Give Us Time: Autumn and Winter breaks

The latest Give Us Time breaks include:

Letham Feus, Scotland
14–18 Sept | Sleeps 4 | HOT TUB

Hayling Island, near Portsmouth
28 Sept–2 Oct | Sleeps 6 | Silver Grade

Sand Le Mere, East Yorkshire
5–9 Oct | Sleeps 6

Bowland Fell, North Yorkshire
12–16 Oct | Sleeps 6

Stowford Farm Meadows, Devon
Camping available all weekends in September

The RV, Falmouth
Dates available in November & December

To find out more please go to: https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

Building Heroes: Building Confidence, Skills and Employer Connections After Service

Building Confidence, Skills and Employer Connections After Service

Building Heroes does more than deliver construction training. Our programmes are designed to help members of the Armed Forces community gain confidence, understand the sector and connect with real opportunities after service.

Across our academy network, learners take part in practical, hands-on training supported by specialist tutors and academy teams. Alongside this, Building Heroes works with employers and industry partners to help learners understand where their new skills could lead.

This may include employer talks, site visits, introductions to local businesses, insight into different job roles and guidance around next steps. These experiences help learners see the breadth of opportunities available across construction and the built environment, from trades and site-based roles to supervision, retrofit, infrastructure, engineering and customer care pathways.

For Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists and immediate family members, this combination of training, support and employer engagement can make a real difference. It helps learners build not only practical skills, but also the confidence to picture themselves in a new civilian career.

With autumn programmes starting from mid-September 2026, now is a good time to explore the courses available and register interest. Some academies are already seeing strong demand for the first cohorts of the new academic year.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 August 2026

Be the voice of Service families in your area
DIO is launching Regional Experience Committees (RECs) across the UK, bringing together Service family volunteers who are passionate about improving housing services and ensuring family voices are heard.

This is an exciting opportunity to become a Service Family Customer Representative for your region to help influence positive change in military housing. By joining, you will play an important role in highlighting local issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and sharing what matters most to Service families.

As a member of your REC, you will work alongside other representatives and key figures within DIO to provide constructive feedback, discuss common themes and challenges, and represent the lived experiences of families in your area.

To read more about the role and how to apply, click here.

Amendments to Surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Policy
What is changing?
From 1 September 2026, the policy for applying for and allocating surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is changing. The changes are designed to make sure surplus homes are managed fairly while work continues to transform and expand the estate as part of the Defence Housing Strategy.

How surplus SFA is prioritised
When surplus homes are available, applications will be considered in a new priority order. This means some family circumstances will be prioritised first. The updated prioritisation list will be reflected in JSP 464 from 1st September 2026.

How to apply for surplus SFA
From 1 September 2026, if you wish to request surplus SFA, you need to apply every time you receive a new assignment order dated on or after that date.

Mid-assignment applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. If this applies, please submit a case through your single-Service personnel branch.

If you receive another assignment order in future, you will need to apply again, even if you are staying at the same duty station.

If you are currently live in surplus SFA, receive a new assignment order, and wish to retain your SFA, you must also submit a new application alongside a retention form available here.

Existing applications for Surplus SFA
We are reviewing the surplus waiting list using the new priority order. Applications will stay active on the waitlist if they meet the new criteria and you have more than six months remaining at the duty station requested.

The Accommodation Support Cell will contact you directly if:you applied for SFA using a previous assignment and at a different location from your current duty station.

• you have less than six months remaining in your current role and location.
• according to your Future Availability Date (FAD) on JPA.
• you have submitted more than one e1132 application at the same time.
• you have already been housed in SFA.

Further information
For queries related to the Surplus SFA policy changes, please contact the Accommodation Support Cell at People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk or call 0800 368 7406

Housing Matters Podcast
You can now watch the latest episodes of Housing Matters, the podcast exploring military housing and the issues that matter most to Service personnel and their families.

Episode 3 focuses on damp and mould, one of the most significant challenges facing military housing. Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and Sebastian O'Hara, DIO Operations Manager South, are joined by Nikki Simmons from VIVO and Matt Smith from Amey. They discuss what causes damp and mould, the work of the Damp and Mould Taskforce, and the steps being taken to improve how these issues are identified, managed and resolved.

Episode 4 looks beyond the home itself to explore the wider community and support networks that help make life on a patch work. The discussion covers the role of NHS services, welfare charities, and the social value initiatives delivered by DIO and its suppliers, showcasing how organisations work together to support Service personnel and their families.

Episode 3 and Episode 4 are available now, alongside the first two episodes in the series. Whether you are interested in housing maintenance, community support or the future of military housing, Housing Matters offers insight into the issues that affect Service families every day.

