Assigned overseas? Take the MOD Overseas Families Survey!

How can we better support you and your family while overseas?

Take the MOD Overseas Families Survey!

Your feedback will help to shape Defence’s overseas families' policies, in areas such as education and childcare, partner employment, and welfare.

Take the survey

All Regular and Reserve Service personnel, and their partners / civil spouses, are encouraged to complete the survey.

Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

Survey closes on Saturday 30 August 2025.

Brunei: Treetops Open Day on Tuesday 26th August 2025 has been CANCELLED

Treetops Notice

The Treetops Open Day originally scheduled for Tuesday, 26th August 2025 has been CANCELLED.

Brunei: PCMF - Monthly Health Promotion: August Contraception

Contraception

Family planning allows people to attain their desired number of children, if any, and to determine the spacing of their pregnancies. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods.

Family planning- contraception is widely available and easily accessible through trained health workers to anyone who is sexually active, including adolescents.

There are several types of contraception and depending on what’s important to you, there are few things when deciding which contraception to use.

Some of the things you might want to think about when choosing your contraception are:

• How contraception will suit your lifestyle.

• Whether you want to use the method every day, every time you have sex or less often.

• Whether you want to become pregnant soon, many years away or not at all.

You can always contact GP Seria to consult and explore the appropriate contraceptive method for you.

Contraception services are free and confidential on the NHS. You can get contraception (availability dependant), including emergency contraception for free from our med centre. Contact: 3224893.

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse - Welfare staff interviews request

SafeLives are also keen to speak with Army Welfare Officers and Unit Welfare Officers who have experience of supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse. They want to understand your experiences of providing welfare support, and hear your views on the barriers victim/survivors from military families and relationships may face when trying to access help.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Army Personnel ABF

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse victims/survivors interviews request

Survivor Interviews

SafeLives, with support from the Army Benevolent Fund, is looking to improve the domestic abuse response for victim/survivors from serving and veteran families.

SafeLives want to hear directly from victim/survivors who have lived experience of domestic abuse in military families or relationships. Their voices are central to this work.

Victim/survivors who take part will also receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Survivor ABF

Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy in Southern England

🚨Become a Champion for Service Children🚨

Forces Employment Charity are looking for a passionate and motivated Youth Employment Advisor to join their team!

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people from Armed Forces families? 🎓💼

In this rewarding role, you’ll:

✅ Provide 1:1 & group support to young people navigating their #career and #education choices
✅ Work with schools, colleges, and organisations to inspire the next generation
✅ Help break down barriers and open doors to brighter futures
✅ Raise aspirations & build confidence

💡 They are looking for someone compassionate, proactive, and ready to empower service children with the guidance they need to thrive.

Free August webinars from Serve and Protect Credit Union

This August, Serve and Protect Credit Union are delivering a range of free educational webinars on the following financial topics:

Thu 7th - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money

Thu 14th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money

Wed 20th - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

Thu 21st - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score

Thu 28th - Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know

With actionable tips to prepare for financial emergencies, improve your credit score, and budget your money, don't miss out on these free webinars from Serve and Protect!

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

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager, Plymouth

The Department of Work and Pensions has 12 new Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager Executive Officer opportunities in Plymouth. These are now open for applications until 4 Aug 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Child Maintenance Service - Enforcement Case Manager - Plymouth (Ref: 735) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Forces Employment Charity: Empowering You employment workshop - 15 to 17 Sept 2025

Empowering You is a hybrid three-day employability and confidence-building workshop in collaboration with Barclays and Forces Employment Charity

Event Overview

Days 1 and 3 are virtual. On day 2, delegates will be hosted at three Barclays locations (simultaneously). Day 3 you will meet employers online from across industries who value the skills and qualities that people from the Armed Forces Community bring.

Join us in person at one of the illustrious Barclays locations in London, Knutsford or Glasgow.

The event is for military spouses and partners (all genders), ex-military women and reservists.

What can you expect:

Receive a free one-to-one mentoring session with a corporate mentor

1. Hear directly from employers about pathways for the Armed Forces community and regional job opportunities

2. Understand the value that your transferrable skills can bring to employers and gain confidence in yourself

3. Expert sessions delivered by our Families Employment Advisors who are all military spouses or partners with lived experience and who have served too.

Dates and times:

This event takes place on the 15th - 17th September 2025.

Virtual event timings (days 1 and 3): 10:00 – 13.00 (duration may vary due to group sizes)

In-person event timings (day 2): 10.00 – 16.00

Locations on day 2:

Barclays Radbroke Campus – Knutsford WA16 9EU
Barclays Glasgow Campus – 30 Clyde Place, Glasgow, Glasgow G5 8AQ
Barclays Headquarters – 1 Churchill Pl, London E14 5RB

Registration Link and Further Info:

Registration Form

Event Overview

Little Troopers: All together Build-A-Bear workshops on 13 Aug

All Together this Summer!

Little Troopers has once again partnered with Build-A-Bear Workshop to bring a very special experience to military children across the UK this summer!

• Is your little trooper missing a deployed parent? 

If your child has a parent currently deployed, you can apply to attend one of our exclusive group workshops happening nationwide. Each child will have the magical opportunity to create their very own ‘Little Troopers’ bear at Build-A-Bear — a treasured keepsake to hold close while their parent is away.

• A Nationwide Shared Moment

On the same day and at the same time, children in multiple Build-A-Bear locations will come together for this special summer event — a moment of connection and comfort for our military families.

Event Details:

Date: 13th August 2025

Time: Approximately 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Age Group: Military children aged 4–10 years, each accompanied by one adult

Locations: Windsor, Exeter, Edinburgh, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Southampton, Maidstone, and Newcastle Build-A-Bear Workshops

Apply via the form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPKJPVR

ACORN programme run by ManKind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

Please click the image to enlarge.

This course has less that six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

ManKind ACORN programme

Please click the link for further info: https://mankind.org.uk/for-professionals/pattern-changing-course-male-survivors/

Give Us Time: Welfare Summer Update

Please click the link for more info: www.giveustime.org.uk

Alternatively follow on social media at https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Family Focus Programme reopens for applications

When a serving person becomes wounded, injured, or sick, life can change quickly for those around them. Family members might take on the role of primary carer, carrying a heavy emotional and practical load during recovery.

Ongoing support is essential. Its helps carers recognise their own needs and ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

In 2024/25, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded more than £1.3 million to 16 projects under the Family Focus programme to improve the lives of family members of Wounded, Injured or Sick personnel and veterans.

Focus on family members

Today, the Trust are opening this programme and inviting applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel better informed and more able to access relevant information, advice and guidance, applicable to their situation.

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel less lonely/isolated, more resilient and better equipped to deal with their circumstances.

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured and sick have developed their skills for work, or have greater confidence to pursue volunteering or employment when it's right for them.

Gov.uk: Emergency Alerts Sunday 7 September at 3pm

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.

Your mobile phone or tablet will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent. The alert message will confirm this is a test and that you do not need to take any further action.

Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency. Find out more at gov.uk/alerts.

You can opt out of the Emergency Alerts, including the national test, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety.

Emergency Alerts will warn you via your mobile or tablet if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. Only the government and the emergency services are able to send them.

There are simple and effective steps we can all take to be more prepared for an emergency. Visit gov.uk/prepare for advice on how you can prepare.

Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF): Carers and Careers Survey

"Are you juggling life in the Armed Forces while caring for someone with additional needs or a disability? Whether you're serving yourself or you're the partner of someone who is, if you're a carer, the Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) wants to hear from you!"

FANDF is collecting lived experiences through a short survey, and the results will be shared directly with the MOD and policymakers at our next committee meeting.

Complete the survey now—it only takes a few minutes but could help shape the future: https://forms.office.com/e/zT65EDwM9

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Our dogs are far more than companions. They are working dogs trained to assist with everyday tasks like opening doors, retrieving dropped items and building confidence in public settings. Just as importantly, they offer loyal companionship and emotional reassurance.

Each dog is carefully matched to their Partner based on individual needs, ensuring a truly life-changing relationship that supports both practical challenges and emotional wellbeing.

Who We Help

We welcome applications from anyone who:

• Is a current or former member of HM Armed Forces or Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard or RNLI)
• Is living with a physical disability caused by illness or injury(this does not need to be directly related to your time in service)

We support a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and independence, including:

• Spinal injuries
• Limb loss or amputation
• Stroke recovery
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Serious illness or injury with lasting physical impact

We understand that the road to recovery and independence can be tough and the last thing we want is for cost to be a barrier. Where needed, Hounds for Heroes can cover the full working life of an assistance dog, including training, equipment, insurance and ongoing support. Each situation is assessed individually and we aim to remove as many barriers as possible.

If you or someone you support could benefit from an assistance dog, we’d love to hear from you. Welfare officers, medical staff and support teams are encouraged to signpost eligible individuals our way. We're here to help.

To learn more or to begin an application, visit: www.houndsforheroes.com or get in touch at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com.

Together, we can make a difference.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Covenant Fund programme, Hidden Voices, reopens for applications

Covenant Fund programme, Hidden Voices, reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has reopened the Hidden Voices programme for applications. This is the second year of this popular programme with funded projects last year supporting:

- veterans in the justice system in

- LGBT+ veterans

- victim-survivors of Military Sexual Violence

- carers in armed forces communities

- foreign & commonwealth personnel

- And more…!

The Hidden Voices programme is about ensuring everyone in the armed forces community feels heard and supported – focusing on those who may not always get the support they need.

Prevention and early-intervention mental health support

This is a mental health and wellbeing programme, specifically for those who have been underserved or who have faced barriers to support when accessing services. These groups are ‘seldom heard’ and may be less represented in mainstream services.

As well as helping people get the support they need, the Trust is looking for projects that will help organisations to learn and share how to better support these groups within the community.

Your project will need to meet both of the following outcomes:

1. Those who are underrepresented, or whose voices are seldom heard, within the armed forces community, have equitable access to mental health and wellbeing support which meets their specific needs.

2. Awareness of the needs of underrepresented groups within the armed forces community has been raised among organisations supporting them, through mutual learning and knowledge exchange to embed best practice.

Partnerships make great projects!

The Trust is looking for collaboration between armed forces and non-armed forces organisations and services. Plus, the voices of your beneficiaries should be at the core of your project, helping to shape things from the very start.

Anna Wright, Chief Executive of the Trust explains: “This is your opportunity to provide tailored support to those who are less heard in our armed forces communities. Their needs might be less well understood or recognised, and the Hidden Voices programme aims to tackle this issue head on.”

What’s available?

Grants of £3,000 to £25,000 are available for projects lasting up to 12 months.

Preston North End Community and Education Trust we’re awarded £19,960 in March this year to provide early-intervention mental health support to older veterans in care homes. While Rees Foundation were awarded £19,767 to support care leavers with access to guidance and resources.

Hamish, one of Rees Foundation’s clients, explained: “Since connecting, I have found so many like-minded people who have spent time like me in the care system and understand the difficulties I experienced. Also having emotional support, having someone to turn to who understands even now the struggles experienced daily is a lifesaver.”

Find out more

So, if you’re a registered charity, CIC or local authority working with under-served groups in the armed forces community. Why not apply?

Full details are available on the Trust’s website and the first of two rounds closes on 1 October 2025.

www.covenantfund.org.uk

Are you on the mailing list?

Did you know the Trust have a newsletter? Get the latest updates and news straight to your inbox via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Are you being posted overseas? Our Overseas and iHIVE Blogs hold information on your new location

Please click the image to enlarge.

You will find information, including comprehensive Location Guides – plus our local office’s contact details – on our Overseas Blogs at:

Belgium (SHAPE)
Brunei
Brunssum
Cyprus
Gibraltar
Naples
Sennelager

For those posted elsewhere, anywhere in the rest of the World, our tri-Service iHIVE covers the area.

The iHIVE Blog hosts around 100 Overseas Location Guides that can be viewed or downloaded from our iHIVE Blog: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ with more being added routinely. These can also be accessed (by MODnet users) through the Army HIVE SharePoint site Overseas Postings area.

Most importantly, our iHIVE is also available to answer any enquiries about any overseas location worldwide, whether you are in the Royal Navy/RM, RAF, Army or civilian Service communities - please get in touch with any questions you may have.

iHIVE is listed in the Overseas Supportability Checklist as an action for any Service person/family assigned overseas, in order to check that local services, amenities and facilities meet each individual and family’s needs.

Our poster has iHIVE’s contact details, or get in touch by email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

RAF Job Opportunities for Rejoiners and Inter-Service Transferees

RAF Recruitment | Rejoiners | Royal Air Force

Military Mortgage Advice – Housing Webinars, July to Sept 25

Webinars | Military Mortgage Advice

Recruit for Spouses: What’s on this Summer?

Please click the images to enlarge.

RFS are offering a number of events programmes and services over the coming months.

All services are free to access for military spouses, partners, veterans, and serving personnel.

Events include:

Wellbeing Programme: We are currently accepting registrations for our six-week virtual programme, supported by a psychoeducational therapist. The sessions are designed to reduce isolation and help participants forge meaningful connections.

Coaching & Mentoring Programme: We have spaces available in our coaching and mentoring initiative. With a pool of over 80 volunteers from various sectors – including BAE, Virgin, and AMS – we’re ready to match individuals with mentors who can support professional development or help build confidence. Our Coaching and Mentoring Manager, Helen Callis, is available to guide participants every step of the way.

For more information on Recruit for Spouses, please visit: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/

To register and sign up, please go to: RFS Portal

Forces Families Jobs: X-Forces Start-up Skills Workshop – Online 30 & 31 Jul

X-Forces two-day Business Start-Up Skills course expands on the content from the Self-Employment Discovery workshop.

This course provides members of the military community specific training to enable them to launch and sustain a business. The course is ideal for anyone interested in starting their own business or enterprise and is tailored towards your specific business idea.

Find out more & sign up at: https://bit.ly/3GLdjTn

Brunei: The Art of Living - The Happiness Program - Friday, 18th - Sunday, 20th July 2025 @ IAB Hall, Seria

Please click the image to enlarge.

Please register HERE.

For further information, please contact:
Ravi: +673 8731503
Swati: +673 7411423

Vikas: +673 7185693

The above meditation CSE cost is BND150.

The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter: Family Support together

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Link below to view The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter online.

The Ripple Pond - Summer 2025 Newsletter 

Wherever your assignment order is taking you, HIVE is here to provide the local information!

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If your posting is in the UK you can find our blog and location guides here. Please use our MS Forms enquiry function for any additional locations or if you have any enquiries.

Are you assigned overseas? If you’re posted to an overseas location where we have a HIVE, you will find information – plus our local office’s contact details – at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

Posted elsewhere overseas? Don’t worry if your new location is not listed above, the iHIVE covers the rest of the world, with over 100 location guides available plus online enquiry support.

Our iHIVE is tri-Service and is listed on the Overseas Supportability checklist as an action, so that Service personnel and families can obtain the relevant information they may each require, to ensure that their new location can meet each individual’s and family’s needs.

For those with MODnet access, Army HIVE’s SharePoint site can also be used to download our information sheets or ask questions – please go to our Overseas Postings area

If you’re relocating back to the UK from overseas, or moving within the UK, our SharePoint hosts guidance and resources in our Relocating within or back to the UK section.

Defence update: Wraparound Childcare funding updates for autumn term 2025

Are you eligible to join the 9,000 Service families claiming up to £3,400, per child, per year, for their before and after school childcare costs?

What is Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

The WAC scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of disability allowances), who are in full-time education in school or being home educated. WAC funding is available to eligible working Service families in the UK, assigned overseas within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S), assigned overseas and using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision or assigned overseas unaccompanied with family remaining in an eligible location.

Since September 2022 WAC has provided funding for 12,500 Service children's before and after school childcare.

WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Wraparound childcare is also known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Age Childcare’ in Scotland.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – 11 July 25

 

Planning for move-ins/outs and removals this summer

Summer is the busiest time of the year for housing allocations and removal activity. Our suppliers will always strive to meet your preferred dates, however because of the volume of requests, on occasions this is not always possible.

To help manage this busy time and ensure you have a smooth experience, we recommend families consider our advice and guidance when planning for move-ins/outs and removals:

• Book your pre-move-out appointment with your Housing Officer as soon as you apply for your next SFA (at least 30 working days ahead of your scheduled move-out date). We have extended the time to complete a pre-move-out appointment from 14 to 30 working days, allowing more time for you to receive advice on moving-out and guidance to prepare your house in meeting the move-out standard.

• If circumstances allow, please only request services during the last week of July and first week of August if you are unable to move at any other time. These are particularly popular dates and tend to be fully booked in advance.

• We understand how important it is to receive your next allocation and status of your application as soon as possible. Pinnacle have 15 working days to process your request, we kindly ask you do not chase for an update before this timeframe.

• You can start planning your removal as soon as Assignment Orders are received via the Agility Portal. To start the process, you only need the location and not a confirmed delivery address.

• Once you have been allocated SFA, it is advised to confirm availability for removals before booking a move-in/out appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Agility directly (remember to include your service number). For further guidance, please visit the Pinnacle website.

Identifying your local named Housing Officer

To help you easily find out who your local point of contact is and ensure you can speak to your Housing Officer over the phone when you most need advice or help about your SFA – a full list of Pinnacle’s Housing Officers (including a name and direct telephone number) has been made available on the Pinnacle website, or you can call the National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628 (option 4).

You can find FAQs on the Defence Homes website, if you would like to find out more about the role of a Housing Officer, when you might contact them and additional ways of getting in touch.

This is in support of the SFA Consumer Charter commitment to provide families with better and clearer communication, including a named Housing Officer for every service family who can be contacted about housing related queries. Progress is underway for the remaining commitments which are due to be in place by December 2025

JLL stock condition surveys return

From 21 July – 1 September 2025, DIO have commissioned Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to continue the Stock Condition Survey on 1,000 UK SFA homes across 20 sites. The homes selected will be of different types, age and condition.

If your SFA is selected, you will receive a notification letter from JLL at least 2 weeks before the intended date of the inspection, requesting your availability to allow the surveyor access to your property. The surveys will take a maximum of 1 hour.

Where possible, we greatly appreciate your cooperation if you can provide access to your property, as this will allow the surveyor to successfully carry out the survey and inform a detailed assessment of the condition of SFA homes.

Please note your home will not be selected if you have already taken part in a previous survey (from January 2025). 

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

Simplifying overseas service finances…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.

Planning made simple

The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.

Supporting family connections

For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.

Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.

Disturbance Expenses rate uplift

From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.

More information

• Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.

• Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’. 

Give Us Time: Orlando holiday opportunity - Autumn 2025

Give Us Time have a new opportunity for a two week break in Orlando in the autumn, which is live on their website at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

This is for up to four people in a town house on the Encantada Resort in Kissimmee, to the southwest of Orlando. The resort is close to Disney World and Sea World, and an hour’s drive to both of Florida’s beautiful coastlines.

The dates for this break are Saturday 20 September to Saturday 4 October – they are unable to request alternative dates, although families can choose to arrive a day later or leave a day earlier, depending on flights.

As always, breaks are accommodation only, so families will be required to cover the costs of travel, transfers, food, entertainment, etc – Give Us Time are unable to support with these costs.

Due to a number of cancellations on this break, Give Us Time advise that families will need to be sure they can have the time off and that they will need to supply confirmation of flight bookings.

For more information on Give Us Time, please go to: https://giveustime.org.uk/

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over 2.5 million awarded to address the needs of service pupils

“Service pupils are more likely to experience family separation, as their serving parent(s) can be deployed to remote or dangerous locations. This can affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing, and they may require additional support at school during these periods.” -Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance

Delivered on behalf of the MOD, the Service Pupil Support programme ensures the needs of service pupils are met through effective interventions to support them along their educational pathway.

In this latest funding round, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded just over £2.5 million to 34 projects across the UK, dedicated to helping service pupils thrive. These initiatives are transforming the way schools support children from armed forces families by breaking down barriers to identifying additional needs, improving access to vital services, and empowering professionals through targeted development to ensure every service child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Russell Collier, Education Policy Team, MOD adds:

"We are delighted that so many education settings and local authorities, from across the UK, chose to apply to the Service Pupil Support Programme this year. It’s incredibly positive to see a large number of exciting projects being funded, all with the same ambition in mind, that is to support children from armed forces families to thrive in education."

Empowering service children

RFS July Newsletter - Celebrating women, progress, and possibility

To view the newsletter online, please go to: recruit4spouses.cmail20.com/t/r-e-thurxjd-nhlmhutrr-m/

Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, Scotland – Open Morning 2025 on Sat 13 September

 

Please contact the school to register for the open event, and for further info go to: Queen Victoria School - Boarding School, Dunblane, Scotland

Serve and Protect Credit Union - July update

Free financial webinars this July from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!

This July, Serve and Protect Credit Union are delivering a range of free educational webinars on the following financial topics:

• Thu 3rd - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
• Thu 3rd - People Over Profit: The Credit Union Movement
• Tue 8th - Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together
• Thu 10th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
• Tue 15th - Harmful Effects of Gambling: Presented in collaboration with GamCare
• Thu 17th - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
• Tue 22nd - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected
• Thu 24th - Before You Borrow: Things to Know

With actionable tips to prepare for financial emergencies, improve your credit score, and budget your money, don't miss out on these free webinars from Serve and Protect!

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

NEW webinar available

Credit unions are an ethical and responsible way to manage your money and improve your finances. These not-for-profit cooperatives are all about putting people over profit!

Discover how you could benefit from joining a credit union with the latest webinar from Serve and Protect Credit Union this July.

Learn more and register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Improved website accessibility

Serve and Protect Credit Union are here to help you meet your financial needs.

Their new website accessibility toolbar also means you can access Serve and Protect's free financial resources in a way which meets your unique requirements.

From built-in screen reading functionality, to reading aids, customisable styling options, and translation into over 100 languages, their website is truly accessible to all. 

Learn more about Serve and Protect via their website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-update

Understanding loan sharks

Why are loan sharks so dangerous?

When life throws us financial surprises, it can be tempting to consider quick fixes such as a loan from an unregulated lender. However, turning to loan sharks can bring devestating consequences to you and your loved ones. 

Serve and Protect Credit Union recently spoke with Stop Loan Sharks to understand the dangers, signs to look for, and the support available for victims.

Read the full article here: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/articles/what-are-loan-sharks-and-why-are-they-so-dangerous/