Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) New Vacancies: DWP Work Coach - Bristol, Brighton, Slough - Closing Date for applications: 30 April 2026

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 483 – DWP Work Coach
Bristol, Brighton and Slough
Closing Date: 30 Apr 26

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).

All roles offer a supportive environment, development opportunities, and a buddy to help you navigate the Civil Service.

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form [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)

Easter weekend break road trips from Motorfinity

Motorfinity blog article: The best Easter weekend break road trips to consider in 2026

Easter is the perfect time to swap chocolate-fuelled sofa days for a refreshing road trip adventure. With spring in full bloom, there’s no better moment to explore the UK’s most scenic spots. Plan your journey with Motorfinity and make the most of the open road. Here are five beautiful destinations to inspire your Easter escape.

https://www.motorfinity.uk/blog/best-easter-weekend-break-trips/

Civvy Street Magazine – Apr/May 2026 Issue Out Now

To read this issue online, please go to this link: Civvy Street

To find out more or to read back issues, please visit: https://civvystreetmagazine.co.uk/

Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk

Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk

A new team is ready to help you with questions about Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Moving around for your work in the Armed Forces can make it hard to keep your children's education on track. This is where CEA comes in – helping your children stay settled in education, even when Service life means your family must move.

Here to help
Sometimes, working out if you’re eligible to claim CEA – or how to claim it – can feel complicated and confusing, as every situation is different. That’s why we've set up a new team in the Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell (PACCC) to assist.

From 1 April 2026, the CEA advisory helpdesk will provide a group of experts to help you, your family, or your Unit HR team with any tricky questions about the allowance.

Whether you're trying to understand the rules or need help with a complex case, the team will point you to the right people and make sure you get clear guidance.

The new helpdesk works alongside the Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK) service within Defence Children Services (DCS). This remains available to provide professional, independent advice, guidance, and support to Service families on children’s education – covering school admissions, Special Educational Needs Allowance (SENA), and boarding school applications (including schools not currently on the Boarding School Database).

Episkopi: Swimming Pool Timetable

WSBA: Roman Catholic Services

Episkopi: Easter BBQ

Episkopi: Library Closure for Easter Holidays

Supporting the Unsung Hero Business Start-Up Course – Catterick 14-16 Apr

To register of for more information, please go to www.x-forces.com/supporting-the-unsung-hero

Reading Force: Request your FREE books for Month of the Military Child

With Month of the Military Child just around the corner in April, Reading Force are encouraging families to sign up for their free books and resources, available to all Forces families, serving, veteran, reservist, or ex-serving (including those affected by bereavement, separation, or divorce), with children or grandchildren aged 0–18.

Find out more at: https://www.readingforce.org.uk/

DIO Families First Newsletter - Issue 36 Published

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 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 March 2026

Let’s get building: MOD set to start construction on first military homes in a decade
Good homes will be placed at the heart of UK military family life as the MOD is set to begin the construction of 265 new military family houses at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, the first such development in almost a decade. Families living in the area will see a range of new, modern apartments, houses and bungalows begin to be built at Carterton near the air base in the coming weeks, once formal approval is received.

In addition to the building of the houses at Brize Norton, DIO will also be refurbishing another 2,000 homes across the UK in the next 12 months alone, building on the 1,250 worst-condition properties already brought up to standard. This work is a step towards widening access for families who have previously not been able to benefit from a military home, with 1,000 of the refurbished houses being brought back into use for military families. This is almost double the number of previously empty homes that were brought online for families over the previous 12 months.

To read more on this, see the Defence Homes article here.

Anchoring & Military Minds Spring Newsletter 2026

The Anchoring & Military Minds Spring Newsletter is now available. It’s packed with updates, upcoming events, family‑friendly activities, and information on the support available to serving personnel and military families.

Anchoring & Military Minds offers free, confidential support to anyone connected to the Armed Forces community. Whether it’s guidance around mental health, family wellbeing, navigating services, or simply needing a chat—please feel free to get in touch or pass their details on to someone who may benefit.

To read the newsletter in full, please go to LINK

To find out more, please visit https://www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/our-services/military-minds/

Military Connected Children and Young People – Survey invitation: Our Health, Our Community, Our Voice

We need your help! We're asking children and young people from military families to answer some questions and we'd really love to hear from you!

What is it all about? We want to find out what life is like for children who have a parent or guardian in the military. We're asking questions about your home, your school, your friends, and how you feel. This helps us understand what's great about military life, and where young people might need more support.

What are Social Determinants of Health? These are just the things around you that can affect how healthy and happy you feel, like where you live, who you spend time with, whether you feel safe, and whether you can get help when you need it.

What will I need to do? You'll be asked to fill in an online survey. It's not a test and there are no right or wrong answers! It will take about 10–15 minutes and you can do it at home or at school.

Everything you say is private. Your name won't be shared with anyone.

Why should I do it?

Because your opinion really matters!
To help other children in military families get better support
Hundreds of young people all over the UK are doing it too and you'll be part of something really important

Please use the relevant QR to your age group in the poster attached. Or follow the links below to the survey:

Age 8-11 – Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
Age 12-15 – Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
Age 16-18 - Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding opens to help young service children get the best start in life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New funding opens to help young service children get the best start in life

Young children in serving armed forces families often experience change in their early years before they even start school.

Frequent moves, long periods of separation, and the pressures of service life can all affect a child’s sense of stability at a critical stage of development.

A new round of funding has now opened to help early years providers and local authorities respond to these challenges and give service children the strong, nurturing start they deserve.

Give the Gift of Headspace This Easter

Enroll in your Headspace benefit: work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Headspace Log In

Recruit for Spouses – Latest Newsletter with FREE support resources and upcoming events

The latest newsletter from Recruit for Spouses includes the following articles:

Free counselling support for military personnel, veterans, and families
Upcoming online events, such as Making Sense of Pensions: Support and Guidance for Military Families on 22 Apr, and Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome: Confidence Building Workshop on 7 May
Information and a survey invitation regarding the Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

To view the newsletter in full, please go to: Recruit for Spouses Newsletter – Mar 26

Army Welfare Service – Contact Number Changes for Intake & Assessment Team (IAT) and Services Cotswold Centre

Please be advised that the Army Welfare Service has introduced updated contact numbers for two key services. These new numbers are now active and replace the previous lines, which have been permanently disconnected.

Intake & Assessment Team (IAT)

07813 019 490

The IAT remains available for queries, phone referrals, support, and contact from units, partners, and Service Users via:

Telephone: 07813 019 490
Email: RC-AWS-IAT-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Referral Form: via the standard AWS referral process - Army Welfare Service (AWS) Specialist Welfare (SW) Referral Form – Fill in form

Services Cotswold Centre

03311 432754

This number replaces the previous SCC contact line.

Money Saving Central: Places Kids Eat Free (or for £1) Easter

Here's our full list of Kids Eat Free (or for £1) restaurants this Easter:  www.moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free

Transformative new childcare support could save Armed Forces families up to £6,000 a year

 

A new Ministry of Defence scheme to transform support for Armed Forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary has announced on 20 March 2026.

This major boost could save eligible Armed Forces families up to £6,000 per year for each child, depending on where you are in the UK.

Defence is committed to supporting Armed Forces families, wherever you live and work. This scheme will help with the cost of living and navigating life as a family in the Armed Forces, recognising the demands placed on Service personnel and the critical roles families play in support of them.

Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme. 

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

"Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation's security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them. 

“This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.

 "We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families - supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side." 

Island wide BFBS Box update

We’ve got some key information to help you stay connected to all your favourite shows, movies and sport on BFBS TV.

On Tuesday 31 March, local time 1215, there will be a change to one of our satellites. If you’re using a Technisat set top box, you’ll need to retune your box on or after this date to continue watching.

Please note: you won’t be able to retune your box before 31 March.

We’ll make sure you have everything you need to get set back up quickly, so you don’t miss a moment. If you have any issues or queries, please visit your local BFBS office for assistance.

Akrotiri Egg Hunt

 

After a bit of last-minute scrambling, I’ve managed to put together a fun Easter letter hunt around the camp instead. The hunt will still end with an Easter egg collection from the bowling alley, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy 

As the eggs have already been purchased from the fund, I’m kindly asking for a small donation of €2 to help top it back up. If you’re taking part, please take one egg per child, as supplies are limited.

I’ve tried my best to make sure there’s still something fun for the children… and the adults too! 

Collect your Easter Hunt Map from myself in the housing office between the 26th March - 2nd April (Mornings Only)

Recruit for Spouses: New RFS opportunities this April for military spouses and partners

 

New RFS opportunities this April for military spouses and partners  

 

Recruit for Spouses has released its latest upcoming events, career programmes and support available throughout April. 

 

If you’re looking for employment, training, or support with your next step, there are a range of opportunities to explore.  

 

To register your interest, sign in to the RFS Portal:   

https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in  

Or email: info@recruitforspouses.co.uk  

Defence UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) – launches Sept 2026

Further information will follow in due course, but please contact HIVE with any queries in the meantime.

WSBA Homestart Charity Marathon Challenge

This isn't just about 26.2 miles...

Its about supporting families in our community who are facing tough times, families who need someone in their corner. 

Dan has seen first hand the incredible impact Home-Start has, and now his taking on this huge challenge to give something back.

Through injuries, busy family life, and months of training, his kept going, all to raise vital funds and awareness.

Let's get behind him!

You can support Dan by scanning the QR code or following the link below and donating whatever you can. Every pound helps a local family feel supported and less alone.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/danielhughes896...

Sodexo Public Holidays

Changes in Sodexo program during public holidays 25 March & 1 April 2026.
Recycling Centres will be closed.

General Refuse Collection as per usual program
01st of April - Kerbside Recycling Dhekelia & Ayios Nikolaos will be done on the 30th of March. 

(Dates on yearly schedule)

All other subcontractors will be closed.

Sodexo Helpdesk will be closed. 

For any urgent inquires please contact us via e-mail or call us on 24641818 / 80006060 and we will come back to you.

Movies This Week

 

Popcorn at the ready! BFBS Extra brings you some great films this week.

Following 9/11, less than 100 US troops were sent to overthrow the Taliban, this cautionary tale highlighting the impact of 15 years of constant combat in Legion of Brothers 

Gladiator tells the tale of a former Roman General, who sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.

There's another chance to see F1: The Movie - a Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.

Then we bring you IT and IT: Chapter Two, in the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry.
Then twenty-seven years after their first encounter, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements over Easter

 

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements are different over Easter in England, Scotland and Wales:

 

• On Friday 3 April offices and phone lines are closed
• On Monday 6 April offices and phone lines are closed

 

From Tuesday 7 April offices and phone lines are open as usual

 

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

 

If the expected payment date is Friday 3 April or Monday 6 April, then benefits will be on Thursday 2 April.

 

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date. 

CSF Education

Episkopi: Youth Service Easter Activities

Ay Nik has a new Hot Desk Area!

The Pickford Room is located in The Forum

Open Monday to Friday 0800 till 1500

Serve and Protect Credit Union - Latest Free Financial Educational Webinars

 

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills  (New Title for 2026)

Eco-friendly savings webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills | Serve and Protect Credit Union

 

Budgeting 101  

Budgeting explained webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money | Serve and Protect Credit Union

 

Saving Made Simple 

Tips to boost savings webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 

Saving Made Simple: Practical Habits to Boost Your Savings | Serve and Protect Credit Union

 

Credit Score 101 

Tips to boost your score webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score | Serve and Protect Credit Union

 

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters (New Title for 2026) 

Preparing for the unexpected webinar | April and May Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters | Serve and Protect Credit Union

 

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application  (New Title for 2026)

Key things to know webinar | April and May Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application | Serve and Protect Credit Union