Links for Survey:
Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Tuesday, 12 August 2025
NAAFI Fund -NATO Shapes
The NAAFI Fund recently awarded a £17,500 grant to NATO in Shape, Belgium to give their community spaces a much-needed makeover! This project was all about creating a centralised, welcoming space for the British Military Community. To read NAAFI Fund’s blog post on this project, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/project/from-dream-to-reality/
NAAFI Fund said: “To gain some inspiration about how the NAAFI Fund could help in your unit or local community area, please take a look at our previously supported projects Completed Fund Projects - NAAFI
“For more information on the NAAFI Fund, the application process and what grants are available, please take a look at our website NAAFI Fund - NAAFI
“We anticipate the portal to re-open for applications in April 2026, however, we will announce the exact dates and links nearer the time via our social media and website, so please keep an eye on those @naafisocial. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, to receive communication nearer the time so you can start to prepare your bid, please email funding@naafi.co.uk”
NAAFI: https://naafi.co.uk/
Monday, 11 August 2025
7th September 2025 : National Emergency Alert Test and Guidance for Victims of Domestic Abuse
There will be a test of the national emergency alert system on 07 September. This will come through to all mobile phones across the country. SafeLives have issued the following guidance for those who are victims of domestic abuse:
📢 A UK-wide emergency alert test will take place on Sunday 7th September 2025 at 3pm. Mobile phones will emit a loud siren and vibrate — even if they’re on silent.
Whilst these alerts aim to protect the public in emergencies, they could put victim-survivors of domestic abuse at risk — especially those who rely on hidden phones as part of their safety plan.
Please know, you CAN opt out of this test.
If you need to disable alerts for safety reasons, follow the steps here: Opting out of emergency alerts - GOV.UK
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 11 August 2025
SFA Consumer Charter – greater freedoms for families
Service Personnel and families deserve homes that reflect your unique needs and lifestyles. Outdated, lengthy policies are unhelpful in fostering a sense of belonging where you can make a house feel like your home. This is particularly important given the transient nature of military life, which we know can be disruptive.
DIO is committed to transforming this experience. By modernising our policies, we’re empowering families with greater freedom to personalise and enhance your homes. Defence Secretary Rt Hon John Healey MP announced the latest improvements, which include an update to policies making it easier for you to own pets and run businesses from home. In the future, you will also have more freedom to personalise and decorate your homes, the details of which will be confirmed in due course.
- SFA pet policy: We know that pets are a big part of family life. Previously, families with pets were required to seek written permission through the National Service Centre (NSC) before acquiring or bringing existing pets into SFA. Under the revised policy, effective from 9 August 2025, pet owners do not need approval. Instead, you simply need to notify the NSC that you have a pet via an e-form.
Permission will only be required if the number or type of pets exceeds the permissible criteria outlined in the Pet Notification Form on the Pinnacle website.
- Business from home policy: Following a review of this policy, applications to run a business from an SFA home were reinstated in May. We have now revised the approvals process, effective from 9 August 2025, giving DIO single authority to make decisions on applications, as opposed to individual units. This will ensure approvals are consistent throughout the UK.
For any queries related to these policy updates or for questions about your SFA, you can contact your local housing officer or call the Pinnacle National Service Centre 0800 031 8628.
Providing families with floor plans
As part of the SFA Consumer Charter, we are committed to providing improved, clearer information for families ahead of moves, including photographs and floor plans of all homes when a family applies for housing.
Currently we are aware that a number of SFA properties do not have an up-to-date floor plan. If you reside in one of these identified properties, you will be contacted by a letter from Pinnacle in the coming weeks to inform you about an appointment, for a surveyor to attend your property to carry out a floorplan survey. This should take no longer than one hour.
If your home is identified for a floor plan survey, we greatly appreciate your cooperation in providing access to your property for these surveys to take place, for the benefit of future Service families.
For any queries please contact your local housing officer or call the Pinnacle National Service Centre 0800 031 8628.
Personal CCTV reminder
Personal CCTV footage captured from your homes (including video doorbells) is for the use of protecting your property only, and not for publishing externally. Helpful guidance on how to use domestic CCTV responsibly and legally can be found on GOV.UK.
FAMCAS results show steady improvements
In July, the results of the 2025 Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FAMCAS) showed a steady increase of satisfaction with accommodation services, including:
- 51% satisfied with the overall standard of SFA/SSFA, (an increase from 47% in 2024).
- 36% satisfied with the response rate for repairs, (an increase of 10% since last year).
- 33% satisfied with the quality of repairs, an increase from 26% in 2024.
This is an encouraging sign that Service families are starting to experience the improvements that DIO and its suppliers are making, and we will continue to work to improve the SFA experience for you.
UK SFA investment plans 2025/26
Following the Strategic Defence Review which announced more than £1.5 billion of additional funding to improve accommodation for Personnel and families, we are now able to share our investment plans for UK SFA in 2025/26. Read more here about the investment that is planned above maintenance funding.
In case of Emergency? IN NAPLES
Do you know who to call in an Emergency in Naples ?
UK Duty Italian Speaker - 0039 331 611 2140
Carabineers 112
Police 113
Fire Brigade 115
IMPORTANT NOTE : Italy s equivalent of 999 or 911 is 113
Are you being posted overseas? Our Overseas and iHIVE Blogs hold information on your new location
• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager
For those posted elsewhere, anywhere in the rest of the World, our tri-Service iHIVE covers the area.
The iHIVE Blog hosts around 100 Overseas Location Guides that can be viewed or downloaded from our iHIVE Blog: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ with more being added routinely. These can also be accessed (by MODnetusers) through the Army HIVE SharePoint site Overseas Postings area.
Most importantly, our iHIVE is also available to answer any enquiries about any overseas location worldwide, whether you are in the Royal Navy/RM, RAF, Army or civilian Service communities - please get in touch with any questions you may have.
iHIVE is listed in the Overseas Supportability Checklist as an action for any Service person/family assigned overseas, in order to check that local services, amenities and facilities meet each individual and family’s needs.
Our poster has iHIVE’s contact details, or get in touch by email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Christmas Market Guide
HIVE now has a Christmas Markets Guide!
This is a one-stop-shop for all the festive markets information, and includes details about Christmas traditions in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France.
All the Christmas Markets are listed by country, along with their start dates, opening times, a short paragraph about each market and a link to book activities and find out more information. As the year progresses and more information is released, I will update the Guide.
Read the HIVE Christmas Markets Guide for 2025 here.
If there are any missing that you think deserve to be included, please do let me know on RC-Pers-HIVE-NAPLES-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
New BFBS Royal Air Force Documentary: Top Flight Fitness - Available to Watch Now
BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) spent six months at RAF Cosford following trainee Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) on one of the Royal Air Force’s toughest and most demanding courses, in a brand-new programme, Top Flight Fitness.
BFBS Forces News had special access to this intense and demanding training journey, capturing the brutal workouts, military theory lessons, real-world teaching sessions, and relentless physical and mental assessments that push even the fittest to their limits.
From raw recruits straight off civvy street to experienced service personnel, the series reveals what it really takes to become a PTI, and it’s not just about six-packs and speed.
BFBS Forces News reporter Kirstie Chambers joins the course every step of the way, sharing insight into the teamwork, psychology, resilience and sheer determination it takes to earn the coveted PTI badge, she said: “They didn’t just train bodies, they built minds. The women matched the men, the competition drove camaraderie, and the real test? Just keeping up the pace.”
BFBS Forces News had special access to this intense and demanding training journey, capturing the brutal workouts, military theory lessons, real-world teaching sessions, and relentless physical and mental assessments that push even the fittest to their limits.
From raw recruits straight off civvy street to experienced service personnel, the series reveals what it really takes to become a PTI, and it’s not just about six-packs and speed.
BFBS Forces News reporter Kirstie Chambers joins the course every step of the way, sharing insight into the teamwork, psychology, resilience and sheer determination it takes to earn the coveted PTI badge, she said: “They didn’t just train bodies, they built minds. The women matched the men, the competition drove camaraderie, and the real test? Just keeping up the pace.”
Expect sweat, setbacks and serious inspiration in this must-see look inside the RAF’s most physically demanding training ground.
*** Top Flight Fitness: What it takes to keep the RAF fighting fit, is available to watch now on BFBS Forces News YouTube: https://brnw.ch/21wUzsH ***
High-res images: https://we.tl/t-yw8KF75lSC
Evolve House event on 28th September 2025 for frontline women, in partnership with Motorfinity and She’s Electric
Evolve House in partnership with Motorfinity and She’s Electric - An opportunity for frontline women….
Motorfinity in partnership with She’s Electric are hosting an inspiring day at Stubton Hall in Nottinghamshire / Lincolnshire border on Sunday 28th September – created especially for you, the incredible women who keep everything moving.
Whether you’re part of the UK’s Armed Forces, a Veteran, or work in the Emergency Services, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance services, Prison Services, Education, Social Care or the NHS – this event is a way to say thank you, and to give something back to the women who do so much for others.
Expect powerful conversations, expert wellbeing insight, a fun electric drive experience and a chance to recharge.
If this sounds like you, or someone in your circle, we’d encourage you to register – places are complimentary but limited.
Link to register:
https://www.sheselectric.co.uk/motorfinity-evolve-house?utm_source=toolkit&utm_medium=comms&utm_campaign=EvolveHouse
Give Us Time: new donor in the NE of England
Give Us Time have a new donor in the North East of England – please see the poster for more details and for how to book.
Department of Work and Pensions: WP Work Coach Vacancies
The following Executive Officer work coach vacancies are now open:
Civil Service Jobs link:
Decision Making Directorate - Decision Maker - Bangor, Ty Taf (Ref: 740)
open from 07/08/2025 to 21/08/2025
More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on our EO Microsite
Civil Service Jobs link:
Decision Making Directorate - Decision Maker - Bangor, Ty Taf (Ref: 740)
open from 07/08/2025 to 21/08/2025
More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on our EO Microsite
Quick Trip to Belgium - The gigantic Foire du Midi - Saturday 19th July - Sunday 24 August
The gigantic Foire du Midi is still in residence along the Boulevard du Midi for 2025. This year, the program features 130 attractions for young and old, both traditional and contemporary.
Opening Hours: Saturday 19 July to Sunday 24 August
Every day from 1 p.m. to midnight (from 11 a.m. for food stalls)
Weekends and days before public holidays from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
For More Information Click HERE
Considering an Overseas Posting? The Overseas Allowances Reckoner is now available!
Considering a(nother) Overseas Posting?
A new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool is now available to help Service personnel quickly and easily estimate their overseas allowances when preparing for a posting.
Key Features:
- Provides real-time, personalised estimates for allowances such as Local Overseas Allowance (LOA), Disturbance Expenses, and Get You Home (Overseas) Allowance.
- Fully integrated with JSP 752 policy rates to ensure accuracy.
- Accessible via Defnet and Defence Connect.
How It Works:
Simply input your personal and posting details (e.g., location, family status, accommodation type) to receive an immediate breakdown of your allowances.
Benefits:
- Accurate and transparent financial estimates.
- Saves time by avoiding complex policy navigation.
- Enables informed decision-making and scenario comparisons.
- Easy to share with family in a clear, simplified format.
- Continuously updated to reflect the latest policy changes.
For more information, visit DefNet or Defence Connect and search for:
Welcome to Naples - Naples Location Guide
Welcome to Naples HIVE!
Nicki Kewley, Hive Information Officer
Our mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date information. This new and improved Location Guide, replacing the HIVE Arrival Guide, is a collection of such information.
Location Guide - South Italy
If you are already in the area, you will find me at Villa Angela, Contrada Torre Magna 68, Guigliano in Campania, 80014
If further information is required, please do contact me at Naples Hive on: RC-Pers-HIVE-NAPLES-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Mission Motorsport August Newsletter is now out
This edition of our newsletter brings you the latest stories, a look ahead at what’s coming up, and plenty of ways for you to join in. Here's a taste of what’s included:
- Mission Motorsport Racemakers Shine at Silverstone
- Mission: Possible - Mission Motorsport Featured in IMI’s MotorPro Magazine
- Upcoming events - Beneficiary tickets available, and the Forces Family Track Day in Croft
- Fundraising Force - great efforts continuing to raise money for Mission Motorsport
You can read the newsletter by clicking the attachment or visiting our website here.
Thursday, 7 August 2025
School Uniform - Where to buy?
Naples School Uniforms
School uniforms can be purchased locally, in Naples, but are often cheaper in the UK. The uniform can be worn without logos.
Places to buy in Naples
Use google maps for exact locations and directions.
Uniformi e Divise Napoli, Traversa Nuova Marina no 8 Palazzo Gentile 11 piano, 80133 Napoli
Naples Uniform Store 13020 Livingston Rd, Ste 12 Naples FL 34105
Primark, Centro Commerciale, Campania SS Sannitica 87, 81025 Caserta
Places to buy online
Families have successfully bought online to BFPO addresses from:
Next UK Online
Asda Online – be sure to use the UK website as prices are cheaper and you can get BFPO postage rates
Many other UK supermarkets / shops stock school uniforms, which can be posted to your BFPO address.
British Forces School, Naples
All Children attending FS2 – Year 6 wear uniform.
Uniform Requirements
BOYS | GIRLS |
Winter | Winter |
Royal blue sweatshirt | Royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan |
White polo shirt | White polo shirt |
Black/grey trousers/shorts | Black/grey dress / skirt |
Black shoes, white socks | Black shoes, white socks / grey tights |
Summer | Summer |
Black/ grey shorts | Blue and white checked summer dress |
White polo shirt, | Grey skirt |
Black shoes, white socks | White polo shirt |
| Black shoes, white socks |
PE Kit: White T shirt, black shorts, white socks. Royal blue track suit, trainers
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