 to provide a brand new opportunity for Forces families!

BFPO: Last Posting Dates Christmas 2025

 

Hounds for Heroes - Autumn Newsletter

To view the Hounds for Heroes Autumn newsletter, please go to: Autumn Newsletter - 2025

To find out more about the Hounds for Heroes mission and their work, please visit: Homepage | Hounds for Heroes

Serve and Protect Credit Union - 10 Years of Supporting the Armed Forces

Last week marked a special milestone for us at Serve and Protect Credit Union. On Wednesday, 15th October 2025, we proudly celebrate ten years of providing dedicated armed forces support to service personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.

Centrica 2026 recruitment opportunities open!

 

Centrica have various apprenticeships planned for 2026! Recruitment adverts are out now, and anybody who is looking for a new career should apply now!

Each advert has the locations for recruitment, and throughout the year they will be refreshed with new locations.

Links to the current adverts are below:

Apprentice Electrician:

Apprentice Electrician, Flexible / Berkshire / Nottinghamshire / Bedfordshire / Vale of Glamorgan / Merseyside / East Dunbartonshire / Leicestershire / Glasgow / Hertfordshire / Aberdeenshire / Greater London / Wiltshire / Gloucestershire / Essex / West Dunbartonshire / Staffordshire | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Apprentice Gas Smart Metering Engineer:

Smart Metering Apprentice, UK - Field Based (Engineers) / Greater London | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Apprentice Gas Heating Installation Engineer:

Apprentice Heating Installation Engineer, UK - Field Based (Engineers) | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Nominations Open for the 2026 Celebrating Forces Families Awards

 

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards are delighted to announce that nominations for the 2026 ceremony are now officially open! 

These national awards honour the exceptional contributions of UK Armed Forces families, recognising the strength, resilience, and dedication of those who support our military personnel behind the scenes. Whether through personal achievement, community impact, or professional excellence, these families play a vital role in the life of the Armed Forces. 

Sarah Walker CFF, spokesperson for the awards, said:

"Forces families are the unsung heroes of our military community. These awards are about giving them the recognition they truly deserve and showcasing the incredible ways they contribute to the fabric of Armed Forces life." 

Award Categories for 2026 Include: 

- Inspirational Adult Family Member of the Year 

- Young People’s Award 

- Overcoming Adversity 

- Volunteer of the Year 

- Away From Home Award 

- Social Media Influencer 

- Military Family Charity 

- Armed Forces Advocate(s) of the Year 

- Small Business Owner 

- Public Service Award 

- Business Award 

Claire Lilly, winner of the 2024 Inspirational Family Member of the Year award, shared: 

"Being recognised by the Celebrating Forces Families Awards was deeply humbling. My campaign, The Forcer Protocol, was born from personal tragedy, but this award reminded me that even in grief, we can create something powerful to help others. It gave me hope — and a platform to make real change for vulnerable veterans and their families." 

Key Information: 

- Nominations are open now 

- Deadline for submissions: Monday 15th December 

- How to nominate: https://www.celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk/nominate

Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges from across the military, charity, and public sectors, and honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony in April 2026.

Whether you're part of a Forces family or know someone who deserves to be celebrated, we encourage you to get nominating and help us shine a light on the people who serve in their own unique way. 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 offers a unique opportunity for businesses and organisations to show their support for the Armed Forces community. By becoming a sponsor, you can align your brand with a prestigious event that honours the resilience, achievements, and contributions of military families across the UK. 

Sponsorship packages are available at various levels, offering benefits such as brand visibility, networking opportunities, and recognition during the awards ceremony. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, your support can make a meaningful impact. 

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved, please visit our website or contact the awards team directly at: info@celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk

Akrotiri Market

Saturday 8 November, AKI Market/Car Boot.

Sign up on the Face Book page; Akrotiri Community Group.

Akrotiri: Panto

Save the date;

Saturday 6th December 

1500 hrs - Family Show

1700 hrs - Family Show

1930 hrs - Adult Show 

Akrotiri Pantomime - Held in The Astra Theatre

Fancy a different kind of Works Christmas Party the adult show might be a great idea!

Episkopi: Community notice - Upcoming Works

Main Gym Hall Sports Floor (from Monday, 20 October 2025))

Please be advised that essential work on the main gym hall sports floor will begin on Monday, 20 October 2025.

