DIO Families First newsletter – issue 24.

This issue and previous issues can be read online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-infrastructure-organisation-service-family-accommodation

Recruit for Spouses - online workshop for Foreign & Commonwealth military spouses and partners Tue 4 Mar.

Calling All Foreign & Commonwealth Military Spouses - Unlock Your Potential: Master Immigration, Visas, and Career Growth with Recruit for Spouses!

Are you navigating the complexities of life in the UK? Let RFS help you thrive! Join the exclusive workshop hosted by the Army Families Federation (AFF) and Recruit for Spouses (RFS), tailored specifically for Foreign & Commonwealth military spouses.

Defence launches the Families Hub – an information portal to help navigate Service family life.

The Families Hub – which signposts to information, support and organisations to help navigate all stages of Service family life – has launched.

For the first time, Armed Forces families will be able to access a “one stop shop” digital platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations – to help you navigate Service family life.

Give Us Time - March breaks for Forces families.

 

Give Us Time have provided a round up of the breaks they have available for Forces families for March below:

NEW!

21 – 28 March

Bird’s Nest, Carrick Shore, SW Scotland – property is for 2 people only Airbnb link

AVAILABLE AGAIN DUE TO CANCELLATION

Headspace App – Five FREE family & friends subscriptions available for Army Personnel and Army Civil Servants.

Click poster to enlarge. Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.gov.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

Headspace says, “We make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience. Through our flagship Headspace app, we provide mindfulness tools for everyday life, including meditations, sleepcasts, mindful movement and focus exercises. Our enterprise offerings combine this experience with a human-centered model of care, with coaching, therapy, psychiatry and EAP services under one roof. Our team of experts ranges from mental health clinicians, to Emmy award-winning producers and data scientists, working together as one to help millions of people around the world be healthier and more productive.”

Give Us Time: respite breaks for military families - 2025 dates are live!

 

Click posters to enlarge.

The charity ‘Give Us Time’ offers accommodation for respite breaks for UK military families. No referral is required from Welfare for families to sign up. Please see the posters for more details and the current March dates, but more 2025 dates are available on the website: https://giveustime.org.uk/

For more information email: enquiries@giveustime.org.uk

Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme.

Exciting update for UK schools supporting service children!

The Service Pupil Support Programme is back and bigger than ever, now offering grants up to £150,000!

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), the Service Pupil Support Programme will award grants between £5,000 and £150,000 to projects supporting service children along their educational pathway, and to reach their full potential.

Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition.

T​he updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.

Please click the link to read this edition online.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update .

Reporting Damp and Mould

Tackling damp and mould in SFA remains a top priority for DIO and our suppliers. Over 9,000 homes have already benefited from the delivery of damp and mould works since the taskforce stood up in 2023. In response to the works delivered, reoccurrence of damp and mould has been addressed in circa 85% of cases.

ONLINE: Little Troopers Space Detectives, Saturday 8th March 2025

Do you live with an under 11 Star-Gazer? The next Buzz Aldrin? Why not register them for this Night Sky Workshop. Resources will be required and will be sent prior to the session, along with access link.

WHEN: Saturday 8th March 2025, 12:00-13:00
WHERE: Online, in your own Home
COST: FREE, Registration is required though
REGISTER: Here

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) - latest Civil Service job vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners.

Please click image to enlarge

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:GFIE- 419 Carers Allowance Administrative Officer
Two vacancies – Wrexham
Job Description
Closing date: 14 Mar 25
​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)

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) - latest Civil Service job vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners.

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

GFIE- 416 – HMRC Criminal Investigator Officer
Multiple vacancies – UK wide
Job Description
Closing date: 4 Apr 25
​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)

SHAPE Sisters in Arms invite you to 2 exciting events for IWD2025.

This year IWD is on a Saturday so we are celebrating a day early Friday 7th March 2025.

There are 2 events which we hope you can attend either or both.

Event 1: Friday 7th March 2025 1030 – 1130 TedTalks and Brews in the BRITBAR.

Event 2: Friday 7th March 2025 1230 – 1330 Circuits with Lucy in the SHAPE Gym.

These events are open to everyone.

SHAPE & BRUSSELS have a new AFF Overseas Assistant!

Meet the new AFF Overseas Assistant….Rachel.

She says…” Hello, my name is Rachel, and I am employed as the AFF Overseas Assistant (GSO), and I am based at SHAPE in Belgium. I can offer tri-service support for any issues or concerns that you may have; please find my postcard attached to this bulletin, with a link to contact me. It can be helpful to save my email to your contact list for any future enquiries”

X-Forces: Self Employment Discovery 3-Day Online Course for Military Spouses & Partners

 

For more information and to register, visit Tri Service Spouses & Partners: Self-Employment Discovery 3-Day Course

National No Smoking Day 2025 – 12 March 2025

This year’s theme is ‘Take Back Your Life’.

• Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
• It’s never too late to quit smoking. Even if you’ve tried quitting before, give it another go this No Smoking Day.
• When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
• There’s no need to go it alone – it’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.
• Getting free expert support from your local stop smoking service is proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully. Some are now able to offer free vape starter kits too.
• NHS Better Health offers a range of free quitting support including the NHS Quit Smoking app, Personal Quit Plan, 28-day email programme, local stop smoking service look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.
• On average, you could save around £2,500 per year by quitting smoking.

Some excellent resources, can be found Here

The Ripple Pond – Spring Newsletter

 

The Spring Edition of The Ripple Pond has arrived. Here is the link to read online.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications

Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.

The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.

Current findings from the RVH programme
Following on from the initial awards made in July 2023, the Trustcommissioned Alma Economics to consult with key stakeholders in the housing sector, including those awarded funds in the first round. Key recommendations from this consultation include:

• A need for increased support for veterans with acute, complex or multiple support needs.

• Promoting a needs-based approach to support provision.

• Addressing bottlenecks across the lifecycle of support provision.

• A focus on partnership working.

Both the RVH interim programme evaluation report and the summary of consultation findings are available to read on the Trust’s website.

Further funding available
Under this new round of the RVH programme, charities, local authorities and registered social housing providers can apply for up to £300,000 towards a project delivered for up to nine months.

There is also an opportunity for organisations to apply for an enhanced award of up to a further £200,000 where that work will fill a significant level of unmet need.

What applicants will need to show
Projects should improve the capacity of services in supported housing to better help veterans with a range of different needs. Full details of the programme priorities are mapped out in a Programme Guidance document available on the Trust’s website.

Op Fortitude
Funded projects will need to work with Op Fortitude, a UK wide referral pathway supporting homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, into housing. 

Find out more
Want to know more about applying to the RVH programme? Full details are available at: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Application deadline is noon, 31 March 2025.

ONLINE: Time For You Online Parenting Emotional Support Session, starting next week!

 Starting next week...Time for you

Are you parenting in mainland Europe or Turkey and looking to connect with other parents while receiving expert guidance and emotional support?

Join our online parenting and emotional support sessions, facilitated by Health Visitor Kerry Riley, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse.

Click here to join: https://tinyurl.com/y4ndehpa

Why Join?

Research indicates that peer support and guided discussions improve parental wellbeing and enhance coping strategies (Public Health England, 2021). Engaging in community support reduces feelings of isolation and contributes to positive child development (NSPCC, 2019).

Take this opportunity to connect and learn in a supportive online environment 

Standing with Giants installation returns to the British Normandy Memorial ahead of VE Day 80

Following an overwhelming response to 2024’s installation of the Standing with Giants captivating project, the Giants return to the Meadow Fields of the British Normandy Memorial ahead of VE Days 80th Anniversary this year.

If you didn't get a chance to see this last year, please don’t miss the opportunity this year. It returns on 12th April and remains on display until September 2025. It is set to be an incredibly emotional and humbling experience. More Information Here.

Women into Employment 2025: Tuesday 18th March, London. Event for women from across the military community

 

Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

The full day will focus on how you bring the real YOU to the workplace. With an agenda packed with key points and ideas, you are guaranteed to take away some key points and ideas for the next steps in your career path. Register here for the event.

Women into Employment 2025 (WIE25) is the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship event and offers support to women from across the whole Armed Forces community, welcoming those of you preparing to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans of all ranks, military partners, spouses and young people.

 

BRUSSELS: BANAD Festival, Saturday 15th March until Sunday 30th March 2025

Calling all Art Deco and Architecture fans! The Brussels Art Nouveau & Art Deco Festival is coming!

2025 sees the ninth edition of the festival and it honours the centenary of International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts which was held in Paris in 1925 and gave rise to the Art Deco movement.

The Festival runs over 3 weekends and is located in 3 areas of the Brussels-Capital Region.

With more than 60 buildings to visit, some of which are rarely open to the public, you can join themed walking or cycling tours, expert talks and inclusive, family-friendly activities.

Visits are run in French and English so be sure to join one you can follow.

ENGLISH Visits: 22nd March - Little New York in Ixelles and 29th March - Art Nouveau and Art Deco in Schaerbeek.

