Click here for the June 3 Naples Newsletter
Thursday, 26 June 2025
NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community
Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces CommunityWhether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.
It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.
Why It Matters for You
Declaring your military status ensures that you and your family can access the right services, at the right time. The NHS and local authorities recognise that the needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families can differ from those of the general population—particularly around mobility, deployment, mental health, and continuity of care.
By identifying your military connection, healthcare professionals and service providers can take these unique circumstances into account. This could mean faster access to treatment (Dependent on personal circumstances), for a better understanding of your housing and educational needs during a posting or resettlement.
Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas
From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.Early Years funded childcare overseas.
To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).
Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.
From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).
This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.
For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow10 positions available
Closing Date: 23 Jun 2025
Job Description
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).
To apply, please submit a completed 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)
Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans
The Veterans’ Survey 2022 was the first survey of its kind in the UK and was a collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the devolved administrations.
Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.
In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.
To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans
Little Troopers New Forest Reconnection Weekend – next events are Dorset, 25 to 27 July, and 26 to 28 Sept
Group of children photographed with Little Troopers Founder, Louise
Military families were brought together this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, hosted a New Forest family reconnection weekend.
In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully-funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.
The weekend was the second one to take place, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Dorset.
Families arrived on Friday (13th June), kicking off the weekend by taking part in an evening woodland nature walk, before staying in shepherd’s huts.
On the second day, families got to try out raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft, a BBQ cooked by the parents, and campfire games for the children in the evening. Families headed home on Sunday 15th June after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees and enjoying some Father’s Day treats.
Stuart More, serving in the Royal Navy based in Portsmouth, attended with his daughter. He said: “My favourite thing from the reconnection weekend was the family time. Military families have come together as one, played different types of games, and interacted with each other with no use of technology, which is brilliant. It’s brought us all back to nature and it’s been really rewarding to be part of it.”
Natasha Lowe, from Gosport, attended with her two teenage children, Joseph, 13, and Saffron, 11. She said: “It’s been fantastic to come with my children, no devices, and actually spend some time together. The raft building we all got stuck in and enjoyed. Meeting the other parents and realising that often you are all in the same boat, it has felt like a real military community and all the kids have got on great. We learned new skills like fire lighting which we’d never done before, pushed ourselves and came out our comfort zone. We’ve enjoyed it very much.”
Penelope Ball, 10, is part of a Royal Navy family. Penelope said: “I’ve liked meeting new military people because the know how you feel when your parents are away and so it’s nice to play with other people who know how you feel.”
Louise Fetigan, Founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our new ‘All Together’ family reconnection weekends are aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment, to help ease periods of separation and help children to connect with their parents and make new friends. Our New Forest weekend went brilliantly. It was so lovely to see families getting stuck in with all the activities and it was a real joy to see everyone laughing and enjoying some special time together out in nature.”
The Little Troopers weekends invite between eight and ten families, with one or both parents and up to four siblings aged nine to 16, to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection, where they are encouraged to put down their phones, meet new people and make memories. Each weekend runs from Friday to Sunday at no cost to the families.
The dates and locations for the next two Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends in 2025 are:
- Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July, Brenscombe, Wareham, Dorset.
- Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September, Portland, Dorset.
The events form part of the charity’s broader ‘All Together’ programme which brings together young people from across the military community to benefit from spending time with others who have shared similar life experiences. For more information about Little Troopers All Together and to learn more about the charity’s work supporting military children, visit www.littletroopers.net
Invitation to attend Financial Literacy Focus Groups
Financial literacy is a key life skill and is critical to the development of our personal and collective resilience. The Financial Times charity FLIC is has funding to expand financial literacy into the Armed Forces and they are running 2 online focus groups in June and one face to face focus group in July (details below). 20-30 Service personnel and family members across a mix of ranks, ethnicity and gender are being sought for each focus group, to help FLIC understand the financial challenges that the Armed Forces face, and the information that would be useful.
The three focus groups will take place on the following dates/times:
19 Jun 2025 (1130-1230 tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
24 Jun 2025 (0900-1000 tbc) – Online focus group delivered via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
17 Jul 2025 0900-1200 – Face to face focus group delivered by FLIC, Buller Conference Centre, St Omer, Aldershot. (35 pers). Civilian attire, lunch at PAYD facility.
Register interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/at8DSE3evc
Volunteers will be asked to take part in a discussion to help shape a package that informs our Service community in a way that is relevant, engaging and accessible. The discussion will explore their topics of interest, financial challenges and how they want to receive the information. The session will also include the opportunity to test video and e-learning platform capabilities.
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.
Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update
The FPS will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 on Wednesday 25 June via MS Teams.
It will cover:
- The latest on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud) implementation
- A reminder of how pension benefits are/were earned during service and the ages that deferred pensions are paid
- When and how the pension benefits increase
- How to obtain a pension forecasts whilst serving or as a Veteran
- Dependants Benefits
- When and how to claim a deferred pension
- The benefits of membership of the Forces Pension Society
Thursday, 19 June 2025
Friday, 13 June 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Improved support for serving families facing separation challenges
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The idea of not seeing your partner or parent for months at a time, often with limited contact, can be stressful and unsettling. But it’s a common experience for many armed forces families.
Deployment, training and exercises make separation a fundamental part of service for many, but this can have a significant impact on family life. Being apart can cause loneliness and a sense of isolation – whether you’re ‘weekending’ and adjusting to a constantly changing family dynamic or dealing with long separations.
Re-opening today, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) devised their Apart, not Alone programme to tackle this issue head on, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.
Building on the success of last year’s programme, this year the Trust are delivering support where and when it’s needed most - reflecting the changing nature of deployment, recognising the different types of separation and the sometimes very different challenges these can present.
Female Veterans' Transformation Programme
Question: What have Plymouth, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Cannock and Winchester got in common?
Answer: We will be in those locations next month with Agora Photography taking photographs of female veterans!
We are creating a toolkit to aid services who support female veterans. Additional funding has been sought from the Office for Veterans' Affairs & Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to raise the profile of Female Veterans. Part of this funding will be spent on a photoshoot and we are touring the UK with Agora Photography
We want Female Veterans from the breadth of the UK to be involved in this photoshoot, regardless of age, rank, time served, ethnicity, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. The more diverse the better!
To sign up for a photoshoot click this link: https://forms.office.com/e/SmuxuxW6EQ
To find out more here.
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow
10 positions available
Job Description: Click to open
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).
To apply, please submit a completed 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)
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to new applications
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The Support for Relocated Service Families - reopen for new applications!
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Serving families: On the Move Programme under the Armed Forces Families Covenant Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!
What’s the programme all about?
Moving to a completely new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can feel surreal. You’re pushed out of your comfort zone, knowing that if you don’t reach out, the feeling of loneliness can quickly grow. But not everyone has the confidence to walk into a coffee morning or event on their own for the first time.
“Having a first point of contact, a friendly face, a supportive presence makes such a difference. Someone who can help you find your way, learn about your new area and most importantly, open the door to connections and friendships. That kind of support isn’t just help, it’s essential for finding your way and keeping your momentum in this military way of life” – Jenna, Army spouse.
Supporting you, on the move
Today, the Trust are reopening the Serving Families: On the Move programme for new applications.
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Quest Magazine – June Edition now available
To view the Quest news update, including a summary of topics covered in the June magazine, please click this link: June Quest Magazine is Out Now.💂
To read this issue (and previous editions) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/pages/magazine-archive
Please click the link to read online: February 2025 issue of Quest magazine
Please click the image above to read January issue online.
Action for Happiness Calendar - June 2025
Please click the image to enlarge.
Our monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.
Click here to access the Action for Happiness Calendar.
DIO Families First Newsletter - June Edition now available
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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.
Future Defence Housing questionnaire by the Families Federations, as part of the Defence Housing Strategy review
Please click the image to enlarge.
As part of the independent Defence Housing Strategy Review, the Families Federations are launching a questionnaire on Defence housing for the future.
They are looking for all Service Personnel of all ages, ranks, PstatCats and their families to complete this.
They are seeking views on current SFA, new builds and home ownership to help shape decisions on housing options for generations to come.
Scan the QR Code above or Click here to have your say
Questionnaire Closes on 22nd June 2025.
You can also read the press release here
Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) 2025 Results
The results from the armed forces continuous attitude survey (AFCAS) 2025 have been published and are available here.
Friday, 30 May 2025
Thursday, 29 May 2025
Serve + Protect Credit Union’s latest podcast about managing debt successfully
There are lots of times when borrowing money can be useful. However, managing your debt can sometimes become overwhelming.The latest podcast episode from Serve and Protect Credit Union is full of useful information on managing your debt effectively and the support available if you are struggling.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/qtL02Yl2lV0?si=DJmTfo-KNo-G5euF
MOD staff benefit update: new fixed-rate savings account available from Serve + Protect Credit Union
A new issue of the fixed-rate savings account from Serve and Protect Credit Union is available from 1st to 26th June 2025.This is available to you as part of the financial wellbeing benefits we offer through our partnership with them.
- 4% AER fixed for 12 months
- No fees or charges
https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-fixed-saver
Terms and eligibility criteria apply
Help RBLI Lifeworks better understand the needs of the Army Forces Community – please complete their short online questionnaire
RBLI is exploring how to best deliver its Lifeworks Families courses to meet the unique needs of our Armed Forces Community.
Your input is essential in helping us shape our employment skills training to be as effective and accessible as possible - https://forms.office.com/e/779uzXUBj0
Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Its courses equip families with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces. https://rbli.co.uk/what-we-do/lifeworks/
Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Its courses equip families with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces. https://rbli.co.uk/what-we-do/lifeworks/
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting Partners Programme reopens for applications, closing date: 12pm on 23rd July 2025
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is pleased to announce that the Supporting Partners programme under the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Friday, 23 May 2025
RBLI Lifeworks Families – new remote courses now available
Lifeworks Families Remote courses will run on the following dates:
Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th May
Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th June
Monday 28th - Thursday 31st July
- Lifeworks Families courses are available to those in the UK and overseas.
- Lifeworks families courses are available to spouses, partners, school-leaving age (and above) children and extended/blended family members.
- Lifeworks Families courses are available to serving and veteran family members.
To view the Lifeworks Families leaflet, please click here.
Lifeworks Families (LWF) is an employability skills course that aims to help you find the right job for you, and having found it, to be able to get it!
Lifeworks Families (LWF) is an employability skills course that aims to help you find the right job for you, and having found it, to be able to get it!
We do this by firstly evaluating our situation, and then how to plan to get after our goals. This leads into what we need to do, and why we need to follow certain ‘rules,’ as well as how to make all that work to increase the chances we get what we want.
We cover so much more than how to write a CV, including a 5-course programme leading directly to nationally recognised qualifications. The 4 days are designed to work together as a whole rather than as individual sessions. Our qualifications package will provide you with a grounding in one of three career areas and provide a framework for your 12-month ‘Forward Assist’ period following the course.
On the course we will talk about:
- Day 1 – Assess where you are right now and create an action plan to improve your situation. We look at how recruitment works and begin to develop a ‘skills library.’
- Day 2 – Why you must have a CV a certain way, including what you DON’T put in, creating that CV and tailoring it. You will also be introduced to, and complete some of, a qualifications package which is part of your course.
- Day 3 - Covering letters; completing applications; starting to formulate your thinking to tell people about yourself; tricky interview questions.
- Day 4 – Interview technique and types of interview, preparing yourself and your thinking; a mock interview skills and where to get further support.
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update from DIO, 16 May 2025
Early adopters of new online platform HomeHub
DIO in collaboration with Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO, have invited a small group of Personnel and families as early adopters of HomeHub – a new online platform for households to easily manage repairs, appointments and their SFA in general.
Early adopters include representatives from all three services and a mix of ranks and locations – with the aim of gaining a broad representation of our SFA community and estate.
Those participating will be contacted in the coming days with instructions on how to take part. From this month until August, they will have access to an early version of HomeHub where they can feedback their honest thoughts and experiences through surveys.
For those families supporting the development of HomeHub as early adopters, your help in gathering feedback will be invaluable in helping us refine the portal into a seamless and user-friendly platform that really meets the needs of our families. A finalised version of HomeHub will be rolled out to all SFA this year.
Summer safety reminders:
Window restrictors
With the warmer weather and children soon off for the school holidays, it’s imperative you and your family stay safe this summer by following the current safety guidance on window restrictors.
We understand that it can get very warm, and you may want to open windows wide to let in a cool breeze, but there is a risk of children or vulnerable adults falling from open windows and being injured if restrictors are not engaged.
It is important to check whether your window restrictors are operating correctly. Please contact Pinnacle immediately on 0800 031 8628 if your restrictors are not working or your windows can be opened more than 100mm when restrictors are engaged.
Gas and electrical safety
Gas and electrical safety in SFA are a top priority for DIO, our industry partners and their sub-contractors. We regularly ensure appliances are safe and checks are carried out for gas every 12 months and electrics every 2 years.
There have been a few incidences recently where access has been blocked to a boiler flue or electrics have been adjusted – causing damage to the properties and a safety risk to families and neighbours.
To ensure everyone remains safe, it is vital we can access your home to carry out these inspections and you do not interfere, alter or obstruct any gas or electric appliances, in particular boiler flues.
Flues are designed to take in air and then dispel harmful fumes outside homes via a second duct. Any interference could cause the appliance to malfunction or prevent boiler emissions being discharged outside the home, resulting in a serious health risk to the household. The flues are checked annually as part of the Landlord Gas Safety Inspections (LGSI).
Before undertaking any DIY projects, you should seek approval by submitting an enhancement request to Pinnacle to ensure the proposed works are safe.
Understanding the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP)
Defence has created an informative and transparent leaflet called ‘welcoming our new neighbours’ to help you understand more about our eligible Afghan allies, who have been relocated into our communities and SFA under the UK’s safe and legal ARP.
The new resource is attached for ease and outlines: Eligibility and the evidence-based migration process.
Defence’s duty to support our Afghan allies in need, who risked their lives working alongside British Armed Forces during the campaign in Afghanistan.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions and safety concerns of families.
How families can support their integration into the community.
Improvements to the e-1132 form online system
Applying for your new SFA home can be both an exciting and daunting time. To make the process of applying easier, DIO will be updating the design of the e-1132 form today (Friday 16 May 2025) – making it simpler for you to navigate the online system and locate the information you need quickly.
On receipt of a new assignment order or if you are entitled to SFA, you must apply for your new home at your next duty station using the e-1132 form. You can access the online system here after logging into the Defence intranet.
Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) bank holiday arrangements for 26 May 2025
The Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) office opening arrangements are different for the 26 May bank holiday.
England, Scotland and Wales:
On Monday 26 May offices and phone lines are closed.
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 Monday 26 May then benefits will be paid early on Friday 23 May. If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.
Defence Update: Your Offer – recognising your service
What Defence is doing to improve Service life and information on support and opportunities for you and your family.
The substantial range of benefits and allowances available in your Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of military life and individual needs, at home and abroad.
Pay is the most well-recognised aspect of the Offer, but the breadth and complexity of everything that’s included within the Armed Forces employee package means it can be difficult to navigate and understand.
Friday, 16 May 2025
Gov.uk News Update: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare
Government announces £1.8 million investment to transform NHS care for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Armed forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the government has announced as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.
The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, doctors and NHS nurses will work with regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services.
To read this news announcement in full please go to: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare.
(SFA) Communications Update 13 May 25: Business from Home - update
Applications to run a Business from Home in your Service Family Accommodation (SFA) were paused in January 2025, to allow a review of the policy and associated processes to take place.
This review has now been completed, and DIO is able to confirm that the processing of applications to run a Business from Home has resumed with immediate effect. The existing guidance and application form for running a Business from Home is available here.
DIO is working with Pinnacle to finalise some adjustments to the application process, form and policy. Once these changes are finalised, the policy will be updated and shared on the Pinnacle website in the near future.
Under the changes, those operating a Business from Home can expect to receive better and clearer communication from a named Housing Officer who can help answer their specific housing related queries.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business
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“Research tells us that military personnel are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as non-military civilians. A culture of self-sufficiency and not admitting ‘weakness’ still exists, which is a potential barrier to accessing support.” Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS
Those working on the frontline with vulnerable veterans know this challenge all too well. It’s why the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) has made this a key priority in their Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme (EVPS), awarding over £1.5 million to 18 projects that are driving real change in veteran suicide prevention.
PAPYRUS is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Speaking about their EPVS funded bespoke training project, Ged explains: “Veterans may not want to engage with civilian mental health services as they feel it won’t cater for their military experiences.
“We know alienation from civilian life is a large driver of suicide ideation and no veteran deserves to be alone with thoughts of taking their own life.”
Over the next two years, PAPYRUS will offer bespoke CPD accredited suicide prevention training to those working with and supporting veterans. Delivered in partnership with veteran charities, resettlement centres, COBSEO members and veteran families, the training will equip participants with skills to identify warning signs, intervene effectively, and reduce stigma around mental health and suicide among veterans.
Ged continues: “Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and through this training for those who work with and support veterans we will be spreading greater awareness and ultimately help to prevent the tragic loss of veteran’s lives.”
Safe community spaces to promote mental wellbeing
Taking a different approach, a UK-wide veterans’ sheds project from UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is providing safe, welcoming spaces in local communities where veterans can come together to connect, create and converse. Research gathered by the UKMSA Health and Wellbeing Survey 2023 suggests 39% of Shed Leaders believe their Shed may have prevented at least one member from taking their life.
UKMSA Shed communities reduce feelings of isolation, promote mental and physical wellbeing, and provide enormous benefits not only to those directly involved, but also the wider community. Many veterans already participate at men’s Sheds nationwide and have shared stories of how Sheds have changed their lives for the better. With their EPVS award, UKMSA will recruit a dedicated Armed Forces Lead into its existing Shed Development Team to focus on maximising the benefits of Sheds for veterans and those leaving the armed forces.
UKMSA will work with partners, including the Royal British Legion, a volunteer network and the wider community to seed new Sheds and introduce an Armed Forces Accreditation Scheme to better support the military community in existing Sheds across the UK.
Amy Robinson, UKMSA's Head of Operations and a RAF veteran said: “Men’s Sheds have long been a source of community and support for veterans, and we are proud to now be able to provide support specifically focussed on the armed forces community. This funding allows us to better inform, signpost and guide groups in the creation of new Sheds and welcoming spaces for veterans, reservists, and current military personnel soon to leave the armed forces. We know it will save lives.”
A network of collaborative support across the UK
These are just two of the 18 projects across the UK supported through EPVS earlier this year. Ranging from peer mentor training in Wales, to an adventure-based therapy programme in Northern Ireland, from specialist housing and financial support in Scotland to a holistic wellbeing project that will use football as a catalyst in the North East of England, there is a wide range of work underway.
EVPS was developed in direct response to findings from the Trust’s successful One is Too Many (OITM) programme which aimed to reduce suicide risks within vulnerable veterans in a co-ordinated and targeted way. OITM successfully improved mental health and wellbeing in veterans, with lifesaving implications. But there is always more that can be done.
The programme evaluation highlighted three key areas which needed focus;
- addressing mental health wellbeing, help-seeking and stigma within the Armed Forces community,
- supporting staff and volunteers who work with vulnerable beneficiaries,
- addressing the needs of under-represented groups.
Working together to make a difference
Collaboration is central to this programme, widening the potential reach and benefits of each project. The Trust are building connections between funded projects at round tables across the UK. These valuable events provide an opportunity for projects to connect, alongside Thrive Together leads, to understand what’s happening in their region, talk about their plans, and share best practice and resources. The first of these has already taken place, bringing together Northumberland County Council, UK Men’s Sheds Association, and DMWS (Thrive Together Lead for North East and Yorkshire) to discuss the veteran landscape in their region and ways to enhance future collaboration. More are planned across the UK in the coming months.
EPVS programme lead Steven Inman said: “The high number of applications we received shows just how much awareness there is of this issue and how many organisations across the country are ready to take action.
“While we could not fund every initiative, we’re encouraging all those who applied to stay connected with the Thrive Together programme. By working together, we can find lasting solutions to this complex and important challenge.”
Find out more
For a full list of all awardees from the Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme, visit the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk
Keep up to date with funding opportunities
For the latest updates and announcements on Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk.
Forces Employment Charity: Heropreneurs Awards nominations close on 10 Jun 2025
Do you know someone in the military community who deserves recognition for their entrepreneurial achievements?
The Heropreneurs Awards celebrate the exceptional talent and entrepreneurial spirit within the military community. With four categories still open, now is the time to nominate yourself, a friend or a family member for one of these prestigious awards.
Don’t miss your chance to recognise the exceptional contributions of the military community! Nominations close on 10 June 2025.
To view the latest update on award nominations, and how to nominate, please click HERE
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations UK-wide - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
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The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
GFIE 433 – HMRC Field Collections Team - Debt Collector (Multiple Locations)
30 posts in England, Wales (Bilingual required), Scotland and Northern Ireland
Job Description Click to open
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).
To apply, please submit a completed 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)
Little Troopers reunites military families in first-of-its-kind family reconnection weekend
Credit to Paul Brewer Photography
Military families were reunited this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, kicked off the first of their “All Together” family reconnection weekends.
In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.
The charity hosted its first weekend this week in Portland, Dorset, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the Portland Outdoor Centre in Castletown.
Families arrived on Friday (2nd May), kicking off the weekend by spending time together over a beautiful sunset on the beach and drinking hot chocolates.
On the second day, families got to try out coasteering at Portland Bill, exploring the shoreline by swimming, jumping, scrambling and climbing the rocks and cliffs, and learning coastal bushcraft and cooking fish on the fire. Families headed home on Sunday 4th May after giving kayaking, rafting and stand-up paddleboarding a go.
Louise Fetigan, Founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our new family reconnection weekends are aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment, to help ease periods of separation and help children to connect with their parents. Our Dorset weekend went brilliantly. It was so lovely to see families getting stuck in with all the activities and it was a real joy to see everyone laughing and enjoying some special time together. Military families are generally quite active families, so we felt the weekend really played to these families’ strengths and interests and we hope it will help them to have bonded with one another, whether they’re facing the difficulties of an impending deployment, missing a parent who is away, or welcoming a parent home as they settle back in.”
The Little Troopers weekends invite between six and eight families, with one or both parents and up to four siblings aged nine to 18, to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection, where they are encouraged to put down their phones, meet new people and make memories. Each weekend runs from Friday to Sunday at no cost to the families.
The dates and locations for the next three Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends in 2025 are:
- Friday 13th June to Sunday 15th June 2025, New Forest, Hampshire.
- Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July, Brenscombe, Wareham, Dorset.
- Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September, Portland, Dorset.
The events form part of the charity’s broader ‘All Together’ programme which brings together young people from across the military community to benefit from spending time with others who have shared similar life experiences. For more information about Little Troopers All Together and to learn more about the charity’s work supporting military children, visit www.littletroopers.net.
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