Army&You – Autumn 2025 by TylerBale Communications

When your loved one leaves the Forces, life shifts for you as well. The routine, the structure, even the community –it all changes. Whatever challenges you might face, Help for Heroes is here for you. Whether for mental health support, financial guidance or help finding your new community.

We’re here for you, whenever you might need us. helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help

Editor

editor@aff.org.uk // 01264 554004

Housing housingsupport@aff.org.uk

Money & Allowances✪ moneysupport@aff.org.uk

Foreign & Commonwealth fcsupport@aff.org.uk

Education & Childcare educationsupport@aff.org.uk

Health & Additional needs healthsupport@aff.org.uk

Employment & Training✪ employment@aff.org.uk

Regions

Devolved Nations contact@aff.org.uk

England contact@aff.org.uk

Overseas overseassupport@aff.org.uk

Overseas opportunities

While army families face unique challenges in many areas of their lives, overseas assignments can add an extra layer of complexity into the mix.

Although spouses and partners can find it difficult to get a job overseas, and there can be concerns about children’s education and ensuring your healthcare needs can be met, there are also many opportunities that come with an overseas assignment and the chance to experience a different language and culture.

In this edition we turn the spotlight on overseas assignments and explore the resources out there to help you navigate your way to your next location.

In our feature on pages 12 to 14 we talk to army families about their experiences of being posted overseas and the importance of doing your homework before you set foot on foreign soil.

We turn to money matters on pages 36-37 and focus on what overseas allowances you can claim, including the trial of the new Global Mobility Allowance, which is available in certain locations.

When it comes to housing, properties overseas are privately sourced, so we speak to the European Support Group

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DELIVERY

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on page 25 about how you get housing and essential need-to-know information, plus we outline a few of the perks.

It’s the time of year when older teenagers start thinking about university applications –we explore how student funding works for children from military families on page 48.

We have a postcard from Cyprus on page 28 and speak to families about the effects of separation and deployment on pages 40-41.

There are some inspiring stories in our Dandelions section for military children on pages 68 and 69. If you’d like to tell us about a project involving service children and young people or your youngster would like to feature in a future edition, just get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk

Finally, you could win some great prizes in our giveaways, including a day trip on a canal boat, on pages 71 and 73. A

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PUBLISHER

Army&You is published by TylerBale Communications on behalf of the Army Families Federation. Editorial content © AFF. Not to be reproduced without permission. tylerbale.co.uk. Design by Wroxy Meredith

AFF

Army Families Federation is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales with registered charity number 1176393 and a charity registered in Scotland with registered charity number SC048282. Principal office: IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 6, Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ.

COMPETITIONS

To enter, visit armyandyou.co.uk One entry per household per giveaway. Full T&Cs on the website. Closing date is 16 November 2025 unless otherwise stated.

LACK OF INFO

From the evidence gathering work that we do, we know that a key struggle for families can be access to up-todate, accurate and honest information about overseas locations, which makes the decision on whether or not to go more difficult. All the information you provide

us about your experiences overseas has enabled us to highlight these to the army, MOD and key charity funders to demonstrate some of the disadvantages that service personnel and families may experience.

FOUR-YEAR PROGRAMME

Through this work, AFF was delighted to be awarded a grant of £500,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to deliver a four-year programme, Valuing Forces Families Overseas (VFFO), in partnership with the Naval Families Federation and the RAF Families Federation. The tri-service programme consists of projects that will support the cycle of overseas assignments.

Although we like to consider ourselves experts on many aspects of service life overseas, we’re always keen to learn more! Therefore the first project launched this summer was a research project, which aims to discover hidden need among our community and pinpoint where support is most needed. It is hoped that the findings will inform the VFFO projects and improve them to help us better support you.

Wherever you are in the world, AFF is here to support you.

However, we can’t do this without your help; keep an eye on our social media to find out how you can get involved.

PRE-DEPLOYMENT BRIEFS

Another VFFO project recently launched is our pre-deployment briefs – virtual tools which will help with decision-making on whether your life is compatible with a particular overseas location. For example, what’s the housing and healthcare like? Is there 16+ schooling? Will I be able to work?

Through interactive webinars, the overseas teams from the three families federations will provide virtual support to those contemplating overseas life.

Looking forward into 2026, VFFO will also be launching two additional projects, one that focuses on spousal and partner employment overseas, and another which provides a tri-service website containing information about different assignments around the world.

We’re really excited to be delivering this programme, and wherever you are in the world, AFF is here to support you. A

INFOGR AFF ICS

Army Families Federation statistics

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions or issues get in touch at contact@aff.org.uk

Spotlight Your overseas life

Some of the key issues you asked us for advice on between April and June 2025 are listed below.

YOU ASKED US...

“The date for my overseas assignment has been brought forward. Can you expedite my wife’s Indefinite Leave to Remain application?”

“I am planning to accompany my spouse on her overseas assignment. Please can you provide me with some advice regarding the employment opportunities in Cyprus?”

“I’m due to start an overseas assignment. I would like to ship one car and drive the other, could you advise me as to whether the military allowances we receive would cover this?”

“We’re moving to Kenya. How do we book our removals?”

“How do I obtain my healthcare records from my time accompanying my spouse overseas?”

“We are looking at taking a posting abroad. Could you give us some more information about the education supportability process?”

PERCENTAGE OF ENQUIRER TYPES

46% OF ENQUIRIES CAME FROM A SERVING PERSON

TOP ISSUES FOR FAMILIES BY CATEGORY

● EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE: 4-11 childcare

● EMPLOYMENT: Job-seeking/employment overseas

● FAMILY LIFE: Postings

● F&C: Visa to enter the UK

● HEALTH & ADDITIONAL NEEDS: NHS provision and waiting lists

● HOUSING: Allocation and entitlement

● MONEY: Military allowances

ENQUIRY SUB-CATEGORIES TOP 3

● Visa to enter the UK

● Visa extension/ switching

● Citizenship

● Overseas employment THEMES TOP 3

● Relationship breakdown

● Immigration white paper announcement

26% OF ENQUIRIES CAME FROM THE SPOUSE/PARTNER OF A SERVING PERSON

5% CAME FROM WELFARE SUPPORT TEAMS

AFF IN ACTION

#AFFoutandabout

AFF HEADS PITCH-SIDE

In recent months, AFF has forged links with Army Sport and has been able to attend many major service sporting events this summer to spread the word about our work to a wider audience.

Staff set up the AFF stand at the RAF vs Army rugby match at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester and were able to celebrate the army’s victory in the final Inter Service clash of 2025 as well as speak to members of the army community about what support we can offer.

We also headed to the Armed Forces T20 Cricket Day at Lord’s. The tournament saw the three services battle it out to decide who would be UKAF InterService T20 Champion and was won by the RAF.

On a very hot day in Tidworth, we were able to chat to families and celebrate as the army beat the Royal Navy at The Rundle Cup polo match. It was great to meet so many families, organisations and charities on the day, including Caroline Crewe-Read from the Army Central Fund, one of AFF’s main funders.

We are looking forward to attending more sporting events in 2026 – we hope to see you there.

For Army Sport events, see britisharmysport.com

#AFFwin EVISA ISSUES RESOLVED

After being contacted by veterans and families having problems proving their settled status, the AFF F&C team realised that instead of the status on the eVisa saying ‘settled’ it was stating ‘armed forces’. One spouse was being denied a mortgage application and two veterans were being told they didn’t qualify for social housing.

The issue was raised to the Home Office who agreed to arrange for these individual cases to be changed in the short term. A permanent update to the system will take longer to implement but anybody experiencing a similar problem should contact f&csupport@ aff.org.uk

A number of spouses also contacted AFF saying they couldn’t access their eVisa or that the dates of expiry were incorrect. As a result some of them were unable to work and one spouse had been charged for NHS treatment.

We identified that they had had a correction made to their initial grant of leave but the corrections had not transferred to the eVisa. After trying to raise this through the usual contacts, the team contacted the Immigration Law Practitioners Association. ILPA was able to raise the issue and a week later all of the cases were resolved. If you are having issues with your eVisa, please contact us.

The AFF team at Lord’s

Above: Carole, Emma and Paddy of AFF with Caroline Crewe-Read of Army Central Fund

Carole at The Rundle Cup

The Rundle Cup in Tidworth

AFF Chief Executive Collette Musgrave with Lt Gen James Bashall CB, CBE and CEO of the Forces Employment Charity Alistair Halliday

Carole at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester

#AFFoutandabout

SERVICEWOMEN SHOWCASED

AFF recently attended the Army Servicewomen’s Network (ASN) Conference, bringing together serving women to celebrate success and promote future change.

With the day focused on servicewomen’s contribution to fighting power, the Chief of the General Staff (CGS) Gen Sir Roly Walker spoke about future global challenges, noting that “war doesn’t distinguish on gender or competence, talent is talent – gender is not an issue”. He said: “The army is incredibly proud of women in rank and committed to supporting you in a career of choice.”

CGS thanked the network for its 10 years’ commitment. He recognised that courage is still required to tackle unacceptable behaviours and that additional resources are required to improve equipment and training for servicewomen.

The event was a chance to hear about

#AFFoutandabout

GETTING TOGETHER

AFF Devolved Nations Manager, Emma Perrin, joined other members of The Confederation of Service Charities (COBSEO) in Northern Ireland recently.

The visit provided a better understanding of the new set-up in the area following the standing down of the Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office (NIVSO), and helped to facilitate ongoing co-ordination and collaboration across the military charity sector.

progress of the army’s plan for improving organisational culture to be more inclusive. There were also briefs from experts on advancements in health and nutrition, Woman in Defence mentoring programmes and new welfare support services.

During the event the AFF stand was busy but we are still keen to gain further evidence on how we can better support servicewomen. Scan the QR code to answer a short survey to help us find out about areas of need.

#AFFoutandabout

GURKHA VISIT

AFF Manager England Carole Rudd travelled to Kent to visit the 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles at Sir John Moore Barracks to welcome them back from Brunei and deliver a presentation on what AFF can do to support their return.

Afterwards, she chatted to serving personnel and their families and met the commanding officer, welfare officer and regimental admin team, as well as staff from Pinnacle, VIVO and the Army Welfare Service.

AFF Overseas Manager Esther Thomas also visited 2RGR ahead of their move to Brunei this summer. Families were able to attend presentations from Unit Welfare Officer, Gurkha Major Dillinger Rai and the commanding officer.

Above: Emma, back, second in from right, with COBSEO chair Kate McCullough, front, second in from right, and members in Northern Ireland

The overseas dream?

The chance to live overseas is an exciting opportunity but there’s a lot to think about before moving abroad. Jill Misson reports…

“BEING able to experience a country and culture that is completely different to your own is a fabulous learning experience,” says AFF’s Head of Policy Rachel Smith. Army spouse Keeleigh agrees: “I would never have visited Germany or Belgium if it wasn’t for our postings and now both have a special place in our hearts.” The weather may be better than the UK too. Louise, a spouse living in Cyprus, says: “We love it here! Blue skies and sunshine do wonders for your mood.”

However, more families are deciding against an overseas posting for various reasons including education, employment and financial concerns.

Around 5,700 armed forces personnel are stationed overseas, according to UK Defence statistics up to April 2024. While the majority (66

per cent) were posted within Europe, other key regions include North America, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Research is key

AFF has seen an increase in families approaching its Overseas team earlier, but many don’t start their research until after accepting an assignment. Overseas Manager Esther Thomas says: “Start early and think about what stage of life family members will be at and how this may impact them, both while you are away and when you are assigned back to the UK or onto another overseas location.

“It’s never too late to say no to an overseas assignment or to consider a temporary married unaccompanied period if the service person needs to go for career development.”

“I would never have visited Germany or Belgium if it wasn’t for

our

postings and now both have a special place in our hearts.”

Rebecca and her family at the Grand Canyon

Keeleigh and family

Sourcing schooling

Finding out whether appropriate schooling is available is a key concern for parents. Anna Hutchinson, AFF Education and Childcare Specialist, says: “We always advise the service person to contact the Overseas Education Supportability Team with any questions before accepting an assignment to check the suitability of a location.”

The team also co-ordinates the educational supportability assessment process for children with special educational needs and children doing elective home education. Defence Children Services (DCS) runs 21 schools and early years settings overseas, but in many locations children attend local state schools, independent schools or international schools.

Army spouse Rebecca took her children out of UK schooling for a posting in the US. She says: “It was nervewracking trying to work out whether we had made the right choice, but it turned out to be the best thing we have done, and they have flourished. They made friends wherever they went, saw things we had only dreamt of at their age, and have returned more confident, social and adventurous.”

Rebecca encouraged home learning using resources such as BBC Bitesize and moved her children up a grade so that they were in line with the British curriculum. She says: “It meant they were in a class with children a year older, but they did brilliantly.”

Home in on health

It’s vital to ensure the healthcare needs of your family can be met in the overseas location. Keeleigh, who was pregnant with twins in Germany, says: “I had severe complications during pregnancy, which was very scary as a young newlywed overseas. But we were

fortunate that the healthcare was excellent and the regiment was supportive, so both myself and the babies were well looked after.”

Countries have different confinement policies so this must be considered if the nonserving partner is expecting a baby or you’re thinking about starting a family

Housing differences

Every location has a different housing offer and how to apply can vary too. AFF Housing Specialist Cat Calder says: “The rule of thumb for overseas housing is that you only get offered one option with no choice. Where Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is available in the permanent joint operating bases you may find photos and floorplans of generic options. However, in other more remote locations, which rely on locally hired accommodation, this may not be possible because they operate on a one-in one-out basis with few voids so options may not be known until the last minute.”

A pilot scheme in Cyprus and the Falklands giving couples in established long-term

relationships entitlement to SFA has been well-received. But a lack of awareness that this accommodation offer is not available in all overseas locations has caused some last-minute issues with potential postings.

Cat says: “Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027 and will include BATUS (Canada) and some Global Defence Network sites.”

Career concerns

Many spouses and partners are concerned about how an overseas posting will affect their career. Rachel Smith says: “The AFF Spouse and Partner Employment survey in 2024 showed that 61 per cent of respondents looking for employment overseas were unable to gain employment, compared with the UK figure at 20 per cent. This means that going overseas needs careful consideration, especially if the non-

serving partner or spouse earns more. There are also unique taxation and eligibility criteria for each country, which could make it difficult to gain employment for spouses and partners.”

Lucy and her husband had a posting in the USA as a couple, but they are now going back as a family of five. She says: “The positive part of this assignment compared to our previous time is that I am allowed to work, although I can’t apply for my work permit until I’m in-country. Luckily, I have a social security number already, which will speed up the process. HMRC is helpful when it comes to tax status and where you have to pay taxes, so my advice would be to give them a call ahead of time.”

Like many families planning for an overseas posting, Lucy has been frustrated by the process. She says: “Spouses are largely still excluded from any of the actual nuts and bolts of making things happen, which has meant a lot of extra admin for my husband, which it would have been nice to share.”

“We love it here! Blue skies and sunshine do wonders for your mood.”

Louise and family

Her solution was to book a flight at her own expense to get answers to some key questions. She explains: “I could walk around neighbourhoods, visit schools and ask questions directly. My advice to anyone in a similar situation would be to do the same thing if you’re in a position to afford it. It brings the benefit of being able to talk to the kids about what it’s going to be like and prepare them emotionally for what is a pretty big upheaval.” Lucy also recommends joining a local Facebook group so you can ask questions.

To enable army families to make informed decisions about whether to accept a posting and to have the best possible experience, AFF works with the chain of command, other stakeholders and organisations to ensure information provided about overseas locations is relevant and up to date.

Overseas projects

A £500,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has been awarded to AFF to deliver a portfolio of projects, in partnership with the Naval Families Federation and the RAF Families Federation, that meet the specific needs of serving personnel and their families before, during and after overseas postings. This follows overwhelming evidence from a public consultation by the trust that serving personnel and families overseas had unique needs that were not being met, and as a result were suffering disadvantage.

A recent decision by the MOD to provide the overseas rate of Disturbance Allowance for those coming back from overseas postings has been welcomed by AFF. Rachel explains: “Families have been raising their concerns to us over a number of years about the increased costs they have been facing when returning to the UK.”

Alice and her husband are beginning their second posting in Brunei but this time they have a toddler in tow. She says: “The first time I was new to army life and it took me a while to get used to such a different culture and climate, as well as being so far from family and friends. But by the time we left we were really sad to say goodbye.

“Going to community events or groups, even when it felt a bit out of my comfort zone, helped with getting to know people and feeling more at home. This time I want to make the most of it from

the get-go, because there is so much to enjoy and it’s an adventure we might not get to experience again.” A

“The first time I was new to army life and it took me a while to get used to such a different culture and climate, as well as being so far from family and friends. But by the time we left we were really sad to say goodbye.”

Alice and family

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EMOTIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT OVERSEAS

The NHS team behind the Solihull Approach, a provider of online learning focused on children’s emotional health and wellbeing, has partnered with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity to increase access to emotional health support for the military community overseas.

Through this collaboration, SSAFA’s Community Health Team (SSAFA CHT), which is based in Cyprus, has funded a multi-user licence, enabling all of its overseas families to access a comprehensive range of online learning and resources on inourplace. co.uk

Designed to support parents at every stage of their journey, from pregnancy to adolescence, the courses

help parents to better understand their child’s brain development, decode their behaviours, and develop nurturing relationships.

The licence complements the community health services delivered by the SSAFA CHT around the world, from BATUS in Canada to Brunei and many points in between.

To access the courses, families can visit inourplace. co.uk and follow the registration process inputting the access code MILITARY. Online courses are designed to be accessed anytime, anywhere and are completely private and personal to the family.

For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk

GRANTS FOR SERVICE FAMILIES

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is running a grant programme which aims to support newly relocated service families, encouraging connection and strengthening family relationships.

The Serving Families: On the Move programme, under the Armed Forces Families Covenant Fund, is offering grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 for 12-month projects which will achieve one or more of the following:

● Families in a new posting have more accessible information to support them to settle in;

● Newly arrived families report improved wellbeing by being introduced to and connected with activities provided in their new area;

● Fewer newly arrived

SAFEGUARD AGAINST PROPERTY FRAUD

Homeowners in the military are being encouraged to sign up to a HM Land Registry scheme that alerts them if fraudsters attempt to take ownership of their property.

Property Alert is a free service that allows subscribers to monitor significant activity on a property, such as an application to change someone’s name in the register or take out a mortgage.

Alerts can be created for up to ten properties, giving information about applications, when they were made and who the applicants are.

Go to gov.uk/guidance/property-alert to sign up.

EVISA TRAVEL RULE CHANGE

Expired biometric residence permits (BRPs) can no longer be used to travel to the UK.

You will need an eVisa if you’re on an overseas assignment and you’ve previously been resident in the UK.

and relocated service families report feeling isolated and more service families say they have effective support networks;

● Families feel more able to navigate the challenges of relocation, because their relationships are stronger.

The trust is inviting applications from registered charities, community interest companies, armed forces units and bases and local authorities. The next deadline for applications is 12pm on 17 December 2025.

For more, see covenantfund.org.uk

Before travelling you should set up access to your eVisa by creating a UKVI account if you have not done it already, and make sure your current travel

ONE IN A MILLION APPEAL

A holiday centre that has offered discounted seaside breaks to generations of serving military personnel, veterans and emergency service workers has launched a £1 million appeal to restore its Grade II listed building. As well as providing accommodation, Kitchener’s

TRANSITION GUIDE

John Stephenson’s book, The Making of a Hunter, is a useful guide for those leaving the armed forces. John, who left the army in 2017 as a regimental sergeant major, uses his years of experience to explore the elements needed to successfully move to civvy street. The book helps readers understand what it takes to craft a standout CV, effectively

document is linked to your UKVI account. You should also get a share code before you travel as you may be asked for one. See the Foreign & Commonwealth pages at aff.org.uk for guidance. If you have problems creating an eVisa you can email fcsupport@aff.org.uk for help.

Lowestoft in Suffolk, which started life as a convalescent home for First World War veterans, offers a monthly Friday drop-in and hosts an Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club. Go to kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk to find out more.

prepare for an interview, know how to network, and identify the skills, qualities and experience needed to land the right role. “I had a great career, but I left very poorly. I wanted to share, so that others can use my bad experience and turn it into a positive experience,” says John. maddisonhousepress.co.uk

NEWSY SNIPPETS ABOUT ARMY FAMILY LIFE

REPORT ON PARTNERS’ LIFESTYLE

A new report has highlighted the complex ways in which military life can influence service partners’ alcohol use and other lifestyle behaviours.

The research, by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR), King’s College London, used diaries and interviews with mostly female partners of men who were serving, or had served, in the UK armed forces to better understand what influenced their alcohol use.

This FiMT-funded study set out to identify the factors affecting the alcohol use of military and veteran partners. Participants highlighted pressures that

GUARANTEED INTERVIEWS

Landmarc Support Services has extended its guaranteed interview scheme to include the spouses, civil partners and long-term cohabiting partners of serving armed forces personnel.

Landmarc has offered guaranteed interviews to veterans and reservists since 2020. This latest step ensures those who meet the basic role criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Influences on alcohol and lifestyle behaviours among partners of UK (ex-)military personnel

included the impact of uncertainty over future plans, managing stress or boredom, and saving drinking for social occasions with friends or military events, or the return of their serving partner at the weekends.

Researchers then conducted a review to identify alcohol support programmes available to the partners of military and ex-military personnel but no such programmes were identified.

To read the full report, go to fim-trust.org

The expansion recognises the valuable contribution of military families and the transferable skills, adaptability and resilience that partners and spouses bring to the workplace.

Mark Neill, Managing Director of Landmarc, said: “Service personnel often possess the qualities we value

MAKE FRIENDS THROUGH BOOKS

Are you a military spouse or partner who is on the move? Join Reading Force in Aldershot and Tidworth to meet new friends, find out about your new local area and enjoy a great read!

With funding from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the charity is delighted to participate in its Serving Families: On the Move programme.

Its co-ordinators in Tidworth and Aldershot are hosting book club sessions for spouses and partners to connect in a supportive community and Reading Force supplies the books! Each session

at Landmarc and their partners and spouses are no different. By extending our scheme, we are removing a barrier to employment and creating greater access to opportunity.”

Landmarc is the industry partner to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) on the UK Defence training estate, supporting training activities for the armed forces.

Visit landmarcsolutions.com

runs for two hours and includes a 30-minute drop-in networking session to find out more about the area, an hour’s book club, then a 30-minute networking session. It’s a great opportunity to meet other spouses and partners who have also recently moved.

For more information email rf.bookclubinfo@gmail.com

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS AFF SUPPORT

Results of the 2025 tri-service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) show 81 per cent of army spouses and partners who used AFF in the past three years were satisfied with the help they were given.

And more than 74 per cent of them were aware of the organisation as a source of support.

Head of Policy Rachel Smith said: “AFF would like to thank all those who took part in this year’s survey as, along with our own evidence and data gathering, it helps us understand what’s working for army serving personnel and families, and what isn’t.

“Our teams work tirelessly to raise issues to the army, MOD and Government on behalf of every army family who needs our support, and we will continue to do this on your behalf to ensure that your voice is heard.”

The annual survey, which was only available online this year, showed a slight increase in satisfaction with the quality of life as a service family, up from 47 per cent last year to 52 per cent.

One area of improvement was satisfaction in the overall standard of SFA or SSFA which rose from 44 per cent in 2023 to 51 per cent. Satisfaction with the quality of maintenance and repairs rose from 21 to 33 per cent.

The survey covered spouses’ attitudes to a range of issues including healthcare, overseas life, the effect of service life on their careers, welfare and whether they felt valued by the service.

The full results can be seen at tinyurl.com/2025FamCAS

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Now it’s my time

As a military wife for 20 years, Angie Duffin spent her life putting other people first. Like many military spouses, she could suddenly be required to pack up all her worldly goods and change countries to follow her husband Tim to his latest posting, uprooting their four children in the process.

Despite Angie’s lifelong ambition of having a career in the NHS, she was never able to commit to that kind of job. Now, she has finally achieved her dream through the Volunteer To Career (VTC) scheme at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is about to start a paid role in pathology.

JUGGLING ACT

Originally from South Africa, Angie came to Britain in 2001 where she fell in love and married Tim. Fast forward a few years and with four children, Angie’s life became a balancing act between being a mum and supporting her husband’s military career. She managed to juggle work as a healthcare assistant, usually for private nursing homes and often working shifts. It was rewarding but it was never the career she really wanted.

“Life as a military wife is challenging. Your husband is away much of the time so for many women it is like being a single mum – you have to manage everything on your own. When you suddenly find yourself in a different country, knowing no one, it can be lonely and isolating.”

In 2019 Tim, a soldier with the Royal Engineers, left the army after 24 years of service. Settling as a family in Gloucester, Angie continued to work as a healthcare assistant while looking for work in the NHS. In October 2024 she signed up to volunteer one day a

week in the emergency department of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

“I was thrilled, my role was to relieve some of the pressure from the doctors and nurses by helping the patients with the softer side of things, chatting to them, making teas and coffees, making sure they understood what was going on. I loved it.”

A NEW PATH

In January 2025 a new opportunity came up and Angie was invited to apply for the innovative Volunteer To Career scheme – developed by national healthcare volunteering charity Helpforce – working in the trust’s pathology department.

“Our VTC co-ordinator Joanna called me in to talk about it as she knew I was interested in pathology and it offered me a pathway into a career,” said Angie.

Angie took to pathology like a duck to water and loved the new opportunity. By rotating around the different labs she got to see what went on in each area of the department.

“I can’t tell you the impact the VTC programme has had on my life. It’s been

a really big deal for me, it has been lifechanging,” said Angie.

“The pathology department is clearly the place where I belong. I’ve learnt so much by talking to people and watching what goes on.”

When a paid role as a Medical Laboratory Assistant came up Angie applied. She was overjoyed when she was not only offered the job but flexible hours to suit her lifestyle. As Tim is still away a great deal in his civilian role with the Halo Trust, Angie wants to spend her time with him when he is at home.

“I’ll be 50 this year and have spent the last 20 years as a healthcare assistant and military wife. This feels like a whole new chapter of my life: it’s time for me, for my career and my dreams. I’ve put everyone and everything else first for a long time – now it’s my turn.”

Scan the QR code for more information on Helpforce’s Volunteer To Career programme, which helps people from all walks of life transition from volunteer roles to permanent health careers. A

Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

Paul Carney, Chief of Staff, Pinnacle Service Families

AFTER more than 30 years in the British Army, culminating in my role as Army Sergeant Major, I’ve seen firsthand that our service personnel are the backbone of defence. But for them to stay focused on their mission and each other, we must look after their families like they are our own. They are the quiet strength behind every deployment, every challenge and every success.

Now, as Chief of Staff at Pinnacle Service Families, my mission continues – this time, to serve those who serve behind the scenes.

This isn’t just a job. It’s personal. I’ve lived the life. I’ve seen the strain of separation, the upheaval of constant moves and the quiet resilience of families holding it all together. Behind every soldier are loved ones juggling housing matters, school transitions and the challenges of settling into new communities – often without the recognition they deserve. At Pinnacle, we’re working to change that narrative.

One of our most significant steps forward has been elevating how our Housing Officers operate across the country, in line with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s Consumer Charter.

Housing Officers have taken part in collaborative roadshows, sharing best practices and learning from one another. They’ve also received a new handbook that clearly outlines their role and responsibilities, and are now easily recognisable on estates thanks to their

bright new uniforms – a visible sign of our commitment to being approachable and accessible.

We’ve also introduced new car signage so families can see when a Housing Officer is present. And we’ve expanded open office sessions and coffee mornings to make it easier for families to access support in a relaxed, approachable setting.

Why does visibility matter? Because housing isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about people. When families need support, they must know who to turn to. By making our Housing Officers more present and approachable, we’re building trust and turning housing support into meaningful human connection.

But housing is only part of the picture. Military life can be isolating, and community matters more than ever. That’s why we’re proud to have launched a new partnership with the Military Wives Choirs, teaming up to promote support networks that go beyond housing. These initiatives offer more than just activities – they create spaces for shared stories, lasting friendships and the kind of support that only comes from people who truly understand.

We’re also embedding Community Action Plans across our estates. These plans encourage our teams to roll up their sleeves and get involved – whether it’s joining a litter pick, helping at a family fun day, attending a choir practice or running a

housing surgery. It’s about being part of the community, not just serving it.

And the response? It’s been fantastic. Families tell us that small gestures – like joining a clean-up or chatting at a local event – make a big difference. They feel seen, heard and valued. That’s the kind of impact we’re striving for.

Reflecting on my time in uniform, one lesson stands out: no mission succeeds without teamwork. That principle still guides me today. At Pinnacle, we work shoulder to shoulder with the Chain of Command, welfare services, partner organisations, and most importantly, the families themselves.

We know the challenges are real. But so is our commitment. By raising the visibility of our Housing Officers, deepening community ties and supporting meaningful partnerships, we’re taking real steps to improve the everyday lives of Service families.

For me, this is more than a role – it’s a continuation of my life’s work. And it remains an absolute privilege.

Looking to find out who your local Housing Officer is? Visit www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/yourhousing-officer.

Need to report a repair in your home? Contact Pinnacle’s National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628.

Business from home update HUGE RESPONSE TO HOUSING CALL-OUT

In January 2025 DIO paused applications from those wishing to run a business from a service home so that it could conduct a review.

With the aim of better supporting applicants and making the process clearer, DIO reviewed the policy with the Chief of Defence People’s team and consulted the housing colonels and families federations. Applications were re-opened from May 2025 and those on hold during the interim period have been processed.

The revised guidelines are that:

● You must ask to run a business from home. This enables DIO to be aware of what businesses are operating, to ensure they are operating safely, and that families understand their responsibilities. Whilst there are still some types of business that cannot be run from SFA due to safety, security or consideration to neighbours, as landlord, DIO is now the single decision-making authority to ensure that there is a standard approach across the UK; previously if a unit was unsupportive, an application may not have progressed to DIO.

● Applications will be shared with local unit commanders to seek their input on any potential impact from running the business that may need to be considered before approving a request.

● You should be aware of the insurances that must be in place to operate safely, these will vary depending on the business. Examples of businesses that are not permitted remain unchanged, and include those that generate significant noise, traffic or need the installation of industrial machinery, car repairs or extensive modifications that would need planning permission.

● If you already run a business from home or are looking to apply to take on a new venture, your named Housing Officer can answer your housingrelated queries in the first instance. If there is any doubt about the nature of your business, whether it is compatible with your home, or if a complaint is received about the impact of your business within the local community, you may be visited by a Housing Officer.

Thousands of serving personnel and families responded to a questionnaire that will be used as evidence to help shape military housing for decades to come.

Commissioned by a review panel set up under the new Defence Housing Strategy, the survey was conducted to ensure your needs and preferences are better understood when it comes to decisions about the SFA estate.

AFF Housing Specialist Cat Calder, who is on the panel, said: “As AFF and the other families federations are evidence-based organisations, we wanted to ensure that the information going to the team accurately reflected their thoughts and so, led by AFF, a questionnaire was designed to capture the views of personnel and families.”

The questionnaire ran for three weeks in June and was filled in by more than 6,300 people. “This is an amazing response, so a huge thanks to all of you who took the time to complete it,” said Cat.

“The responses continue to be analysed and fed into the review team and AFF is pleased to see that so many of the things that are important to you, that you shared with us, are being considered within the recommendations which are due to be published in the near future.

● If you stop operating, you need to tell DIO so it’s aware of the number and nature of businesses being operated.

See pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/ in-home-requests for the revised process, digital form and more information. A

“It really is great news that your input is helping to shape the future of accommodation for generations to come.”

Those who left contact details may be approached in the future to help further. Keep an eye out on aff.org.uk for more information.

Earlier this year the Government announced measures to improve housing standards for all three services including raising the minimum standard of 1,000 homes, more reliable repairs and higher move-in standards. A

SFA in Catterick

Where stability meets opportunity

Stamford has a proud tradition of educating military families, ensuring stability and continuity of education from Year 5 through to A-Level.

•Military discounted fees.

•Our location in Stamford, voted the number one place to live in the UK, makes us accessible for many MOD establishments.

•Three boarding houses situated within Stamford.

•Pastoral care with a military family ethos.

•A thriving community of forces families.

•A broad range of academic and co-curricular opportunities.

Enquire today to visit us and view our boarding houseswww.stamfordschool.org.uk

New strategy for homes

As a result of a deal in January 2025 to buy back 36,000 SFA from Annington, a new Defence Housing Strategy Team was set up to review and propose changes to improve the current stock, build new quarters and improve the home ownership offer to service families.

Cat Calder, AFF Housing Specialist, was invited to be part of this process, representing the three families federations and ensuring that the voices of families and service personnel were included in the recommendations.

The review included the development of a new Consumer Charter, which includes the following:

● Improved information for families ahead of a move, including photographs and floor plans.

● More reliable repairs, and a new online portal for service personnel to manage these.

● Raising the minimum standard of forces family housing with a new programme of works targeted at the worst homes, with up to 1,000 refurbished.

● Clearer communication, including a named Housing Officer for every service family.

● A new, simpler complaints process, which will be backed by the new Armed Forces Commissioner.

● Modernised policies to allow more freedom for families to make improvements.

Animal lovers now only need to tell the Pinnacle National Service Centre that they have a pet rather than asking for written permission to share their service quarter with a furry friend.

Permission only needs to be sought when the number or type of pets

The assurance is that these improvements will be in place by the one-year anniversary of the announcement to buy back military homes.

The housing survey which ran in June was part of that consultation and thank you to those who took the time to complete it.

The charter will be part of a new Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, which will set out further plans to improve the standard of service family homes across the country.

WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE?

In June VIVO and Amey started to work to a new improved set of move-in standards which included:

● Hard flooring being used downstairs instead of carpet when replacement is needed.

● White paint inside homes.

● Vinyl flooring in all bathrooms,

WCs, kitchens and utility rooms if floor tiles or hard flooring are not already installed when replacement is needed.

● Allowing up to four picture hooks per room to be left at move-out without charges being incurred.

If you have moved over the summer you will hopefully have seen these improvements in your new home.

WHAT IS STILL TO COME?

Work is ongoing to get photos and floor plans in place for all SFA – this has started to filter through but not everyone will have seen these until the next occupancy cycle. By next summer all properties should have them so you can decide where your furniture will go!

MEET YOUR HOUSING OFFICER

The name and contact details of your Housing Officer are now on pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk so you can contact them directly if you have any issues. They also have a new uniform and branding on their cars – do stop and chat to them.

Houses to be refurbished as part of the planned initial 1,000 have been identified – if your home is part of this you will receive a letter with more information.

GET IN TOUCH

Hopefully you will start to see the benefits in the coming months. AFF would like to hear your thoughts – email housingsupport@aff.org.uk A

PET POLICY CHANGE

exceed the criteria on the pet notification form on the Pinnacle website, as this might affect your neighbours or have safety implications (for example, if your house guest is listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 or

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991).

The new form can be found at pinnacleservicefamilies. co.uk and gives further detail on the type of animals you may need to seek permission to have in your SFA. A

Home away from home

Moving house can be a big adventure, especially when that move takes your family across Europe! For members of the armed forces and their loved ones, the European Support Group (ESG) helps provide safe, comfortable homes overseas.

Tracy

Webb, Senior Housing Manager, explains more…

WHAT IS ESG?

ESG is part of DIO Accommodation and is based in Mons, Belgium, with teams across Europe. It oversees more than 1,600 properties in 18 countries.

Its job isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it includes ensuring the properties are in the right location and are of the right size. As well as allocating homes, ESG maintains them, handles repairs, makes sure utilities work properly, and ensures every property complies with host nation regulations (or UK, if higher, where practicable). For larger tasks, such as boiler replacements or repairing roofing, the landlord will be contacted to carry out the work.

HOW DO FAMILIES GET HOUSING IN EUROPE?

The housing process begins with an assignment order. From there, the steps look like this:

● Submit an AF 1132 housing request.

● Receive a provisional allocation (your authority to move). This is dependent on ESG receiving confirmation that you and your family are ‘supportable’.

● Book your move-in date.

● Move into your new home.

All properties overseas are privately sourced. The DIO Land Management Services (LMS) overseas team is a specialist arm of DIO which is responsible for sourcing properties, agreeing rental leases and liaising with landlords. ESG works closely with its LMS colleagues to deliver the best service for military personnel and their families.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

There are a few things to know before you start packing boxes:

● Only one offer of accommodation is made as housing overseas operates on a ‘one in, one out’ basis due to the limited availability of properties.

● Housing entitlement is different and those in long-term relationships are not currently supported in all overseas locations.

● Families with children over 18 who are not in education, employment or training may also see restrictions on their entitlement overseas and should seek advice.

● Housing won’t be assigned until your supportability clearance is complete.

● Living overseas may mean different rules from those you’re used to in the UK.

● Finding homes in some European markets can take time, and families might need to wait in the UK while suitable housing is found.

● Security and travel logistics are important parts of planning your overseas relocation.

WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF LIVING ABROAD?

Despite the challenges, many families find lots to love:

● Unique architecture and cultural experiences.

● Utility bills are often centralised, making budgeting easier.

● Support from local Estate and Housing Managers.

Even though homes may be located away from other British families or military patches, many enjoy the opportunity to live more locally and immerse themselves in new cultures. Homes are often part of the host nation’s community, sometimes far from military support services.

It’s important to remember that ESG doesn’t manage moving logistics, and removal dates might not always coincide with your move-in, especially during busy summer periods.

Retention of your home overseas is also not possible due to dependency status and immigration rules rather than housing policy. A

Above: Maintenance work carried out to SFA in Belgium. Image: Crown Copyright/MOD2020

A locally employed civilian working at a DAS store in Sennelager, Germany. Image: Crown Copyright/MOD2020

Brilliant. Belong.

Holmewood House is a leading co-educational Prep School, set within 32 acres of glorious grounds in Tunbridge Wells. Only 50 minutes by train from the centre of London with easy access to airports, Holmewood combines academic rigour with the superb facilities of a country prep in an outstanding family atmosphere.

With 80 years of boarding heritage, Holmewood House is trusted by a growing number of military families. At Holmewood, your child becomes part of a warm, vibrant boarding community. A true home from home, children feel a deep sense of belonging. Our experienced staff understand the unique challenges faced by military families, providing support for not just the child, but parents too.

But don’t just take our word for it, please come and visit and see for yourself.

• Families eligible for CEA will only pay 10% of our boarding fee

• Full, weekly and flexi boarding from Years 3 – 8 (ages 7 – 13) in our newly refurbished boarding house

• Door to door chaperone service for weekly boarders

• Consistently high academic standards and entry to leading independent senior schools

• Shortlisted for 2025 TES Awards in both the Prep School of the Year and Head of the Year categories

• Over 120 amazing co-curricular opportunities and exciting weekend programme

Discover how Holmewood House could be the right fit for your family admissions@holmewoodhouse.co.uk holmewoodhouse.co.uk

NEW OVERSEAS NETWORK

AFF Overseas Manager, Esther Thomas, has been following the development of a new organisation: the Integrated Global Defence Network (IGDN). What does this mean for the serving person and their families overseas?

THE CURRENT CHALLENGE

More than 8,500 military and civilian non-operational personnel and families are currently assigned to more than 100 overseas locations, supported via a range of different networks, many of which operate independently. For Defence this has resulted in missed opportunities to work collaboratively in an increasingly volatile and competitive world. For families, it has created inconsistencies with terms and conditions and the level of support they may receive.

AFF’s evidence suggests that being assigned overseas can be a confusing and frustrating process where finding information can require speaking to different organisations, whose advice can be contradictory. Many have struggled to interpret complex policies and procedures or determine what

allowances are available. Many serving personnel have reported feeling undervalued and disadvantaged.

Therefore AFF is pleased to learn that under IGDN all the networks will unite under one organisation with the aim of better co-ordination and a better offer to serving personnel and families.

work, and supports the priorities laid out in the Strategic Defence Review 2025.

HOW WILL THE IGDN HELP PERSONNEL?

It will look to professionalise the overseas experience and ensure more effective single service career management where employees are guided to develop specialist skills in a Defence diplomacy career stream.

HOW WILL THE IGDN HELP?

It will provide the platform through which all non-operational Defence activity is routed, establishing a single point of contact to co-ordinate cross-Defence and cross-Government customers. It also aims to modernise and invest in overseas estates where families live and

HOW WILL THE IGDN HELP FAMILIES OVERSEAS?

It will provide greater consistency by creating a bespoke set of overseasspecific policies to standardise issues such as allowances and welfare support.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

The IGDN team has already launched a digital portal to help personnel and families report issues and make requests, which is available via Defence Connect. AFF will continue to share updates as the IGDN unfolds. In the meantime, if you have questions or need support while assigned overseas, our Overseas team is here to help: overseassupport@ aff.org.uk A

Cyprus

A postcard from...

Archie (serving) 52, Louise 51, William and Vincent - both 8

How long have you been an army family?

I met my husband in 2009 when he was already serving. He completed 22 years in 2013, then joined the Reserves before rejoining on an eight-year contract – we have just under three years left currently.

How long have you been in Cyprus?

We’ve been here just under two years.

How many other military families live there?

There are plenty in all different varieties, so lots of support.

What’s your quarter like?

Gorgeous – we have a three-bed semi with plenty of space. It has an open plan

living/dining room and then a kitchen off it. Our garden has room for a pool, as well as a trampoline and plenty of shaded areas to avoid the blistering sun in summer.

Are there any employment/ training opportunities?

I’m a teacher and work supply at the primary school, as well as for the music service. There are lots of learning support assistant jobs at the school and other admin ones too, plus roles supporting the military in a variety of settings.

What about schools/ childcare?

There’s a nursery and a primary school, plus a high school so everything from babies to A-levels. The school, in my opinion, is second to none!

Where do army families get together and who supports you?

We have made the most amazing group of friends who support each other, as we don’t have family close by. There is welfare and HomeStart available too.

How do you find the cost of living out there?

It’s pretty good as long as you don’t have a shopping habit! We don’t have home delivery so it can be tricky hunting things down but if you eat like the locals do, I find it to be good value.

What are the best and worst things about living there?

Want to share your experiences of army family life? Get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk

The climate, the school, the outdoor environment and the pace of life. The only downside is being away from friends and family in the UK, but they get an amazing opportunity for free holidays so actually that’s a bit of a win too! It’s also been a great place to explore – last month we watched turtles lay their eggs on a north coast beach. What an opportunity! We have also travelled to other countries much more cheaply than you would from the UK– we’ve visited Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Egypt and Italy. A

After-school club celebrates years!

Five years ago the UK was in the grip of a global pandemic and, like many business owners, Cathy Joyner feared her group of after-school clubs might not make it through. But in June Fun 4 Kids celebrated its 20th birthday.

In 2005 Cathy had already done childcare qualifications and was working in a nursery in Colchester when she learned from Sharon Watson, who was one of AFF’s employment advisors at the time, about the lack of after-school care.

HELP FROM AFF

Sharon found her a venue and some funding and the first club opened its doors at St Michael’s Primary School, close to the garrison.

These days she has six clubs dotted around the town and further afield. But the success hasn’t been without some major challenges.

Two years later, after she’d done a course to expand her ideas of play, she took a foundation degree in early years education. But after a role she interviewed for was scrapped because funding was withdrawn, she decided to write to schools in the area to tell them about what she was doing with the club at St Michael’s. That opened the gates as head teachers approached her to set up more.

These days she has six clubs dotted around the town and further afield. But the success hasn’t been without some major challenges.

“I’m really proud – it’s an amazing achievement, 20 years,” said Cathy, a

former military wife. “The worst time was Covid. I didn’t think we were going to survive it.”

At the time she had about 40 staff on the books running the different clubs. She was asked to stay open to cater for key workers’ children but it just wasn’t sustainable. All the organisation’s reserve funding was draining away.

“I was panicking,” she said. “I just felt for my staff. I wanted to look after them. It was a really tough time.”

She turned to her local MP for help in sorting out furlough for some of the staff. Even so, when the lockdowns were over, it was like starting from scratch – one club couldn’t open and another ended up closing for good.

COVID CONSEQUENCES

After Covid, Cathy noticed a change in people’s working patterns. More parents spent at least part of the week working from home and as a result Mondays and Fridays weren’t so busy.

In 2021 her son Ben came on board to help with the business side. They had to take a hard look at costs and made the tough decision to put charges

up. Fortunately, Government schemes have helped to keep them affordable, although they still face challenges like the recent increase in National Insurance and the recently announced plans for schools to run their own breakfast clubs.

The pandemic didn’t just bring about a change in business. Lockdowns stopped children from the usual routes to socialisation, like playgroups and nurseries and Cathy began to notice some who were suffering the effects of isolation.

Much of the job involves helping the children play. “It’s nice to see them involved in activities. We’re keeping them happy and teaching them some life skills.”

GIVING BACK

The clubs have also helped Cathy to raise money for good causes including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Colchester Anti Loo Roll Brigade, a community organisation started during the pandemic that continues to help local people.

You can find Fun 4 Kids at fun4kidscolchester.co.uk A

Dealing with more than 200 enquiries a month means AFF’s Foreign & Commonwealth team has a detailed knowledge of the rules in Appendix HM Armed Forces, including what’s working for families and what may be creating disadvantage when compared with civilian rules.

F&C Specialist Katherine brings up these concerns in regular meetings with the Home Office Armed Forces policy team. In fact, since new rules were introduced in April 2024, changes have already been made following recommendations by AFF.

Here are some of the issues Katherine is working with the Home Office on…

VISA EXPIRY CONFUSION

Under current rules a non-UK family member joining a serving person in the UK will only get a visa up to the ‘end of contract’ date of the serving person if they are due to discharge in under five years – even if the serving person is British.

They might only be granted a visa for a very short period and will have to pay again to extend it once the serving person has discharged or extended their contract. This issue affects a lot of Gurkha soldiers who wait longer to bring their spouses to the UK.

Samuel is in the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) and is British. In 2023 his wife was granted entry for five months. Thinking it was an entry visa, they tried to collect the BRP from their post office but it never arrived. A lawyer eventually found she was only granted a visa up to Samuel’s end of contract date, which meant she was an overstayer.

AFF liaised with caseworkers to ensure her overstaying was overlooked and that the new visa application was granted for five years. But the couple had already spent nearly £2,000 seeking a resolution.

RIGHTS ON MEDICAL DISCHARGE

Non-UK personnel must serve for four years to be eligible for ILR. There used to be exceptions for medical discharge cases, but caseworkers are now

Changing the rules

only granting limited leave to people discharging medically, even if they have served for nearly four years and even if they have an injury attributable to service. This limited leave doesn’t lead to settlement, so veterans have no idea what they should apply for next.

Rupert discharged with a medical condition attributable to service after serving for three years and eight months. He was granted limited leave to remain until 2027. The caseworker assessed that his condition wasn’t serious enough for ILR because he might make a full recovery after surgery.

He was eligible for citizenship as he had been in the UK for five years, but he was told – incorrectly – that he could apply up to 28 days post-discharge. His application was refused because he had discharged and didn’t have ILR. He has a British child and can remain in the UK, but switching to the parent route for ILR is long and expensive.

NERVOUS WAIT FOR A DECISION

When a serving person discharges they are given leave outside of the immigration rules for 28 days, but it

doesn’t allow them to work or claim benefits. It’s not a problem if ILR is granted immediately but there are cases where a decision may not come for months. This leaves the veteran reliant on charity support and at risk of homelessness.

Civilians who apply to remain in the UK will keep the status they had before the visa expired, so can continue working and, in most cases, don’t lose their job and house at the same time.

Greg served for over four years and submitted his ILR well before discharge in 2024. He and his son were in danger of eviction from their SFA while waiting for his application to be processed. His caseworker said the delay was due to a pending prosecution, but the police national computer had not been updated to show he had no outstanding offences. Greg had to submit a record deletion request and AFF asked the caseworker to follow up. ILR was granted a month after discharge. A

GET IN TOUCH

If you’re affected by any of these issues, contact fcsupport@aff.org.uk

Improving support for non-UK soldiers and families

The Army NonUK Working Group is instrumental in improving policies and processes for non-UK soldiers and families.

Changes to the chapter on visas during an overseas assignment in JSP752, which provided clarification of what can be claimed, was a direct result of its work.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PRIORITIES?

AFF’s F&C specialist Katherine asked the army’s nonUK caseworker and secretary of the group, Al Boon what members are working on at the moment…

Our main focus at the moment is on improving the transition experience for non-UK service leavers. We are looking to update existing guidance but also to produce tailored guides for recruits discharged during initial training and serving personnel discharged for medical or disciplinary reasons. These will make it easier for people to understand their eligibility to remain in the UK and will ensure they are signposted quickly to the people who can help them.

Another key priority is improving

Dates: 26 – 28 June 2026

Start: RBLI Village, Kent

Finish: Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium

support for families posted overseas, for example by pushing for visa considerations to be part of the overseas supportability process and working with the Home Office to simplify the process of applying for citizenship for children born overseas.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT THE PRIORITIES ARE?

We use evidence from the enquiries that come directly to us, but the evidence provided by HIVE and AFF also plays a big part in shaping our priorities and actions. We also host regular ‘Ask the Experts’ sessions. The questions raised during these sessions are included in the evidence-base.

HOW DOES THE GROUP ACHIEVE ITS AIMS?

By working with relevant organisations, charities and policy holders. For example, we raise issues about the immigration rules to the Home Office/MOD working group. We have been working closely with Recruiting Branch to resolve issues around medical deferrals and visa extensions. We also produce guidance for units and personnel with the help of all our stakeholders, such as AFF.

All the guidance specific to nonUK serving personnel is now hosted on the Families Hub site at discovermybenefits.mod. gov.uk A

Bring your own bike and cycle from the RBLI Village in Kent to the historic Menin Gate in Ypres on this powerful two-day, 190km journey.

This is more than a ride. It’s a journey of remembrance, camaraderie, and purpose - shared with fellow cyclists and RBLI Veterans who inspire every mile.

Army Non-UK Working Group chair Al Boon

Journey to citizenship

The AFF Foreign & Commonwealth team receives many enquiries from soldiers trying to navigate the immigration process and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Wesley Grant Nell, who served in the British Army for ten years, tells us how AFF supported his journey…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MILITARY CAREER

I served for ten years, initially in the Royal Green Jackets and then I re-enlisted with 2 RIFLES. I completed operational deployments to Iraq, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, including Operation Herrick 10, which was among the more intense tours of the campaign. I also served in Belize and was stationed across the UK. It was a full and demanding service; one I remain immensely proud of. The work was challenging, the camaraderie second to none, and the operational tempo ensured that there was rarely a dull moment.

WHAT WERE YOU TOLD ON DISCHARGE?

At the time of my discharge in 2006, the battalion was in a period of transition and amalgamation, while also preparing for a return deployment to Iraq. The unit was running at full tilt, focused on operational commitments. My own latestage deployment meant there wasn’t time to tie up all the loose ends on the administrative front.

When I left the army the first time, I wasn’t provided with any formal guidance on my immigration status. I returned to Zimbabwe and contacted the British Embassy in Harare. They told me I needed my Certificate of Service to proceed. I was relocating to a remote part of Mozambique and the documents never arrived, so I couldn’t begin the process.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU EXPERIENCE TRYING TO RETURN TO THE UK?

Despite having completed a full engagement and being willing to

continue serving, I couldn’t obtain legal residency due to the lack of documentation. What began as a simple admin issue turned into something much larger.

I was invited to return to service with The Rifles; I accepted. Over the following four years, I undertook further deployments. After leaving the army a second time in 2012, I applied for British citizenship. However, the application was refused because my initial service didn’t count, as I had not held ILR at the time. It was frustrating. Ten years of service, multiple combat deployments, and still no closer to citizenship.

I never expected my battalion to provide immigration advice, their role was to train and deploy soldiers, not brief them on Home Office requirements. But the wider system did lack the structure and support that Commonwealth veterans needed during transition.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE ON A SIMILAR PATH?

Make sure you have your Certificate of Service before you leave. Keep your

passport handy and seek legal or immigration advice before your last day in uniform.

HOW DID AFF HELP YOU?

AFF F&C Specialist Katherine Houlston was outstanding. She brought both professional expertise and a great deal of empathy to my case. She helped me retrieve key documents, make sense of legal complexities, and navigate each step with clarity and confidence. Most importantly, she treated me as a person, not just a case file. Her support made a real difference, and I remain incredibly grateful.

This year, I’ll be reapplying for British citizenship. I remain hopeful that it will finally be granted, 24 years after I first put on the uniform.

AFF F&C Specialist Katherine says, “This case set a precedent. It paved the way for many more veterans, who had left the UK on discharge more than two years previously, to return. There are still large numbers of veterans overseas who were not administered correctly on discharge and who didn’t realise they could remain. Many have a right to return to the UK. They should contact fcsupport@aff.org. uk and we can advise them.”

If you are applying for ILR and need help completing the form, go to the self-help videos on aff.org.uk or contact fcsupport@aff.org.uk A

Supporting the Continuity of Education Allowance Scheme

Wycliffe has over 130 years of experience supporting Forces Families, providing a stable education throughout key developmental stages.

Our outstanding boarding facilities offer outstanding pastoral care for Forces children aged 7 – 19.

Wycliffe has over 130 years of experience supporting Forces Families, providing a stable education throughout key developmental stages.

We support the Continuity of Education Allowance Scheme, meaning military parents only pay 10% of school fees, with Wycliffe covering the remaining amount through a Forces’ Bursary.

Our high-quality boarding facilities offer outstanding pastoral care for Forces children aged 7 – 19.

We support the Continuity of Education Allowane Scheme, meaning Military parents only pay 10% of school fees, with Wycliffe covering the remaining amount through a Forces’ Bursary.

To find out more contact the Admissions Team: admissions@wycliffe.co.uk

Overseas allowances

Embarking on an overseas assignment opens doors to vibrant cultures, fresh experiences and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

But whether you’re flying solo or moving your entire family, life abroad brings extra expenses – from higher grocery bills to travel logistics.

There are a range of overseas allowances designed to help smooth the way. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of them…

LOCAL OVERSEAS ALLOWANCE

Day-to-day living costs abroad may often outpace UK expenses, from groceries and utilities to leisure activities. LOA is designed to contribute to the additional expense of living overseas compared with the UK for certain costs.

The rate will depend on the location you are assigned to but applies equally, regardless of rank. Features of LOA include:

● Monthly Top-Up: Paid alongside your regular salary.

● Accompanied Premium: If you are accompanied by your spouse or civil partner you get an extra accompanied rate. If you have children you will also receive the extra child element for each child.

● Vehicle Bonus: Extra if you can demonstrate you are running two private vehicles whilst overseas.

Remember: LOA rates change twice a year and can go up and down, so be careful not to make your financial plan based on the current numbers.

OVERSEAS PRIVATE VEHICLE PROVISION

If you are taking your car overseas the costs of shipping, exiting a lease or selling it and buying another can add up fast. OPVP helps to soften the blow, it contributes towards the cost of taking one vehicle overseas and there are different options available.

You can choose to ship a car overseas, sell a car in the UK and buy another overseas or exit a lease. You can use a combination of selling a car and entering a lease. You can also use it when assigned back to the UK. The amount you would get to contribute towards this would be £1,093, effective April 2025 and reviewed yearly.

There are alternatives. Depending on where you are assigned to, you may be

able to drive your car to the overseas location instead and claim Motor Mileage Allowance plus one day’s subsistence, up to the OPVP rate.

TAKE A BREAK

Respite Provision offers a much-needed breather in the form of a short stay away from your overseas duty station.

Where you are assigned to determines how many days you can claim each year, and the maximum daily cap. Use your days in one extended break or sprinkle them through the calendar.

Claims cover accommodation and travel but meals are self-funded. Simply submit receipts via JPA within 14 days of your return. You can even request up to 80 per cent of the expected reimbursement in advance.

GET YOU HOME OVERSEAS

GYH (O) covers one return flight back to the UK, or your domicile country, every 12 months for you and your immediate family, excluding children on school children’s visits.

Claims are submitted through JPA. You may be able to request up to 100 per cent of the fare in advance, ensuring your trip back is stress-free.

Remember: Each location has its own capped cost, so always verify your entitlement before you book.

The rates will change frequently and can go up or down, the rate that you receive will be at the time of booking. So, if you know the rates are going to decrease, book before they do.

ADVANCE OF PAY

There are some costs that may not be covered by MOD allowances when moving overseas, for example costs to transport pets. If you are facing initial set-up expenses, you could ask for an advance of pay. You can apply to borrow up to four months’ worth of the serving person’s net salary and then repay over 24 months or sooner.

DOES YOUR ASSIGNMENT TYPE MATTER?

Yes, the allowances detailed support those on regular postings overseas. If you are on Loan Service or Defence Attaché post, you may get different allowances or travel packages.

For example, those on a Defence Attaché posting may not receive LOA but may get a different package and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).

Visit tinyurl.com/AFFmilallowances to find out more about what’s available.

There are many trials taking place in some locations to improve support for those overseas. To discover more about trials and other newly developed tools – like easy to use calculators that help you estimate the overseas allowance package you may be eligible for – see ‘Simplifying overseas service finances’ right. A

SIMPLIFYING OVERSEAS SERVICE FINANCES…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin. These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice.

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya and select European and rest of the world locations, administered by the Global Support Organisation, have been able to opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for receipts.

The GMA Calculator gives a realtime, tailored value of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit. More information can be found in the Defence Instruction Notice 2025DIN01-056.

PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

If you’re preparing for an overseas assignment the new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool calculates personalised allowance estimates. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

It removes the need for timeconsuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress during what can be a challenging relocation period.

DISTURBANCE EXPENSES RATE UPLIFT

In the past AFF has pressed for eligible personnel moving to the UK from overseas to be able to claim the same, higher overseas rate for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK, or overseas to overseas, because evidence showed the costs involved were similar.

That change was made in July when the updated rate was announced.

Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect and you can find out about the different allowances at aff.org.uk

Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov. uk to access the Families Hub and information on what’s included in your offer. A

open morning 15 NOVEMBER 2025

Medical merger

AFF Overseas Assistant

Rachel Barnes recently met the Central European Practice (CEP) team, who reported on the merger of the virtual CEP based in SHAPE, Belgium with the virtual Defence Global Practice (DGP) based at DMS Whittington in Lichfield, UK.

The DGP currently supports a population across the world, including the Americas, Africa and Australia. With this merger all healthcare services will now come under one unified virtual practice supporting a population of around 7,000.

Rachel was told that “this merger is a positive step

forward and we will be aligning our services under one virtual practice, enhancing how we operate”.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

Access to care will not change. The CEP will remain available to help with medical guidance and billing queries, working in partnership with defence’s healthcare management provider, HEALIX.

WHY THE CHANGE?

The merger is a part of a broader effort to streamline and

strengthen Defence healthcare globally. By bringing the virtual CEP under the umbrella of virtual DGP patients will benefit from shared expertise, resources and improved coordination across Europe and the rest of the world.

WHAT’S CHANGING?

The only difference is a new email address for contacting the practice UKStratCom-DMSDPHC-DGP-Enquiry@mod.gov. uk A

Barnes, AFF Overseas Assistant

SETTING GROUND RULES

Gemma is a teacher and married to Eddie, who is serving with the Royal Logistic Corps.

They’ve been together 10 years – married for eight – and have a three-year-old son Harlan. Eddie left on a six-month deployment in the spring.

Gemma believes communication is key, as is managing expectations when the deployed person returns home, tired and looking forward to relaxing with their family, while the other parent is relieved their partner is back to lend a hand.

“Most of the time you just tick along and get in a good routine, then they come in with their bags of kit and disrupt that routine.”

“You always expect your husband to whisk up the children and take them off you,” she said.

And although it’s welcome, the end of a long period of separation means family life

The deployment rollercoaster

Many army families face regular separation – which can pile added pressures on their relationships. For the partner at home, deployments can mean isolation and solo parenting, often while trying to maintain a job and dealing with the emotional impact on their children. Meanwhile, the serving person knows they’re missing out on family life and, for some, doing the job they signed up for comes with a sense of guilt. Army&You talked to three people about their experiences…

has to re-set itself once again. “Most of the time you just tick along and get in a good routine, then they come in with their bags of kit and disrupt that routine.”

During the early days of a deployment Harlan can be clingy and more emotional until the new routine is bedded in. Sometimes Gemma will call Eddie and ask him to help with parenting. That means Harlan gets a chat with his dad and Gemma has five minutes to breathe.

He also has a Huggable Hero of his dad. “This is so powerful,” she said. “When Daddy is away ‘Little Daddy’ is taken to bed every night. As soon as Daddy is home, Harlan puts the doll back in his basket, never prompted by me.”

The family has been through several

deployments and the effect on Harlan has been noticeable. “It has been interesting watching him change with his communication with Daddy.”

She explained Harlan used to refuse to look at his dad during video calls. These days he’ll take the phone from his mum and wander around chatting happily. “He enjoys the time he has with just Daddy on the phone.”

Sometimes the phone is propped up in the room so Eddie can be a part of what’s going on even if he isn’t there.

“The time difference, that’s another issue that’s really challenging. I would be going to bed and my husband would be ready to talk and I’d be shattered,” she said.

“You have to talk to them about these frustrations otherwise they become difficulties in your relationship.”

She believes it’s important to stay positive while her husband is away. They have lots of happy times and get on with life.

Having a network of support is important to lighten the load, but building those contacts on a patch a long way from family

Gemma on a fun day out with Eddie and Harlan

can be difficult, especially if you’re not a confident person. The size of the patch makes a difference. Larger bases can be harder to tap into, according to Gemma. But if you do manage to get involved in the social side “you never have to explain why you’re there and why your husband’s away – they know”.

In every location she has joined the local Military Wives Choir. Apart from enjoying a good sing she found it was a ready-made network of people who understood her.

Planning activities for weekends, maybe with family or friends, can also help.

HELP ISN’T ALWAYS THERE

Lorraine was thrown in at the deep end when she and her husband were given the keys to their first SFA the day he deployed.

It was a time of regular deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Back at home Lorraine had her own battles to fight.

The most recent was 2022. Her daughter needed an emotional learning support assistant at school. But although it received Service Pupil Premium, intended to support military children affected by mobility or deployment, staff didn’t fully understand what the money was for.

Lorraine said: “I had to tell the school to make them understand she was a priority.”

She advises parents to take advantage of events put on by unit welfare teams to

help families during deployments.

And when the serving person can phone or FaceTime it’s advisable to have a few sensible rules like avoiding bedtimes and being conscious of what’s going on in the background that might upset the children.

“My biggest piece of advice is not to beat yourself up,” she said.

Some parents are lucky enough to be able to find support from others on the patch. But it isn’t always the case.

When Lorraine had to take one of her children to hospital she tried calling a dozen people to pick up the other one.

“Not one could come and help. Sometimes you just have to accept there is no ‘village’ and it’s going to be tough,” she said. “It’s about managing expectations. But if you can be that ‘village’ for someone else…”

Lorraine volunteers with her local Brownies and Rainbows and her son’s Scout group. She explained: “They’re civilians so they’re not going through deployment at the same time. It’s important to have a civilian network as well as a military one.

“Everybody talks about how tough military families are, but it’s OK to talk about the stress for the person left behind. It’s hard – and it’s harder with children.”

A SACRIFICE ON BOTH SIDES

Ed has been in the military for 12 years. He and his wife Si Si, a childminder, have two boys aged five and two. They don’t live on a patch and currently he travels between their home in England and his base in Scotland. At the end of the week at work he’ll head to his car to start the long drive home. He said: “My older son James sometimes stays awake until I get home and I’ll read to him and because I’m exhausted I’ll fall asleep.

“I miss a lot. I can’t get to sports days or parent-teacher evenings. I’m able to take him to karate at weekends but when I go away I miss everything.”

SOURCES OF SUPPORT

The Deployment Rollercoaster at forceschildrenscotland.org.uk follows a family through the ups and downs of deployment from planning to getting back to normal life afterwards.

Behaviours and feelings common during the different stages of deployment are detailed here: tinyurl.com/cycleofdeployment

When Sunday comes and Ed starts the long drive back to base James sometimes cries so his mum will put him on the phone to his dad. “It’s tough on her and she gets the brunt of it from him because he’s upset.”

Military children’s charity Little Troopers offers information, support for families, activities for children and resources for schools. Visit littletroopers.net for details.

Families can also find help and information at forcessocialwork. com/overseas

Ed feels guilty when he leaves for a deployment, recognising the burden his wife carries, especially when he can’t be contacted. “I worry that I’ve left her alone to do everything. Essentially she becomes a single mum.

“We’ve talked about moving to a patch, but every time we decide not to. I know they have a community, but for the limited time that it would allow me to see them every night she would be sacrificing access to her friends and our family at home.” A

You won’t find us on price comparison websites, because our cover is tailored exclusively for the Military family. That includes:

Serving and retired personnel

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*The 10% discount is available online only. It is applied to the basic premium when you buy a new car insurance policy. The discount is not available on optional extras and minimum premiums apply. The discount will be automatically applied to your quote. The offer applies to new car insurance policies purchased online. The discount can be withdrawn at any time and is provided by ERS.

Signpost to success in civvy street

AFGHANISTAN veteran

Sarah Johnstone has forged a new career using her experience of moving into civvy street to help others going through similar transitions.

The former Royal Artillery officer, who served for seven years, has spent the past five years working as a money coach.

She was drawn in to the military world by the Officers’ Training Corps and joined the army because she was attracted by the opportunity of doing something unique and with a strong identity.

was to the ISAF headquarters in Kabul. “There is a good chance I might have stayed a bit longer if I’d not had a life change on the personal front,” she says.

But she’d met the person she wanted to spend her life with and when the RAF posted him to France, she made the decision to go with him.

Her career took her to Afghanistan three times and to the Falklands. Her last posting

When they returned to the UK she realised she needed to get stuck into a resettlement programme. Her interest was in financial services – her dad had been an accountant – and she was able to get onto a veterans’ internship through the Officers’ Association. She now works with Octopus

Money, which recently signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, and helps people deal with budgeting and mapping out their financial futures. Some clients need help after going through dramatic life changes.

She found the firm listed on a website for working mums and decided it would suit her because she was looking for flexibility – something many military spouses and partners seek. She also liked its ethos.

Preparing for transition

career or direction in civvy street, preparation and approach are important. “It’s very easy to come out of a long stint in the forces and think it’s up to companies to come to you,” she says.

Having been through the process, Sarah has some useful advice for personnel coming to the end of their service and thinking about making the leap.

● Using your resettlement time wisely is key. When it comes to finding a new

● Think about how your experience and skills will translate to a new environment. She suggests: “Ask yourself what you valued in the forces – what’s pulling you in or pushing you out?”

Sarah in Kandahar

Sarah on Op Herrick 6

Sarah Johnstone

● Don’t be shy about networking before you leave. Contact people you know who have left and moved into an industry you’re interested in joining. Find out how they’ve fared and pick up tips from them. Exposure to as many options and people who might be able to help you is valuable, whether family, friends or someone you went to school with.

● One way to find out what your future career might be is to try work experience or an internship. There’s no substitute for getting a feel for a job. Afterwards, if you realise a role is not for you, don’t be afraid to say so.

Sarah believes the biggest barrier for many is simply the

change – not knowing what is out there in the civilian world, especially if you’ve never worked in it.

Dealing with personal finances after leaving the military can also be difficult. You can find out about the cost of living and what sort of things you’re going to need to pay for by asking family or friends who have already left.

Where to go for help

There are a range of resources for those leaving the military to move into civilian employment and training.

The Career Transition Partnership is the official resettlement service for the UK armed forces, offering courses, employment fairs and advice. Go to modctp.co.uk for details.

Discover My Benefits has information about eligibility, grants and programmes. Visit tinyurl.com/DiscoverMB

Help and signposting is also

available from the Royal British Legion at tinyurl.com/ RBLsupport

The Forces Employment Charity is another organisation offering service leavers career support at forcesemployment. org.uk

You can find out more about Octopus Money at octopusmoney.com A

Pre-bereavement support

SCOTTY’S Little Soldiers is known for supporting children who have experienced the death of a parent who has served in the armed forces, whether through active service, illness, accident or if they took their own life.

Support can begin from when a parent receives a terminal diagnosis and carry on right up to their children’s 25th birthday.

And it’s not just children and young people that can benefit. Grief affects the whole family, which is why Scotty’s provides a community for the entire family, enabling them to connect with others who truly understand, and where children and their parents or carers can access specialist

bereavement support tailored to their needs.

Assistance covers all three services and is available to both regular and reserve forces as well as veterans.

There are three programmes:

● SMILES offers fun activities, respite breaks and group events to bring joy and connection.

● The SUPPORT programme provides emotional and mental health help, pre- and post-bereavement counselling and support navigating housing, pensions and other entitlements.

● STRIDES offers personal development, removes barriers to education and provides teachers with resources and training.

One parent who has used the service said: “I feel so relieved that I have someone I can turn to and ask questions about navigating bereavement with my daughter. I know there will be difficult times ahead and I’m so relieved and grateful that I have access to such incredible support.

“I have gained confidence in being a good parent to my daughter in this difficult situation. The support with advice, workshops, vouchers and the holiday week has been a lifeline.”

By the end of this year the charity will have helped 800 bereaved military children and young people – almost 70 per cent of them from army families. It is currently researching the need for bereavement support within the wider military community and exploring how its services could grow in the future.

Find out more at scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk A

Above: One of Sarah’s postings was to the Falklands

Above: A Scotty’s member with a picture of her dad, who served in the army

A guide to childcare options

When AFF asked families with children aged 0-5 about their childcare experiences, more than 72 per cent of the 200 who responded said they struggled to find cover for hours they wanted and 62 per cent found it too expensive.

Many said they had to change their lifestyle because of these challenges. This matches what the FamCAS 2025 survey found. Despite many families needing early years childcare, fewer than half – 43 per cent – were happy with the cost, a drop from previous years. Add in the frequent moves caused by army life and finding suitable care for your children can begin to feel like a big headache.

If you’re trying to juggle childcare with military life, knowing what’s on offer where you live can be confusing, so here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the support available.

The Tax-Free Childcare scheme is UKwide. It offers eligible working families £2 for every £8 paid towards childcare.

ENGLAND

Working families with children from nine months to school age can access up to 30 funded childcare hours a week during term time. Both parents need to work at least 16 hours a week and earn the National Minimum/Living Wage.

Families with three and four-year-olds will automatically get 15 funded hours of childcare from the term after they turn three. Some eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 funded hours based on family circumstances.

The deal is slightly different and means working families with three and four-year-olds can get up to 30 funded hours, split into 10 hours of early education and up to 20 hours of childcare. Some two-year-olds in specific areas qualify for Flying Start programme funding.

SCOTLAND

Families with three and four-year-olds can get up to 1,140 funded hours of childcare a year, about 30 hours a week if taken during term time. Some two-year-olds may qualify for funded hours based on family income circumstances.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Part-time nursery places are offered for three and four-year-olds, usually two and a half to four hours a day. Families may be eligible for the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS), which helps working families with the cost.

OVERSEAS

Families can claim the same funded childcare hours as in England – up to 30 hours a week for children from nine months up to school age. Families that don’t meet the eligibility for that can access 15 hours when their child turns three. Eligible two-year-olds can also get 15 hours.

Some families posted overseas told AFF they discovered there were no funded hours offered at their chosen nursery, others reported availability varied drastically. So check what applies in the location where you’ll be living as soon as possible once you receive a new posting. Looking at available funding and getting in touch with providers before you arrive will hopefully mean you are well prepared. A

TOP TIPS

● Always check your local childcare funding offer –they vary around the UK and overseas.

● Apply as early as possible because places can fill up fast.

● Keep your childcare codes up to date by signing in to your childcare account via gov.uk every three months.

If you are unsure about your offer, contact AFF at educationsupport@aff.org.uk For details on eligibility and funding applications visit aff.org.uk, discovermy benefits.mod.gov.uk or beststartinlife.gov.uk

Month of the MILITARY CHILD

In June the Ministry of Defence hosted the Never Such Innocence Month of the Military Child award winners at an event where artwork and thought-provoking poems were showcased.

Children aged eight to 18 submitted entries on the theme of Memories, based on their own experiences.

One of the winners, Evie-Sue, 14, composed a poem recalling her feelings during her father’s time as a Royal Guard in the army. A Soldier’s Call was written in English and Welsh.

Ruby, who created artwork called The Dandelion, said: “It meant a lot to me to win because I felt seen. It was like being in a special community of my own. I felt really proud to be included.

“My favourite part of the day was visiting the Horse Guards because I ride, and I got to talk to the soldiers about their careers with horses in the military.”

The other two army family winners were Elliott with his poem One Empty Chair and Mia-Rose with My Memories Come With Me

All of the winning work can be viewed at tinyurl.com/NSIwinners

PURPLE UP IN WALES

Schools, local authorities and SSCE Cymru network members in Wales celebrated service children with a range of events

from assemblies and dandelion-themed crafts to songwriting sessions, armed forces-themed physical activities and lots of purple to celebrate Purple Up Day.

SSCE Cymru launched a new series of good practice films for schools, sharing the voices of service children and educators, along with new digital tools to help them provide the best support.

They can be found at sscecymru.co.uk

GARRISON SUPPORT

Around 100 service personnel, veterans and local people lined up for the Tidworth 10K and family fun run, in aid of Little Troopers. Another 200 people aged 18 months to 15, also took part in a 1K fun run around the Tidworth Oval Stadium track.

Little Troopers arranged fun activities for the families, including circus skills, face painting and balloon modelling.

Founder Louise Fetigan thanked Tidworth Garrison and those who took part or supported the event.

GETTING ACTIVE

Le Cateau Primary School pupils started Purple Up Day with a good multicultural breakfast before throwing themselves into different activities, including an assault course, aerobics and a danceathon.

Almost 70 per cent of children at the school in Catterick have at least one parent who is serving in the armed forces. A

Fun and games at Little Troopers 10k and Family Fun Run

Trying the assault course at Le Cateau School

Above and below: Purple Up Day in Wales

NSI winners

First steps into university education

If you have a child preparing for university, you’ll know that the process can be complex for any family.

But for those in the army, there are a few additional layers to consider, especially when it comes to student finance and where you need to apply to.

Understanding how university funding works is a crucial first step. The United Kingdom has four different student finance authorities, one each for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the financial support available to your child depends on where your family’s permanent ordinary residence is.

For families living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA), this can be confusing as this is not viewed as a permanent residence. If you are living in SFA then typically students should apply for finance through the nation where the serving parent lived immediately before joining the army – that is wherever their registered home address was at the time. This applies even if you’re currently posted abroad, and regardless of where in the UK your child is applying to university.

If your family lives in your own home or in private rental accommodation, you should apply through the nation in which you currently reside.

For those families currently posted overseas, your child is still considered a UK resident for the purposes of university applications and funding.

UCAS NEED TO KNOWS

When completing a UCAS application, there are a few important points to bear in mind. If applicable, use your BFPO address in the postal details section as this helps to flag UK residency within the system.

When asked about residency, your child should select the home nation their serving parent lived in before joining the army, the country they signed up in, or your home nation if you live in your own home.

Your child’s nationality should be the same as stated on their passport, and where prompted, it’s advisable to indicate that the applicant is from a UK armed forces family. Including this in the personal statement, and asking referees to mention it in their reference, helps universities recognise and support students from military backgrounds.

The UCAS website ucas. com offers excellent information on how children from an armed forces family can apply as well as information about student finance.

Applicants can also find helpful details through Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, and the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. For families who are not UK nationals there is information on the AFF website aff.org.uk

BORN OVERSEAS?

Children born overseas during a military posting are also treated as UK residents for the purposes of university entry. In the application, their place of birth should be entered accurately, but nationality should be marked as UK if applicable, and a UK or BFPO address used where possible.

If any confusion arises over residency status, contacting the university directly can usually resolve the matter.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions about applying to university or are having difficulties accessing student finance contact educationsupport@ aff.org.uk

Postgraduate applications work slightly differently, as they’re made directly to universities rather than through UCAS. But the same residency principles apply, and families based overseas should still be treated as ordinarily resident in the UK. It’s a good idea to contact universities in advance to confirm their process. A

A co-educational school for students aged 11-18-years

A leading co-educational IAPS boarding and day prep school for children aged 3-13, located in the beautiful Test Valley of Hampshire, near Andover (Army HQ), Middle Wallop, Salisbury and Winchester, and just over an hour from London.

The Week Independent Schools Guide recently named Farleigh ‘Best for pastoral care’, noting that a “thriving boarding community strengthens relationships among pupils.”

farleighschool.com/forces-families.php

Serving is about teamwork.

Throughout your service career, you’ll be faced with making personal pension choices. Choosing the right options will determine how good a pension you receive when you leave.

Our Forces Pensions Consultants are here to provide guidance to help you understand the ways you can influence the amount you receive. It’s a personal thing. Your individual circumstances determine the way we respond to your enquiries.

You’ll need to know about things like commutation, taxation, when’s the best time to leave, pension top-ups, changing circumstances like divorce, and much more. Armed Forces pensions are complex and a Forces Pension Society membership includes access to our pension experts.

Also keep in mind the value of your pension as a major component in your personal wealth. An annual pension of £20k requires a pension pot of at least £400k at today’s values.

Only you can make the choices available to you, and we’re here to guide you. Job done. IT PAYS

Independent, not-for-profit

As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, our membership subscriptions help to fund our support for the Veterans’ Community, our Roadshows and Webinars, our attendance at CTP Employment Fairs, plus our vigilance in challenging governments whenever we spot unfairness or injustice in the system.

And importantly, we provide the whole military community with a voice that counts, on the representative bodies for Armed Forces and Public Sector Pensions.

Visit: forcespensionsociety.org/join-now/ Annual membership for you and your spouse/partner is just £47. You will have exclusive access to our Forces Pensions Consultants, our informative Members’ Webinars and you’ll receive our bi-annual enewsletters and our magazine, Pennant.

You’ll also have access to our wide range of membership benefits from discounts on new cars to insurances, including our latest range of travel policies.

Did you know? AFPS15 in fact remains one of the best public sector pension schemes in operation. There are numerous benefits to AFPS15 and here we highlight some of them.

Now on to the basics: if you serve to the age of 60, your pension will be paid immediately when you leave – if you exit earlier (which is highly likely for most serving today) pension payments are deferred until state pension age. For every year you serve, the MOD adds 1/47th of your annual pensionable earnings to your individual pension. Each year, it increases in line with the Average Weekly Earnings Index, thereby retaining the value of your pension for the long term.

Early Departure Payment

(EDP): to encourage retention to at least age 40 (and assuming departure before age 60), for a 20-year minimum term, you will qualify for an EDP equivalent to at least 34 per cent of your deferred pension, plus a tax-free lump sum equivalent to 2.25 times the deferred pension. This is quite separate from any pension you’ll receive at state pension age and is unique to the Armed Forces!

Buying Added Pension: this is extra pension you can purchase to increase your benefits on retirement, and we recommend you do so. It’s very flexible – with a minimum contribution of just £25 a month. You can do it for a year at a time and include your spouse/partner if you wish. And it’s highly tax-efficient since payments into the scheme are taken from

The Benefits of AFPS15

your gross pay before tax. The scheme not only delivers a bigger pension, but it also increases your EDP and lump sum.

Dependant’s Benefits: provided you have served more than two years at the time of your death; your spouse or civil partner will be eligible to receive a pension under AFPS15. If you die in Service, your spouse/civil partner or eligible partner will receive an immediate pension, paid for life, and a tax-free lump sum amounting to four times your final pensionable earnings. To ensure these benefits pass to the right person, you just need keep your personal details up to date with JPAC.

In summary, AFPS15 is still one of the best public sector pension schemes out there. The benefits compare very favourably with other schemes across the public and private sectors and the longer you are in it, the greater the rewards!

If you are a member of the Forces Pension Society and have pensionrelated questions, please contact us via ‘Submit a Question’ in the members’ area on the website.

If you are not a member but would like to learn more about us, visit www.forcespensionsociety.org Mary Petley

Education - at ease!

In this issue of Army&You we take a tour of some of the homes-from-homes afforded to students with service parents and swot up on the practical and pastoral measures in place to support those distanced from loved ones

AS Forces Family Lead at Barnard Castle School, and as a military spouse, I understand better than most how challenging it can be when a parent is deployed or serving overseas, writes Emma Pervis. For children, that absence leaves a gap – emotional, practical, and deeply personal. For parents, it brings both pride and worry: pride in service, worry for the family left at home.

This is where schools have a vital role to play. Beyond teaching and academics, schools can, and must, become a home from home. A place of stability, belonging, and understanding that ensures Forces children feel anchored even when family life is marked by distance and disruption.

Recently, Barnard Castle School signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming our commitment to the military community. For us, this is not just a document; it is a promise to provide the environment, care, and flexibility that Forces families need and nowhere is that more important than in supporting children in education when a parent is away.

Understanding the Challenge

Life in the Armed Forces is unique. It comes with enormous rewards and immense pride, but it also brings unpredictability. Children of serving personnel often experience sudden relocations, frequent changes of school, and extended periods where one parent or both parents are absent on deployment or training. For young people, these transitions can cause feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, or loneliness. They may struggle to settle or to feel part of a community when their home life is disrupted. That is why it is so important for schools to offer not just education, but also pastoral care that goes beyond the classroom.

Creating a Home from Home

At Barnard Castle School, we talk about our Barney Forces Family. It is more than a phrase; it is a living network of pupils, parents, and staff who share a connection to the Armed Forces. Within this community,

children find reassurance that they are not alone, that others understand what it means when mum and/or dad is serving thousands of miles away.

Our pastoral provision is central to this. Each Forces child is supported by staff who understand the challenges of service life, and by peers who often share the same experiences. In practice, that means:

● Dedicated Forces Families Lead: My role is to ensure every Forces child is seen, supported, and celebrated. From regular check-ins to providing a listening ear, I help pupils navigate the ups and downs of military family life. I work closely with tutors and teaching staff to provide a family-centred approach to pastoral care for our Forces pupils; we believe at Barney that the wraparound care for our Forces pupils extends to the whole family, starting first with the specific pastoral needs of our pupils before looking at ways we can offer support to parents too.

● Barney Forces Family: This peer group allows pupils with military connections to come together, share experiences, and build friendships that provide a sense of belonging.

● Bespoke Pastoral Care: Staff are trained to understand the impact of deployment and mobility, and to provide tailored support

when a parent is away.

The result is a school that feels more like an extended family: a safe and caring space where pupils can thrive, even when the demands of service life take their parents elsewhere.

Practical Measures that Make the Difference

A home from home is not only about emotional care; it’s also about practical support. Our commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant ensure Forces families are not disadvantaged and can continue their children’s education with stability and security.

A Promise to Our Families

When a parent serves overseas, their child deserves more than sympathy; they deserve action. They deserve a school that not only understands their challenges but actively provides solutions, reassurance, and community.

By signing the covenant, we have made that promise. For our Barney Forces Family, it means knowing that when duty calls parents away, their children remain cared for, supported, and nurtured – at home in our home. Because ultimately, that is what a home from home truly is: a place where you are valued, understood, and never alone.

barnardcastleschool.org.uk

“CHELTENHAM College is home to over 400 Boarding pupils and is often referred to as a ‘home from home’.But what is it that truly nurtures that feeling of ‘home’?

Being a boarder is education in its truest sense. Successes are celebrated and mistakes are opportunities to grow. As the Cheltonian Charter, written by the pupils, states, “you step up to support one another and you step down when someone else needs an opportunity”. On any weekend, or evening pupils from different years could be laying tables for an evening of ensemble pieces, chosen by the pupils, performed by the pupils, for the pupils; or preparing pizza while a quiz is being organised. Matrons and children string lights across the lawn, lug speakers and clean tables. There is nothing special about these events, but it is the collaboration of pupils and House staff, and learning opportunities that each event gives. If the sound system does not work, what do you do? You play live!

At some point, it is natural for every child to miss home. The experienced Boarding House staff understand this and gently support children through their tougher

STONYHURST College is the UK’s leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for pupils aged 3–18, with boarding available from age 7. For over 100 years, the College has been proud to welcome children from Forces families of all faiths and none, offering stability, care and opportunity in an environment that feels like home.

We understand the unique challenges of Service life, for both parents and children, and recognise that forces life can affect continuity of education, so finding a school where pupils can flourish and feel secure is invaluable. At Stonyhurst, we provide that long-term foundation: a supportive

moments with care and compassion. Boarding kindles a united spirit: older pupils supporting younger ones; Prefects writing good luck on House whiteboards, and the reassuring matrons providing ice creams and words of support. When the time comes for Sixth Form pupils to leave, it is those moments that are remembered with secure bonds that live on long after the last suitcase is piled into the car.

Cheltenham College has a long and distinguished connection with the military dating back to 1841. It is a connection and understanding that remains just as strong within the College community today.

cheltenhamcollege.org

community where pupils are encouraged to be the best they can be.

Boarding is at the heart of life here. Stonyhurst is very much a seven-day-aweek school, with no compulsory exeat weekends. However, prearranged exeats can be arranged to fit flexibly with the needs and commitments of Forces families. With a warm, family-like atmosphere and exceptional pastoral care, pupils quickly feel at home.

Our commitment to wellbeing is nationally recognised. Stonyhurst was named Best of the Best Senior School for Boarding in The Week Independent Schools Guide (Autumn/Winter 2025 edition), and we are also a Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) certified Sleep Champion school – transforming routines and spaces to promote healthy habits and happier boarders.

Unlike many independent schools, Stonyhurst offers a primarily horizontal boarding system, with pupils living in yeargroup houses. This creates close friendships within peer groups and ensures every child is nurtured by dedicated Houseparents and Playroom Leaders. Our long-serving and

We wanted our girls to feel ‘at home’ whilst away from home, and Cheltenham College delivers this a plenty, with excellent pastoral care which is second-to-none.”

– Current Parent

inspirational boarding staff embody the stability and care that Service families value most, ensuring our pupils feel seen, heard and valued at all ages.

Life outside the classroom is vibrant, with boarding houses full at weekends. With over 75 co-curricular activities available, from CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to astronomy in our observatory and Model UN – whatever their interest, every pupil finds their place.

stonyhurst.ac.uk/privatevisits

IN the busy rhythm of military life – frequent moves and regular deployments – children in Forces families often face challenges most other young people do not. At The Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DOYRMS), these challenges are understood. DOYRMS was founded solely for Forces families children and today continues to provide a home-from-home environment, a place where students with serving parents find continuity, care and community.

With over 200 students from Forces families currently enrolled, the school commits to helping them settle quickly and provides continuity of education. Teachers can determine where there may have been disruption, such as missed schoolwork, or different curricula, and support is put in place to help them catch up.

At the heart of the school lies an unwavering commitment to pastoral care. The school’s “Pastoral Excellence” framework weaves together support in

AT Rishworth School, we understand the unique challenges faced by Armed Forces families. With parents often deployed on operations or serving overseas, children need a school that not only provides academic excellence, but also feels like an extended family. A genuine home from home.

Rishworth is a co-educational, independent day and boarding school for students aged 3-18, set in 140 acres of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Our student-focused, family-friendly ethos creates an environment where children from across the country and world feel valued, supported, and nurtured. Our boarding community is enriched by children from many different cultures and backgrounds, and we pride ourselves on the strong, supportive relationships we build

many aspects of students’ lives – emotional, social, health, and wellbeing. All 500 students are boarders and every child is known via the boarding house system led by houseparents, tutors, and pastoral leaders. Peer mentoring, older students helping younger ones, is built into this framework, so students can find friendship, guidance, and role-models within the school family.

Wellbeing provision is extensive, with an on-site medical centre, GP clinics, sports rehabilitation, and mental health support, which combine to ensure that physical and emotional health are not afterthoughts.

For those times when separation from a parent feels particularly hard, students are supported by chaplaincy, by peer listeners, house staff trained to pick up signs of stress or anxiety, and an environment designed to feel welcoming and consistent.

Students thrive within this supportive community of being a ‘Dukie’. With over 60 weekly clubs and societies included within fees, an excellent sports programme delivered by specialist coaches, and access to unrivalled facilities including indoor heated swimming pool and performing arts centre, students benefit from a varied and active lifestyle.

Mr Alex Foreman, Principal, said: “Our priority is to create a stable, nurturing environment for all our students, particularly those whose parents are serving

with students and their families.

Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. Our innovative system ensures that every child has a dedicated network of support, from their tutor and Houseparent to our wellbeing team. This holistic approach means that when family members are serving abroad, students know they have caring adults to turn to and peers who quickly become like siblings. Communication is encouraged,

their country. We want every child to feel supported, secure and part of our Dukie family, even when their own family may be many miles away. I ask all my staff to truly know every student, what their passions are and what they want to achieve, so we can help students understand who they are and what they’re capable of.”

With its unique combination of academic continuity, financial assistance for Forces families, and outstanding pastoral support, DOYRMS strives to recreate the security of home. The school’s values, which are modelled on the six core values of the British Army, aren’t abstract ideals; they guide real practice. Students are not just educated – they are nurtured, supported, and empowered.

doyrms.com

with staff helping students keep in regular contact with loved ones, while also offering reassurance during times of separation.

Life at Rishworth is rich and varied. Alongside strong academic teaching, we offer extensive extra-curricular opportunities, with over 130 clubs in Sport, Music, Drama, Outdoor Education, and Community Service. This breadth allows each child to discover their passions, build resilience, and develop the confidence to thrive, both during their school years and in the future.

In the words of our Headteacher Mrs Sheldrick: “We see ourselves not just as a school but as an extension of family life. A safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every child can flourish, no matter where their parents are serving.”

www.rishworth-school.co.uk

MAYBE it’s the soft toy camel greeting the youngest boarders on their bunk beds, the Saturday morning pancakes in their Houseparents’ kitchen, hot chocolate and a bedtime story or perhaps the realisation that maybe, for the first time, they can set down roots as they will be at the same school for the next seven years. Whatever the reason, boarders often describe Gordon’s School as a ‘home from home’.

For all those starting their boarding journey at Gordon’s in Surrey, aged 11, their ‘term-time home’ is a bespoke junior mixed boarding house underpinned by ‘positive education’, kindness and understanding. It’s run as part of Houseparents’ Sam and Daisy Cooper’s family home – their kitchen door is always open and their children and dog running around.

As well as encouraging independence, the Coopers read to the young boarders every night. And while there are exciting and varied weekend activities, there are also routines and traditions such as the Saturday morning pancakes, film nights and hot chocolate before bed, in hand-crafted mugs the children have made themselves!

