SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Orientation Briefings, July through October 2025

Don’t miss the BSG Newcomers Briefs; they are different to the British ones and very informative.

Do get your name down for one of them this Summer, they are brilliant sessions and include a Guided Tour of Mons.

Seven second-hand gems and one vintage treat for luck in Brussels

In the spirit of re-use recycle and repurpose, did you know that Brussels has eight gems for vintage finds or clothing by the kilo?

Whether you want to release your inner designer or simply refresh your wardrobe, there’s sure to be something perfect in the capital for you. Check them out here.

Top Ten Castles of Belgium

Love a bit of History? Are you are Castle fan? Looking for something to do this Summer? 

With over 3000 Castles in the country, Belgium is the most Castle dense country per square kilometre in the world. Around 400 of these are open to the public so there are certainly plenty to choose from. 

This article presents one Castle per province for Belgium; a beautiful mix of medieval fortress, enchanting estates and classy castles. Something to really get your teeth into this Summer. Enjoy…https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/10-top-castles-in-belgium/

BRITA Urban Trail Ghent, Registrations Open tomorrow!

The second round of the BRITA Urban Trails series is coming up!

 

On Tuesday 1st July, registrations for the Ghent Urban Trail opens at midday.

Don’t miss the early-bird rates.

Sign-up here.

The Urban Trail is an incredible way of seeing a city with a 7/8km and a 12/13km route taking in the streets and building interiors of lots a different places.

You can walk it or run it or do a bit of both, one thing for sure is, you won’t forget it in a hurry!

SHAPE: Stand Up Paddleboarding on Lake Nisramont, Sunday 10th August 2025

If you are an adventurer, read on….

WHAT: Stand-Up Paddleboarding
WHERE: Lake Nisramont
WHEN: Sunday 10th August 2025

WHO: 18+
HOW MUCH: 60 Euros
MORE INFORMATION: Contact OUTDOOR.RECREATION@outlook.com

Annual Events by Season

I am pleased to introduce these new Annual Seasonal Events Posters.

Available in hard and soft copy.

Just pop into the Community Office or email RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk to get your copy.

Make-a-Wish Amount Raised….Drum Roll please……

🥁 🪘 🥁 🪘 🥁 

What a community we have here! It’s heart-warming to know that the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

New digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad. 
  

Reckon it’s worth a look… 
A reckoner is ‘a table or device designed to help with calculations’ and that is exactly what our new Power BI OAR tool does. It puts financial clarity at your fingertips, transforming how you and our HR teams plan for postings abroad, by producing accurate values in minutes – rather than the hours it may previously have taken.  

Fully integrated with JSP 752 policy rates, the OAR offers real-time figures for a range of products – including Local Overseas, Disturbance Expenses, and Get You Home Overseas allowances.  

Been Extended? Read on….

If you have been extended in your current role or promoted/transferred to a new role, please do visit the NSE to start the ball rolling on renewing your SHAPE and Protocol I.D.s

Just a gentle reminder that you will also need to inform DIO and Healix, renew your SOFA card and re-register any vehicles you may have. 

The NSE can signpost you as needed and SHAPE2Day (ArrivingLeaving: SHAPE ID/Extension) is also a very helpful starting point.

Army Families Federation (AFF) Q1-2025 Snapshot

Have you used the Army Families Federation Rep whilst you have been overseas this year?

This infographic shows the types of enquiries that AFF have received in the overseas space from January to April 2025, and the positive impact that they are making.

AFF use this data to build evidence, analyse patterns and advocate for positive change; the more issues that they are made aware of in the overseas space, the more they are able to drive positive change for serving personnel and their families.

If you want to contact your AFF Rep, email ejsu@aff.org.uk.

Château de Freÿr

The Château de Freÿr in Wallonia has a rich, architectural history and enchanting gardens, so makes for a perfect Summer day out. 

Although the Château dates back to 1378, its current format started to take shape in 1571 after the destruction of the original Castle Keep.

You will find a blend of renaissance and baroque styles throughout the building and when exploring the Château interior, keep your eyes peeled for the award winning Children’s Coach.

In the gardens you can visit Europe’s largest potted Orange trees that date back to the early 18th Century and incredibly, they still live in their original wooden cases! There is also a labyrinth to explore in the beautiful grounds of this stunning Castle.

Château de Freÿr is located in 5540 Hastière and is family friendly place to visit with interactive tours, special events tailored for children, enchanting gardens and captivating stories of the history of this grand old Château.

