QBS After School Clubs

 

Ay Nik - Summer Holiday Intensive Swim Lessons

 

Life-or-death decisions. Gripping crime. Incredible feats of strength — don’t miss a moment on BFBS TV — 01-07/08/2026 - Week 31

 

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 Blockbuster season is here on BFBS TV  They Will Kill You and Wuthering Heights make their BFBS Extra debuts in our  Blockbuster season, alongside a week packed with action, adventure and  unforgettable stories. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga races into a brutal fight for survival. Jungle Cruise sets sail on a wild adventure through the Amazon. There’s iconic laughs and rock 'n' roll nostalgia in Wayne's World. The Dark Tower brings fantasy and action together in an epic battle between  good and evil. Finally Deep Blue Sea dives into a tense thriller where genetically enhanced sharks  turn the tables on their creators. Your next blockbuster starts here with many more on BFBS TV next week! Must-Watch TV Heading Your Way They Will Kill You Tuesday on BFBS Extra   A woman takes a housekeeping job in a mysterious New York high-rise,  only to uncover a sinister cult and finds herself fighting for survival. The Pitt Saturday & Sunday's on BFBS Extra At a busy Pittsburgh trauma centre, staff face relentless pressure as they tackle  life-or-death emergencies during one gruelling 12-hour shift. Van der Valk Starts Sunday on ITV1 As the crime drama returns, the team must protect a whistleblower who intends  to testify against a criminal empire, starring Marc Warren. Wuthering Heights Thursday on BFBS Extra A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the  Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between  Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Live UK's Strongest Man Starts Saturday on Channel 5 Reigning champion Paul Flynn and Paul Smith are among those battling for a place in  next week's Finals. Celebrity Hunted Starts on Monday on Channel 4 Six celebrity pairs attempt to evade being captured by an elite team of hunters for  two weeks. What's On-Demand Catch these before they go! Betrayal When an assassination links a veteran MI5 agent to a conspiracy, he races to find the  truth and protect his career, marriage, and country. Lord Of The Flies A plane crash leaves a group of British boys stranded on a remote island, where the  struggle for survival quickly descends into chaos. Visit our website for details of fixtures coming up on BFBS TV Celtic v Dundee - Scottish Premiership Monday - BFBS Sport - See listings for more SPFL fixtures. Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos Friday - BFBS Extra 2/ITV1 The final 2 days of the Commonwealth Games, ending in a concert, headlined by Simple Minds Saturday and Sunday - BFBS Sport Check your TV Guide for other matches

BFBS TV is a bespoke service which offers you the best of UK TV, and more, all in one place. From the latest movie premieres to premium live sport, major dramas to your favourite soaps and more, we have all the entertainment you will need. Wherever you are around the world, we'll do our best to get you a great selection of entertainment, accessible in a way that suits you.

Find Out More

Nexus Project: Summer Newsletter

 

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

Welcome to the summer edition of the Nexus newsletter, where you will find information about:

• Staff updates
• Youth Voice updates
• Young Carers Festival 2026
• Professionals network including:Nexus webinar series
• Project Closure: Resource and Training Needs
• New Resources
• Upcoming resources & Project Legacy
• Useful links

To read the newsletter in full please go to: Nexus Summer Newsletter 2026

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 30 July 2026

 

Hundreds of New SFA Homes purchased at Imjin Barracks 

Hundreds of brand-new homes have been completed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, marking an important milestone in the MOD’s plans to improve housing for Service personnel and their families. 

DIO have purchased a total of 281 homes near Imjin Barracks, home to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. These homes were purchased by the DIO from existing developments built by Taylor Wimpey, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes. 

Construction began in 2023 and was delivered in phases, allowing Service families to move in as soon as their homes were ready. Some families have now been enjoying their new homes for almost two years. 

These homes have been designed with sustainability in mind. Features include energy-saving solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, smart heating controls and electric vehicle charging points. These modern features are helping Service families reduce their energy use and, in some cases, lower their household bills. 

For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes here

Pre-move out and move-out appointment reminder

We know that moving can be a busy and sometimes stressful time, and that plans can change unexpectedly. If you are unable to attend your pre-move out or move out appointment, you can change your appointment on the e-1132 system.

Attending these appointments, or providing advance notice if you can't make them, helps ensure your move out process runs as smoothly as possible

Tune in to Housing Matters Podcast

Episode two of the brand-new podcast, Housing Matters is out now. The podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.

Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.

The first two episodes are now available. In the latest episode, we hear from John Reynolds, Army Military Housing Liaison Officer, and Stephanie Jervis from DIO Accommodation, who is also a military spouse and has lived in Service Family Accommodation for more than 18 years. Together, they share helpful guidance for families at every stage of military life, from moving home to simple ways to make a house feel like home.

You can watch episode one and two now.

So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.

Summer safety – travelling over the summer

With the school holidays upon us, many of our families will be thinking about going away, whether that's a staycation or holiday abroad. If you’ll be away from your home for a period of time, we recommend the following steps to keep your home safe: 

• Hot weather can cause burst pipes, so it’s recommended to turn your water off using your stopcock while you are away. The stopcock is the little tap or lever on pipes that are often found under your sink. 

• Turn off and unplug electricals like your TV and small kitchen appliances like kettles and microwaves to reduce bills and to reduce the risk of an electrical fire. 

• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house keys so they can make checks on your home while you are away.

For more summer safety advice, visit Defence Homes.

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

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Financial wellbeing information

 
Serve and Protect Credit Union is available to Service community employees as part of their financial wellbeing offering.

The not-for-profit organisation offers the option to save regularly through payroll and access responsible borrowing if needed.

Prepare for every stage of life

From managing everyday costs to preparing for major life moments, having the right support can make a real difference.

That’s why Serve and Protect want to remind you of one of the staff benefits you can access – Serve and Protect Credit Union. Whether you’re saving, planning ahead or managing life changes, support is available.

Visit the Serve and Protect website for more info: sandpcu.co.uk/plan-ahead

Defence News Update: Service Prosecuting Authority - Independent and informed

 

Service Prosecuting Authority: Independent and informed

Nine months into the job, Director of Service Prosecutions, Mary Cowe reflects on her role and the work of the Service Prosecuting Authority within the Service Justice System.

I became the Director of Service Prosecutions in October 2025, attracted to a role where I feel I can make a real difference. The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) is small – with 48 members of staff, including 18 prosecutors – but its work has significant stature.

If the SPA is a new acronym for you, it is essentially the Armed Forces' equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – dealing only with suspects subject to service law and service discipline.

What makes it distinct is that the SPA is part of a single deployable Service Justice System (SJS), operating at home and abroad, in peacetime and in wartime. Whether reporting an offence or being accused, Service personnel know their case will be treated in line with UK law – helping the government fulfil its obligations under international law. In some cases, we are the only means through which allegations can be tested and resolved overseas.

Independent without exception

There is a view held by some that the SPA represents the Armed Forces 'marking its own homework'. We will always face scrutiny because the SPA is funded by the MOD and many of our prosecutors are in uniform. But we sit within the department for financial and operational reasons only. We prosecute for the Crown, just like the CPS, and our independence is well understood and respected within Defence.

I take that independence very seriously. As a civilian entirely independent from the chain of command, nobody – however senior, whether military or a Defence civil servant – can direct who or what I prosecute. I operate under the oversight of the Attorney General (the government's most senior law officer), not Defence Ministers – and my role is to ensure the SPA delivers impartial, high-quality decisions that withstand public scrutiny.

An informed approach

The work of the SPA supports operational effectiveness. Swiftly deciding whether to prosecute and bringing cases to Court Martial enables all involved – where appropriate – to return to supporting Defence, with as little time as possible spent in uncertainty.

Our prosecutors in uniform approach evidence from those who were at sea, deployed on operations, or serving in training establishments, with real-world experience of those environments.

Service context for offending often makes it more serious too, given the impact on operational effectiveness, unit cohesion, and public trust. There is a clear understanding within the SPA that protecting the reputation of our Armed Forces means identifying and prosecuting criminal behaviour – and never ignoring or downplaying it.

BFBS Cinema Spider-Man Competition

Fancy swinging away with some AMAZING Spider-Man merchandise?

To celebrate the release of Spider-Man Brand New Day, BFBS Cinemas is giving you the chance to win some exclusive Spidey themed goodies.

Before you enter, answer the age-old question in the comments. Who is the best live action Spider-man?

Click the link below and enter for a chance to win

LINK: https://www.bfbs.com/spiderman

Good luck!