For More Information, click here

Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - You are not alone

Anyone (Service or Civil Servant) who has been the victim or witness of serious crime at any point of their Service in the MOD can call:

• the Service Police Crime Bureau on 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180, 
• or the Service Police confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, available 24/7. 

You will be listened to, there is support available for victims and all allegations are taken seriously.

Are you a family member of a Veteran who is suffering with addiction?

 

Tom Harrison House provides specialist addiction recovery programmes and family support for UK Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel. The next Tom Harrison House Family experiential therapeutic retreat is 4th - 6th April 2025, at Derwent Hill Outdoor Centre, Keswick. For more details please see the poster or website: https://tomharrisonhouse.org.uk/events/afcft-family-retreats

Places are limited and will go fast so to find out more or book your place email:events@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk

Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

 

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE-417 - AO Case Manager - Basildon
Job Description
Closing date: 10th March 2025

​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)

SHAPE: Les Terres Disparues, Prehi Daiza at Pairi Daiza, now open

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, why not pop along to Pairi Daiza to see the incredible Land of the Past exhibition. An enjoyable trip for young and not-so-young alike, this spectacular immersion into prehistoric times will not disappoint.

Meet Vulcain, the 21 meter long most complete dinosaur skeleton ever displayed, in the grand entrance. Marvel at the family of Woolly Mammoths down by the lake and the quake at the sight of the ferocious T-Rex’s eyeing up their next meal.

Fascinating facts, spectacular sights and sensational sounds, this new exhibition is not to be missed.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

 

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

GFIE- 414 Quality Assurance Analyst
Two vacancies – HMRC, Liverpool and Preston
Job Description
Closing date: 21 Mar 25

​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)

Do you have ‘Families Insurance’?

In Belgium, the tenant of a property is responsible for maintaining and clearing the paths accessing their property; for example, should someone slip on untreated ice, or trip over an uneven pathway and sustain an injury, you as tenant would be liable.

Similarly for dog owners, should your dog jump at someone causing them to fall an injure themselves, they would likely wish to claim from the pet owner for their medical bills. 

Families Insurance (Insurance Familial) is one way of protecting yourself and your family members from personal liability claims.

KBC and ING are two Belgian banks offering such cover.

Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy – Families Employment Advisor, Colchester/SE England

 

Forces Employment Charity is seeking a dedicated employment advisor. As part of a national team, you will provide employment and training advice and guidance to a remote caseload of spouses and partners of still serving Armed Forces and ex-service personnel (Veterans) in the UK and overseas with personal development and/or until they are settled in sustainable careers.
​
Reporting to the National Employment Projects Manager. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a salary of £29,000 per annum. This role is Home-based (with community outreach) in the Colchester region with community outreach throughout the region (Southeast, East of England, London).
 
The closing date for applications is midnight on 21 Feb.
 
To find out more and to apply for this role, please click HERE
 

AFF Survey on the Financial Impact of the Introduction of VAT on Independent School Fees on Army Families

Have you been affected by the introduction of VAT on Independent School Fees?

Have your say here.

UPDATED: Belgian Rail Strikes planned for 21st February to 2nd March 2025

Please be aware that the Belgian Rail Unions intend to strike from the evening of Friday 21 to the evening of Sunday 2 March 2025.

As this falls over Half-Term please factor this into any travel plans.
 
The strike will start at 10pm on the evening of Friday 21 February and last until 10pm on the evening of Sunday 2 March.

SHAPE: Imagix Cinema showing Films in English Language

 

Did you know Imagix Mons show films in English? 

Check out their website Here and select ‘Mons’ in the Cinema tab and ‘Original Version’ in the Version tab; there are a great selection coming up!

SHAPE: Charity Bake Sale at Pop-Up Coffee Wednesday 19th February 2025 for Ectodermal Dysplasia

Cake? Cake? Did someone say Cake?

Pop along to the Charity Sale at Pop-Up Coffee in the (newly refurbished) BritBar next Wednesday, in support of Ectodermal Dysplasia Awareness Month.

Did you know, when bought in aid of a charity, cake contains no calories 😉 

Antique Weapons International Exhibition, Enghien, Sunday 16th February 09:00-15:00

If you are interested in Antique Weapons, the International Exhibition at Enghien this Sunday could be just for you!

The exhibit, including antique weapons and military/historical souvenirs dating back to before 1890, will be held at the entrance of the park, inside the “Acacias” Room from 09:00 to 15:00.
 
There will be weapons from Belgium, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, Swords from the Napoleonic Times and others that were used even before this. This is a “high-class” exhibition not to be missed!
 
WHERE: Parc d’Enghien (Main Entrance),  Avenue Elisabeth.
WHEN: Sunday 16th February 2025, 09:00 - 15:00.
MORE INFORMATION: Entrance fee is €5. Food truck on site.

DIO Service Family Accommodation Roadshow: Brize Norton, 4th March 2025

If you are heading back to the UK in the near future, be sure to catch the Brize Norton DIO SFA Roadshow.

Link to register attendance: DIO SFA Roadshows 2025

Kooth FREE Webinar on supporting Young People with Eating Difficulties, 25th and 27th February 2025 19:00 - 19:30 (CET)

Kooth are presenting a FREE 30 minute webinar to inform parents and carers on how their digital platforms can support young people with eating difficulties.

The dates and times for this webinar are:

• 25 Feb 18:00 - 18:30 (UK Time)
• 27 Feb 18:00 - 18:30 (UK Time)

There is also an option on the form for those who are unable to make these timings to receive a recording of the webinar.

Anyone interested, please complete the form in the link below: https://share.hsforms.com/156wtIiLoTz2InkHirOL3Wwc5dpg

If you are worried about your child please contact your local GP paediatrician or Healix.

Little Troopers celebrates the Month of the Military Child - come and get involved!

April is the international Month of the Military Child and the charity Little Troopers is celebrating by launching a new dandelion-themed book for military children, as well as organised a special month packed full of workshops, activities and events for all forces families and schools with service children.

 

Dandelion Book

Launching on Dandelion Day – Friday 4th April – “Dandelions” is a brand-new book from Little Troopers’ resident author, Donna David. The book follows the story of a military child who is about to move home and learns all about why the dandelion is the official flower of the military child – strong, resilient and putting down roots wherever the wind takes it. Ideal for children aged eight to eleven, Little Troopers will be giving away 100 copies throughout April.

 

School Pack and Dandelion Day

Schools can now download the brand-new Little Troopers “Month of the Military Child School Pack”. Education settings are encouraged to hold their very own ‘Dandelion Day’ on Friday 4th April where students can come into school wearing something yellow to signal the school’s recognition and inclusion of military children. The Little Troopers school pack features new activities and classroom ideas to engage service and civilian children, as well as tips on involving the local military community in the special day. You can download the pack to share with your child’s school here.

 

At home activities

Families are encouraged to celebrate the Month of the Military Child at home by exploring the charity’s list of fun, dandelion-themed activities, which include painting, mask-making, playdough, baking and crafting. Get creative and share your photos online.

 

Events

Little Troopers is running events throughout April, bringing together as many military children as possible.

 

• 5th April - Online interactive science workshop hosted by Devon Science. Sign-up here.
• 13th April - Tidworth 10K and Family Fun Run. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the Month of the Military Child while raising crucial funds for Little Troopers. There will also be entertainment and family activities throughout the morning for military families. Find out more and register here.
• 16th April - Little Troopers will be returning to the Royal Hospital Chelsea to host an intergenerational workshop during the Month of the Military Child. The event offers forces families the unique opportunity to meet and spend time with the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Anyone interested in attending can now register here.
• 26th April – Online interactive bake-a-long workshop with CookStars. Sign-up here.

 

As well as giving away 100 copies of the new Little Troopers Dandelion Book, the charity will have lots of other giveaways for families that are signed-up to the charity’s newsletter.

 

The spring edition of the Little Troopers Gazette will also be available to request for free towards the end of the month. The newspaper will be packed with articles written by current military children, as well as featuring activities and ideas to mark this special month in the military calendar.

 

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, comments: “Little Troopers is a charity that ensures military children from all three services are recognised, included and celebrated. That’s why we always have a busy calendar of events and activities during April the official Month of the Military Child, so that wherever you live, you can get involved in the celebrations with your little troopers.

 

“2025 is set to be a really special April and we hope lots of schools and families get involved in our new Dandelion Day and read our special new book. We also hope to see lots of you in-person at our Tidworth 10K and family fun run! Let’s all take time this month to show all the little troopers out there just how amazing they really are.”

 

For more information and to get involved visit www.littletroopers.net/month-of-the-military-child

Safer Internet Day 2025: 11th February

 

Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. Each year we cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.

Find out more at: Safer Internet Day 2025 - UK Safer Internet Centre

 

National Apprenticeship Week 2025: 10 - 16 February 2025

 

A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
 
For more information, including events taking place, please go to: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025

Toolkits available are available at: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025
 

Introducing MyCadet

MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.

Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/