First Defence Finance: Resources from Safer Gambling Week

Last week marked Safer Gambling Week, and our colleagues at First Defence Finance (one of the three MOD-endorsed Credit Unions) have produced a booklet on this topic that can be viewed online at: 

👉 https://heyzine.com/flip-book/FDFGamblingSupport

Read on for further information:

Defence Your Offer: Black Friday 2025 - Defence discounts make your money go further

Black Friday 2025: Defence discounts make your money go further

The countdown is on! Whether you’re ticking off your Christmas list early or saving up for something special, this year’s Black Friday event is your chance to make every penny count.

In Defence, your offer provides access to exclusive savings as a member of:

• Defence Discount Service – For all staff, veterans, and Armed Forces families – giving access to thousands of online discounts from over 14,000+ brands.
• Blue Light Card – The UK’s leading discount service for the Armed Forces, emergency services, NHS, social care sector and teaching community, giving access to thousands of online discounts from 15,000+ brands.
• MyLifestyle – For Defence Civil Servants – giving access to thousands of online and instore retail savings from over 800 retailers.

Defence Discount Service and Blue Light Card

Here’s what to expect this Black Friday…

• Early access to some of the biggest discounts of the year –Members will enjoy 24-hour priority access to daily deals before the public – meaning you can snap up savings first.
• Exclusive offers throughout November – with discounts from top brands, including Panasonic, KitchenAid, Nike, loveholidays, Gousto, Dyson, VistaPrint, Benson for Beds, Charlotte Tilbury, Halfords, and more.... And remember, many of the offers from Blue Light Card and Defence Discount Service can be combined with brand Black Friday discounts for even bigger savings!
• Mark your calendar for Friday 28 November to Monday 1 December – and get ready to see just how much further your money can go!

More than discounts: rewards and support for our community

Vale of Glamorgan: Childcare Offer for Wales - Applications are open

Childcare Offer applications are OPEN

As of 22 October 2025, parents/carers can submit applications for children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2022. Childcare funding can then start from 5 January 2026!

To be eligible for the Offer, each parent must:

• Live in Wales
• Have a child aged 3 or 4 years old
• Earn less than £100,000 per year
• Be employed and earn at least, on average, the equivalent to working 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage
• Or be enrolled on either an undergraduate, postgraduate or further education course that is at least 10 weeks in length

Click here to find out more and get started www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/childcareoffer

Serve and Protect Credit Union - Nov update

Monthly Update

October at a glance:

Last month, we continued to support our community:

684 new members joined the credit union
701 affordable loans were issued to members
146 individuals attended our free financial webinars

Thank you for helping us make this impact possible.

Here are some useful resources including financial advice and support for those who serve and are looking for further help and guidance.

https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/

Hampshire: Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East

Hampshire County Council is proud to be part of Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East is a cross border partnership comprising Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove, Medway Councils and Sussex NHS.

It is a two-year Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant Funded Programme aimed at making it easier for servicemen and women and their families, as well as reservists and veterans, to access public sector services including healthcare, housing, schools, financial advice and support to find jobs.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Serve and Protect - Free Webinars in November

Boost your financial knowledge with free webinars from Serve and Protect this November!

Through our partnership with Serve and Protect Credit Union, you can access free financial webinars on the following topics every week in November:

• Eco-friendly ways to save money
• Harmful effects of gambling w/ GamCare
• Budgeting to take control of your money
• Practical habits to boost your savings
• Tips to boost your credit score
• Preparing for the unexpected
• Things to know before you borrow

Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Register for free today to avoid disappointment.

Learn More - https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Serve and Protect Credit Union - Free Webinars in Nov and Dec

 
This week is ‘Talk Money Week’, so why not sign up for a free webinar from Serve + Protect. ‘First come, first served’… and you can register through your personal devices / email addresses:

Eco-friendly ways to save money 

Eco-friendly savings webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/eco-friendly-ways-to-save-money?s=474742b0-68b0-40c6-bbe5-…

Budgeting 101 

Budgeting explained webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/budgeting

Saving Made Simple 

Tips to boost savings webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/saving-made-simple-practical-habits-to-boost-your-savings

Credit Score 101 

Tips to boost your score webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/credit-scores

Boost Financial Resilience 

Preparing for the unexpected webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/the-road-to-financial-resilience-preparing-for-the-unexpec…

Before You Borrow 

Key things to know webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/before-you-borrow

Stop Loan Sharks: WhatsApp Launch & Lets Talk About Loan Sharks online presentations

Stop Loan Sharks is now on WhatsApp!

You can now access support or report illegal money lending quickly and confidentially by messaging the team on 07700 102773. This new service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and all messages are treated in confidence.

Outside those times, you can still reach the team by calling the 24/7 helpline 0300 555 2222 or visiting stoploansharks.co.uk
Let’s help protect our communities - please share this with anyone who might need support.

Let's Talk about Loan Sharks explores why 1.08 million people are turning to loan sharks. With the rise in cost of living, job loss, gambling debts, illness and increased pay day lending, more and more people are turning to loan sharks. In the Army it is known as “Double Bubble” However, lending money without the correct permission required by the Financial Services and Markets Act is illegal.

Let's Talk about Loan Sharks provides useful information, guidance and support to help us help those who might be struggling. No registration needed and you can join via laptop or mobile.

• 29 Oct 25 1200- 1300 TEAMS link to join here Meeting ID: 377 727 192 932 6 / Passcode: et3KX2Mo
  
  Alternatively dial in by phone: +44 20 3443 8728,,847358711# Phone conference ID: 847 358 711#
  
  
• 05 Nov 25 1200 - 1300 TEAMS link to join here Meeting ID: 340 057 025 199 4 / Passcode: cZ7dZ9iJ
  
  Alternatively dial in by phone +44 20 3443 8728,,536765765# Phone conference ID: 536 765 765#

If you or someone you know needs help, call Stop Loan Sharks on the confidential support line 0300 555 2222 or via WhatsApp on 07700 102773.

Search this database to see if a money lender is legal.

Vale of Glamorgan: Could you be entitled to the School Essentials Grant?

Vale of Glamorgan Council:

School days should be about learning and fun, not money worries
Get up to £200 with the School Essentials Grant to help with school costs.
Check the eligibility criteria to see if you could be entitled to financial support 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Serve and Protect Credit Union - 10 Years of Supporting the Armed Forces

Last week marked a special milestone for us at Serve and Protect Credit Union. On Wednesday, 15th October 2025, we proudly celebrate ten years of providing dedicated armed forces support to service personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.

It’s a decade defined by our commitment to improving the financial resilience of those who serve and have served our country. We are honoured to be the largest credit union available to the military, serving over 16,000 members across the armed forces community.

Our journey in armed forces support

The story began in 2015 when the Ministry of Defence selected Serve and Protect, as part of the ‘Joining Forces’ initiative, to offer financial services to the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Our mission was clear from the start. To provide an ethical and affordable alternative to high-cost lenders. We set out to build a foundation of financial wellbeing for the armed forces community, ensuring they have access to fair and supportive financial solutions.

This partnership was built on a shared goal to enhance the financial resilience of military personnel. We understood that the unique demands of service life can bring specific financial challenges. Our role was to provide reliable armed forces support that personnel and veterans could count on.

To read the article in full, including a YouTube video link, please go to: Serve and Protect celebrate a decade of Armed Forces support

MOD Update: Credit union service for Defence people celebrates 10-year anniversary

Credit union service for Defence people celebrates 10-year anniversary

This month marks 10 years since the launch of Joining Forces – the collaboration of three credit unions, established to help Service Personnel and Defence civil servants save regularly and borrow responsibly.

The Joining Forces Credit Union (JFCU) service – which now supports over 27,000 members – provides a range of simple savings accounts and affordable loans, to help Service Personnel (Regulars and Reservists), veterans, and their families access financial products. Repayments can be made straight from military pay or pension.

Defence Civil Servants can also use the service, with saving and loan repayments made via Direct Debit – rather than payroll deduction.

What is a credit union?

Hampshire: Hampshire County Council money worries

Please click on the link below to access the HCC website that provides vital information for families who may be struggling due to the cost of living crisis with lots of useful links.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Stop Loan Sharks: Briefings in Oct and Nov open to the Service Community

There are 1.08 million people in debt to a Loan Shark in England. You are not alone. Call Stop Loan Sharks on 0300 555 2222 to access support.

Stop Loan Sharks briefs - no registration needed, join via laptop or mobile:

• 7 Oct 25 0900 - 1000 TEAMS link to join Meeting ID: 357 830 299 772 8 / Passcode: De3KX9x3

Alternatively dial in by phone +44 20 3443 8728,,651144970# Phone conference ID: 651 144 970#

• 7 Oct 25 1330 - 1430 TEAMS link to join Meeting ID: 329 059 383 381 4 / Passcode: e746np9K

Alternatively dial in by phone +44 20 3443 8728,,228840345# Phone conference ID: 228 840 345#

• 29 Oct 25 1200- 1300 TEAMS link to join Meeting ID: 377 727 192 932 6 / Passcode: et3KX2Mo

Alternatively dial in by phone:+44 20 3443 8728,,847358711# Phone conference ID: 847 358 711#

• 05 Nov 25 1200 - 1300 TEAMS link to join Meeting ID: 340 057 025 199 4 / Passcode: cZ7dZ9iJ

Alternatively dial in by phone +44 20 3443 8728,,536765765# Phone conference ID: 536 765 765#

KCC: The Kent Money Advice Hub

 

'People go to the Money Advice Hub  with a lot on their shoulders, and they finish the call with an instant sense of relief and an increase in confidence.'

Are you worrying about money? The Kent Money Advice Hub could help you.

 
Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Wales: Armed Forces Family Focus - Citizens Advice Service in Wales

 
Citizens Advice:

Our Wales-wide holistic advice service supports service men and women, ex-service personnel, and their families by providing practical, comprehensive, and tailored advice on benefits, debt, welfare, and housing, helping them access the right support and information to move forward.

Our project will provide holistic, multi-issue support, including:

• Income maximisation (identifying unclaimed benefits, supporting grant applications)
• Practical assistance accessing financial support following injury or development of health conditions
• Unlocking entitlement to financial support for carers and connecting them with specialist support agencies
• Help with benefit applications and appeals
• Access to emergency financial support (fuel vouchers, food bank referrals)
• Managing problem debt and preventing financial crisis
• Housing rights advice (tenancy support, preventing evictions, ensuring safe living conditions)
• Advice on employment matters, such as general employment rights, flexible working to accommodate caring responsibilities and potential discrimination

Contact our helpline on 0808 531 0313 Monday to Friday 8am until 7pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm.

https://cacv.org.uk/our-projects/armed-forces-family-advice-service/

This service is provided by Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale and Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent and funded by the Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund.

DWP news update: Children to benefit from funded childcare

The Government has delivered its pledge to fund childcare for 30 hours a week – saving parents £7,500 a year per child.

Take-up is expected to be over and above initial projections, with over half a million kids on track to be more school ready by age 5, giving every child the best start in life.

The Best Start in Life website brings together trusted information, guidance, and support into one place where parents will be able to check what childcare help they’re eligible for, find their local family services, sign up for tailored weekly updates, and access advice from everything from pregnancy to preparing a child for school. 

Click this link to Read the full press release

Northern Ireland: NIdirect Cost of Living Information and Advice

  

Information and advice about support with the cost of living, including:
• help with energy costs
• help with your income
• help for families and children
• help for older people
• help with housing
• help with other costs
Find out more: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Jobs & Benefits Northern Ireland

Information provided by HIVE NI

Fife: Citizens Advice and Rights Fife - worried about paying your council tax?

Worried about Council Tax?

You’re not alone – and help is out there.

👉 You might qualify for discounts or exemptions
👉  Apply for a Council Tax Reduction if your income is low
👉  Get extra help with rent through Discretionary Housing Payments

💬 We can check what support you’re entitled to and help you apply.

Don’t wait until bills pile up – reach out today.

Get advice 👉 Home | Citizens Advice and Rights Fife

Get help 👉 Cost of Living Support

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Gov.uk Armed Forces Pensions Update: Pension Scams

The over-arching link for all Armed Forces Pensions information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans

2025 Army Families Federation questionnaire on Service pay

The Army Families Federation (AFF), Naval Families Federation (NFF) and RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) are jointly running a questionnaire to hear from Regular Service Personnel and their families about satisfaction with pay and personal financial circumstances over the past 12 months.

The responses will help to:

Better understand the financial challenges faced by service families.

Identify any trends or issues specific to each of the single services.

Provide robust, evidence-based feedback to the MOD, the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and other key stakeholders.

To take part in this questionnaire, which is open to serving personnel, spouses and partners, please click the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AFF2025_Pay_Questionnaire

The questionnaire should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and every response helps strengthen the evidence that family federations can present on behalf of families.