Tri-Service Contact House Directory – where to find it online, or how to request a copy

 

Contact Houses, also known as Welfare Houses, are short term military accommodation available predominantly for welfare-related bookings, but can sometimes be used by those visiting for leisure reasons. These houses are usually managed by unit staff, where there will be localised policies on priorities for bookings, booking procedures, costs and how to pay.

To access the most up to date version of the Tri-Service Contact House Directory, please use any of the following options:

• Go to the Army HIVE webpage at www.army.mod.uk/hives and there is a button to download the Directory at the bottom of the page
• Contact your nearest HIVE or RN Family & People Support to request a copy by email. Army HIVEs are listed on www.army.mod.uk/hives, RAF HIVEs can be found on the RAF HIVE Finder at https://www.raf.mod.uk/community-support/serving-families/hive-finder/ and RN Family & People Support local office contact details are at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-support-offices
• Contact Army HIVE HQ to request a copy by email via RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
• Contact us via Direct Message on any of our social media channels – please include an email address so the Directory can be sent as an attachment
• Use the Contact Us button on any of the three Army HIVE blogs, where you can submit a request via MS Forms
• Go to Army HIVE SharePoint (MODnet access will be needed) to download a copy

 

BFPO Christmas 2026 Mailing Guidance

 

Dear Military Service Families,

Please be aware of the following important BFPO Christmas 2026 mailing guidance for all families and friends sending items to personnel overseas.

As Christmas approaches, BFPO anticipates several technical challenges during the traditional peak mailing period (October–December 2026). Some of these challenges fall outside BFPO control, so customers are advised early on how best to ensure items arrive in time for Christmas or other special occasions.

BFPO will continue to process and dispatch all Operational mail throughout the Christmas period. However, the latest safe posting date for overseas firm‑base locations will be brought forward to 30 October 2026.

Families and friends are strongly encouraged to post early wherever possible. After this date, BFPO cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas, and some items may not arrive until the New Year. Please also factor in current customs import processes, which may add extra time to final delivery.

Customers are reminded of the following:
• All mail items sent to a BFPO address must include a customs declaration form, as required under international import/export regulations.
• Items arriving at BFPO Northolt without a customs declaration will be returned to sender. Non‑compliant items without a return address may be disposed of as undeliverable in line with UK Mail Industry Standards.
• BFPO does not offer a guaranteed timed service and holds no liability for items that are perishable, out of date, or unusable upon receipt.

BFPO appreciates your support and understanding during this challenging period. Posting early remains the most effective way to avoid disappointment.

Episkopi Baby Bubble

 

Wifinity: Exclusive connectivity discounts for personnel in SLA & families in SFA

 

Wifinity: Exclusive connectivity discounts for personnel in SLA & families in SFA

 

Episkopi and Akrotiri HomeStart Childrens activities

 

Akrotiri Archery Club needs volunteers

 

Defence Children Services students celebrate 2026 exam results

 

Students at Defence Children Services secondary schools have been celebrating throughout August, with many progressing to university, military careers and apprenticeships. Read more about this year's results at Queen Victoria School, King Richard School and St John's School:  

Defence Children Services students celebrate 2026 exam results

Life Guards wanted at Episkopi Pool

 

Episkopi Space Theatre

 

Exceptional GCSE Results at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

 

BFBS Esports Grand Final takes over the iconic RAF Museum London this September

 

Good morning,

 

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), the Ministry of Defence’s trusted media service for UK Armed Forces personnel is pleased to announce the BFBS Esports Pro League is back. This year it’s bigger than ever, taking over the iconic Royal Air Force Museum, London!

 

Following a first season that attracted more than 700 players

From blockbuster action and gripping mysteries to high-stakes drama and esports — there’s something for everyone on BFBS TV! — 22-28/08/2026 - Week 34

 

Valuing Forces Families Overseas Focus Groups: Connecting with OR Families

 

Valuing Forces Families Overseas: Focus Group Invitation

RAND Europe has been commissioned by the Army Families Federation, in partnership with the RAF Families Federation and the Naval Families Federation, to conduct a study exploring the experiences of UK military families throughout the overseas postings cycle. As part of this research, RAND Europe is holding focus groups with military families who have experience of overseas postings, including preparing for, undertaking, and returning from an assignment overseas. These discussions aim to provide an improved and up-to-date understanding of families lived experiences and the challenges they face at different stages of the overseas postings cycle.

This research will contribute to the Valuing Forces Families Overseas (VFFO) programme,

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Latest Trust grant programmes

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust are pleased to announce a new grant programme:  Reveal & Respond.  This programme funds tailored projects that improve access to mental health and wellbeing support for specific groups in the armed forces community.

Funding is available through two routes: Test and Develop Grants (£20,000 to £40,000) and Scale and Strengthen Grants (£150,000 to £300,000). Applications close 12 midday, 28 October 2026.

 

To find out more please visit Reveal & Respond: improving access to support for underrepresented groups - Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

To view other open grant programmes please go to the Trust’s open programmes page

Recruit for Spouses: August Update

 

To view the latest RFS newsletter and updates, please go to: Looking for a new job? Read this

Little Troopers: August Newsletter

 

To view the latest Little Troopers newsletter and updates, please go to: Fully-funded football workshops next week plus a summer catch up and looking forward to September

Give Us Time - September 2026 update

 

 

To find out more please go to www.giveustime.org.uk

Akrotiri Rugby Clubs

 

Episkopi Coworking Hub