During this period, the main hall will be out of bounds and unavailable for use until the works are fully completed. The estimated timeframe for completion is approximately 7–8 weeks.

While this area is closed, please note the following:

- The weights room and upstairs CV area will remain open as usual.
- Half of the S&C area (at the back of the gym) will also remain open.
- Access to the S&C area will be available only via the rear entrance, located by the main car park.

They appreciate your understanding and cooperation while these improvements are carried out. If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

Update from GOV.UK: Digital version of Veteran Card launched for quicker and easier access to support

Nearly 2 million veterans can now get and benefit from a digital version of the Veteran Card, which will make it easier and quicker to access key services and discounts via their smartphones.

From today, Friday 17 October, it will give veterans a seamless way to confirm their status in person and will include information already featured on their physical card - displaying their name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.

Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone.

From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online.

Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change.

To view the news update in full, please go to this LINK

BFBS to Launch First-Ever AI Skills Programme Exclusively for Military Partners

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has been awarded a significant grant of £66,884 from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to deliver a groundbreaking AI skills programme exclusively for military partners helping them develop digital skills, grow career opportunities and strengthen employability in an increasingly tech-driven world.

The programme, which will be the first of its kind and part of the BFBS Academy, launches in January 2026. It will combine flexible online learning that participants can complete in their own time, in addition to monthly live evening webinars and four one-off in-person workshops across Cyprus, Catterick, Blandford, and Edinburgh. The entire programme will be fully funded by the grant.

Jackie Collins, Head of Social Media at BFBS (Academy & Creative) who is leading this initiative and will oversee the programme’s delivery said: “The grant is a game-changer for military partners. With so much hype and confusion around AI, this innovative course will focus on delivering practical skills that cut through the noise, giving participants the confidence and knowledge to explore new job opportunities, develop careers or take businesses to the next level.”

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £1 Million awarded to support more partners of serving personnel

When someone joins the armed forces, it’s a career and a lifestyle that extends to their entire family.

Behind every serving member, whether regular or reserve, is a network of loved ones who quietly support from the sidelines. But for the partners, life in the armed forces can set unique challenges such as relocations, career disruptions, isolation, and the emotional toll from long separations.

Delivered on behalf of the MOD and designed specifically with service partners in mind, the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme provides tailored solutions and dedicated support to help navigate the demands of service life. It recognises that while service members wear the uniform, their partners also serve in their own way – often by juggling family life, careers, and personal wellbeing.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has supported a further 17 projects in the latest funding round, worth almost £1 million to projects that aim to improve the overall provision of support available to partners of serving personnel. Whether it’s promoting skills and experience in the workplace, enhancing access to vital services, or improving wellbeing – these projects are committed to empowering partners to thrive.

MOD Update: Credit union service for Defence people celebrates 10-year anniversary

 

Credit union service for Defence people celebrates 10-year anniversary

 

This month marks 10 years since the launch of Joining Forces – the collaboration of three credit unions, established to help Service Personnel and Defence civil servants save regularly and borrow responsibly.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Latest funding helps change the narrative for servicewomen

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has awarded eight projects a share of over £650,000 under its Service Women: Seen & Heard programme, focusing on the specific needs of women in our armed forces.

As of April 2025, women represented 11.9% of the UK regular armed forces; however, many still describe it as a ‘man’s world’.

From ill-fitting uniform to availability of sanitary products; a lack of recognition of the role many servicewomen play as main caregiver to their family, to a lack of understanding of the symptoms of menopause. Applications to the Trust’s servicewomen-focused programme made it clear that change is needed.

Relate at Family Action: Four new job vacancies, UK Home-based with travel

Relate at Family Action have the following 4 new roles at Relate (UK homebased with travel, full time & permanent):

1597 Practice Manager
1598 Business Performance Lead
1599 Head of Training and Consultancy
1600 National and Local Accounts Manager

Relate is now part of Family Action, and they continue to extend the charity’s services across the UK.

The closing date for all roles is Tuesday 28th October at 23:59.

WSBA Church Services

Mission Motorsport October Newsletter

This edition of the newsletter covers the events from September and what’s coming up in October.

Highlights include:

• Mission Motorsport’s first Hypercar Invitational at Anglesey, combining community, recovery,        and motorsport.
• Operations Manager Mark “Chalky” White winning the 2025 Armed Forces Race Challenge.
• The launch of fundraising and outreach initiatives including #YourRoR, the Biathlon of            

   Foolishness, and ink-cartridge recycling.
• Upcoming events: Banter, Brews & Cars (15 Oct), Veterans @ Heritage (24 Oct), and the 

   opening of Race of Remembrance 2025 entries.
• Other news and updates.

To read the full newsletter, view it on the Mission Motorsport website here.

As always, if you have any questions, please get in touch with the team at team@missionmotorsport.org.

Morson Group/British Army 'Invest in You' Virtual Presentation 23 Oct 25

The key message of this presentation is that securing employment outside of the Services can be challenging and discusses beliefs that military qualifications will automatically set Service leavers apart from their civilian competitors.

The presenters are ex-military, and provide a strong message about planning ahead, and engaging with all the training and educational opportunities available in Service to build a competitive profile.

This event is open to all Service personnel, as awareness is key, regardless of where they may each be on their employment/resettlement journey.

To register, please go to: Link to Register: Morson Group/British Army 'Invest in You' Virtual Presentation Tickets, Thu 23 Oct 2025 at 16:00 | Eventbrite

New Award Made under The Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme

Bereaved families within the armed forces community will soon benefit from specialist mental health and wellbeing support, thanks to a significant investment from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund’s ‘Empowering Bereaved Military Families’ programme.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded nearly £2 million to Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) to deliver targeted support – including counselling, emotional and practical care - to military families who’ve lost loved ones during or connected to service.

Long-term vison for transformational change

This project will deliver long-term, transformational change by addressing the unique challenges bereaved military families face over time. Through specialist support services delivered in partnership – including wellbeing and counselling – DMWS will help families move forward with strengthened mental health and resilience.

Rail industry offers free rail travel to help veterans and Armed Forces attend Remembrance Services

• Free rail travel offered for serving military personnel and veterans attending Services of Remembrance on 9 November.

• Free rail travel offered for Royal British Legion London Poppy Day volunteers and collectors on 30 October, with an additional one day either side of the event.

• Travel includes London Terminals and Services of Remembrance nationwide, with proof of ID required.

For more information, click here 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Types of Domestic Abuse

For information on sources of support and advice on domestic abuse, please see this topic area on the HIVE Blog at https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Domestic%20Abuse

Our information sheet on domestic abuse support can be downloaded at: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Information%20Sheets

MODnet users can also find additional resources on the HIVE Sharepoint site at: Domestic Abuse

Victory Services Club, London – catch up on the latest newsletters

Please post the VSC image, with links to both newsletters:

August: Club Life Newsletter - August 2025

Sept: Club Life Newsletter - September 2025

Dhekeli Bonfire night

 

Akrotiri - Library Volunteer

 

Welfare Matters Newsletter Family Edition – out now

October Quest magazine is out now

The latest edition of Quest magazine (and back issues also) can be read online at the following link:

Quest Magazine | Quest Online

 

Civvy Street magazine: Oct/Nov 25 issue out now

The latest digital edition of Civvy Street Magazine can be read online at the following link:

https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=3f00ed48-0709-4315-82fa-9a0626a2145d

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to help ease the stress of relocation

Starting again somewhere new is challenging. Negotiating unfamiliar surroundings and finding your feet in a new community can be intimidating and stressful, especially when you have left friendships and existing support networks behind. But for many military families this is an inevitable part of service life.

That’s where Serving Families: On the Move comes in. The programme sets out to tackle these challenges head on – helping to reduce stress for service families affected by the difficulties relocation can bring.

Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) have supported a further 6 projects in the latest funding round, bringing the total number to 20 projects worth over £1.5 million! And with the second round still open for applications, there will be more to come.

Offering easily accessible information and advice, fostering stronger community links and creating welcoming spaces where friendships can grow, these projects will hopefully make every move a little easier. Ultimately ensuring service families feel welcome and thrive in their new location.

Peer led support for young people

“When you move it can feel really isolating, sometimes schools and other people don’t think about what’s happening to you”. Forces Children Scotland forum member

Young people can often struggle with building social connections and feeling like an outsider when their family relocates. They can feel forgotten when facing a move with little or no information available specifically for them.

Young Scot (YS) and Forces Children Scotland (FCS) are setting out to change that for young people from forces families in Scotland. Awarded £44,371, they will co-design a tailored package of national and local information for young people to ensure they have accessible support when settling into a new and unfamiliar location.

Young people value receiving information from their peers, and have shared that support which addresses real-life challenges and continues through periods of transition is especially important to them.

“If I’d had this information the last time I moved it would have made me feel special and that someone was thinking of me. I think it would make me feel linked to the new community and the new country I was moving to.” Forces Children Scotland forum member

Finding Your Place in Scotland will provide peer-led information on https://young.scot/ (Scotland's national youth information website) which will signpost discounts and opportunities to make their move easier. FCS will lead co-design with young people, representing all three services across Scotland to ensure their lived experience, local expertise and ideas can be harnessed. The new peer-led content created will feature on a dedicated section on the YS website, and will be promoted to other young people in the digital spaces they use themselves, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Spotify and YouTube.

“We’re delighted to be working together to co-design the information and support young people from regular, reservist and veteran families need when moving to Scotland. With youth-led content, practical information and wellbeing resources, we’ll help them settle in, feel at home and thrive within their new communities." Steven Sweeny (Forces Children Scotland) and Kirsten Urquhart (Young Scot)

Connecting with local community

Community is key to settling into a new location – knowing where to turn and feeling welcome helps to rebuild vital social connections and support systems, helping to create a feeling of belonging.

In Portsmouth, The Parenting Network (TPN) are working to ensure relocating military families feel genuinely welcomed and integrated into the local community. Joining Forces supports military families relocating or deployed in Portsmouth by offering advice, social connection, and integration into the wider community.

Vicky Chapter, Fundraising Manager at TPN told us “We are so delighted that through this funding, The Parenting Network are able to support more forces families who are relocating or deployed in Portsmouth, offering advice, social connection, and integration into the wider community.”

Conference: How military partners fit within the workforce of the future – 3 Nov

Monday 3 November, 9:00 – 17:00, Town House, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EQ

Kingston University are holding an important conference on the employability and skills of Service partners. Hear about the latest research which highlights the skills of Service partners in the workplace, and consider the practical steps needed to ensure these are incorporated – and valued – at work.

Serving personnel and partners, including those who are dual-serving and Reservists, are welcome to attend. Veterans, policy makers, employers and related organisations are also invited.

This event is free to attend and will offer refreshments and networking opportunities.

Find out more about the event and register your place in advance.

Recruit for Spouses: Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

The RFS Foreign & Commonwealth Programme is offered free of charge to military spouses and partners of serving personnel and veterans and includes the following support:

Qualification Conversion: Assistance in converting home nation qualifications to UK equivalents, enabling better access to the UK job market.

Coaching and Mentoring: Access to a pool of over 90 volunteer mentors from various industry sectors, offering support with confidence building, identifying transferable skills, and navigating the recruitment process.

Wellbeing Programme: A six-week course designed to help you connect with other spouses and develop tools to support you in adapting to military life.

To register for the programme, please sign up via the RFS portal: https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in, or for any questions please email: J.kanyua@recruitforspouses.co.uk

Homestart: Free Online Sessions for Army families with their Family Coach

Homestart in Berkshire East are excited to share a fantastic free opportunity for Army parents and carers to join their online sessions led by an experienced Family Coach. Coming from an Army family herself, she truly understands the unique challenges that families face and brings both empathy and practical support to every session.

These sessions are a safe, supportive space where people can connect, share, and find strategies that work for their families.

To register, simply scan the QR code on the flyer, or click HERE. If you’d like to find out more first, please get in touch via Home-Start Berkshire East | Because childhood can't wait

First session is 27th October and spaces are limited to 12 per session.

 

ESBA Parkrun / Parkwalk

When: Saturday mornings from 08.00 (07.50 for first timers brief)

Where: Ayios Nikolaos

Who: Open to all over 4 years of age (children must be accompanied by an adult) who hold a valid Station Pass

Parkrun is a free community event where you can run, jog or walk a 5km course at your own pace.

Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive event.

There is no time limit and no one finishes last, Parkrun is not a race.

The ESBA Parkrun has a Parkwalker and a Tailwalker so you are never alone.

There are regular "Chase the Pacer" events for those that wish to achieve a PB.

If you don't want to run or walk there are plenty of opportunities for volunteering at the event, the volunteers are the ones that make Parkrun happen.

For more details or to volunteer please contact the ESBA Parkrun team at esba@parkrun.com or check out the webpage - https://www.parkrun.org.uk/esba/