RBLI Lifeworks Families – new remote courses now available

 Lifeworks Families Remote courses will run on the following dates:

Tuesday 27^th - Friday 30^th May

Monday 23rd - Thursday 26^th June

Monday 28^th - Thursday 31st July

 

• Lifeworks Families courses are available to those in the UK and overseas.
• Lifeworks families courses are available to spouses, partners, school-leaving age (and above) children and extended/blended family members.
• Lifeworks Families courses are available to serving and veteran family members.

 

To view the Lifeworks Families leaflet, please click here: Read leaflet 

 

Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Following their service, ex-military personnel or reservists can experience difficulties transposing their skills into the civilian employment market, resulting in homelessness and a decline in their mental health. Our Lifeworks team ensures that the military community receives the best support possible through our FREE 4-day employment skills course within a year-long employment support programme. Not only does this cover the support but also covers the cost of travel, food, and accommodation (if necessary).

RBLI Lifeworks courses are held nationwide and tailored to suit the requirements of those who need them. Our specialist advisors and Vocational Assessors remain on hand throughout the journey to help them find the right opportunity. Lifeworks equips veterans, families, and reservists with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces.

If you’re looking for FREE employment support, or know someone who is, contact us today on 0800 3196 844 or email lifeworks@rbli.co.uk

Veteran Employment Support | Lifeworks (wearelifeworks.org.uk)

The most recent independent evaluation can be found here : Lifeworks Evaluation by RBLI - Issuu

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update from DIO, 16 May 25

Early adopters of new online platform HomeHub

DIO in collaboration with Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO, have invited a small group of Personnel and families as early adopters of HomeHub – a new online platform for households to easily manage repairs, appointments and their SFA in general.

Early adopters include representatives from all three services and a mix of ranks and locations – with the aim of gaining a broad representation of our SFA community and estate.

Those participating will be contacted in the coming days with instructions on how to take part. From this month until August, they will have access to an early version of HomeHub where they can feedback their honest thoughts and experiences through surveys.

For those families supporting the development of HomeHub as early adopters, your help in gathering feedback will be invaluable in helping us refine the portal into a seamless and user-friendly platform that really meets the needs of our families. A finalised version of HomeHub will be rolled out to all SFA this year.  

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) bank holiday arrangements for 26 May 2025

The Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) office opening arrangements are different for the 26 May bank holiday. 

England, Scotland and Wales: 

On Monday 26 May 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 26 May then benefits will be paid early on Friday 23 May. If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.  

 

Defence Update: Your Offer – recognising your service

 

Your Offer – recognising your service

What Defence is doing to improve Service life and information on support and opportunities for you and your family.

 

The substantial range of benefits and allowances available in your Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of military life and individual needs, at home and abroad.

Pay is the most well-recognised aspect of the Offer, but the breadth and complexity of everything that’s included within the Armed Forces employee package means it can be difficult to navigate and understand.

That’s why work is underway to help simplify the way we talk about ‘Your Offer’ – with Discover My Benefits being the place to go to find out what’s covered, what it’s worth, where to find out more and what you need to do. 

What is Discover My Benefits? 

Discover My Benefits is a website for all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their families and Defence civil servants – designed to help you understand the benefits and support available.

Gov.uk News Update: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare

 

Government announces £1.8 million investment to transform NHS care for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

 

Armed forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the government has announced as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.

 

The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, doctors and NHS nurses will work with regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services.

 

To read this news announcement in full please go to: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare

 

Gibraltar: Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Exciting Programme of Events

Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, is pleased to announce a special programme of events to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery. The Gallery, housed at the historic City Hall, will reopen on Tuesday 3rd June following a short closure for refurbishment and re-curation. This milestone will mark a new chapter for the Gallery, including a refreshed exhibition layout featuring recent acquisitions to the Government’s art collection and the exciting addition of works by acclaimed Gibraltarian artist Christian Hook. Hook, a Freeman of the City becomes the seventh artist represented at the Gallery. His works will be displayed at Gibraltar’s National Gallery, alongside; Mario Finlayson, Gustavo Bacarisas, Elio Cruz, Jacobo Azagury, Rudesindo Mannia and Leni Mifsud.

To celebrate this significant anniversary, GCS will host two fireside chats chaired by journalist and broadcaster Alice Mascarenhas. These will take place on Thursday 5th June focusing on the Legacy of Mario Finlayson, and on Wednesday 11th June celebrating the art of Gustavo Bacarisas, both at the City Hall at 6:30pm. The talks will offer an intimate insight into the contributions of these inspirational local artists, whose work continues to influence Gibraltar’s cultural narrative. Tickets for the talks are available on buytickets.gi with the sessions offering opportunity for reflection and discussion.

In addition, the Gallery will also take part in Calentita Night, Gibraltar’s annual food and cultural festival, on Friday 20th June with a special late-night opening from 7pm to 10pm. This will offer an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the new curation in a relaxed and festive atmosphere and visit the gift shop too. Furthermore, on Saturday 5th July, families are invited to a Family Open Day featuring storytelling sessions and children’s life drawing workshops, aiming to make the Gallery more accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Tickets for these sessions are also available on buytickets.gi

Further educational initiatives include a series of school workshops exploring street art and postcard-making, reflecting the Gallery’s renewed commitment to outreach and art education. Enhanced visitor experiences are also on the horizon, with upgraded resources for children, new QR codes offering expanded artwork information, and a revamped Gift Shop. GCS extends its thanks to the public for their understanding during the temporary closure and invites everyone to join in the celebrations marking a decade of Gibraltar’s artistic heritage.

(SFA) Communications Update 13 May 25: Business from Home - update

Applications to run a Business from Home in your Service Family Accommodation (SFA) were paused in January 2025, to allow a review of the policy and associated processes to take place.

This review has now been completed, and DIO is able to confirm that the processing of applications to run a Business from Home has resumed with immediate effect. The existing guidance and application form for running a Business from Home is available here.

DIO is working with Pinnacle to finalise some adjustments to the application process, form and policy. Once these changes are finalised, the policy will be updated and shared on the Pinnacle website in the near future. 

Under the changes, those operating a Business from Home can expect to receive better and clearer communication from a named Housing Officer who can help answer their specific housing related queries.

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business

 

“Research tells us that military personnel are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as non-military civilians. A culture of self-sufficiency and not admitting ‘weakness’ still exists, which is a potential barrier to accessing support.” Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS

Those working on the frontline with vulnerable veterans know this challenge all too well. It’s why the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) has made this a key priority in their Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme (EVPS), awarding over £1.5 million to 18 projects that are driving real change in veteran suicide prevention. 

PAPYRUS is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Speaking about their EPVS funded bespoke training project, Ged explains: “Veterans may not want to engage with civilian mental health services as they feel it won’t cater for their military experiences.

“We know alienation from civilian life is a large driver of suicide ideation and no veteran deserves to be alone with thoughts of taking their own life.”

Forces Employment Charity: Heropreneurs Awards nominations close on 10 Jun 25

Do you know someone in the military community who deserves recognition for their entrepreneurial achievements?

The Heropreneurs Awards celebrate the exceptional talent and entrepreneurial spirit within the military community. With four categories still open, now is the time to nominate yourself, a friend or a family member for one of these prestigious awards.

 

Don’t miss your chance to recognise the exceptional contributions of the military community! Nominations close on 10 June 2025.  

To view the latest update on award nominations, and how to nominate, please click HERE

Gibraltar Summer Nights 2025

Summer Nights 2025 will host six free-entry events around Gibraltar: Eastern Beach, Casemates Square, Camp Bay, and Ocean Village.

 

A statement from The Bandoleros follows below:

 

Get ready for an unforgettable summer as Summer Nights 2025 brings six spectacular, free-entry events to Gibraltar’s most iconic venues: Eastern Beach, Casemates Square, Camp Bay, and Ocean Village. Produced by Fresh Pro AVL for Gibraltar Cultural Services and organised by The Bandoleros, this vibrant programme, sponsored by Bland Group, promises live music, dance, food stalls, and family-friendly fun under the summer sun. 

 

Summer Nights 2025 Programme: 

Little Troopers reunites military families in first-of-its-kind family reconnection weekend

Credit to Paul Brewer Photography

Military families were reunited this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, kicked off the first of their “All Together” family reconnection weekends. 

 

In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces. 

 

The charity hosted its first weekend this week in Portland, Dorset, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the Portland Outdoor Centre in Castletown. 

Families arrived on Friday (2nd May), kicking off the weekend by spending time together over a beautiful sunset on the beach and drinking hot chocolates.  

Credit to Paul Brewer Photography

Frontfoot Jobs: Engineering job opportunities open nationwide

Frontfoot Jobs are pleased to announce that they now have engineering job opportunities open nationwide. 

 

Please visit their website for more details : https://www.frontfoot.life/jobs and any questions please get in touch with admin@frontfoot.jobs

National Stop Loan Sharks week 2025 – 19 to 25 May

It can take time – sometimes months, even years – for someone to reach out for help with a loan shark debt. 

Stop Loan Sharks figures show some borrowers waited for around four years before seeking support.  But it’s worth it when they do.

These are real words from borrowers who took that brave first step and reached out to Stop Loan Sharks for help:

“It feels like a massive weight has been lifted.” 

“You just understand and haven’t been judgemental.” 

“After reporting you came back really quickly which put my mind at rest.” 

“The person on the hotline created an immediate bond with me. I feel so much better.” 

The Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7. No call centres. No scripts. Just real people who care.

 

Call in confidence on 0300 555 2222

· Text or WhatsApp on 07860 022116

· Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

· Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk  where you will find a reporting form and a Live Chat option, available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

 

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations UK-wide - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

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

GFIE 433 – HMRC Field Collections Team - Debt Collector (Multiple Locations)

30 posts in England, Wales (Bilingual required), Scotland and Northern Ireland

Closing Date: 4 Jun 2025

Job Description Click to open     

​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)

 

 

Gov.uk News Update: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network

Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system announced 5 May, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

 

To read the news update in full, please go to: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

 The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced their Free from Fear Programme is once again accepting applications for funding.

In 2024/25 the Trust awarded over £1M to seven major projects under their Free from Fear programme which seeks to address and prevent domestic abuse within serving armed forces communities.

 

The programme is seeking applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.

 

• Effective measures are delivered to prevent incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities and these address emerging and current challenges.
• Clear routes are provided which enable victim-survivors from armed forces communities to access effective support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
• Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.

 

Grants of £75,000 to £150,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.

 

Why is the Trust running this programme for a second year?

 

Domestic abuse happens in all cultures and social groups. Research by Kings College London (KCL), jointly funded by the MOD, found increased prevalence of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) in armed forces communities compared to the general population.

 

Collectively, the projects supported under Free from Fear last year cover many aspects of much needed support and awareness of this issue. From a UK-wide helpline, work to spot the early signs of abuse, development of training programmes, addressing behaviour change, developing support networks for victim-survivors, and ultimately creating and maintaining strong links within communities, the military and beyond.

 

What’s new for 2025/26?

 

This year, the Trust has widened eligibility to apply for this funding, and is now accepting applications from:

• registered charities and CICs with recent, relevant experience in the field of domestic abuse
• local authorities
• NHS bodies
• armed forces units/bases.

 

Full eligibility guidance is available on their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

 

Chief Executive of the Trust, Anna Wright said: “In the light of the success of the Free from Fear Programme last year, it feels right that we seek to make further impact in support of those living with or in fear of domestic abuse. We’ve widened our eligibility this year to include NHS bodies and local authorities and look forward to receiving a rich portfolio of potential work to target this issue.”

 

Find out more

 

The Trust’s Free from Fear programme page has full details about this important programme, including how to apply. You can also read about the projects awarded funding under this programme last year.

 

Application deadline is 2 July 2025.

 

Are you on the mailing list?

 

Did you know the Trust have a newsletter? Get the latest updates and news straight to your inbox via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

 

Quest Magazine – May Edition

To read this issue (and previous editions) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/pages/magazine-archive

 

 

Defence Children Services (DCS) Attendance Week 2025: Celebrating School Attendance, Achievement and Educational Opportunities Available to Service Children

Defence Children Services (DCS) are thrilled to announce DCS Attendance Week 2025, which will take place from the 19^th to the 23^rd May 2025. The week will showcase the incredible educational opportunities available to Service Children, whilst emphasising the importance of fostering partnerships among communities, schools, students, and families.

Service Children are excelling in their educational journey, embracing diverse opportunities to learn in schools across the globe. Despite the challenges of high mobility rates that can lead to educational gaps, DCS are proud to highlight the remarkable attendance rates in educational facilities within Host Nations worldwide, and in DCS Schools and Settings, whose attendance is consistently above the UK national average. 

In collaboration with the Education Welfare Service, DCS Schools and Settings are championing the significance of education for all Service Children overseas. They aim to raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities accessible to Service Children and address the issues and trends that may impact their attendance and achievement. 

Join us in supporting this vital campaign by sharing this article, advocating for school attendance in your community, and fostering a positive dialogue about education, attendance, and attainment. Together, let's ensure every Service Child receives the best educational experience possible.

#DefenceChildrenServices #DCSAttendanceWeek2025

For more information about the services provided by DCS, please visit their website.

 

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

Fifteen projects have been awarded a share of almost £800,000 in grants to empower partners and spouses of serving personnel by opening opportunities to upskilling and exploring new work solutions - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund. 

The projects will also provide tools. Resources and training to support partners move into a job or a career change, and to build easier access to wellbeing support as part of the Fund's Supporting Partners programme. 

Anna Wright, CEO of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, said: "This award will provide vital support for service spouses and partners, helping them build resilience, connect with others, and navigate the challenges of military family life. It also opens new opportunities, offering practical guidance and wellbeing activities, to create a stronger, more confident community.”

Family Action Job Opportunity: Social Media Manager, Full Time, Home-based

 

 

Family Action Social Media Manager, Permanent, UK Remote, Full Time, £36,842 to £41,106 FTE per annum

 

A great opportunity to lead Family Action’s social media and manage a team of two Social Media Executives, driving brand awareness, income generation and service marketing whilst also providing strategic insight around wider external engagement activity. Closing date 1st June. 

 

 

DIO Families First Newsletter for SFA Occupants – 1 May Edition

  

Link to read online: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/latest-news-for-families/

 

Milspo Thrive, 13th May, a FREE ONLINE summit designed to help Military spouses and partners grow a business that works for them

 

Are you a military spouse or partner running a business (or dreaming of starting one)?

Join us on 13 May for Milspo Thrive – a FREE ONLINE summit designed to help you grow a business that works for you, wherever military life takes you.

✨ Hear from expert speakers
🤝 Connect with fellow military spouse business owners
📈 Walk away with practical tools and fresh inspiration

Join the waitlist: www.milspo.co.uk/milspothrive2025

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Support for families serving overseas

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded over £600,000 to support families serving overseas.

According to UK defence personnel statistics up to April 2024, around 5,700 armed forces personnel were stationed overseas. While the majority (66%) were posted within Europe, other key regions included North America, North Africa and the Middle East, and Asia.

Following the Trust’s own research and consultation, they launched the Supporting Service Families Overseas Programme. Now, they have awarded nine projects a share of £127,642, with funding making its way to Spain, the Middle East, Cyprus, Belgium, Italy and more!

The projects funded in this round represent a range of support for the whole family. From support for those who have experienced, or are at risk of, domestic violence, to emotional health support for adults and children to help strengthen relationships while overseas.

Give Us Time - new respite breaks available!

Give Us Time’s latest news article:

 

We are absolutely thrilled to have a new set of donations for 2025 from Meadow Bay Villages!

 

We have 20 breaks available in June, September and October at Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, and Hayling Island Holiday Park, near Portsmouth. That’s 10 breaks at each park, all running Monday to Friday!

 

This is Meadow Bay’s second year donating to Give Us Time and we’re delighted to have their ongoing support for our Forces families.

 

Nikki Rathie, Holidays Director, Meadow Bay Villages, said "At Meadow Bay, we believe in the power of time well spent—especially for those who give so much of theirs in service to others. Donating midweek breaks to Give Us Time is our way of saying thank you to military families, offering them a chance to reconnect, recharge, and make lasting memories in the peaceful surroundings of our parks. It’s a small gesture, but one filled with immense gratitude."

 

Alex Youngs, Operations Director, Give Us Time, said, “We are honoured and grateful to receive another generous donation from Meadow Bay. Thanks to their generosity, we are able to help more families get away to rest, reconnect and strengthen the bonds that are so essential to our wellbeing."

 

For more info, please email enquiries@giveustime.org.uk

DIO SFA Communications Update: An introduction to the Defence Homes website

DIO has launched a new website called Defence Homes for Service personnel and their families, as part of our commitment to enhance the overall SFA experience.

The Defence Homes site hosts the latest SFA information and updates, and has now replaced the Service Family Accommodation pages on GOV.UK.

The Defence Homes site is a helpful and improved source of information and support for your SFA queries. Features on the new site include: 

• SFA news – helping you easily access the latest Families First newsletter
• Events within your local community – sign up to a SFA Roadshow
• Find out who’s who – read more about the teams who are here to support you
• Information and guidance – to support you throughout your time in SFA, such as requesting a repair or reporting an issue 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £300K awarded to enhance Early Years provision for Service families

Over £300K awarded to enhance Early Years provision for Service families

Ten projects by nurseries and childcare settings across the UK have been awarded a share of £300,000 in grants to help forces families access early years education - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund. 

The projects, which will also provide development and upskilling opportunities for early years staff, will work to further improve educational experiences for young children from service families as part of the Fund's Early Years programme. 

“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme. These projects and the meaningful change the funding will create, allows the organisations to enhance their services to mitigate the challenges faced by young Service children and their families, due to military life” - Debra Barton, Early Years Specialist Lead, Ministry of Defence.