First Defence Finance: Earn £5 for every friend you refer to First Defence Finance this February

Earn £5 for every friend you refer to First Defence Finance this February using your unique link.

1. Log in & get your unique link
2. Share it with anyone who could benefit from joining our credit union.
3. Ask them to choose “Family, friend, or colleague” when the sign-up form asks how they heard about us.
4. Get £5 for you and £5 for your friends after every successful referral.

There’s no limit.* Invite one friend or ten and watch your savings grow!

Log in on their app to generate your link: bit.ly/GenerateYourLink

Or on their website: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/log-in

*Terms and conditions apply. Over 18's only. First Defence Finance is a trading name of Plane Saver Credit Union Ltd. Plane Saver Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Ref: 213609. All deposits are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for up to £120,000. Find the full terms and conditions on our website: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/refer-a-friend 

BFBS Launches First-Ever AI Skills Programme Exclusively for Military Partners

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has officially launched its AI Skills For Military Partners programme, an innovative course designed to help military partners build practical digital skills, expand career opportunities, and strengthen employability in a fast-changing, tech-driven world.

The programme, delivered through BFBS Academy, blends self-paced online learning with monthly live evening webinars and four one-off in-person workshops to be held in Cyprus, Catterick, Blandford, and Edinburgh. Fully funded by a £66,884 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the programme is tailored specifically for the needs of the armed forces community.

Jackie Collins, Head of Social Media at BFBS (Academy & Creative) and lead on the course, said: “Launching this programme at the start of the year is the perfect way to help military partners set themselves up for success in 2026. With practical AI skills, participants can confidently explore new opportunities, grow their careers, or enhance their businesses, turning the promise of new year in real action and results.”

Throughout the programme, BFBS Academy will support participants with tailored guidance, practical applications, and one-to-one coaching to ensure the training is meaningful, accessible, and immediately applicable.

The course will enable participants to:

• Build foundational AI skills relevant for real-world applications
• Understand how AI tools can enhance work or business growth
• Learn at their own pace with flexible online options, supported by live webinars and workshops
• Navigate AI responsibly and confidently

The launch marks a major milestone for BFBS Academy, reinforcing its mission to provide innovative, accessible training for the armed forces community, and empower military partners with the tools they need to thrive in a digital future.

Launch video: https://we.tl/t-ev4RgxmD9a

For further information, visit: BFBS Academy.

For general updates, follow BFBS Academy on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Forces Employment Charity: Op ASCEND Pathways into Manufacturing and Logistics event - 7 May 2026

 
The next Op ASCEND event for 2026 will be Pathways into Manufacturing and Logistics. Join on 7 May 2026, in Northamptonshire, for a day of panel sessions designed to inspire and engage, as well as connect you with the right people to help you along your next career path into Manufacturing and Logistics.

Register your interest today, to be kept up-to-date as event details are released over the coming weeks at this link: Coming soon. Register your interest for this flagship national event on 7th May.

To find out more about Op ASCEND please go to: Op ASCEND | Forces Employment Charity

Other upcoming Forces Employment Charity events can be found at: Events and networking | Forces Employment Charity

Gov.uk News: Public advised to stop using some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are reminding the public not to use 4 specified non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products under any circumstances due to an ongoing risk of infection associated with their use.

Additionally, UKHSA and MHRA would like to remind people that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, of any type or brand, should not be used for first aid, applied on broken or damaged skin and should never be used for cleaning intravenous lines.

There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis associated with some non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products - identified in an outbreak in the United Kingdom from January 2018 to 3 February 2026. A small number of cases continue to be detected.

To read this news article in full, please visit: Public advised to stop using some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes - GOV.UK

Give Us Time Welfare Update – Breaks in Scotland and France

 

For further information please visit: www.giveustime.org.uk

Serve & Protect Credit Union: February webinars and free resources

Valentine's Day is almost here, but don't forget to show your finances some love too!

The MOD’s partnership with Serve and Protect Credit Union gives you access to a range of useful financial tools. You could:

• Start saving automatically from your wages
• Register for a free webinar to boost your money skills
• Start tracking your spending with their handy budget planner

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

February Webinars:

Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost your Savings
Dates: Wednesday 18th February
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods to build a healthy savings cushion.
Register Here

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Dates: Thursday 19th February
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
What to Expect: How to create a budget that meets your goals, with tips to cut spending.
Register Here

The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected
Date: Monday 23rd February
Time: 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
What to Expect: Explore why financial resilience matters and simple, practical tips to improve it.
Register Here

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Dates: Tuesday 24th February
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, with tips to improve it.
Register Here

Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know
Date: Thursday 26th February
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
What to Expect: Understand the key factors lenders may evaluate, with tips to consider before applying.
Register Here

Single Service Personnel in SFA or SSFA: You may be entitled to a 25% CILOCT discount

For further information on CILOCT please visit: https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/sfa-charges/

Celebrating ten years of Joining Forces: building financial resilience

Celebrating ten-years of Joining Forces: building financial resilience

A decade of partnership between three leading credit unions has helped thousands of Defence people save, borrow responsibly and build financial resilience.

On Monday 19 January, at the Palace of Westminster, guests celebrated the tenth anniversary of Joining Forces – a collaboration consisting of Serve & Protect, First Defence Finance, and Forces Finance (part of London Mutual Credit Union), working with the MOD to offer tailored financial services for Defence people.

The anniversary reception brought together staff and directors from the credit unions, uniformed and civilian Defence personnel, and representatives from trade bodies, armed forces charities and financial organisations.

Credit unions differ from traditional banks. They operate as not-for-profit financial cooperatives, owned and run for their members’ benefit. Any surplus is returned to members through competitive dividend rates on savings or used to help improve the range of products and services available, rather than being distributed to external shareholders.

Joining Force 10 Year Anniversary Event Highlights - (MODNET access)

JFCU 10 Year Anniversay Video - (non MODNET access)

A decade of impact

CSF: Boarding School Webinar on 26 Feb

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2026
Time: 17:30 – 18:30

Session Highlights
• Key topics on boarding school education tailored specifically for military families
• Prep school boarding
• Life on campus as a boarder
• Live Q&A session to address individual questions and concerns

How to Register
Please register using this link

N.B. This company is not affiliated to, nor endorsed by the MOD, and families should continue to contact the MOD’s Education Advisory Team (UK) in good time to ensure a smooth transition to CEA and boarding. EAT(UK), part of Defence Children Services, is the MOD organisation in place for Boarding Schools and CEA advice and guidance. See https://dcs.school/ and the EAT(UK) pages at: https://dcs.school/?page_id=1239 MOD advice can be obtained by emailing: RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk

Time to Talk Day: Today – 5 Feb 26

Time to Talk Day is an event in the annual health and wellbeing calendar. It aims to get individuals to talk to each other, to reach out if in need and to open the conversation around mental health.

A video is available on YouTube: Brighton & Hove Albion | Together Against Suicide With Samaritans & Premier League The video is also on Defence Connect.

Support for your Mental Health Is Always Available

If in immediate distress and not sure who to talk to then contact one of the teams below:

Armed Forces Support Line 24/7 - Call 0800 323 4444

Samaritans 24/7 - Call 116 123

Text SHOUT to 85258 –Text messaging service, available 24/7

You can also speak to your family and friends who know you best, your Unit Medical Officer, Chain of Command, Unit Welfare Team or Padre.

Other information and resources to support can be found at: British Army - Ask For Help

Aurora New Dawn Athena Programme – Starts on 11 Feb

To find out more please visit https://aurorand.org.uk/ and to register, please email: armedforces@aurorand.org.uk or phone 02392 479254.

Civvy Street Magazine – Feb/Mar 26 is Out Now

 
To read this edition online, please go to:

https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=ea7e579f-ac97-412f-a4ec-7a612de9afa1

Bath Spa University - Upcoming Free Courses in Wiltshire and Online

Bath Spa University have two upcoming courses for military partners, both of which are fully funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust:

Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Tuesday 14 April for 12 weeks, Tuesdays 10am -2pm, Wiltshire

During this 12-week practical course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of digital marketing and entrepreneurship in innovative ways. Starting with your own ideas and goals, you’ll embark on a collaborative journey that covers key entrepreneurial concepts such as getting started, building a brand, and creating a business plan.

You’ll also dive into digital marketing essentials, including social media and audience engagement including developing creative assets. Our workshops combine essential knowledge with hands on activities, giving you the chance to apply what you learn and create a portfolio of work.

This course includes space for you to relax, build confidence, and connect with others. It’s designed to foster a supportive environment where you can recharge, share experiences, and grow your network in an informal setting.

Army Families Federation Survey - Should routes to settlement be shortened for Armed Forces? Respond by 6 Feb

From the AFF website Settlement routes for military personnel - Army Families Federation:

AFF is gathering evidence to put to the government as part of a consultation on whether the settlement routes for military personnel and their families should be shortened.

The 2025 Immigration White Paper introduces new policies that will lengthen the route to settlement for most migrants to the UK. The government consultation on this paper closes on 12 February.

However there are no plans to increase the time for the Armed Forces. In fact the consultation is looking at whether it should be cut.

At the moment personnel from Foreign and Commonwealth countries have to serve four years before they are eligible for settlement on discharge.

If they are medically discharged before then, they are not eligible. And it they want to apply for citizenship they need to have lived in the UK for five years.

Families are required to have spent five years with continuous leave in the UK before they are eligible. But they must also wait until the serving person has served for five years.

AFF wants to hear the views of serving personnel and their immediate family members on whether they think the current time periods should remain or be reduced. Our survey on settlement routes for military personnel is open until 12 noon on Friday 6 February.

February Quest Magazine is Out Now

 

To read this edition online, or indeed any back copies, please go to: Quest Magazine - Armed Forces Resettlement since 1999

Forces Employment Charity: Unlock your potential - Join our Women into Employment webinars!

Have you signed up for Women into Employment 2026 yet?

Women into Employment (WIE) is back for 2026, and this year it’s designed to work with your life, whatever your schedule, wherever you live. We know your time is precious, so we’ve created an impactful programme that fits around your schedule while giving you the tools to shape the next chapter of your career.

We’re kicking off with three powerful lunchtime webinars, each one crafted to spark momentum, build confidence and help you take meaningful steps toward your goals. These inclusive and friendly sessions are the perfect lead-in to WIE's grand finale, an in-person networking event hosted by Bank of America.

Join our Lunchtime Webinars:

Join all three sessions or simply choose the ones that speak to you. Every hour is packed with practical insights, expert guidance and the encouragement you need to move forward with purpose

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 30 January 2026

New Armed Forces Bill to drive the biggest renewal of Service Family housing in a generation

Service families will benefit from the newly introduced Armed Forces Bill which promises better housing, better services and better protections for our forces and their families.

The Bill will create a new Defence Housing Service, which will have a simple ethos – to put the needs of forces and their families first and drive the biggest improvement in forces accommodation for a generation.

Read the full article on Defence Homes here.

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.

1,000 homes upgraded for military families

Urgent works on 1000 military homes, most in need of refurbishment, have finished ahead of schedule, with a further 250 to be completed by April, 2026. This means that 12 months on from the Consumer Charter launch, we will have increased our initial target by 25%.

Read the full article on Defence Homes here.

Army Health and Wellbeing Campaign - #SupportIsStrength

Your life matters. Help is here. Real people, real support, anytime.

If you are struggling or are worried about a mate, reach out to get help or get them to talk to someone.

Support is always available!

Where to get help is in the AID booklet, available on the Army website at https://www.army.mod.uk/media/v4nn31fj/20260119-suicide-aid-booklet-ac64672.pdf Also available on Defence Connect via these links: AID Suicide Prevention Booklet , AID Suicide Prevention Poster or:

Armed Forces Support Line 24/7 - Call 0800 323 4444

Samaritans 24/7 - Call 116 123

Text SHOUT to 85258 –Text messaging service, available 24/7

You can also speak to your family and friends who know you best, your Unit Medical Officer, Chain of Command, Unit Welfare Team or Padre.

Other information and resources to support can be found at: British Army - Ask For Help,  Army Health and Wellbeing Defence Connect.

#SupportIsStrength #BritishArmy #AskForHelp

Give Us Time: February Half Term Break Available in Scotland

Due to a cancellation, details are:

Friday 13 – Friday 20 February 2026

Amat Manse, Ardgay, IV27 4HD – dog friendly!

Amat lies inland from the east coast about 50 miles north of Inverness. The nearest villages are Ardgay (9 miles) and Bonar Bridge (10 miles). By road, the journey time from Inverness is about 1 hour. The remote location of the property, on a no through road, lends itself to a relaxing break, although there is phone signal and broadband if needed!

The property sleeps up to up to 8 people - three twin-bedded rooms and one double room with an accompanying ensuite shower room. There are a further two bathrooms, one on the ground floor near the main entrance and a second on the first floor.

There are more details and pictures at http://amatsalmon.com/manse.php

This break is being booked by email, so please contact enquiries@giveustime.org.uk with any queries.

To find out more about Give Us Time please go to: www.giveustime.org.uk

Family Welfare Matters Newsletter – Jan 2026 Issue Out Now

For more information on any of the Family Welfare Matters content, please contact your nearest HIVE or our HQ on: RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk