December 5, 2025

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 04 December 25

Tackling Damp and Mould 

Over the last few years we have made substantial progress in tackling damp and mould that has been reported to us. Condensation is usually the biggest cause of damp within homes, and we know this often increases in colder months of the year. There are 4 key steps that you can take to prevent condensation, damp and mould in your home. 

Please read our helpful guide to preventing condensation, damp and mould in your homes here. 

 

Report it 

If you discover damp and mould, including any recurring issues, please report it straight away so that we can resolve the issue promptly. You can do this in the following ways: 

 

  • Complete the dedicatedDamp and Mouldreport form on the Pinnacle website. 
  • Call Pinnacle on 0800 0318628, selecting option 1, then option 4. 
  • Chat to Pinnacle online, you can do this by selecting the chat option on Pinnacle website. 

 

Our commitment   

Awaab’s Law, which took effect in October 2025, requires social landlords to address all damp and mould hazards within fixed timeframes. While we are not bound by this legislation, DIO has voluntarily committed to upholding the standards expected of a responsible landlord and our response times to damp and mould reports in UK SFA have been adjusted.  

 

When you contact Pinnacle, our teams will assess the severity of the problem, on a scale from level 1 to 5, with 5 considered the most severe. Pinnacle will then coordinate with Amey/VIVO to begin their investigation to address the issue.  

 

  • Levels 1-3: Amey/VIVO will respond within 10 working days.  
  • Levels 4-5 (highest priority): Amey/VIVO will respond within 48 hours, and families will be offered temporary accommodation during the investigation.  

 

If we cannot fully complete the required work after investigation, we will provide the family with a written summary within three days, outlining completed tasks and any remaining work.  

If you have any queries related to damp and mould, please contact Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628. You can find further information about seasonal safety advice on Defence Homes.   

December 4, 2025

West Midlands: Telford Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets


 Full details can be found HERE

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

West Midlands: Telford & Wrekin Knife Crime Parent Workshop - 8 December and 12 February


 Register via the QR code

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

St Athan: New ways to contact your St Athan Community Councillors

  
New ways to contact your St Athan Community Councillors!
They now have official email addresses — making it easier than ever to get in touch!

www.stathancommunitycouncil.co.uk

New website launching in the New Year!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Wales: Careers Wales - Buzz Quiz to explore career ideas for students making education subject choices

Careers Wales:

Parents! Is your child thinking about what subjects to take?

We can help them explore career ideas that could help them make their subject choices
They can take our Buzz Quiz today and find out their personality type and what jobs might suit them

https://bit.ly/32sRqBb

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

December 3, 2025

Recruit for Spouses: Op SPOUSE and how RFS supports you

What is Op SPOUSE?

RFS gives the following overview:

“A nationwide initiative to strengthen Defence retention, readiness and resilience.

“Family dissatisfaction is the leading driver in the Armed Forces retention challenge – and supporting spouses more effectively is critical to improving outcomes across Defence.

“Op SPOUSE is the solution – it equips military spouses with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, helping to sustain family stability and long-term commitment to Service life.

“Delivered by RFS – the UK’s leading military families charity – this scalable initiative enhances existing MOD commitments to support Service families, and strengthens Defence outcomes by improving retention, readiness and cost-efficiency.”

Find out more at: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/op-spouse

To find out more about the support available from Recruit for Spouses, please view/download the 'How RFS Supports You' brochure.

NHS England: Calling All Young Carers! Workshop dates for Dec 25 and Jan 26


To register for a workshop please email: ENGLAND.NHSTHINKCARER@NHS.NET

For more information about the support and resources available to young carers in the Service community, please contact Army HIVE on RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk, PM via our social media pages, or use our blog enquiry form (from the blog menu please go to: “If you need further information Please contact us: here.

MHLO West Midlands and Staffordshire: JSP 464 Confirmation: Process for Leaving/Moving Out of SFA:




3.6.1.1 Pre-move out advisory visit. It is a mandatory requirement that a pre-move out advisory visit takes place up to 2 months before the expected date of vacation.

In order to provide sufficient time for families to prepare for the Move Out appointment, and to allow the Industry Partner the opportunity to schedule enhanced works that may be required, it is essential recommended that the visit is at least 30 working days before a booked or potential Move Out. It is the Service Licensee’s responsibility to arrange the date of the visit with the IPHD. The IPHD is to seek assistance from the Local Service Commander in cases where it proves difficult for Service reasons to arrange a visit.

Please find guidance for best practice :SP/Families are to Communicate early with Pinnacle (Visa/Versa) to secure Pre-Move Out bookings. (As soon as your SP receives new assignment order / Pinnacle receive an application to move – prompt to book PMO)
Please see JSP464 policy for more information.

SP/Pinnacle attempt resolution by adjusting move-in or securing an earlier PMO.
If unresolved, book the earliest appointment outside 30 working days.

Concerns about dual charges: you can challenge charges once received or submit a complaint via Customer Solutions (CS). 

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Bovington: Employment support drop in session restarts in Feb 2026


Appointments not necessary, just turn up.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blackpool: Pleasure Beach - local discount for FY and PR postcodes


Blackpool Pleasure Beach runs a local residents discount scheme called ‘Wylde Coasters’. If you’ve got an FY or PR postcode you can get the discounted online price at the gate on the day of your visit.

So you can arrive on the day without pre-booking and still get the online price, providing you bring your proof of address. Buy up to four eTickets in one transaction when you bring identification with your full name and postcode clearly shown. More information here.

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE