NAPLES HIVE: February 2025

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Friday, 28 February 2025

Latest Naples Newsletter Feb 4

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Give Us Time: respite breaks for military families - 2025 dates are live!

Click posters to enlarge.

The charity ‘Give Us Time’ offers accommodation for respite breaks for UK military families. No referral is required from Welfare for families to sign up. Please see the posters for more details and the current March dates, but more 2025 dates are available on the website: https://giveustime.org.uk/

For more information email: enquiries@giveustime.org.uk

Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme.

Exciting update for UK schools supporting service children!

The Service Pupil Support Programme is back and bigger than ever, now offering grants up to £150,000!

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), the Service Pupil Support Programme will award grants between £5,000 and £150,000 to projects supporting service children along their educational pathway, and to reach their full potential.

Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition.

The updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.

Please click the link to read this edition online.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update .

Reporting Damp and Mould

Tackling damp and mould in SFA remains a top priority for DIO and our suppliers. Over 9,000 homes have already benefited from the delivery of damp and mould works since the taskforce stood up in 2023. In response to the works delivered, reoccurrence of damp and mould has been addressed in circa 85% of cases.

ONLINE: Little Troopers Space Detectives, Saturday 8th March 2025

Do you live with an under 11 Star-Gazer? The next Buzz Aldrin? Why not register them for this Night Sky Workshop. Resources will be required and will be sent prior to the session, along with access link.

WHEN: Saturday 8th March 2025, 12:00-13:00
WHERE: Online, in your own Home
COST: FREE, Registration is required though
REGISTER: Here

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) - latest Civil Service job vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners.

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 416 – HMRC Criminal Investigator Officer
Multiple vacancies – UK wide
Job Description
Closing date: 4 Apr 25
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)

New AFF Overseas Assistant!

Meet our new AFF Overseas Assistant, Rachel. She covers Tri-service and is here to support all of us under EJSU.

She says…” Hello, my name is Rachel, and I am employed as the AFF Overseas Assistant (GSO), and I am based at SHAPE in Belgium. I can offer tri-service support for any issues or concerns that you may have; please find my postcard attached to this bulletin, with a link to contact me. It can be helpful to save my email to your contact list for any future enquiries”

X-Forces: Self Employment Discovery 3-Day Online Course for Military Spouses & Partners

For more information and to register, visit Tri Service Spouses & Partners: Self-Employment Discovery 3-Day Course

National No Smoking Day 2025 – 12 March 2025

Take back your life this No Smoking Day – Wednesday 12th March 2025.
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
It’s never too late to quit smoking. Even if you’ve tried quitting before, give it another go this No Smoking Day.
When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
There’s no need to go it alone – it’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.
Getting free expert support from your local stop smoking service is proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully. Some are now able to offer free vape starter kits too.
NHS Better Health offers a range of free quitting support including the NHS Quit Smoking app, Personal Quit Plan, 28-day email programme, local stop smoking service look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.
On average, you could save around £2,500 per year by quitting smoking.

The Ripple Pond – Spring Newsletter

The Spring Edition of The Ripple Pond has arrived. Here is the link to read online.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications

Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.

The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.

Current findings from the RVH programme
Following on from the initial awards made in July 2023, the Trustcommissioned Alma Economics to consult with key stakeholders in the housing sector, including those awarded funds in the first round. Key recommendations from this consultation include:

• A need for increased support for veterans with acute, complex or multiple support needs.

• Promoting a needs-based approach to support provision.

• Addressing bottlenecks across the lifecycle of support provision.

• A focus on partnership working.

Both the RVH interim programme evaluation report and the summary of consultation findings are available to read on the Trust’s website.

Further funding available
Under this new round of the RVH programme, charities, local authorities and registered social housing providers can apply for up to £300,000 towards a project delivered for up to nine months.

There is also an opportunity for organisations to apply for an enhanced award of up to a further £200,000 where that work will fill a significant level of unmet need.

What applicants will need to show
Projects should improve the capacity of services in supported housing to better help veterans with a range of different needs. Full details of the programme priorities are mapped out in a Programme Guidance document available on the Trust’s website.

Op Fortitude
Funded projects will need to work with Op Fortitude, a UK wide referral pathway supporting homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, into housing.

Find out more
Want to know more about applying to the RVH programme? Full details are available at: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Application deadline is noon, 31 March 2025.

ONLINE: Time For You Online Parenting Emotional Support Sessions

Time for you

Are you parenting in mainland Europe or Turkey and looking to connect with other parents while receiving expert guidance and emotional support?

Join our online parenting and emotional support sessions, facilitated by Health Visitor Kerry Riley, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse.

Click here to join: https://tinyurl.com/y4ndehpa

Why Join?

Research indicates that peer support and guided discussions improve parental wellbeing and enhance coping strategies (Public Health England, 2021). Engaging in community support reduces feelings of isolation and contributes to positive child development (NSPCC, 2019).

Take this opportunity to connect and learn in a supportive online environment

Women into Employment 2025: Tuesday 18th March, London. Event for women from across the military community

Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

The full day will focus on how you bring the real YOU to the workplace. With an agenda packed with key points and ideas, you are guaranteed to take away some key points and ideas for the next steps in your career path. Register here for the event.

Women into Employment 2025 (WIE25) is the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship event and offers support to women from across the whole Armed Forces community, welcoming those of you preparing to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans of all ranks, military partners, spouses and young people.

Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - You are not alone

Anyone (Service or Civil Servant) who has been the victim or witness of serious crime at any point of their Service in the MOD can call:

the Service Police Crime Bureau on 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180,
or the Service Police confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, available 24/7.

You will be listened to, there is support available for victims and all allegations are taken seriously.

Are you a family member of a Veteran who is suffering with addiction?

Tom Harrison House provides specialist addiction recovery programmes and family support for UK Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel. The next Tom Harrison House Family experiential therapeutic retreat is 4th - 6th April 2025, at Derwent Hill Outdoor Centre, Keswick. For more details please see the poster or website: https://tomharrisonhouse.org.uk/events/afcft-family-retreats

Places are limited and will go fast so to find out more or book your place email:events@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk

Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE-417 - AO Case Manager - Basildon
Job Description
Closing date: 10th March 2025

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)

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 414 Quality Assurance Analyst
Two vacancies – HMRC, Liverpool and Preston
Job Description
Closing date: 21 Mar 25

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)

Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy – Families Employment Advisor, Colchester/SE England

Forces Employment Charity is seeking a dedicated employment advisor. As part of a national team, you will provide employment and training advice and guidance to a remote caseload of spouses and partners of still serving Armed Forces and ex-service personnel (Veterans) in the UK and overseas with personal development and/or until they are settled in sustainable careers.

Reporting to the National Employment Projects Manager. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a salary of £29,000 per annum. This role is Home-based (with community outreach) in the Colchester region with community outreach throughout the region (Southeast, East of England, London).

The closing date for applications is midnight on 21 Feb.

To find out more and to apply for this role, please click HERE

Friday, 21 February 2025

Naples Newsletter Feb 3

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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

AFF Survey on the Financial Impact of the Introduction of VAT on Independent School Fees on Army Families

Have you been affected by the introduction of VAT on Independent School Fees?

Have your say here.

DIO Service Family Accommodation Roadshow: Brize Norton, 4th March 2025

If you are heading back to the UK in the near future, be sure to catch the Brize Norton DIO SFA Roadshow.

Link to register attendance: DIO SFA Roadshows 2025

Kooth FREE Webinar on supporting Young People with Eating Difficulties, 25th and 27th February 2025 19:00 - 19:30 (CET)

Kooth are presenting a FREE 30 minute webinar to inform parents and carers on how their digital platforms can support young people with eating difficulties.

The dates and times for this webinar are:

25 Feb 18:00 - 18:30 (UK Time)
27 Feb 18:00 - 18:30 (UK Time)

There is also an option on the form for those who are unable to make these timings to receive a recording of the webinar.

Anyone interested, please complete the form in the link below: https://share.hsforms.com/156wtIiLoTz2InkHirOL3Wwc5dpg

If you are worried about your child please contact your local GP paediatrician or Healix.

Little Troopers celebrates the Month of the Military Child - come and get involved!

April is the international Month of the Military Child and the charity Little Troopers is celebrating by launching a new dandelion-themed book for military children, as well as organised a special month packed full of workshops, activities and events for all forces families and schools with service children.

Dandelion Book

Launching on Dandelion Day – Friday 4th April – “Dandelions” is a brand-new book from Little Troopers’ resident author, Donna David. The book follows the story of a military child who is about to move home and learns all about why the dandelion is the official flower of the military child – strong, resilient and putting down roots wherever the wind takes it. Ideal for children aged eight to eleven, Little Troopers will be giving away 100 copies throughout April.

School Pack and Dandelion Day

Schools can now download the brand-new Little Troopers “Month of the Military Child School Pack”. Education settings are encouraged to hold their very own ‘Dandelion Day’ on Friday 4th April where students can come into school wearing something yellow to signal the school’s recognition and inclusion of military children. The Little Troopers school pack features new activities and classroom ideas to engage service and civilian children, as well as tips on involving the local military community in the special day. You can download the pack to share with your child’s school here.

At home activities

Families are encouraged to celebrate the Month of the Military Child at home by exploring the charity’s list of fun, dandelion-themed activities, which include painting, mask-making, playdough, baking and crafting. Get creative and share your photos online.

Events

Little Troopers is running events throughout April, bringing together as many military children as possible.

5th April - Online interactive science workshop hosted by Devon Science. Sign-up here.
13th April - Tidworth 10K and Family Fun Run. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the Month of the Military Child while raising crucial funds for Little Troopers. There will also be entertainment and family activities throughout the morning for military families. Find out more and register here.
16th April - Little Troopers will be returning to the Royal Hospital Chelsea to host an intergenerational workshop during the Month of the Military Child. The event offers forces families the unique opportunity to meet and spend time with the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Anyone interested in attending can now register here.
26th April – Online interactive bake-a-long workshop with CookStars. Sign-up here.

As well as giving away 100 copies of the new Little Troopers Dandelion Book, the charity will have lots of other giveaways for families that are signed-up to the charity’s newsletter.

The spring edition of the Little Troopers Gazette will also be available to request for free towards the end of the month. The newspaper will be packed with articles written by current military children, as well as featuring activities and ideas to mark this special month in the military calendar.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, comments: “Little Troopers is a charity that ensures military children from all three services are recognised, included and celebrated. That’s why we always have a busy calendar of events and activities during April the official Month of the Military Child, so that wherever you live, you can get involved in the celebrations with your little troopers.

“2025 is set to be a really special April and we hope lots of schools and families get involved in our new Dandelion Day and read our special new book. We also hope to see lots of you in-person at our Tidworth 10K and family fun run! Let’s all take time this month to show all the little troopers out there just how amazing they really are.”

For more information and to get involved visit www.littletroopers.net/month-of-the-military-child

Safer Internet Day 2025: 11th February

Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. Each year we cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.

Find out more at: Safer Internet Day 2025 - UK Safer Internet Centre

Introducing MyCadet

MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.

Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/

Pinnacle Service Families: Latest News Update for SFA Occupants

Our doors are open
Alongside colleagues from DIO, Amey, and VIVO, we continue to up our local offices so families can drop in for support.
In total, we are now offering this service across 14 locations, with the plan to open more in the coming weeks.
We keep the list of locations up-to-date on our website here, so please do share with your communities for the latest news.

SFA roadshows continue
Our Client Director and members of our regional team have already been in attendance at the first two SFA roadshows of the year at Stafford and Cosford.
These events provide families and stakeholders with a valuable opportunity to engage directly and ask questions of senior representatives from DIO, Pinnacle and Amey/VIVO in a face-to-face setting.
The next events take place on Tuesday 4 March at 1pm and 5.30pm in Brize Norton. Families and stakeholders can secure their places here.

New damp and mould reporting form launched
To make it easier for families to reach out to us, we have launched of a new damp and mould reporting form. This can be found on our website here.
The new form allows families to easily select the rooms they are having problems with and indicate the level of the issue.
Families are also encouraged to add photographs on the form so we can assess the issue, quickly assign a severity level and get the job across to our maintenance partners.

Reporting issues with cookers, showers and boilers
We really want to support families as much as possible to get a swift fix for any issues they’re experiencing in their homes.
As such it’d be really helpful if, when families contact us, they could have the make and model of cookers, showers and boilers to hand so we can pass the information over to VIVO or Amey straight away, who will get the issue fixed as soon as possible.

Have Your Say: Accompanied Established Long-Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Survey open until 14th April 2025

If you are in a Long-Term Relationship, this is your opportunity to share your views and help inform decisions & changes to the Overseas Accommodation Offer for Service Personnel.

Find out more Here

Take the Survey

Feb 2 Naples weekly Newsletter

Click here for the latest newsletter

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

England: Sexual Assault Referral Centres

There are 48 SARCs across England, which provide help 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding to support bereaved military families

New funding to support bereaved military families

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new funding opportunity for charities supporting bereaved military families.

The Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme will seek to build a strong, collaborative network to meet the needs of those who have given most.

Understanding the needs of the bereaved military community

In late 2024, the Trust commissioned Alma Economics to explore the needs, experiences and priorities of the bereaved Armed Forces community, as well as to map the scope of support currently available.

Anna Wright, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “Using the findings from our commissioned research, we have ensured this new programme will facilitate partnerships across the bereavement sector, while creating a centralised list of all bereavement support available. We will seek to expand the support available to family members, including wider family members, and increase mental health provision for both adults and children. Ultimately, we hope this programme will support the development of a long-term bereavement strategy.

British Gas Apprenticeship Week Open Days

Quest Magazine – February 2025 Edition

Please click the link to read online: February 2025 issue of Quest magazin e

Step into Health: Maintaining or Revalidating your Professional Registration when you accompany your Spouse/Partner on an Overseas Posting

If you are a Registered Health Professional accompanying your spouse or partner on an overseas posting, you may be wondering how to maintain your registration during your time overseas.

This Comprehensive Guide should answer all your questions and concerns.

In addition, they are holding a Webinar to help you return to practice after returning to the UK from an overseas posting. This takes place on Wednesday 26th March 2025 11:00 (CET); Sign-Up here.

Civvy Street Magazine - February-March 2025 Edition

Read this months edition online Here

Naples weekly newsletter

Click here for the first Naples Newsletter in February

Monday, 10 February 2025

ONLINE: Little Troopers Cook Stars, Saturday 22nd February 2025

If you are living with the next (under 11) Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson, this Cook Stars online workshop could be right up their street. Ingredients list will be sent prior to the session.

WHEN: Saturday 22nd February 2025, 12:00-13:00
WHERE: Online, in your own Kitchen
COST: FREE, Registration required though
REGISTER: Here