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 272 Dispute Resolution Service Decision Maker roles across the UK – closing date 12 Aug

 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 272 Executive Officer (EO) roles across the UK within their Dispute Resolution Service. These vacancies may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the role and locations available, and application details:

Dispute Resolution Services – Universal Credit Decision Maker - Executive Officer - National (Ref 772) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The closing date is 12 Aug.

DIO: Families First Issue 40 Published

 

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/

WSBA Home Start - Toy Loan Service

 

Aki - Kids Party Fun - Sunday 2nd August

 

Kids Party Fun at Chelóna Beach Club!

Bring the little ones along for an afternoon of laughter, creativity, and fun!

Join us for:

Face Painting
Fun Games
Plenty of smiles and entertainment!
Sunday 2nd August
14:00 – 15:30
Chelóna Beach Club

A perfect way to spend a summer afternoon with the family. We can't wait to see you there!

Epi - Bookends is Open More Regularly!

 

From next week (starting 4th August), Bookends will be open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am–12 noon, next to the flower shop on Dodge.

Come and browse our great selection of children’s books, fiction, non-fiction and speciality books. Most books are just €1, and children’s books are free (donations are always welcome).

We’re also happy to receive book donations and swaps.

We’d love to see you!

Support resources, including during Block Leave: Stay Connected

 

The following guidance applies during both leave periods and working periods:

• Make time for people – Stay connected with family, friends and colleagues. Checking in on a friend, spending quality time with loved ones or reaching out to someone you have not spoken to for a while can make a real difference.

• Look out for yourself and others – Resilience is strengthened through connection, belonging and support. Encourage people to reach out when they need help and take the time to check in on those who may be spending leave alone.

Alongside the resources on the poster, for additional sources of support please also see the HIVE Health & Wellbeing information sheet, which can be downloaded HERE from a personal device.

Please contact HIVE if further information may assist.

Protecting Grey Matter - Mental Health Support

 

Click to enlarge.

Protected Grey Matter Poster

For more information on any of the resources within this poster, please contact your nearest HIVE or use the 'contact Army HIVE' facility on the right hand side menu of this Blog.

Career Transition Partnership: Next Employment Fair in Elgin on 6 Aug

 

CTP Employment Fairs are open to:

Service leavers
Veterans
Reservists
Partners and spouses

Service leavers/veterans/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Family members: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com

Alternatively register via the Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Link and click 'REGISTER' from the menu.

Next upcoming dates are:

Salford - 10 Sept
Bournemouth - 24 Sept
Belfast - 14 Oct
Cardiff - 5 Nov
Telford - 19 Nov

To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html

Career Transition Partnership: Employment Fair in Salford on 10 Sept

 

CTP Employment Fairs are open to:

Service leavers
Veterans
Reservists
Partners and spouses

Service leavers/veterans/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Family members: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com

Alternatively register via the Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Link and click 'REGISTER' from the menu.

Next upcoming dates are:

Bournemouth - 24 Sept

Belfast - 14 Oct

Cardiff - 5 Nov
Telford - 19 Nov

To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html

Recruit for Spouses: Your Summer Refresher – How RFS Supports You

 

Recruit for Spouses have a Summer newsletter with information about their support programmes and how they can help in terms of both employment and wellbeing.

To read the newsletter in full, please go to: Your Summer Refresher: How RFS Supports You

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 28 Executive Officer Recruitment Consultant roles across London – closing date 5 Aug

 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 28 Executive Officer (EO) Recruitment Consultant vacancies across London. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the roles available, and application details:

Universal Credit Job Centre - EO Recruitment Consultant Role - London (Ref: 770) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The closing date is 5 August.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: August Webinars

 

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills

Date: Thursday 6th August

Time: 12:00-12:45

What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!

Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings

Date: Wednesday 12th August

Time: 12:00-12:45

What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money

Date: Thursday 13th August

Time: 12:00-12:45

What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending

Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together

Date: Monday 17th August

Time: 12:00-13:00

What to Expect: Discover the warning signs and impact of loan sharks with representatives from Stop Loan Sharks

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters

Date: Wednesday 19th August

Time: 12:00-13:00

What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score

Date: Thursday 20th August

Time: 12:00-12:45

What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application

Date: Tuesday 25th August

Time: 12:00-12:45

What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply


Register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars