Click here for this week’s Naples Newsletter
Generic and local information for the UK Military community in Naples including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
- TOP: Location Guide for Naples; links to HIVE's Social Media, and a map of contact details for our worldwide network of information centres.
- LEFT COLUMN: Use the search engine; sign up to receive our weekly email updates, or find information by subject.
- RIGHT COLUMN: Contact HIVE with your specific query.
- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:
Friday, 28 March 2025
Thursday, 27 March 2025
SaluteMyJob: Pathways programme to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans
SaluteMyJob expands their innovative pathways programme with exciting partnership with Ofsted-skills provider to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans and police officers
For a decade, social enterprise SaluteMyJob has been helping ex-military personnel upskill into areas with a notable cybersecurity skills gap, with many candidates going on to make their mark in multi-national companies. And now, an exciting partnership is set to fast-track more veterans and police officers into a career in cybersecurity with their Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway.
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 26 March 2025
Reduce the risk of lead in drinking water
Lead pipes may still exist in Service Family Accommodation built before 1970, but DIO and our repairs contractors are committed to removing them during modernisation.
The risk of exposure to lead is very low but the following steps can help to reduce lead levels in drinking water in older properties:
- Only drink water from the mains supply in your kitchen.
- Before you drink, cook or clean your teeth, run the cold taps first thing in the morning (the amount to fill a washing up bowl should be sufficient) to flush out water that has been standing in pipes overnight.
- If you have been away from your home for a long period, run hot and cold taps for at least 5 minutes to prevent legionella.
The UK has a very safe water system, but these precautions will help to lower the risk. For more information visit the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s website
Reporting Sewerage Spills
Should you notice a sewage spillage or leak, please report this directly to the Pinnacle Helpdesk on 0800 031 8628 and follow Option 1 for Repairs.
SFA Roadshows
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Crown Commercial Service Senior Project Manager Role, multiple locations - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme, at the Civil Service grade of Band 5 (Grade 7), and a salary range of £56,031 - £62,261:
GFIE-424 - Senior Project Manager - Crown Commercial Service
Liverpool / Norwich / Birmingham or Newport
Closing Date: Sunday 13th April 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)
Department for Work & Pensions (DWP): Don't miss out on your State Pension entitlement
The 5 April 2025 deadline for paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in your record between 2006 and 2018 is approaching. To support anyone wishing to check their records, or make a payment, there is now a DWP video and an online form to request a callback.
Watch the DWP video How to check your State Pension and pay for gaps in your National Insurance record on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_8GkTNgyXqs
DWP’s online form is available to request a call back at: https://ow.ly/oGbl50VarlC
VE Day 80 – Hold a Brew and Bake for Combat Stress
This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and Combat Stress would very much appreciate your help celebrating it with a Brew and Bake Coffee Morning - a great way to bring people together over coffee and cake while raising funds for veterans’ mental health.
The official Brew and Bake day is Thursday 8 May 2025 – VE Day, but events can be held on any date that suits. Every pound raised will help Combat Stress provide their life-changing mental health treatment to veterans today.
Find out more and sign up here to get sent a Fundraising Pack: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/event/brewandbake/home
Monday, 24 March 2025
Little Troopers celebrates the Month of the Military Child – come and get involved!
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.
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
Friday, 21 March 2025
Blue Light Card: Spring Saver Weekend 28–31 March
We’re excited to share that Blue Light Card is bringing you the Spring Saver Weekend – think Black Friday, but in the spring! Don’t miss out during this event we are bringing you some special Spring discounts!
When? Friday 28th – Monday 31st March
Who? Blue Light Card members
What? Exclusive discounts from top brands!
Join 5 million members already enjoying savings from brands like Halfords, Odeon, AEG, Parkdean Resorts, Gymshark, New Balance, and many more! Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, upgrading your home and garden, or treating yourself, there’s something for everyone.
Here is a sneak peak of some exclusive offers across the Spring Saver Weekend
- AEG
- Wagamama
- Debenhams
- Shark
- Ninja
- Seasalt Cornwall
- Sony
- Halfords
- And so many more!
Access Blue Light Card's Spring Saver Weekend details here.
Not a member yet? Eligible staff can sign up now at and start saving!
Women in Defence Awards 2025 – Nominations now open, including new International category
The Women in Defence Awards 2025 are now open for nominations, until 2 May 25.
This year there is a new International category; the International Award is designed to recognise individual women or groups of women completing exceptional work in support of the defence of their own country. This award is open to individual women, groups or teams, as members of the Armed Forces, Civil or Public services, or those who work in Defence industries or associated bodies. Locally Employed Civilians (LECs) in overseas locations have been confirmed as eligible for this category.
Details of all categories and how to nominate can be found at: Women in Defence UK | Awards 2025 Criteria
Help for Heroes: Seeking Help and Recovery College Courses
Help for Heroes have a new leaflet to explain how they can support, and how to access this. To view the leaflet please click HERE
There is also a range of courses available through the Help for Heroes Recovery College. Information and the prospectus can be found on the Help for Heroes website: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/recovery-college/self-help-guides/
For further details on Help for Heroes services and how to get in touch, please go to: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
RFS Virtual Event with Preet Chandi MBE – 2 Apr
Recruit for Spouses (RFS) are absolutely THRILLED to announce their upcoming session with Polar Preet Chandi MBE!
RFS says: “We can hardly contain our excitement about this extraordinary opportunity for the military community! Polar Preet—who conquered Antarctica SOLO three times and holds FOUR Guinness World Records—will be sharing her inspirational journey with us.
“This FREE virtual session isn't just about polar exploration. It's about how the remarkable resilience you've developed as a military spouse can become your competitive advantage in the tech and cyber industries.
“We're counting down the days and can't wait to see you there.
“👉 Limited places available, so register now by emailing: careeracademy@recruitforspouses.co.uk”
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Scotland - 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- 422 - Document Coordinator
1 x Paisley
Job Description
Closing date: 4 Apr 25
GFIE- 423 - Fiscal Officer
1 x Glasgow, 1 x Hamilton
Job Description (hyperlink to Google Drive doc)
Closing date: 11 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).
Government partners with young people to help develop new national youth strategy
See Gov.uk article here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-partners-with-young-people-to-help-develop-new-national-youth-strategy
Click here to access the survey
Defence launches the Families Hub – an information portal to help navigate Service family life
For the first time, Armed Forces families will be able to access a “one stop shop” digital platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations – to help you navigate Service family life.
The Families Hub is for all Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) families and personnel – from the moment of entering the Forces, through to leaving.
Visit the Families Hub today and explore a range of topics, including partner support, housing, health and wellbeing, childcare and finance.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Service Women: Seen & Heard programme
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust recently announced over £700K to support projects that provide targeted support for serving women through their Service Women: Seen & Heard programme.
Find out how these projects will work to empower both regular and reserve service women, helping them to make informed decisions and access vital resources to improve health and wellbeing.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Watch recording of recent Lunch and Learn webinar about the Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme
This programme offers a single portfolio grant of up to £1.8 million, to achieve long term, transformational change in the non-statutory support provided to bereaved military families.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 noon, 2 April 2025.
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update 12 March 2025
HCDC Update
Last month, the House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC) published its report following an inquiry into Service accommodation that took place last year. This outlined a number of recommendations made by the Committee that we have considered carefully.
HCDC has now published our response to the report which outlines the steps we are taking to improve our service to you.
DIO remains committed to improving the quality of housing for you and your families and we will continue to work closely with our suppliers to deliver against the actions outlined.
Radio Teleswitch (RTS) electricity meters
The technology that supports RTS electricity meters will switch off nationally from 30 June 2025.
If you have one of these meters, you will receive a letter from your electricity supplier informing you that they are required to switch you to a smart meter. Not switching meters before this time could result in disruption to your electricity supply. You can read more about this here.
Whether you pay for your own electricity or your fuel is supplied by the MOD, if you have an RTS meter, you should expect a letter to arrange an appointment.
If you have any questions or would like to confirm if you have an RTS meter, you can contact your electricity supplier directly.
From sailing to service dogs: over £850,000 awarded to improve the quality of life for veterans negatively impacted by their service
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Aurora New Dawn - Armed Forces Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking Helpline launches on Mon 31 Mar.
Domestic abuse
Sexual violence
Stalking
Coverage is available for all UK forces personnel and their families including those deployed abroad. The service is independent, confidential, and free - with phone and WhatsApp functionality available.
Please note callers from outside of the UK may need to dial 00 44 333 091 2527
National Memorial Arboretum - Talent in the Ranks Artist Development Programme 2025.
Please click image to enlarge
For more information please email: Rasmith@thenma.org.uk
Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Dept for Work & Pensions: Roundup of recent DWP announcements
Changes to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay
The Government has announced changes to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay which will benefit more than one million employees across the UK as part of efforts to grow the economy.
AFF Independent School Fees Survey – closes 16 March
The Army Families Federation have deployed a survey which aims to measure the financial impact to families after the implementation of the policy introducing 20% VAT on independent school fees. If your family is utilising independent education, whether claiming CEA or not, they would very much appreciate you completing the survey at the link below.
Please note that the survey is due to close on 16 March.
DWP Work Coach Vacancies available - Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 29 Work Coach roles available for applications across Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire, open from 10/03/25 to 24/03/25.
Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire (Ref: 727) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
Candidates who are successful to interview stage for this campaign will be asked to attend a live interview with the interviewers via Microsoft Teams. Information about the live interview process is included in the advert and on the microsite link below.
More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.
National No Smoking Day 2025 – 12 March 2025
This year’s theme is ‘Take Back Your Life’.
- 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.
NAAFI Fund 2025 – Applications Open on 1st April 2025
NAAFI have just announced the launch of the NAAFI Fund Date for 2025!
The NAAFI Fund was launched back in 2020 and has supported 467 projects so far, donating over £4 million to help improve the lives of service personnel and their families around the world. To read more about the projects that NAAFI have supported to date: https://naafi.co.uk/giving-back/
To read the blog post announcing new information regarding the NAAFI Fund 2025: NAAFI Fund: Applications Open Soon - NAAFI
ONLINE: Little Troopers ArtBase, Saturday 22nd March 2025
Do you have an under 11 budding artist? Register them for this online Art workshop where they will learn some basic drawing skills and, following the simple steps, draw their very own elephant!
WHERE: Online, the comfort of your own home
COST: FREE, Registration is required though
REGISTER: Here
Thursday, 6 March 2025
Op ASCEND – Careers After Service
Op ASCEND is a free, government-backed service to support veterans in growing their careers.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking employment or an employer looking to attract skilled veterans to your workforce, find out what signing up to the Op ASCEND service can do for you.
For more information visit: https://careersafterservice.campaign.gov.uk
Give Us Time: New Motorhome Breaks Now Available
How to protect yourself from loan sharks
A loan shark – or illegal money lender - is someone who lends money illegally without proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
That means if you borrow from them, they don’t have to follow the rules – they can decide how much you pay back and when.
These criminals are not always easy to spot - they can be a friend, a fellow service member, even a senior officer.
Whoever they are, they will usually appear as a friendly face, offering you a favour. They may tell you that what they are offering is nothing more than peer-to-peer lending and their offer may seem hard to resist.
But very quickly the situation can spiral out of control, and you could find yourself having to pay back much more than you initially borrowed. You might even be subjected to threats, violence and intimidation if you struggle to make a payment.
Have Your Say: Accompanied Established Long-Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Survey open until 14 Apr
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Latest round of grants under The Armed Forces Families Fund - Early Years Programme
The Early Years programme is back for 2025 and we’re excited to share that applications are now open!
Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), The Early Years Programme will award grants between £5,000 and £80,000 towards projects that enable early childhood education and childcare settings to meet specific needs of young service children.
Serve and Protect Credit Union - March update
📢 Free financial webinars this March from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!
🌍 Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
📝 Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
🚀 Credit Score 101: Boost Your Score
🔍 Before You Borrow: Things to Know
🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars
Mindfulness can be a simple and effective tool to live in the moment and reduce financial stress 😊
Discover how to navigate your financial journey with clarity in Episode 10 of the Smile and Save Podcast.
🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/gb8ItNJ76_A?si=-IvTvTA_qSesz-GT
Start of Spring | 📆 Thu 20th March
Why not give your finances a fresh start and start saving from your pay with Serve and Protect Credit Union?
🔗 Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Debt Awareness Week | 📆 Mon 24th - Sun 30th March
Boost your financial knowledge this Debt Awareness Week with the free webinars provided by our friends at Serve and Protect Credit Union!
Discover 10 steps to improve your credit score and what to consider before applying for credit.
🔗 Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/education/webinars/
Monday, 3 March 2025
The Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 is open!
Take part in this year’s tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) and help Defence to understand your experiences and thoughts across a broad range of areas. Your feedback will help Defence to make changes and develop policies to better meet your needs.
The survey invites a random sample of civil partners and spouses of regular serving personnel to take part. To see if you’ve been invited to complete the survey, and to access the survey, please check the online eligibility tool.
The eligibility tool and survey work best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge and will ask for a token/access code. This refers to your partner’s Service number, which is required for security reasons only. Please be assured that all survey responses are anonymous.
Recruit for Spouses Roadshow, Colchester – 25 Mar
Come and join Recruit for Spouses for a brew and a slice of cake 🍰☕️ while learning all about what RFS has to offer.
One of our reps will be there to chat about our programmes and how we can help you thrive.
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Foreign & Commonwealth
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Recruitment
- Resources
- and Much more!
Don't miss out on this chance to connect and discover new opportunities!
Head over to the portal to sign up https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in
DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 24
Forces Employment Charity: ‘Empowering You’ Employment Workshop, Manchester and online – 10-12 Mar
Empowering You is brought to you by the Forces Employment Charity, from Monday, 10 March, to Wednesday, 12 March 2025. It is a hybrid three-day employability and confidence-building workshop for spouses and partners, including military women, and those who are separated, divorced, or bereaved. Please note military spouses and partners of any gender may attend.
Your top 5 reasons to attend:
- Receive a free one-to-one mentoring session with a corporate mentor
- Join us in person in Radbroke where Barclays will host our sessions
- Hear from employers about pathways into employment and regional job opportunities
- Understand the value that your transferrable skills can bring to employers
- Expert sessions delivered by our Families Employment Advisors
For more information and to register, please go to: https://rfea.my.site.com/forcesemployment/s/community-event?id=a48N1000000C66TIAS
Blue Light Card Offers - February Round-up
Member Days:
Blue Light Card’s Member Days are back and bigger than ever before. Each year, attractions across the UK will close their gates to the public, on selected dates, and open them exclusively for our members. Expect smaller crowds, free parking, selected discounts on food and drink. Our first Member Day at Alton Towers takes place on Friday 7th March so don’ t delay in getting your tickets.
Find out more about Member Days here: Blue Light Card News
Mother’s Day campaign:
Give Us Time - March breaks for Forces families.
Give Us Time have provided a round up of the breaks they have available for Forces families for March below:
NEW!
21 – 28 March
Bird’s Nest, Carrick Shore, SW Scotland – property is for 2 people only Airbnb link
AVAILABLE AGAIN DUE TO CANCELLATION
Headspace App – Five FREE family & friends subscriptions available for Army Personnel and Army Civil Servants.
Click poster to enlarge. Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.
To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll
Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.gov.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.
Headspace says, “We make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience. Through our flagship Headspace app, we provide mindfulness tools for everyday life, including meditations, sleepcasts, mindful movement and focus exercises. Our enterprise offerings combine this experience with a human-centered model of care, with coaching, therapy, psychiatry and EAP services under one roof. Our team of experts ranges from mental health clinicians, to Emmy award-winning producers and data scientists, working together as one to help millions of people around the world be healthier and more productive.”