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 Newsletter – 27 August 2026

The latest issue of the DIO Families First newsletter for SFA occupants is now available to read online at Families First Newsletter - Issue 41

You can sign up to receive the latest news direct to your own inbox from DIO at: Newsletter Landing Page – Defence Homes

Tri-Service Contact House Directory – where to find it online, or how to request a copy

Contact Houses, also known as Welfare Houses or Short-Term Families Accommodation, are military accommodation available predominantly for short-term welfare-related bookings, but can sometimes be used by those visiting for leisure reasons. These houses are usually managed by unit staff, where there will be localised policies on priorities for bookings, booking procedures, costs and how to pay.

To access the most up to date version of the Tri-Service Contact House Directory, please use any of the following options:

• Go to the Army HIVE webpage at www.army.mod.uk/hives and there is a button to download the Directory at the bottom of the page
• Contact your nearest HIVE or RN Family & People Support to request a copy by email. Army HIVEs are listed on www.army.mod.uk/hives, RAF HIVEs can be found on the RAF HIVE Finder at https://www.raf.mod.uk/community-support/serving-families/hive-finder/ and RN Family & People Support local office contact details are at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-support-offices
• Contact Army HIVE HQ to request a copy by email via RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
• Contact us via Direct Message on any of our social media channels – please include an email address so the Directory can be sent as an attachment
• Use the Contact Us button on any of the three Army HIVE blogs, where you can submit a request via MS Forms
• Go to Army HIVE SharePoint (MODnet access will be needed) to download a copy

Wifinity: Exclusive connectivity discounts for personnel & families in SFA

 

Wifinity: Exclusive connectivity discounts for personnel in SLA & families in SFA

 

Recruit for Spouses: Jobs for spouses, partners & veterans at Serco

This update covers the latest in Service community recruitment opportunities across healthcare, corporate ops, leisure & hospitality, and more.

To view this newsletter, which provides further information on all of the above, please go to: NEW - Jobs for spouses, partners & veterans at Serco

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Free financial webinars this September

Dates are detailed below; to find out more or to register for a webinar, please go to: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Car Finance: More than a Monthly Payment
Date: Tuesday 1st September
Time: 12:00-12:45

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills
Date: Thursday 3rd September
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Date: Thursday 10th September
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending.

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Date: Thursday 17th September
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours.

Harmful Effects of Gambling w/ GamCare
Date: Tuesday 22nd September
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Discover the financial impacts of harmful gambling with representatives from GamCare.

Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings
Date: Wednesday 23rd, Friday 25th September
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion.

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Date: Tuesday 29th September
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply.

Wifinity: Exclusive connectivity discounts for personnel in Service Families Accommodation

Ultrafast broadband flexible for families into SFA homes - Wifinity Forces Fibre Monthly rolling contracts available.

Wifinity: Exclusive connectivity discounts for personnel in Single Living Accommodation

Low cost eSIM for deployment and travel - Wifinity | Explore our low cost eSIM plans

• Cheapest options on the market for MOD personnel and families going abroad
• 10% discount for MOD personnel and families using code HIVE10
• 20% discount for existing Wifinity customers. Customers can log into their ‘My Account’ to get their code

Defence Children Services students celebrate 2026 exam results

 

Students at Defence Children Services secondary schools have been celebrating throughout August, with many progressing to university, military careers and apprenticeships. Read more about this year's results at Queen Victoria School, King Richard School and St John's School: 

 Defence Children Services students celebrate 2026 exam results

Department for Work & Pensions: Latest roundup of news – 21 Aug 26

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements for Monday 31 August bank holiday

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements are different for 31 August bank holiday:

England, Scotland and Wales 

• On Monday 31 August offices and phone lines are closed

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

If the expected payment date is Monday 31 August, then benefits will be on Friday 28 August.

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.

Free bus travel 24/7 for disabled people

From 1 April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day. This extra support will help to open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities as well as giving people breathing space on the cost of living and putting money back in people’s pockets.

Currently, disabled bus passes are only valid for travel between 9.30am and 11pm during weekdays, unless local authorities choose to fund an extension.

Read the press release

Government invests in young people with more opportunities close to home

Thousands more young people will be able to gain the skills, qualifications and experience they need for future careers, as part of a major package to break down barriers stopping access to technical education, training, and apprenticeships.

The package includes: A new bursary, worth up to £4,500 per year per household, that will remove a barrier that can otherwise discourage young people from taking up an apprenticeship, helping them build the skills and independence that lead to long-term, well-paid work. Thousands more college places to expand access to skills and training close to home. Free apprenticeship training for all eligible under-25s from August, up to £8,000 in support for SMEs hiring young apprentices, and National Insurance Contributions relief for apprentices under 25 will help deliver 50,000 new youth apprenticeships.

Find out more

CTP Employment Fair: London date now added on 01 Oct 2026

CTP Employment Fairs are open to Service leavers, Veterans, Reservists, partners and spouses
Service leavers/veterans/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Family members: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com

Alternatively register via the Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Link and click 'REGISTER' from the menu.

Other upcoming CTP Employment Fair dates are:

Salford - 10 Sept
Bournemouth - 24 Sept
Belfast - 14 Oct
Cardiff - 5 Nov
Telford - 19 Nov

To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html

Exceptional GCSE Results at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Exceptional GCSE Results at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Students at The Duke of York's Royal Military School are celebrating another year of exceptional GCSE results, where a third of grades were 9-7 and 69% of students gained a 5 or above in both English and Maths. Many students have also secured prestigious academic and sports scholarships as they continue their educational journey into the school's Sixth Form.

Principal Alex Foreman said: "Education today asks more of schools than ever before, and I am incredibly proud that our students continue to rise to every challenge. These results are a testament to their commitment, ambition, and perseverance, alongside the dedication of our outstanding staff.

As a boarding school, we offer something distinctive: a community built on belonging, opportunity and strong relationships, where young people are given the confidence to grow academically and personally. We often talk about nurturing 'acorns into oaks', and these results show what can be achieved when young people are supported to develop not only knowledge and skills, but also character, resilience and independence.

We celebrate every one of our students and look forward to seeing the difference they will make in the years ahead."

This year's GCSE students have laid strong foundations for the next stage of their education. Twenty-four students have been awarded academic scholarships in recognition of their outstanding examination performance, while twenty-two students have received sports scholarships, celebrating their talent, dedication and leadership both on and off the field. Twelve of these students will join the School's Rugby Performance Pathway, delivered in partnership with Saracens Rugby Club, providing an exceptional opportunity to combine academic study with elite sporting development.

At The Duke of York's Royal Military School, students benefit from outstanding teaching, small class sizes and a unique boarding environment that supports both academic achievement and personal development. Alongside an exceptional education, students develop the confidence, resilience and leadership skills that prepare them for success in Sixth Form and beyond.

The School congratulates all students on their achievements and looks forward to welcoming many of them into Sixth Form as they continue their journey as Dukies.

Applications for September entry remain open, with academic scholarships available for external applicants.

For more information, visit www.doyrms.com.

BFBS Esports Grand Final takes over the iconic RAF Museum London this September

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), the Ministry of Defence’s trusted media service for UK Armed Forces personnel is pleased to announce the BFBS Esports Pro League is back. This year it’s bigger than ever, taking over the iconic Royal Air Force Museum, London!

Following a first season that attracted more than 700 players from across the UK Armed Forces community, the Season Two Grand Final featuring Rocket League, will take place on Sunday 27 September, bringing together esports, Defence engagement, military innovation and the wider Armed Forces community.

Alongside the live championship action, featuring all three services, the event will also feature exclusive augmented reality esports experiences with HADO, simulators and gaming experiences with RAFAC, Royal Navy STEM activities, live performances from the British Army Rifles Band, and much more!

For the first time, selected elements of the event will also be open to the public, including a live screening of the Grand Final in the RAF theatre.

To read the full press release, please Click HERE

Valuing Forces Families Overseas Focus Groups: Connecting with OR Families

Valuing Forces Families Overseas: Focus Group Invitation

RAND Europe has been commissioned by the Army Families Federation, in partnership with the RAF Families Federation and the Naval Families Federation, to conduct a study exploring the experiences of UK military families throughout the overseas postings cycle. As part of this research, RAND Europe is holding focus groups with military families who have experience of overseas postings, including preparing for, undertaking, and returning from an assignment overseas. These discussions aim to provide an improved and up-to-date understanding of families lived experiences and the challenges they face at different stages of the overseas postings cycle.

This research will contribute to the Valuing Forces Families Overseas (VFFO) programme, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which seeks to uncover hidden needs within the Armed Forces community and identify where additional support may be most needed.

If you are interested in helping to improve the understanding of how military families can have positive experiences of overseas postings, you can take part in an online focus group to talk about your experience.

We are particularly interested in connecting with families of OR (non-commissioned) personnel or ex-serving OR personnel. You can participate if you did any of the following in the last 3 years:

· Considered going on an overseas posting (even if you ended up not going), or

· Went on an accompanied posting overseas, or

· Were separated from your partner due to an unaccompanied posting.

Please follow the link below fill out the Expression of Interest survey to determine eligibility. Link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/G0MAAF/

If you have any questions, please contact the RAND Europe research team via email at VFFO_Research@randeurope.org

RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research institute whose aim is to improve policy through evidence-based research and analysis.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Latest Trust grant programmes

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust are pleased to announce a new grant programme: Reveal & Respond. This programme funds tailored projects that improve access to mental health and wellbeing support for specific groups in the armed forces community.

Funding is available through two routes: Test and Develop Grants (£20,000 to £40,000) and Scale and Strengthen Grants (£150,000 to £300,000). Applications close 12 midday, 28 October 2026.

To find out more please visit Reveal & Respond: improving access to support for underrepresented groups - Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

To view other open grant programmes please go to the Trust’s open programmes page

Little Troopers: August Newsletter

To view the latest Little Troopers newsletter and updates, please go to: Fully-funded football workshops next week plus a summer catch up and looking forward to September

Recruit for Spouses: August Update

 To view the latest RFS newsletter and updates, please go to: Looking for a new job? Read this