Catterick: Garrison Welfare/Contact House

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Scotland: Housing Options Scotland 'On Tour', venues across Scotland Wed 30th September - Wed 28th October

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Housing Options Scotland is going out on tour!

Come and talk to them about how the can help you with your housing needs and questions. They can answer questions on selling and buying, private or social renting, sheltered housing, housing for older adults, adapting your home, veterans housing and homelessness. 

You can also register to get further 1-to-1 support – remember, the service is free and independent.

There are two sessions each day and light refreshments will be provided.

Find out more and book your place 👉 https://housingoptionsscotland.org.uk/ontour/

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Blandford: Garrison housing drop in session - Wed 26th Aug

If you are experiencing any issues or have concerns with your service families accommodation and would like to speak to someone in person, you're welcome to drop in to the Pinnacle housing office on Mudros Road. (Blandford Camp), no appointment necessary.

Housing drop inn - 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. 0900 - 1200hrs.

You can also report an issue with your SFA by calling 0800 031 8628 or send an email to hello@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

 

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 30 July 2026

Hundreds of New SFA Homes purchased at Imjin Barracks 
Hundreds of brand-new homes have been completed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, marking an important milestone in the MOD’s plans to improve housing for Service personnel and their families. 

DIO have purchased a total of 281 homes near Imjin Barracks, home to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. These homes were purchased by the DIO from existing developments built by Taylor Wimpey, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes. 

Construction began in 2023 and was delivered in phases, allowing Service families to move in as soon as their homes were ready. Some families have now been enjoying their new homes for almost two years. 

These homes have been designed with sustainability in mind. Features include energy-saving solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, smart heating controls and electric vehicle charging points. These modern features are helping Service families reduce their energy use and, in some cases, lower their household bills. 

For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes here

Pre-move out and move-out appointment reminder
We know that moving can be a busy and sometimes stressful time, and that plans can change unexpectedly. If you are unable to attend your pre-move out or move out appointment, you can change your appointment on the e-1132 system.

Attending these appointments, or providing advance notice if you can't make them, helps ensure your move out process runs as smoothly as possible

Tune in to Housing Matters Podcast
Episode two of the brand-new podcast, Housing Matters is out now. The podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.

Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.

The first two episodes are now available. In the latest episode, we hear from John Reynolds, Army Military Housing Liaison Officer, and Stephanie Jervis from DIO Accommodation, who is also a military spouse and has lived in Service Family Accommodation for more than 18 years. Together, they share helpful guidance for families at every stage of military life, from moving home to simple ways to make a house feel like home.

You can watch episode one and two now.

So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.

Summer safety – travelling over the summer
With the school holidays upon us, many of our families will be thinking about going away, whether that's a staycation or holiday abroad. If you’ll be away from your home for a period of time, we recommend the following steps to keep your home safe: 

• Hot weather can cause burst pipes, so it’s recommended to turn your water off using your stopcock while you are away. The stopcock is the little tap or lever on pipes that are often found under your sink. 
• Turn off and unplug electricals like your TV and small kitchen appliances like kettles and microwaves to reduce bills and to reduce the risk of an electrical fire. 
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house keys so they can make checks on your home while you are away.

For more summer safety advice, visit Defence Homes.

Families First newsletter
The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website

DIO: Families First Issue 40 Published

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

MOD’s Families Hub is now in its second year – have you used it yet?

 

https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/families/

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 July 2026

FamCAS 2026: SFA Satisfaction Continues to Improve

The Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2026 has been published today, providing valuable insight into the experiences of Service families and the issues that matter most to them, including housing.

This year’s results show a continued improvement in satisfaction among families living in SFA, building on the positive progress seen in recent years. Overall satisfaction has increased from 44% in 2023 to 53% in 2026, while levels of dissatisfaction have fallen over a number of key areas. Families have reported seeing the strongest improvements in maintenance and repairs, reflecting the continued work to improve the quality of homes and the support provided to Service families.

For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes here.

Keeping Communal Areas Clear

Residents are reminded not to leave rubbish, personal belongings, bicycles, Electric Powered Personal Vehicles (EPPVs), or any other items in communal corridors, stairways, landings, or access routes. Items left in these areas can create significant safety hazards, obstruct access and escape routes, and hinder emergency services during a fire or other emergency incident.

Where storage is required, residents should contact their local Housing Officer to check whether suitable storage facilities are available for items such as bicycles or Electric Powered Personal Vehicles.

Thank you for your support in helping to keep communal areas clear, safe, and accessible for all residents.

Hose Pipe Ban for areas across the UK

Following a period of intense summer heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures, water demand has increased significantly across parts of the UK. As a result, a number of water companies have introduced temporary hosepipe bans. Please check with your water provider to find out whether restrictions apply in your area.

Grantham: Housing Surgery

Next Housing Surgery at the HIVE Community Centre, Building 162, Thursday 20th August, 1030 - 1230. All welcome!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates

To register for a Briefing, and provide your details please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing

For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families

Lichfield: DIO Podcast - volunteer family required - taking part in the DIO Housing Matters Podcast

 

DIO are looking for a family living in SFA for another episode of the DIO Housing Matters podcast who live in the Lichfield area.  Would you be interested in taking part in the podcast?  Get in touch with the Central HIVE on RC-Pers-HIVE-CentralHub-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk for the contact details in DIO.

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 08 July 2026

Welcome to Housing Matters Podcast

DIO are excited to launch Housing Matters, our new podcast created for military families. This podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.

Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.

In episode one, we take a closer look at what the Defence Housing Strategy really means for those living in SFA. Our guests are DIO Chief Operating Officer, David Brewer, who played a key role in the development of the Strategy, and Chris Keen, a military spouse who has lived in 11 different SFA properties. The discussion goes beyond the headlines to explore the investment, ambition and real-world impact behind the Strategy.

You can watch episode one on Defence Homes.

The five-part Housing Matters series will continue with a new episode released fortnightly on a Wednesday. Upcoming episodes include an honest conversation about damp and mould with our suppliers, a deeper look at the unique challenges military families face and how their housing works, the importance of building strong communities on patch and the new freedoms military families have to personalise their military house to feel like a home.

So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.

Pinnacle HomeHub & improved access to repairs & appointments

DIO Update: Publication of NAO Report on the repurchase of the Defence SFA Estate

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published its report into the MOD’s buy-back of 36,000 homes.

The report confirms that bringing these homes back into public ownership has already stopped what could have been billions of pounds in future losses, while giving the MOD the control it needs to improve housing for families. The homes had originally been sold in 1996 and leased back for many years, at huge cost to taxpayers. Since completing the buy-back in early 2025, the MOD has been able to redirect money previously spent on rent into making homes better.

Whilst the report states that the deal to repurchase was the lowest cost option and handled effectively, it also highlights some challenges for the MOD and the need to establish the Defence Housing Service with the powers and autonomy it requires to deliver planned reform efficiently.

For the full set of NAO recommendations and details on the report’s impact, further information is available on Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can sign up to get Defence Homes updates direct to your inbox via this link: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

DIO: Families First Issue 39 Published

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Blandford: Welfare/contact house short term use accommodation

Click on poster above to enlarge

£40 per night for a minimum of 2 nights.

Weekend rates Friday to Monday morning £100.

Full weeks are £225.

A full review of costs will take place at the end of April.

For booking enquiries and to check availability email:

 BLANDFORDGAR-BGSUWELFARE@mod.gov.uk or call 01258 481938

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via BGSU Welfare team

Bovington: Garrison contact houses for short term accommodation use

To check availability or to book click HERE

or email Tel: 01929 402239 during office hours

For all bookings, a £50 deposit will be required within 7 days of making the booking and the full balance is to be paid 28 days prior to stay. The rate is set at £50 per night for the first three nights, then £25 per night thereafter.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

DIO: Subscribe to receive Defence Homes email updates

Defence Infrastructure Organisation are pleased to share that the Defence Homes website now offers a subscriber service, delivering Families First newsletter and the latest housing news updates straight to your inbox.

DIO are keen to keep Service personnel and their families connected with everything happening across Defence Homes.

Follow this link to sign up today.

Blandford: Garrison Carpet cleaner hire

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 09 June 2026

Interim Chair of Defence Housing Service

The Defence Housing Strategy, announced in November 2025, marks the most significant transformation of Armed Forces housing in more than 50 years. It sets out an ambitious, fully funded ten-year programme to improve the homes and communities that service personnel and their families rely on every day. At the heart of this generational renewal, is the creation of a standalone professional Defence housing organisation, the Defence Housing Service.

Leading this transition is Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, who has been appointed Interim Chair of the Defence Housing Service. Natalie previously chaired the Defence Housing Strategy Review Team and will play a crucial role in leading the transition to the new organisation, ensuring it is ready to deliver for you and your families from day one.

Once formally established in law through the Armed Forces Bill, the Defence Housing Service will take responsibility for managing nearly 50,000 military homes across the UK. Its mission includes providing safe, high-quality, and reliable housing that reflects modern military life.

Natalie’s appointment comes as the latest polling data collected by Opinion Research Services shows a rise in satisfaction among Personnel and families living in military homes.

Read more at Defence Homes.

Victory Services Club - Monthly Newsletter & Digital Magazine

Victory Services Club have published their latest newsletter and also their digital magazine.

To read the latest ‘Club Life’ newsletter, please click here: Club Life Newsletter - May 2026

To view the digital magazine, please click HERE

For more information about the Victory Services Club, please go to: Home - Victory Services Club