Little Troopers New Forest Reconnection Weekend – next events are Dorset, 25 to 27 July, and 26 to 28 Sept

'Group of children photographed with Little Troopers Founder, Louise’

Military families were brought together this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, hosted a New Forest family reconnection weekend.

In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully-funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.

The weekend was the second one to take place, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Dorset.

Families arrived on Friday (13th June), kicking off the weekend by taking part in an evening woodland nature walk, before staying in shepherd’s huts.

On the second day, families got to try out raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft, a BBQ cooked by the parents, and campfire games for the children in the evening. Families headed home on Sunday 15th June after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees and enjoying some Father’s Day treats.

Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans

 
The Veterans’ Survey 2022 was the first survey of its kind in the UK and was a collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the devolved administrations.

Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.

In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.

To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

Survey link in text below: 

If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.

Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• safeguarding

Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.

How to complete the survey

You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

You have until Saturday 30 August to make your voice heard.

Invitation to attend Financial Literacy Focus Groups

Introduction

Financial literacy is a key life skill and is critical to the development of our personal and collective resilience. The Financial Times charity FLIC is has funding to expand financial literacy into the Armed Forces and they are running 2 online focus groups in June and one face to face focus group in July (details below). 20-30 Service personnel and family members across a mix of ranks, ethnicity and gender are being sought for each focus group, to help FLIC understand the financial challenges that the Armed Forces face, and the information that would be useful.

The three focus groups will take place on the following dates/times:

19 Jun 25 (1130-1230 tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS (25 pers)

24 Jun 25 (0900-1000 tbc) – Online focus group delivered via MS TEAMS (25 pers)

17 Jul 25 0900-1200 – Face to face focus group delivered by FLIC, Buller Conference Centre, St Omer, Aldershot. (35 pers). Civilian attire, lunch at PAYD facility.

Register interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/at8DSE3evc

Volunteers will be asked to take part in a discussion to help shape a package that informs our Service community in a way that is relevant, engaging and accessible. The discussion will explore their topics of interest, financial challenges and how they want to receive the information. The session will also include the opportunity to test video and e-learning platform capabilities.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 June 25

Revised move-in and move-out specification.

We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.  

One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year. 

The revised move-in and move-out specification, effective immediately, returns to the previous standard with additional specifications including: 

• Hard flooring being used in downstairs areas instead of carpet when replacement is required. 
• The use of white paint to decorate inside homes. 
• Vinyl flooring being used in all bathrooms, WC, kitchens and utility rooms if floor tiles, or hard flooring are not already installed when replacement is required.   
• Allowing up to four picture hooks per room to be left at move out without charges being incurred. 

This revision to the specification has been made possible following funding secured for financial year 2025/2026 and £1.5 bn of additional funding announced earlier this month by the Defence Secretary, Rt Hon John Healey MP to deliver longer term and enduring improvements to UK SFA housing as part of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review.

The revised move-in and move-out standards can be read in full on the Pinnacle website.

Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update - 25 June 25

25 JUNE 12:30-13:30 - SAVE THE DATE!

The FPS will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 on Wednesday 25 June via MS Teams.

It will cover:

• The latest on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud) implementation.
• A reminder of how pension benefits are/were earned during service and the ages that deferred pensions are paid.
• When and how the pension benefits increase.
• How to obtain a pension forecasts whilst serving or as a Veteran.
• Dependants Benefits.
• When and how to claim a deferred pension.
• The benefits of membership of the Forces Pension Society.

For more information, click here.

Civvy Street Magazine – Jun/Jul 25 Issue out now

 

Please click the following link to view this latest edition online: Civvy Street - June/July

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest vacancies in Portsmouth - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

 

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

GFIE – 439 – HMRC Customer Services Advisor, Portsmouth
5 positions available
Closing Date: 18 Jul 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)

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Improved support for serving families facing separation challenges

The idea of not seeing your partner or parent for months at a time, often with limited contact, can be stressful and unsettling. But it’s a common experience for many armed forces families.

Deployment, training and exercises make separation a fundamental part of service for many, but this can have a significant impact on family life. Being apart can cause loneliness and a sense of isolation – whether you’re ‘weekending’ and adjusting to a constantly changing family dynamic or dealing with long separations.

Re-opening today, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) devised their Apart, not Alone programme to tackle this issue head on, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.

Building on the success of last year’s programme, this year the Trust are delivering support where and when it’s needed most - reflecting the changing nature of deployment, recognising the different types of separation and the sometimes very different challenges these can present.

Why are we running this programme?

Female Veterans' Transformation Programme

 

Question: What have Plymouth, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Cannock and Winchester got in common?

Answer: We will be in those locations next month with Agora Photography taking photographs of female veterans!

We are creating a toolkit to aid services who support female veterans. Additional funding has been sought from the Office for Veterans' Affairs & Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to raise the profile of Female Veterans. Part of this funding will be spent on a photoshoot and we are touring the UK with Agora Photography

We want Female Veterans from the breadth of the UK to be involved in this photoshoot, regardless of age, rank, time served, ethnicity, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. The more diverse the better!

To sign up for a photoshoot click this link: https://forms.office.com/e/SmuxuxW6EQ

To find out more here

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow
10 positions available
Closing Date: 23 Jun 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)

Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day – 11 Jun

Click here to register or for further info visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to new applications

The Support for Relocated Service Families - reopen for new applications!

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Serving families: On the Move Programme under the Armed Forces Families Covenant Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

What’s the programme all about?

Moving to a completely new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can feel surreal. You’re pushed out of your comfort zone, knowing that if you don’t reach out, the feeling of loneliness can quickly grow. But not everyone has the confidence to walk into a coffee morning or event on their own for the first time.

“Having a first point of contact, a friendly face, a supportive presence makes such a difference. Someone who can help you find your way, learn about your new area and most importantly, open the door to connections and friendships.

That kind of support isn’t just help, it’s essential for finding your way and keeping your momentum in this military way of life” – Jenna, Army spouse.

Supporting you, on the move

Today, the Trust are reopening the Serving Families: On the Move programme for new applications. This year, you can apply for a grant of £5,000 to £50,000 for a 12 month project which will achieve one or more of the following outcomes -

• Families in a new posting have more accessible information to support them to settle into a new and unfamiliar location.
• Newly arrived families report improved wellbeing by being introduced to and connected with activities provided in their new area
• Fewer newly arrived and relocated service families report feeling isolated or lonely and more service families say they have effective support networks.
• Families feel more able to navigate the challenges of relocation, because their relationships are stronger.

Why are the Trust running this programme?

Frequent moves can disrupt social connections and support systems, often leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Over time, this can negatively impact mental health and family relationships.

One of our key priorities when launching the Armed Forces Covenant framework was to reduce stress and challenges for families. To support this aim, we introduced the Serving Families: On the Move programme.

To date, under the Armed Forces Covenant, we have awarded a total of over £1.3m to 14 projects aimed at improving the quality of life for service families impacted by relocation and as a direct result of service life.

This programme aims to support newly relocated service families, encouraging connection, and strengthening family relationships, ensuring armed forces communities are not left at a disadvantage.

The Trust are looking to support projects that use preventative or early intervention approaches to support families who have recently moved. These projects should focus to helping families settle into their new communities and build lasting, positive connections.

“It’s a very lonely life, and the sacrifices that we go through as a family always seem so significant yet not recognised.” – RAF spouse

Who can apply?

The Trust invite applications from:

• Registered Charites
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Armed Forces Units and Bases
• Local authorities

Full eligibility details are available on the Trust website

Find out more

There will be two deadlines for applications:

• If you apply by 12pm on 23 July 2025, you will receive a decision before end of September 2025.
• If you apply by 12pm on 17 December 2025, you will receive a decision before end of February 2026.

Full details of this family-focused funding opportunity, including full eligibility and how to apply, are available on the Trust’s dedicated programme page.

Quest Magazine - June Edition now available

To view online please click this link: https://www.questonline.co.uk/pages/magazine-archive

To view the Quest news update, including a summary of topics covered in the June magazine, please click this link: June Quest Magazine is Out Now.💂

DIO Families First Newsletter - 2 Jun 25 Edition now available

Click poster to enlarge.

To view online please click this link to the Defence Homes website.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 2 Jun 25

 

Defence Secretary announces £1.5bn investment in SFA

As you may have seen in the news over the weekend, the Defence Secretary Rt Hon John Healey MP announced an additional £1.5 billion of funding, over the next five years, to improve military accommodation across the UK.

Following the landmark deal which brought 36,347 military homes back into public ownership, we have already begun the process of transformative change. This includes the delivery of the seven commitments set out in the Consumer Charter that we shared with you last month. These commitments reflect our plans to transform living conditions for you across the UK through improved service provision, communication and upgrades to homes.

DIO has advocated for sustained investment into the estate for many years and we believe this will be a turning point in allowing us to deliver significant change to your future lived experience.

Future Defence Housing questionnaire by the Families Federations, as part of the Defence Housing Strategy review

 

As part of the independent Defence Housing Strategy Review, the Families Federations are launching a questionnaire on Defence housing for the future.

They are looking for all Service Personnel of all ages, ranks, PstatCats and their families to complete this.

They are seeking views on current SFA, new builds and home ownership to help shape decisions on housing options for generations to come.

Click here to have your say online

You can also read the press release here

ACORN programme run by ManKind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

 

Please click image to enlarge

This course has less that six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

ManKind ACORN programme

Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 results

 

The results from the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) 2025 have been published and are available here.

Serve + Protect Credit Union’s latest podcast about managing debt successfully

 

There are lots of times when borrowing money can be useful. However, managing your debt can sometimes become overwhelming.

The latest podcast episode from Serve and Protect Credit Union is full of useful information on managing your debt effectively and the support available if you are struggling.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/qtL02Yl2lV0?si=DJmTfo-KNo-G5euF