Gibraltar: GIB TALKS

 

GibTalks 2025

Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), working alongside playwright, actor, director and teacher, Julian Felice, will be holding the GibTalks event on Saturday 1st February 2025 at the John Mackintosh Hall. The idea is styled on the very successful TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) series of talks (www.ted.com).

GibTalks will see a range of local guest speakers deliver fifteen-minute talks on a broad spectrum of subjects with the aim of focusing on the anecdotal, the personal, and the light-hearted.

The organisers are pleased to announce speakers who represent a cross-section of the community and will help make up a rich and varied programme, divided into morning and afternoon sessions. For more details of speakers and how to reserve your place visit:

 Events - Gibraltar Cultural Services

Gibraltar: BFBS Newsletter

 

Gibraltar Cultural Services Calendar of Cultural Events 2025

 

Calendar of events is available on the website  Home - Gibraltar Cultural Services . Check regularly for details of each event, which are published through the year.

Gibraltar: Charity Fun Run Event 09 February

Lace up and show up for World Cancer Day!

Mark the day with a fun-packed 5K Fun Run & 3K family walk.
Cancer Relief Gibraltar, in collaboration with local cancer charities, are hosting a 5K Fun Run and 3K family walk to mark World Cancer Day. This event is more than a run; it is a united effort to raise awareness, vital funds, and to bring our community together to support those impacted by cancer. This year’s theme is “United by Unique,” and we are celebrating strength in unity while honouring every individual’s journey.
Would you like to walk or run in memory of a loved one? Do you want a starting point to increase your fitness?
Whether you are a seasoned runner, looking to beat your personal best, or a beginner taking your first steps, this event is for everyone. The 3K family walk ensures that even the youngest or more senior members of the community can join in the fun.
You can also purchase an exclusive World Cancer Day commemorative t-shirt and can choose which local cancer charity you would like to represent or donate your registration fee to.

Event Details: Sunday 9th February, Casemates Square, Gibraltar

• 5K Run:
• Registration: 9:00
• Warm up hosted by Puro Fuego Fitness: 9:45
• Start Time: 10:00
• 3K Family Walk:
• Registration: 09:00
• Warm up hosted by Puro Fuego Fitness: 10:00
  
• Start Time: 10:15
• Children under 10 participate for free. 
  
• 
  

Sponsored by Entain
Supported by:-
Carpe Diem Running Club
GIBMAROC LTD
Saccone & Speed (Gibraltar) Ltd

Charities Supported

Blood Cancer Gibraltar
Bosom Buddies
Breast Cancer Support
Cancer Relief Gibraltar
Cancer Research UK (Gib branch)
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Prostate Cancer Gibraltar

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 - 415 

DWP Decision Maker

St Austell, Cornwall,  Bryn, Wigan, Birkenhead, Middlesbrough, Glasgow and Falkirk

Job Description Click to view  

Closing date: 17 Feb 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)  Click to open EOI  Click to open Guidance Notes and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information about the role, please see: 'A Day in the Life of a Decision Maker'​

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)

Military Women’s Health & Wellbeing Conference - 23/24 Apr 25

 

Location: Anglia Ruskin University Campus, Cambridge UK Date: 23/24 Apr 25 The Centre for Military Women's Research (CMWR) at Anglia Ruskin University is holding its second conference in April themed around the health and wellbeing of women in the military community.  The first day of this international conference includes a wide range of speakers and panel discussions on women's experiences during and after military service, ending with a drinks reception.  The second day comprises a choice of four workshops on different aspects of the theme, concluding with a review and plenary. For Information (timings, schedule, sign-up etc)​: Use the link - https://www.centreformilitarywomensresearch.com/cmwr-conference-2025/

Defence Discount Service: Oakwood Solicitors

Oakwood Solicitors, in collaboration with FrontFoot.Life, is proud to provide expert legal support tailored to the Armed Forces community. Offering a free initial consultation, their services include Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, employment law advice, and assistance with military injury and medical negligence claims. They currently have a special offer for Will writing at a reduced fee of £50. Find out more on the Defence Discount Service website: https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/​

SSAFA Short Breaks 2025 - Applications are now open

SSAFA Short Breaks are free, residential adventure breaks for Forces families who have a child with an additional need and/or disability, aged between 5 to 18 years. The break is for the whole immediate family to enjoy together.

 

Short Breaks in 2025:

• 09 – 11 May at Calvert Trust, Lake District
• 21 – 25 July at Calvert Trust, Lake District
• 04 – 08 August at Calvert Trust, Exmoor
• 27 - 31 October at Calvert Trust, Exmoor

 

Eligibility for SSAFA’s Short Breaks:

• All children within the family must be between 5-18 years.
• Children are dependents of a current Serving person or reservist.
• One child attending must have an additional need and/or disability.
• At least one parent must attend the break with their child/ren.

 

To apply for the break, please click the link: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/529B-HOK/ssafa-family-break-2025 

 

Please note, Short Breaks are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to families who have not attended before or in the past 5 years. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the process early.

 

For more information, please visit the SSAFA Short Breaks website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/military-families/short-breaks-and-holidays-for-service-families​

Online Wellbeing Sessions

 

Research Participants Sought - Survey of British Military Parents

 

Challenges, support mechanisms and coping strategies of parents in the British Armed Forces.

Who is doing this research? The research will be conducted by Lt Col Jess Beck, a student on the Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and will be supervised by Dr Ellen Hallams, School of Security Studies Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, King’s College London. 

NHS Step into Health: Upcoming Webinars

NHS Step into Health are pleased to share that their next Application Guidance Webinar, and Introduction to Step into Health webinar registration links are now live.

• Application Guidance Webinar, Tuesday 8 April 2025 – 1:00-2:30pm 
  
• An Introduction to Step into Health - Wednesday 12 February 2025 – 11:00am–12:00pm / Wednesday 2 April 2025 10:00-11:00am

​A reminder also that NHS England are also hosting a series of Introduction to Allied Health Profession webinars. You can find out more including dates, a how to register here

UK: DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 24 Jan

Open Offices

Following feedback from families at recent SFA Roadshows; DIO, Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO have opened local housing office drop-in sessions to offer support and guidance face to face. The following locations are now available:

• South West: Larkhill, Plymouth, Blandford, Gosport, and Portsmouth
• South East: Windsor, Brize Norton, Brompton, and Aldershot
• North: Leuchars and Weeton
• Central: Colchester, Cosford, and Waddington

​Dates and times are available on the Pinnacle website.

Raising repairs prior to move-out

It is important to report any necessary repairs in your home even while you're in the process of moving out. This allows for any required work to be completed before a new family moves in, creating a smoother transfer for all. You should report any repair issues by contacting the Pinnacle National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628 or Repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk​

Aurora New Dawn Domestic Abuse Survey - Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces community

This survey is about how domestic abuse and sexual violence support services can better meet the needs of serving personnel or their family members. 

The questions are primarily aimed at anyone from the British armed forces community (Royal Navy, British Army, RAF) who has used domestic abuse or sexual violence support services, regardless of how long ago or the type of service it was (e.g. one to one support, group work programmes, or counselling). 

You are also welcome to complete the survey if you haven't used these services yourself, but you are a current or former serving person, or family member of a serving person, and you want to share your thoughts.  

The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Your answers will be completely anonymous and you are not required to provide your name or contact details, unless you wish to do so.

 Click to open this link to the survey: Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces Commmunity

Recruit For Spouses January newsletter

Click here to read the RFS January newsletter:​

recruit4spouses.cmail19.com/t/r-e-thfltyd-bdhxulutj-z/%E2%80%8B

DIO - Upcoming roadshows at Stafford, Cosford and Brize Norton

 

Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas

 

Serving personnel and families are entitled to claim Universal Credit, regardless of their location. This means families stationed overseas can submit claims in the same way as those in the UK. Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas - GOV.UK

Pinnacle Group: Free Coaching & Mentoring

 

Do you have links to the military community? Pinnacle Group's Social Value team deliver employability, money management and business mentoring programmes which are free to SP, Veterans, Reservists, and their Spouses / Partners and their families.    So whether you are looking to change your job or find yourself out of work we can support you to get that next role via our employability programmes and if you are someone looking to start a business or maybe you are a Veteran  or Spouse / Partner with an Existing Business looking for support to grow your income and profits, we have business mentoring programmes where experienced Business Mentors will support you all the way.  For more information please visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/families-first/family-and-community-support/ or email psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk​

Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards

Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce over £3.3 million has been awarded in the latest series of grants made under the Covenant Fund.

The Trust has supported a total of 34 fantastic projects across four different Covenant Fund programmes, all set to make significant improvements for Armed Forces communities across the UK.Service Women: Seen & Heard has awarded over £700K to eight projects tackling the underlying issues unique to serving women, providing improved access to support for their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

• Free From Fear has awarded just over £700K to five projects addressing domestic abuse through preventative measures or providing support routes for survivors in Armed Forces communities.
• Serving Families: On the Move has awarded just over £1M to 11 projects helping to improve the quality of life for Service families impacted by relocation.
• Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide has awarded just over £860K to 10 projects enabling systemic change and long-term, sustainable impact, building on the findings from the One is Too Many programme.

Trust CEO, Anna Wright, said: “These grants respond to some of the most complex issues and experiences facing different groups in the Armed Forces community, and the learning from these projects will underpin and inform future approaches. Our three-year framework for our grant making was all about reflecting the priorities and ways of working which came through so strongly from individuals, families, organisations and experts who took part in the consultation and research work – and it's wonderful to see funding now flowing out to projects across the country as a result."

Linkedin Essentials Workshop 23rd January

 

 To read about the events click here: Events - FEC

Gibraltar Cultural Services: Lighting & Sound Workshop

Gibraltar Cultural Services Lighting and Sound Workshop for age 14+ 

Join us for an exciting 2-day technical workshop on 4th-5th April 2025, held at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre and Inces Hall Theatre. The times will be 4-8pm on Friday and 10-6pm on Saturday with a 1 hour lunch. This hands-on event, led by our experienced in-house technicians, is your chance to explore the art and science of stage lighting and sound design.

Whether you’re a budding theatre technician, a performer looking to understand the tech side of the stage, or an enthusiast eager to learn, this workshop is for you covering:Lighting Fundamentals: Rigging, focusing, and programming dynamic lighting effects.
Sound Essentials: Microphone setup, mixing and sound engineering.
Practical Applications: Hands-on practice equipment in live theatre settings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and develop new skills in a supportive and creative environment.

Register your interest at development@culture.gov.gi

Gibraltar Cultural Services Arts Competitions

Gibraltar Cultural Services has launched several arts competitions which are open to all Gibraltar residents. To find out more and to enter visit News - Gibraltar Cultural Services 

New Defence survey for those in a Long Term Relationship

If you’re in a Long Term Relationship (LTR) with a Service person, Defence would like to hear your views and experiences about Service family life. 

Defence has launched a pilot survey to better understand the experiences of Long Term Relationship partners, including dual-serving partners, of serving personnel. This survey is anonymous and closes on Monday 3 February 2025.

Please note that this survey is open to the entire LTR population, and is separate to the LTR Overseas pilot scheme survey that is also currently ongoing.

What do you like about Service life? What can be improved?

UK: Rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets

Back and bigger than ever rail sale.

From 14 to 20 January 2025, selected advance and off-peak fares will go on sale at up to 50% off for travel between 17 January and 31 March 2025.

As part of this year’s rail sale, thousands of popular routes across almost all UK train operators, including Transport for Wales and ScotRail, will be offering discounted tickets with journeys spreading the length and breadth of Great Britain.

Discounted rail ticket prices will apply to journeys made between 17 January and 31 March 2025 across Great Britain.

The sale is now live with tickets available through the Rail Delivery Group’s microsite or through individual train operators until 20 January.

For further information: Back and bigger than ever: rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets - GOV.UK

National Transition Event, Silverstone, 24 Feb 25

‘Bringing together a community of communities’: Registration now open for the National Transition Event at Silverstone on 24 Feb!

Now in its 6th year, the National Transition Event (NTE) brings together Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists, spouses & partners and family members to aid successful, sustainable transition & networking opportunities, recognising, demonstrating and celebrating the value of the Armed Forces. It uses the backdrop of the iconic GP racetrack to offer a unique event giving those attending a way to find out about careers and roles across different industry sectors while having a memorable day.

NEW for NTE25 is an invitation for 16–18-year-old Cadets to come along and hear about the opportunities open to them in the job market, apprenticeships and training.

This is the largest event of this kind in the UK and you are invited!

NDNA's Childcare employment programme

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) have received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust's Supporting Partners programme to support partners of serving military personnel or reservists, who might be interested in joining our 16-week paid childcare supported employment programme, starting w/c 24th February. We're initially looking to recruit from those living in North Yorkshire however, we can consider applicants from other areas.​

Read the project overview here

Little Troopers launches All Together family reconnection weekends

The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, has launched a series of free family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality-time together.

Funded by Team Forces, the four Little Troopers weekends invite young people and their parents to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection where they’ll be encouraged to put down their phones, meet people, do new things and spend quality time together.

Open to families with up to four siblings aged 9 and over, the weekends will be packed with adventurous activities including coasteering, raft building, kayaking, mega SUPing and coastal bushcraft, as well as time to relax on the beach, watching the sunset with a hot chocolate.

With a mix of child-only and parent-and-child time, the itinerary has been organised so that the small number of five to six families attending will have an enjoyable break and make memories to last a lifetime.

Gibraltar Cultural Services Launches Volunteer Scheme

Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, is launching a new voluntary scheme aimed at encouraging individuals to play a vital role in supporting the cultural sector. This initiative seeks to strengthen community involvement, promote the arts and highlight the value of volunteering in fostering cultural and personal growth.

The arts are an essential part of Gibraltar's cultural identity and this volunteer scheme offers a unique opportunity to be part of something impactful and rewarding. Whether assisting with exhibitions or engaging in cultural events and supporting performances, volunteers can play a key role in enriching our vibrant cultural landscape.

GCS recognises the value of volunteers in building and maintaining a thriving cultural sector. This scheme aims to not only support the arts but also provide volunteers with a sense of achievement while contributing to community life.

How to Get Involved: Those interested in becoming a volunteer can register with Gibraltar Cultural Services or contact us directly for more information. No prior experience is required – just enthusiasm and a passion for the arts.

For further details, please contact Gibraltar Cultural Services info@culture.gi or call 200 41839.

Together, let’s celebrate and support the arts. Join us and help make a meaningful contribution to Gibraltar's cultural community!

Military Spousal Founders Programme

For military spouses with dreams of starting or growing a business

Are you part of the armed forces community with plans to become a business founder? Our Military Spousal Founders Programme is designed just for you. 

Open the link below to read more:

Military Spousal Founders Programme | Barclays Eagle Labs

MOD Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP)

The Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP) is a partnership between the MOD and 19 English local authorities that have committed to work together to improve the experience and outcomes of children of UK Armed Forces families. The local authority membership of MODLAP represent those authority areas with the highest numbers of service children in England.

Full information can be found HERE

Service community discounts: Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings

Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings…

As we welcome the new year, January provides the perfect opportunity to focus on your wellbeing and make yourself a priority.

From boosting your fitness, improving mental health, and focusing on nutrition, to spending quality time with loved ones, the discounts available as part of ‘Your Offer’ in Defence can help kickstart a positive and balanced year ahead.

Click here to read more and get links to money saving offers

Never Such Innocence: Month of the Military Child - April 2025

 

Never Such Innocence will be offering a wide variety of activities for Month of the Military Child in April. Whether you are joining the 'Purple Up' day on 25 April, entering the poetry and art competition or singing Dandelions - there is something for everyone! Please visit their website to learn more or access their range of activities. www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

UK: Royal British Legion Poppy Hike, Epsom Surrey – 18th May 2025

The RBL Poppy Hike is taking place in the beautiful Surrey Hills on Sunday 18th May. By taking part, you'll be helping to raise vital funds and awareness so that RBL can continue to support serving & ex-serving personnel and their families, for as long as needed.

Starting and finishing at Epsom Racecourse, you'll hike through stunning landscapes in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will also pass through a Centenary Wood which commemorates the sacrifices made in WW1.​

For more information on this event, please go to: rbl.org.uk/eventhike  There is a discount for the military community available of 20%, reducing the registration cost to £20.  To access the discount code, please ask your local HIVE, or use our DM/Contact Us facilities, or email RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk​ 

To find more information on:

• Other RBL fundraising events and challenges, please visit:  rbl.org.uk/eventbrochure
• The RBL and how they support beneficiaries, please visit : Our Beneficiaries 
• How to be a volunteer, please visit: rbl.org.uk/event-volunteer

For more details click on this link

Victory Services Club - Club Life Newsletter December Issue

 

 

Click here to read All the latest news and highlights

And find further information on the VSC website https://www.vsc.co.uk/

Soldiers Arts Academy - free online workshops

 

The Soldiers' Arts Academy aims to provide a platform through which serving and veteran military personnel and their families can participate in the creative arts. Using their skills and experiences to create and engage audiences worldwide, the SAA strives to encourage excellence, engagement and inspiration in its members, as well as building a supportive and strong community.   Online workshops include art, signing, guitar lessons and poetry. All are free for military personnel, veterans and military families. Find out more at www.soldiersartsacademy.org

Join the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Team for two free webinars

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund are kicking off 2025 with two FREE webinars and they would love you to join them.

The first will focus on the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme, sharing key findings from the programme evaluation.

The second will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together programme, the next phase of the successful VPPP programme.


Join us on Tuesday 14 January, 1pm to 3pm to discover the insights and impact of the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme. Jointly funded by the Covenant Fund, NHS England and NHS Improvement, this programme supported pilot projects aimed at exploring better ways to support Veterans and their families when they are in an acute hospital setting https://covenantfund.org.uk/2024/12/11/from-data-to-impact-a-webinar-to-show-the-outcomes-of-the-supporting-armed-forces-in-acute-hospital-settings-programme/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_24_2022_12_4_COPY_01)

Our second webinar of 2025 will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together Programme.

Building on the work of the successful Veterans’ People Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP), Thrive Together will step up support for vulnerable Veterans and their families across the UK, driving future sustainability. ​Want to learn more about Thrive Together? : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust​

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6 Jan 25

 Click here to open and read: