Have Your Say in the Annual Defence Survey 2026! - FREE coffee

Have Your Say in the Annual Defence Survey 2026!

We want to hear about your experience with our services across British Forces Cyprus.

Complete the Annual Defence Survey and as a thank you you'll receive a FREE regular Costa drink at your local participating Costa outlet.*

Plus, you'll be automatically entered into a prize draw to win an experience worth £250!

Your feedback helps us improve the services we provide and shape future enhancements across the contract.

Complete the survey today and make your voice count.

AYIOS NIKOLAOS - Ay Nik
DEKELEIA - DHK
EPISKOPI - Epi
AKROTIRI - Aki

Forces Employment Charity webinars: Pathways into Health and Social Care Careers for the Armed Forces Community – 20 to 22 Oct

 

Why attend? 

This series will help you understand where your skills, experience and ambitions could take you next. Whether you are preparing for your first civilian role, changing career direction or supporting a family member, each session offers practical insight into entry routes, employer expectations and meaningful career options across the sector. 

 

Event schedule 

• Tuesday 20 October 2026: Pathways into the NHS, 12:00 – 13:15

This session introduces the breadth of NHS career opportunities, with a focus on accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

• Wednesday 21 October 2026: Pathways into Social Care, 12:00 – 13:15

This session highlights career opportunities in social care, including accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

• Thursday 22 October 2026: Pathways into Pharma and Healthcare Support, 12:00 – 13:15

 

To find out more please go to:  Free health and social care careers webinars for military community

 

 

October Quest Magazine is Out Now

 

To read the Ocober issue (or any back issues) please go to this link: https://www.questonline.co.uk/magazine-archive

 

Episkopi Job Opportunity

 

Episkopi Saddle Club, Happy Valley, is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Groom to join our team.

Previous experience is not essential, as full training can be provided. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about horses, reliable, hardworking, and eager to learn.

If you love working with horses and are looking for an opportunity to join a friendly team, we’d love to hear from you!

Dept for Work & Pensions: Latest News Update – 2 Oct

 

State Pension Triple Lock announcement

This week the Prime Minister made an announcement on an adjustment to the State Pension Triple Lock.  

The current Triple Lock will be maintained until the end of this parliament. The changes are proposed from 2030/31, with the adjusted Triple Lock meaning the State Pension will always increase by at least the highest of 2.5%, Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation or a new earnings link – so that the State Pension will never fall below its level as a share of average earnings when we adjust the Triple Lock.

 

Pension Credit Week of Action – 12-16 October 2026 

This October, we're running Pension Credit Week of Action to challenge some of the common misconceptions that stop people claiming Pension Credit. Many people mistakenly believe that owning a home, having savings or receiving a private pension automatically makes them ineligible. It doesn’t. 

As a result, many people of State Pension age who could be entitled to Pension Credit never make a claim. 

Here are some of the myths we're tackling this year: 

4 Scots Highland Games - 17th October 2026

Date: Saturday 17th October 2026

Time: 1100 - late

Where: Lions Gym Field

See Facebook for more information.

DHK - Lions Social Club Events - October 2026

Notable dates during October:

9th - Quiz - open 1900-2300

10th - Boarding School Visit (everyone welcome) - 1200-1500

23rd - Kahoot - open 1900-2300

30th - Rag n Bone/Teddy Swims (free show) - open 1800-2300

Every Sunday - Pool League and Football on the TV - open 1600-2000

Contact thelionssocialclub@gmail.com for more info

JSSU (Cyp) Community Day - 17th October 2026

See the Ay Nik Facebook pages or TeamUp for more details of the event or contact the 

Ay Nik HIVE - BFC-HQ-HIVE-AYNIKGpMailbox.mod.gov.uk 

Ay Nik Library New Opening Hours

Ay Nik Library new opening hours from 5th October 2026:

Monday and Tuesday 0830-1600

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 0830-1300

Telephone: 2395 7502

Support the SSAFA Charity Raffle - Prize Donations Needed!

 
Support the SSAFA Charity Raffle being held 17th October 2026

Raffle prizes are required for the JSSU (Cyp) Community Day at Ay Nik.

If you can help please contact Calum - calum.grant136@mod.gov.uk 

Suggested donations:

• Gift Vouchers/Hampers
• Sports Equipment
• Games and Gadgets
• Chocolates and Treats
• Local Business Donations

Episkopi Cake Bake

 

Episkopi Galaxy Cinema Volunteers Wanted

 

Episkopi and Dhekalia Army Cadets Open day

 

WHAT DO ARMY CADETS ACTUALLY DO?

Think it’s just camouflage, muddy fields and marching?

Think again!

This National Cadets Week, our doors are OPEN and we’re inviting you to come and discover what being an Army Cadet is really like. Whether you’re thinking about joining, you’re a parent who wants to know more, or you’re simply curious, come and see us!

Just moved to Cyprus? Army Cadets is also a great way to meet new people, make new friends and become part of something.

No pressure. Just come along, meet the team and find out what we’re all about.

You might just discover your next adventure.

#nationalcadetweek #cadets #adventure #youradventurestartshere

Bark Episkopi

 

BARC needs you!

We’re looking for some extra hands to help us continue caring for the animals at BARC.

Whether you can spare a few hours a week, help with dog walking, cleaning, socialising the animals, fundraising, admin or have other skills you’d like to put to good use — we’d love to hear from you.

We’re also looking for people interested in joining the BARC team.

You don’t need to be an animal expert — just a bit of time, a willingness to help and a love for animals

If you’re interested in volunteering or finding out more about working with BARC, send us a message on Facebook.

Give your time. Change a life.

#BARC #BARCCyprus #AnimalRescue #AnimalRehoming #VolunteersNeeded #CyprusAnimals #RescueDogs #RescueCats

Episkopi Fundraising Run for Blesma Charity

 

Episkopi Swimming Pool

 

Please see below for this week’s swimming times at the pool.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Entry fees: €3 adults | €2 children | Under 5s FREE. Cash only

Episkopi Space Theatre

 

Should You Stop Saving to Repay a Loan or Credit Card?

 

Should you stop saving while you pay off a loan or credit card?

It might not be as straightforward as you think.

This article looks at the pros and cons of saving while repaying debt, and how to find a balance that works for you.

Read the full blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/should-you-stop-saving-to-repay-a-loan-or-credit-card

Forces Cars Direct: Spooky Good Deals This October 🚗🎃

 

Forces Cars Direct are announcing that there are some spooky good deals available this October!

They’re excited to welcome a new brand to Forces Cars Direct, Lepas, with their L8 model available with a saving of £6,161. You can also save up to £10,367 on the Toyota C-HR+.

Want to see all of the special offers available this month? https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/special-offers/monthly-offers

Their team is on hand to help you find the right car and make the most of your discount.

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 2 October 2026

Military families invited to help shape the future of Service Family Housing

The MOD has today launched the Red Tape Challenge, inviting families to tell us about processes that are getting in the way of them enjoying their homes, so that we can work to change them.

This is just one of a series of new pledges setting out clear commitments to Service families on the quality of their homes, customer service, and ensuring their voices are heard.

For more information and details on how to make a submission, click here.

Housing Matters – Episode 6

Episode 6 of the Housing Matters podcast is out now!

On this episode, actor and campaigner Anthony Cotton joins Emma Brett, Warrant Officer for Defence Homes, to talk about Service family accommodation and why having a home you can be proud of matters.

They discuss the improvements that have been made in recent years, while acknowledging there is still much more to do to ensure Service families have the homes they deserve.

This episode and all other episodes can be found on our “Housing Matters” Defence Homes page here.

Check your boilers!

While the warmer weather is still with us, now is a great time to make sure your boiler is ready for when temperatures eventually start to fall. Heating issues often only become apparent when the system is switched on after a long period of inactivity, so a quick check now could help you avoid problems later in the colder months.

Try turning your heating on and checking that your radiators warm up properly. It is also worth looking at your boiler pressure gauge. Most systems work best with a pressure reading between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the pressure is too low, your heating may not perform as effectively when you need it.

For guidance on how to check the boiler pressure and what to do if you need to top up your boiler pressure, step-by-step videos are available on the Pinnacle website to help you through the process.

Heating oil notice

As fuel prices increase, there is a small but increased risk of fuel theft from households using heating oil. While this affects only a very limited number of families, the following safety advice is intended to help those households reduce the risk of heating oil theft.

To minimise the risk of theft, we ask you to consider these measures if your home requires oil for heating: 

• Secure the tank physically by installing a good quality lock on the tank cap. We also recommend contacting Pinnacle to request any foliage that may obscure your tank is trimmed or pruned back.
• Monitor oil levels regularly and keep a record of your usage.
• Work with your neighbours to watch for suspicious activity in your area and report any unusual behaviour to the police.
• Be smart with your deliveries by avoiding letting your tank run empty. Schedule the oil delivery when someone is home and request that suppliers not the leave the oil unattended.
• If a theft does occur report to the police straight away, then report the theft to your unit and Pinnacle. They may ask for your usage records, so it’s important to keep track of them.

Crisis and resilience fund

If you live in SFA, use oil heating, and are having trouble affording a fuel delivery, you may be able to access short‑term support through the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund. This funding, provided by local authorities in England, can help with essential living costs where there is an immediate risk to health or wellbeing. For more information, visit GOV.UK.

Families First newsletter

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.

DIO: Families First Newsletter – 2 October 2026 edition now available

 

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Give Us Time - Autumn last minute breaks and more!

Give Us Time still have lots of breaks and other opportunities available over the coming months – read all the way down for the big news!

*HIVE note – many of our customers will have seen the recent posts regarding free Parkdean breaks. Give Us Time offers have similar criteria, and may be of interest to Parkdean breaks applicants, and others who meet the criteria: “Give Us Time supports Forces families to spend time together on donated respite breaks following separation due to deployment, bereavement, physical or mental injuries, financial need, or other welfare issues.” Find out more at Frequently asked questions - Give us time - Breaks for service personnel and their families

OCTOBER

• Cwm Llan cabin, North Wales, 5 – 9 October, sleeps 2

• Broadland Sands Holiday Park, Suffolk, 5 -9 October, sleeps 6

• Seawick Holiday Park, Essex, 12 – 16 October, sleeps 6

Give Us A Moment days out for half term

• Visit the newly re-opened Palm Houses at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
• Enjoy Pumpkin Picking at Hatters Farm, Essex
• Explore the Gardens at Monteviot House near Jedburg

NOVEMBER

• Polperro, Cornwall, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6

• Pevensey Bay, Sussex, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6

DECEMBER

• Kidlandlee holiday cottage, Northumberland, 7 – 11 December, sleeps 6

PLUS THE RV GUESTHOUSE, FALMOUTH - DATES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

THE BIG ONE!!

We’re also thrilled to have more tickets for the Polar Express! This year we’ll be travelling along the Spa Valley Railway from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on Friday 6 November, leaving at 7pm - please visit the website for more information!

As always, we book on a first come first served basis via the website - https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login - breaks are accommodation only, days out are entry ticket only – GUT cannot cover the costs of travel, food etc.

Girls Brigade: 'Forces Connect' free online group launched for girls aged 13+ from military families

 

The Girls' Brigade is currently partnering with the Methodist Forces Board to provide opportunities for girls and young women in military families. You can read all about the project on their website.

Are you aged 13+ and part of a military family? Join online for a fun, relaxed, and welcoming Girls’ Brigade session via Zoom! This special event is a great opportunity to connect with other young people from military families across the country, share experiences, and make new friends.

• Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families
• When: Thursday 15 October • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT
• Where: Online via Zoom
• Cost: FREE!
• What to expect: We'll be diving into the fantastic Girls' Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions.

No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life.

How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance. https://girlsbrigadeonline.eventbrite.co.uk