Find out more at: https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/chateau-de-freyr/

BRUSSELS: Bozar Restaurant cited in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants

 

The two-Michelin star Bozar Restaurant in Brussels has been awarded the great accolade of being named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world!

With artisan-led menus, offering Belgian fare this culinary jewel is well worth a visit if your pockets are deep:

• The seven course menu is priced at 245 Euros
• The five course Horta menu is priced at 195 Euros and
• The three course lunch menu is priced at 115 Euros.

Find out more at: https://bozarrestaurant.be/

BRUSSELS: The Guinguettes des Marolles return for Summer 2025

If you are looking for a chilled Thursday evening in the capital, then look no further!

 
Every Thursday throughout the summer, at the Place du Jeu de Balle you will find free concerts and entertainment, starting at 6.30pm. 

A great way to spend time with family, friends or colleagues after work and to make the most of the long Summer evenings.

Find out more here: https://localguide.brussels/en/blog/the-guinguettes-of-the-marolles-are-back/

BRUSSELS: The Roller Parade, Friday 20th June until Friday 12th September 2025

Brussels’ summer roller parade started on Friday evening, and will also roll into other cities around the country, including Hasselt, Leuven, Antwerp, Charleroi and Namur.

The free parades, accompanied by music, are for rollerblades, bikes, longboards, skateboard and even electric bikes.

Beginner and advanced riders welcome from age 10. Don't forget safety gear and water!

Check the website for updates in case of bad weather.

WHEN: Friday Evenings from 20 June to 12 September, at 20:00
WHERE: Place Poelaert
MORE INFORMATION: https://rollerbikeparade.be/en/

Armed Forces Health Survey, Open to all Serving Personnel

Armed Forces Health Survey
 
Army Health and Performance Research team are conducting a study aimed at understanding how certain aspects of military and physical activity may impact urinary incontinence (accidental peeing). It is crucial for us to gather insights from individuals who do not experience any urinary symptoms as well as those who do, to comprehensively assess the issue. Despite being a common symptom in both men and women, many individuals do not report these symptoms to healthcare professionals so this research will help us to understand how many people in the Armed Forces are affected.
 
The survey is open to all Armed Forces trained personnel (Regular and Reserves), men and women, so please do take part.

You can complete the survey at this link: https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/129672?lang=en or via the QR code in the poster.
 
For the sharing of information across Defence Connect please use this link - https://jive.defencegateway.mod.uk/docs/DOC-1227070

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

 

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

Why It Matters for You

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas.
To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).
 
Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.
 
From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).
 
This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.
 
For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).
 
When can parents assigned overseas access the funded childcare hours?
 
From September 2025 Eligible working families will be entitled to the additional funded hours from the term after their child turns 9 months old. 
 
Who is eligible?
 

• Regular Service personnel including FTRS (FC)

• UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) assigned overseas with accompanying pre-school aged children. Fee-paying contractors cannot apply. 

 
To be eligible for the additional funding available to working families, both parents i.e. the Defence person and their spouse/partner (or a sole parent in a lone parent family), must meet the minimum earnings threshold, of at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the UK National Minimum or Living Wage, and not exceed the maximum earnings threshold of £100,000 per year adjusted net income.
 
What do parents need to do?
 

• Check eligibility by reading the DIN content.

• Identify a suitable Defence Children Services (DCS) setting.

Where there is no DCS provider, or if DCS are unable to meet the requirements of the family, Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA) can be applied for and used. However, the childcare provider must be registered, regulated and inspected by the host nation.

• Get sign-off from Commanding Officer, Commander, or Head of Location for non DCS Providers, or the Head Teacher / Early Years Manager for DCS providers.
• Keep supporting evidence/receipts of application forms and ongoing claims for audit purposes. 

 
Full information can be found in the DIN, search ‘Funded childcare entitlements and processes for overseas Service personnel and UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) with accompanying pre-school aged children’ on defnet: DINs Search or Defence Connect: Group: Defence Instruction Notices - DIN's | Defence Connect
Further guidance can be found on the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect.
Families can find further information on Discover My Benefits -  Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force
 
Early Years childcare within the UK
 
Defence remains committed to enabling access to appropriate, enriching, and safe childcare for the children of Service families.
 
Options are being developed for how Defence might provide parity in pre-school childcare for those serving within the UK, recognising that this is likely to have tax implications for those impacted. The options analysis will conclude during 2025.
 
Who to contact if you have any questions.
 
Early Years childcare funding overseas, email:
PEOPLE-AFFS-Child-Expenses@mod.gov.uk
 

SHAPE: International Military Boxing Competition seeking participants

If you are a boxer and like competing, keep reading….

Closing date for registration is 15th July 2025. Application details in the poster.

SHAPE: Cavoli Community Centre is now open!

Have you seen the new Cavoli Community Centre in the 500 area?

This brilliant community space is available to book for private events, kids birthday parties, conversation groups and group sessions.

Currently open Monday to Friday 09:00-14:00 with aspirations to open for longer if the space is well used.

The Cavoli Community Centre is open for an under 5’s session from 09:00-10:30 every morning with coffee, chat and fun, for parents and kids under 5.

Then from 11:00-13:00 it becomes a relaxed lunchtime space.

Based in the old Flower Shop Unit, pop in and check it out next time you are passing.

 

CHIEVRES Summer Story Times, Monday 30th June to Monday 11th August 2025

CHIEVRES Library is running a series of Storytime and Crafting sessions over the Summer. 

Suitable for all ages, no registration necessary, just pop along and join in!

Remember to take your SHAPE I.D. and a second form of I.D. too.

SHAPE: Cinema at the Library, July and August 2025

If you are looking for a family activity over the Summer, why not give the Family Movies at go at SHAPE International Library?

No registration required, just turn up.
All movies will be G or PG Rated. 

Contact the Library direct for Movie Titles.

DIO Services Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 20 June 2025

 

Prolonged dry weather and water conservation

Those living overseas will be well-accustomed to warmer weather, but for those living in the UK please note several areas across England and Wales have experienced the driest spring for over 60 years, and in some cases since records began. This has led to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a combination of drought status and prolonged dry weather status for many regions.

To help conserve water follow the recommended actions:

• Consider taking a quick shower instead of a bath. 
• Be mindful not to keep taps running for longer than needed to avoid water wastage. 
• Try to run dishwashers and washing machines with a full load. 
• Check and report any leaks in toilets, faucets or pipes to Pinnacle by calling 0800 031 8628. 

Collectively, these small actions can make a big difference to available water resources. Thank you for your support and co-operation.

Summer safety tips

Summer is upon us, and we want to share some Summer Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe during warmer weather.

For advice on summer safety including window restrictors, BBQs, and what to do if you find a wasp or bees nest inside your property, visit: https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-my-home/summer-tips/

Monthly Library After Hours sessions throughout the Summer, SHAPE International Library

Library After Hours is Back for the Summer!

For Family Fun or Activities for Teens & Adults, come along to SHAPE International Library.

No need to register, just turn-up.

To attend without a parent, young people must be aged 11+ 

SHAPE International Library, Summer monthly Crafternoons

Don’t miss the Crafternoons at the Library this Summer. 

Everyone welcome to come along and get your craft on!

No Passenger Flights Departing Brussels and Charleroi Airports, Please Read

No passenger flights will depart from Brussels Airport on Wednesday 25 June due to a strike, with disruptions to arriving flights also expected.

The disruption is part of a broader nationwide pan-industry day of strike action that is also likely to affect public transport, schools and other public services.

All flights departing from and arriving at Charleroi Airport scheduled for Wednesday 25 June have also been cancelled.

Read More Here: 25 June strike: no passenger flights taking off from Brussels Airport

 

Abbaye Notre-Dame du Vivier awaits you

The Abbaye Notre-Dame du Vivier was founded in the early 12th Century, consecrated in 1103 and affiliated with the Cistercian Order in 1236. 

Discover this hidden medieval gem in Gelbressee and enjoy a guided tour through the site lasting from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours. As well as the architectural beauty of the Abbaye itself, the gardens are a place of tranquil and serenity to also be enjoyed.

If you want to make a weekend of it, there are three charming self-catering guesthouses on site, offering the chance to experience monastic peace overnight.

For family-friendly adventures, wind your way around the forest trail walks, participate in some themed activities or have a magical dining experience in the tree-tops (suitable for age 6+)!

For more information, see https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/abbaye-notre-dame-du-vivier/

Have you visited the Museum of Playing Cards yet?

Fancy a different day out?

How about a visit to the Museum of Playing Cards in Turnhout? Belgium really does have a museum for everything!

Check out the authentic printing machines and stream-driven presses and if you time your visit well you could even pick yourself up a freshly pressed demo print. Learn about how Cards were used for propaganda, see some rare card decks and witness the gruesome consequences of cards in the media.

There is also a Room of the Future with interactive games, quizzes & screens complete with a selfie booth and interactive workshops with creative play for kids too.  There really is something for everyone.

Want to find out more? https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/museum-of-the-playing-card/

SHAPE HOUSE: Call For Volunteers…Please Read

Can you help support our brilliant SHAPE House? See Anna’s plea below….

Volunteering Request!
 
We have fantastic volunteers supporting regular SHAPE House groups, one-off events for different ages groups, and running Pop-Up Coffee weekly at the BritBar. Some of our core volunteers are moving to pastures new this summer, and we would love to broaden our pool of volunteers in preparation. We welcome everyone over 18, whether you want to volunteer at ad-hoc one-off events or would like to regularly run a weekly baby/toddler group, start a new group or anything in between. If you want to chat through different options (without any commitment) just email the community office or pop in and Gemma or Anna would be really happy to help.
 
We are also aware that some of you who have already kindly signed up to be volunteers need to finalise some paperwork – if this is the case Anna is opening SHAPE House for a volunteer drop-in with coffee and cake 9.30-11.30am on Friday 27^th June (children welcome to come and play while you have a coffee and catch up on the paperwork). There will be paper copies of the paperwork you can complete there or a laptop ready to go if you prefer. If you want to come along and find out more but haven’t previously expressed a desire to volunteer, do pop in and we can help you find out more.
 
Volunteering is a fabulous way to meet people, feel involved in the community and settle into this new lifestyle, especially if you are not working out here. 

There is a real risk that without further volunteers coming forward, we will need to cancel some groups, events and sessions.

SHAPE: Sunday Services at the West Chapel, SHAPE International Chapel, 10:00

 

All welcome, always!

Invitation to attend Financial Literacy Focus Groups

 

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 GMT tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS  (25 pers)

 

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

 

17 Jul 25 0900-1200 GMT – 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. 

 

SHAPEFest Headliners Act announced

Have you seen the Headliners for SHAPEFest this year? It’s going to be every Dancing Queen’s dream.

Get the date in your diary and be sure to submit those visitors pass forms in early doors. It’s going to be abba-solutely fantastic.

SHAPE: Whisky Needed for BRITFete and SHAPEFest

If you are due to leave SHAPE soon, don’t pack or throw away that half empty Whisky bottle…..

Support BRITFete and SHAPEFest from afar by donating your Whisky to the Whisky Stall! 

Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update

25th JUNE 12:30-13:30(GMT) - SAVE THE DATE!

 

The Forces Pension Society will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 GMT 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.

It’s the Doudou this Weekend. What’s it all about?

The Doudou of Mons: Resisting the Plague and Fighting the Dragon!

If you are wondering what the history of the Doudou is, wonder no more and cast your eyes over this…… https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/the-doudou-of-mons/

BRUSSELS: Two new Galleries open at the Cinquantenaire Museum

The Cinquantenaire Museum in Brussels has opened two new exhibitions; one dedicated to 19th Century Movements and the other to Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

For this weekend only, admission to these two new galleries is FREE.

WHERE: The Museum of Art and History, Brussels.

For more information, click here

New mechanism for charging Entitled Civilian Patients Requesting Travel Medicines

With effect from 1^st July 2025 there will be a new mechanism for charging for entitled civilian patients requesting travel medicines.

 

Entitled civilian patients, registered entitled family members and other non-military patients (including MOD) may not be prescribed or supplied travel related medicines or other products against public funds, unless they are accompanying service personnel on official duty or posting. Individuals requiring routine travel medicines should be referred to a civilian travel clinic and informed that there may be charges levied for the service. 
 
For regular military personnel, all travel medicines recommended by recognised travel medicine information sources are supplied against prescriptions issued by DPHC Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) at no charge to the individual, whether the travel is duty-related or not
 
The following travel vaccines are free and in line with NHS direction, this list will be reviewed when the NHS policy regarding travel medicine is changed. This policy by the NHS is under review.

• (Polio) Combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio.

• Typhoid

• Hepatitis A

• Cholera – this will ONLY be provided if it meets the strict criteria.

 
All other vaccines and medicines for travel purposes not related to duty and posting for registered entitled family members and other non-military patients will be charged.
 

• For all travel antimalarial prophylaxis irrespective of course length the charge will be £25

• For all travel vaccinations the charge will be £50 per vaccine. The charge is NOT per item but per vaccine, e.g., patient is required to have a course of 3 rabies vaccines they will be charged for the number of rabies vaccines administered thus a full course will be £150.

• Replacement Yellow Fever Certificates £10 If information available on integrated Health Record (DMICP)

 
Individuals who are exempt from prescription charges will still be expected to pay for travel medicines. This includes:

• Children
• Medical and maternity exemptions do not apply to travel medicines
• Prescription Prepayment Certificate holders will also pay for travel medicines. 

Payment will be collected using the pharmacy CHIP and PIN payment system.
 

Strike Action affecting BRUSSELS Airport - Please Read

Please be aware that a Strike Notice has been filed for Brussels Airport (Zaventum) for Wednesday 25th June in lieu of Thursday 26th June 2025.

There will be NO FLIGHTS from Brussels Airport on Wednesday 25 June as no passenger flights will leave Brussels Airport (Flemish Brabant) during the trade unions' National Day of Action on this day.

The airport has indicated that the strike will involve a large number of employees, including security staff.
 
Read More Here: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2025/06/12/no-flights-from-brussels-airport-on-25-june/

SHAPE: Fleraqua Swimming Lesson Registration is now open!

Good News; registrations for the next session of Swimming Lessons at Fleraqua, running from August 25th to December 22nd, are officially open! 🏊‍♀️✨ This is a fantastic pool and Anthony is great with kids.

There are spots available for individual and duo lessons in English/Italian on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday.

Lessons are available starting from age 3, in a calm and personalized setting — perfect for gaining confidence in the water!

🔹 Individual lessons: 

- 15 week pack
- 1 child with 1 instructor during 30 minutes 

🔹 Duo lessons:
- 15 week pack
- 2 children with 1 instructor during 30 minutes 
- ideal for brother/sisters/friends (even if they don't have the same skills)

Interested ? 
You can register directly on their website: https://www.fleraqua.be/

If you want to take advantage of the summer to make progress, Fleraqua are also offering afternoon slots for individual or duo lessons from Monday to Thursday between 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM during summer break— ideal for a little boost before the start of the new season.

Swimcamps are also provided during summer break ! From 9.00 am to 3.00 PM

Places are limited, so don’t wait too long to book!

WHERE: Fleraqua, 20 Rue Marie joyle (7021 Havré) 
Only 10 minutes away from SHAPE.

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Fleraqua

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?
Apart not Alone aims to improve the quality of life for those impacted by service-related separation. So far, The Trust have awarded over £70,000 to support forces families facing these challenges.

But service life, and the nature of the separation it presents, is changing and The Trust want to ensure the funding they provide continues to make the biggest difference. This year’s programme builds on what’s been achieved so far and ensures even more service families struggling with separation can be supported.

What’s changed for 2025/26?
This year, Apart not Alone offers two opportunities for funding which address the unique needs of serving armed forces families facing separation.

The core programme, Apart, not Alone - Supporting serving families impacted by service-related separation will fund projects achieving one or more of the following outcomes: 

• Families feel more able to manage the impact of loneliness or isolation during periods of separation.
• Improved mental health and wellbeing for serving families.
• Improved understanding of effective models of support for serving families.
• Families experience fewer challenges during reintegration after deployment or extended separation.

And the great news is charities and CICs only need to have been registered for at least one year to apply for up to £25,000 for a 12-month project. Armed forces bases and units are also welcome to apply.

For charities and CICs registered for at least three years, you can apply for up to £50,000 for projects lasting up to 24 months.

This year, there’s an additional opportunity for local authorities and registered charities registered for at least three years, to access funding. Apart not Alone - Local impact grants offers portfolio grants of up to £300,000 towards projects delivered in a specific location over a period of up to three years.

You’ll need to demonstrate how you will deliver a targeted package of support, delivered through extensive collaboration with the community, in UK locations where serving families experience particular challenges.

You’ll also need to demonstrate how you will deliver long-lasting change and how you will meet all of the outcomes above, as well as: 

• Enhanced collaboration and streamlined support pathways for the serving community through stronger partnerships and improved service integration.

A full list of eligibility guidance for both funding opportunities is available on the Trust website.

Dates and deadlines
For the core Apart, not Alone programme there will be two funding rounds this year:

• Round 1 application deadline is 12 noon on 30 July 2025.
• Round 2 application deadline is 12 noon on 21 January 2026.

While the Apart not Alone - Local impact grants programme has a two-stage application process. At stage one, the Trust are looking for expressions of interest (EOI) to act as the single grant holder and lead the portfolio. The stage one deadline is 12 noon on 23 July 2025.

Find out more
To find full details of this programme and to apply, visit the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities
For the latest updates and announcements on each of these Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk