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.