Quest Magazine – June Edition now available

                                      

To view online please click this link: https://www.questonline.co.uk/pages/magazine-archive

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

To view the Quest newsletter please go to: March Quest Magazine is Out Now.

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

                                          

Please click the image to enlarge.

To view online please click this link to the Defence Homes website

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

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.

Naples weekly newsletter

 Click here

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

This is just for your awareness - not a recommendation. Please review the details and decide if it’s right for you.

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/

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!

Please click here to read all about the programme online

Location Guide

 Click here for the location guide

Naples Newsletter May 3

                                       

Click here for the latest

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! 

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.

Many topics we cover might easily be called ‘Life Skills’ and there is certainly some that you can use for other situations, and even to help and support those around you.

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.

Naples Newsletter May 2

                               

Click here for the latest one…

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

                                   

“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.

EPVS was designed to meet all three of these needs.

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

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations UK-wide - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

                               

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

Closing Date: 4 Jun 2025

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. 

Gov.uk News Update: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network

                                       

Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system announced 5 May, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

To read the news update in full, please go to: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network. 

National Stop Loan Sharks week 2025 – 19 to 25 May

                                               

It can take time – sometimes months, even years – for someone to reach out for help with a loan shark debt.

Stop Loan Sharks figures show some borrowers waited for around four years before seeking support. But it’s worth it when they do.

These are real words from borrowers who took that brave first step and reached out to Stop Loan Sharks for help:

“It feels like a massive weight has been lifted.”

“You just understand and haven’t been judgemental.”

“After reporting you came back really quickly which put my mind at rest.”

“The person on the hotline created an immediate bond with me. I feel so much better.”

The Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7. No call centres. No scripts. Just real people who care.

Call in confidence on 0300 555 2222
Text or WhatsApp on 07860 022116
Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk where you will find a reporting form and a Live Chat option, available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Frontfoot Jobs: Engineering job opportunities open nationwide

                                 

Frontfoot Jobs are pleased to announce that they now have engineering job opportunities open nationwide.

Please visit their website for more details: https://www.frontfoot.life/jobs and any questions please get in touch with admin@frontfoot.jobs.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

 

Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

 The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced their Free from Fear Programme is once again accepting applications for funding.

In 2024/25 the Trust awarded over £1M to seven major projects under their Free from Fear programme which seeks to address and prevent domestic abuse within serving armed forces communities.

 

The programme is seeking applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.

 

• Effective measures are delivered to prevent incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities and these address emerging and current challenges.
• Clear routes are provided which enable victim-survivors from armed forces communities to access effective support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
• Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.

 

Grants of £75,000 to £150,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.

 

Why is the Trust running this programme for a second year?

 

Domestic abuse happens in all cultures and social groups. Research by Kings College London (KCL), jointly funded by the MOD, found increased prevalence of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) in armed forces communities compared to the general population.

 

Collectively, the projects supported under Free from Fear last year cover many aspects of much needed support and awareness of this issue. From a UK-wide helpline, work to spot the early signs of abuse, development of training programmes, addressing behaviour change, developing support networks for victim-survivors, and ultimately creating and maintaining strong links within communities, the military and beyond.

 

What’s new for 2025/26?

 

This year, the Trust has widened eligibility to apply for this funding, and is now accepting applications from:

• registered charities and CICs with recent, relevant experience in the field of domestic abuse
• local authorities
• NHS bodies
• armed forces units/bases.

 

Full eligibility guidance is available on their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

 

Chief Executive of the Trust, Anna Wright said: “In the light of the success of the Free from Fear Programme last year, it feels right that we seek to make further impact in support of those living with or in fear of domestic abuse. We’ve widened our eligibility this year to include NHS bodies and local authorities and look forward to receiving a rich portfolio of potential work to target this issue.”

 

Find out more

 

The Trust’s Free from Fear programme page has full details about this important programme, including how to apply. You can also read about the projects awarded funding under this programme last year.

 

Application deadline is 2 July 2025.

 

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

 

Defence Children Services (DCS) Attendance Week 2025: Celebrating School Attendance, Achievement and Educational Opportunities Available to Service Children

                                           

Defence Children Services (DCS) are thrilled to announce DCS Attendance Week 2025, which will take place from the 19^th to the 23^rd May 2025. The week will showcase the incredible educational opportunities available to Service Children, whilst emphasising the importance of fostering partnerships among communities, schools, students, and families.

Service Children are excelling in their educational journey, embracing diverse opportunities to learn in schools across the globe. Despite the challenges of high mobility rates that can lead to educational gaps, DCS are proud to highlight the remarkable attendance rates in educational facilities within Host Nations worldwide, and in DCS Schools and Settings, whose attendance is consistently above the UK national average. 

In collaboration with the Education Welfare Service, DCS Schools and Settings are championing the significance of education for all Service Children overseas. They aim to raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities accessible to Service Children and address the issues and trends that may impact their attendance and achievement. 

Join us in supporting this vital campaign by sharing this article, advocating for school attendance in your community, and fostering a positive dialogue about education, attendance, and attainment. Together, let's ensure every Service Child receives the best educational experience possible.

#DefenceChildrenServices #DCSAttendanceWeek2025

For more information about the services provided by DCS, please visit their website.

 

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

                                    

Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

Fifteen projects have been awarded a share of almost £800,000 in grants to empower partners and spouses of serving personnel by opening opportunities to upskilling and exploring new work solutions - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund. 

The projects will also provide tools. Resources and training to support partners move into a job or a career change, and to build easier access to wellbeing support as part of the Fund's Supporting Partners programme. 

Anna Wright, CEO of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, said: "This award will provide vital support for service spouses and partners, helping them build resilience, connect with others, and navigate the challenges of military family life. It also opens new opportunities, offering practical guidance and wellbeing activities, to create a stronger, more confident community.”

Family Action Job Opportunity: Social Media Manager, Full Time, Home-based

  

 

Family Action Social Media Manager, Permanent, UK Remote, Full Time, £36,842 to £41,106 FTE per annum

 

A great opportunity to lead Family Action’s social media and manage a team of two Social Media Executives, driving brand awareness, income generation and service marketing whilst also providing strategic insight around wider external engagement activity. Closing date 1st June. 

 

 

DIO Families First Newsletter for SFA Occupants – 1 May Edition

   

Link to read online: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/latest-news-for-families/

 

DIO SFA Communications Update: An introduction to the Defence Homes website

 

DIO has launched a new website called Defence Homes for Service personnel and their families, as part of our commitment to enhance the overall SFA experience.

The Defence Homes site hosts the latest SFA information and updates, and has now replaced the Service Family Accommodation pages on GOV.UK.

The Defence Homes site is a helpful and improved source of information and support for your SFA queries. Features on the new site include: 

• SFA news – helping you easily access the latest Families First newsletter
• Events within your local community – sign up to a SFA Roadshow
• Find out who’s who – read more about the teams who are here to support you
• Information and guidance – to support you throughout your time in SFA, such as requesting a repair or reporting an issue

Naples Newsletter May 1

                                           

 Click here…

Quest Magazine – May Edition Out Now!

 

To read this issue (and previous editions) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/pages/magazine-archive

Give Us Time - new respite breaks available!

We are absolutely thrilled to have a new set of donations for 2025 from Meadow Bay Villages!

We have 20 breaks available in June, September and October at Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, and Hayling Island Holiday Park, near Portsmouth. That’s 10 breaks at each park, all running Monday to Friday!

This is Meadow Bay’s second year donating to Give Us Time and we’re delighted to have their ongoing support for our Forces families.

Nikki Rathie, Holidays Director, Meadow Bay Villages, said "At Meadow Bay, we believe in the power of time well spent—especially for those who give so much of theirs in service to others. Donating midweek breaks to Give Us Time is our way of saying thank you to military families, offering them a chance to reconnect, recharge, and make lasting memories in the peaceful surroundings of our parks. It’s a small gesture, but one filled with immense gratitude."

Alex Youngs, Operations Director, Give Us Time, said, “We are honoured and grateful to receive another generous donation from Meadow Bay. Thanks to their generosity, we are able to help more families get away to rest, reconnect and strengthen the bonds that are so essential to our wellbeing."

For more info, please email enquiries@giveustime.org.uk