When they’re ‘home’ in their boarding house, they might indulge in pizza making, cooking or a glowsticks manhunt across the 50 acre site! They might also seize a weekend for camping in the woods at Gordon’s, all putting up (and taking down!) their tents, gathering around a firepit to toast marshmallows and making life-

long memories. Not just great fun and an enjoyable way to bond but the perfect practice for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme!

Within each boarding house are intrahouse competitions, younger years mixing with older peers in ‘families’ to compete at anything from dodgeball and quizzes to gingerbread cake decorating!

Students’ photographs and handprints adorn the walls. A large world map shows places associated with each child to reinforce the boarding House as a place where they belong.

Children from Service families make up the majority of boarders at Gordon’s. Often these children will have moved schools many times and on arriving at Gordon’s discover others in their boarding house who also attended the same school in another country where their parents have been posted! All benefit from

being in a place where they are made to feel safe and comfortable, with others who have been through similar experiences.

And while their houseparents may be their go-to at the beginning of their boarding journey should they become homesick, the young boarders soon start supporting each other and at the same time begin to develop lasting friendship bonds.

Last year an OFSTED inspection again judged the boarding facilities to be ‘Outstanding’, for the sixth time in a row, with inspectors noting: ‘the boarding accommodation is of a very high standard and provides a homely feel’, one student telling inspectors, ‘it is like home from home’.

One student who has been through the school from the age of 11 and recently left after completing A Levels reflected on his time saying: “Boarding is that never ending sleepover. I have had some of the best experiences of my life boarding. You get to spend time with some of your favourite people, amazing friends and staff and people that make living here at Gordon’s like a second home. Once you get tired of them you are able to go home – it’s perfect! Staff here really don’t make you feel like it is a foreign place at all, it is all very friendly and open with all sorts of activities to keep us entertained and support if you feel that little bit home-sick.”

gordons.school

SHORTLISTED as one of eight schools in the category of ‘Independent Prep School of the Year’ in the 2025 Tes School Awards, Walhampton is confident in the education they deliver to each and every one of their pupils.

Walhampton is set in 100 acres on the edge of the New Forest, a beautiful location that cannot fail to inspire their pupils, but it is their radically traditional vision and community spirit that really lies at the heart of what they do. Walhampton’s futurefocussed approach to learning, alongside their values of kindness, curiosity and achievement, allows them to provide their pupils with the knowledge, skills, values and attitude they will need to serve an ever-changing world.

Welcoming children from the age of two into their Nursery, children also join throughout the Pre-Prep and Prep School (Year 3-8), transitioning on to a wide selection of senior schools at the age of 13.

HABERDASHERS’ Adams is a grammar school offering state boarding, with an enviable reputation for academic, musical and sporting excellence.

Ify Chinwuko, Senior Boarding Captain, gives an insight into his life as a boarder: “Life as a boarder is a unique blend of camaraderie, routine, and independence. Each day starts early, with the sounds of alarms echoing

MEGAN looked aghast at the mistake she had just made, she had called my wife “Mum”, writes Henry Burlingham. As a House Parent for a Prep Boarding School, with my wife helping to run the house, it’s not entirely surprising. While she is mum to our three sons, she has also become a mother figure to the children in our care. Since we took over the boarding house two years ago, many have made the same slip, a sure sign they feel it’s a true “home from home” .

Our boarders spend around 33 weeks of the year with us, meaning most of their year is away from their own parents. We work hard to make the boarding house feel like home, not just an extension of school.

Early on, we introduced key house values to guide how we live together. These encourage kindness, respect, and accountability, with a weekly ‘Values Star’ awarded, often nominated by peers, to

From Year 3, Walhampton offers boarding, with full and weekly options as well as a flexible model for those busy families looking for childcare support one or two nights a week.

Boarders reside within Bradfield House on the upper floors of the magnificent school building. Spacious dormitories look out across the Solent or the pony paddocks and day children join throughout the week to align with their activities, or for Fun-

through the dorms, signalling the start of a well-structured schedule.

“Mornings are filled with bustling activity as students prepare for classes, sharing quick conversations and laughter over breakfast in the dining hall. The school day is intense, filled with lessons, sport, and extra-curricular activities; fostering both academic and personal growth.

“Evenings bring a quieter rhythm; study

someone who has embodied them. It’s been heartening to see children becoming more thoughtful and considerate as a result.

Of course, as in any family, there are disagreements. We talk to the children about how falling out is natural, especially when they live alongside each other for such long periods. At home, they are unlikely to share a room with three or four others, as they do in the dorms. But when kindness underpins everything, misunderstandings are quickly resolved.

Every Sunday, we take an off-site trip. We balance high-energy adventures like trampoline parks, surfing and theme parks with more relaxed outings like beach days, cinema trips or walks in the woods. Often, the simplest activities, like manhunt in the woods, are the most loved.

Our 12-month-old Springer Spaniel is very much part of the boarding house family, as are our own sons (aged 22, 21 and 18) who

Friday events, such as winter ‘Glade-iators’ or summer pool parties. Boarding allows children the opportunity to widen their friendships, be a part of the community and build their skills of independence. Bradfield House offers a home from home environment as Walhampton recognises that welcoming boarders from the age of seven requires exceptional, age appropriate pastoral care. Children transition into their senior school boarding settings with ease.

Walhampton gives children the space, support and encouragement to explore their passions, be that in the classroom or on the sports field, the stage or out on the water.

More than finding ‘their thing’, children at Walhampton find where they belong; where they are seen, valued and celebrated for exactly who they are. Walhampton is a school where curiosity, creativity and character thrive.

www.walhampton.com

sessions and communal dinners create a sense of unity among boarders. Weekends offer a respite, with opportunities for relaxation, recreational activities and outings.

“Throughout all this, boarders develop close-knit friendships, learning the values of cooperation, resilience, and self-motivation, making the boarding experience a formative chapter in their lives.”

adamsgs.uk

are thought of as big brothers by the boarders. They also put up some sort of competition when it comes to PlayStation Fifa, compared to me!

Is it truly a “home from home”? We think so, but open communication with boarders and parents keeps us striving to make it even better.

queenscollege.org.uk

What can students expect from boarding at Moor Park?

Boarders really make the most of the facilities on offer, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, AstroTurf, assault course, over 80 acres of fields and woodland, play equipment and much more! When the weather becomes inclement, they have a social room where they can enjoy pool, table tennis, table football, an interactive games table, as well three brand new VR headsets, where they are encouraged to challenge each other to solve puzzles or compete in sports games.

The children sleep in dormitories of different sizes, ranging from rooms of three up to rooms of ten. They love the social aspect of boarding, and being with their friends as much as possible. Breakfasts are a particularly special time of day, with a nutritionally balanced choice of cereals, toast, yoghurt and fruit salad as well as a protein based hot option to set them up for the day ahead! Freshly squeezed orange juice from our new juicing machine encourages the children to kick start their five-a-day from their very first meal.

Boarders enjoy a varied activity programme before supper, followed by free time to relax with friends afterwards. This might be in the social room, out on the pitches playing football or basketball or curled up in a quiet nook with a good book.

How do weekends differ from weekdays?

As a full boarding school, the children have Saturday morning lessons, often followed by sports fixtures in the afternoon. Evening activities are laid on, such as a trip to the local bowling alley, or themed suppers. On Sundays, our Catholic boarders attend Mass in the local church and after that we usually enjoy a seasonal trip out. Regular outings include visiting local attractions, fun activity centres, or shopping trips to a local town – the children always look forward to ice skating in the winter and making the most of being outdoors in the summer. We make sure weekends balance fun activities with plenty of downtime, so children can relax and recharge for the week ahead.

What words of comfort can staff offer to students worried about settling in or homesickness?

Everyone at Moor Park is here to support you through your first few days in a new

We quiz Moor Park’s Head of Boarding, Toby Dunham, on life at the Shropshire school

routine. Whether you need a chat, a hot chocolate, or just someone to sit with you, you will never feel on your own. The other boys and girls know what it’s like to start somewhere new, and they are such a friendly and caring group. Along with your house parents and the gap assistants, the boarding house will quickly feel like your second home. Bringing some comforts from home also helps: photos for your pinboard, or a favourite cuddly toy. To help you get used to school life, you will also have a buddy to look after you and show you where to go.

Are there any little extra measures Moor Park employs to make boarding feel like a home from home?

“Home from home” is more a feeling than a physical thing, and we guarantee that this is what the children experience at Moor Park. We have two wonderful House Parents, Lucy Sewell and Charlotte Dunham, who make the boarding house feel like home through the love and care they provide. In our recent Inspection report it was clear that the children feel secure and have space

to express their feelings, as they would with parents at home. Evenings are structured so that school work is complete before supper, leaving time to unwind, have fun, and relax with friends and staff.

Do students from military families receive any additional support?

Communication with the House Parents is key. If parents know they will be deployed overseas, it is important to let us know as early as possible so we can help children prepare and adjust.

We understand that contact during deployment can be sporadic or even nonexistent. We plan with children so they can connect with parents when possible, while also ensuring they feel supported when contact isn’t available. House Parents form strong relationships with the children so parents don’t need to worry about gaps in communication.

On top of the weekly school newsletter, our full boarders also create a newsletter, midway through each half term, for their parents, filled with photos and updates, so families can feel well connected to the experiences that their child is enjoying and provides reassurance that their child is happy and settled. Military children at Moor Park receive extensive pastoral support – they always have someone to turn to. Strong communication systems within the school ensure all staff are aware and able to support them as fully as possible.

moorpark.org.uk

From boarding house friendships to unforgettable stage performances, military pupil, Camilla B, shares how her schools culture of freedom, support, and community has shaped her confidence, creativity, and sense of home...

WHEN I first joined Bryanston, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’d heard from my parents and my older brother that the school was ‘different’ but I didn’t really understand what they meant. Now, going into my final year at Bryanston, I can confidently say that Bryanston is different. It doesn’t just give you an education: it gives you the freedom to discover who you are and the support to grow.

Bryanston has been the perfect fit for me because it has allowed me to be involved in so many areas of school life, while always feeling part of a welcoming, open community. I never wanted to be the same as everyone else and I am proudly different.

One of the first places I found a sense of belonging was in my boarding house Purbeck. From the moment I stepped through the door I felt at home. It’s hard to describe how special house life is until you experience it. The house community is a stable sense of comfort, support, and energy. What really stands out is how friendships at Bryanston aren’t just limited to your year group. Some of my closest friendships are with people in years above and below me, in and outside of the house. This mix is what makes the community so much richer. Whether its late-night chats in the kitchen with some tea to cheering each other on during house competitions like Sports Day, Purbeck has been the heart of my Bryanston journey.

For families like mine, especially those in the military, knowing that there’s a warm, stable environment waiting for you is so important. Bryanston becomes your home away from home, where change and distance doesn’t stop you from forming deep connections. No matter where you are coming from or how often your home base may shift, Bryanston gives you a sense of continuity and security that means everything.

Alongside house life, one of the most important relationships I’ve built at Bryanston is with my tutor. The tutoring system is personal, they do an incredible job at matching you with someone you have something in common with, to build that connection. My tutor has become someone I can always go to, when I need advice,

help managing workloads, and when I just need someone to chat to. We meet every week one-on-one, and they are the highlight of my week. She helps me feel supported and grounded. Tutors are not just about academics; they are about having someone who’s truly in your corner and having this kind of relationship with my tutor has made a huge difference in my time here.

Being encouraged to get involved is a huge part of Bryanston’s culture. There’s a real freedom to try new things, and one of the areas where I’ve found the most joy is through performing arts. I’ve been part of several dance shows, but our most recent production, the Speakeasy, was especially special. The show was made up of performances to iconic musical numbers from shows like Chicago, Wicked, and Hamilton. The show was unforgettable and the way that everyone supported each other no matter their age or experience made it so special. The atmosphere was electric, from our first rehearsals to the final bows. Knowing that you are surrounded by people who want you to succeed just as much as they want to succeed empowers everyone involved.

Being a part of the A3 Festival is one of my many highlights. I was Dorothy in my friend’s rendition of The Wizard of Oz and getting to do something so fun and expressive with a group of my friends has been one of my best

moments. The whole experience was pure joy, from the rehearsals and teamwork to the shared feeling of pride after our performances. Bryanston makes it easy to be involved in fun projects like this, and it’s amazing how these shared experiences bring people together.

Outside of performance and academics, the social life at Bryanston is vibrant and full of tradition. House Singing is the prime example – it’s a favourite event of the year. Every house comes together to perform on stage in front of the school, and while the singing can be a bit chaotic at times, the energy is unmatched! It’s a weekend of pure fun with everyone getting involved. These moments are particularly meaningful because they remind me that we are part of something bigger, something with personality, creativity and spirit.

What I have come to realise is that Bryanston really is about people. It’s about the tutors who go the extra mile to support you, the housemates who become your family, the teachers who recognise your strengths, and the friends you make in every corner of school life. Bryanston is a place that not only encourages you to be yourself but celebrates it. So, when I think about why Bryanston has been such a good fit for me, it comes down to this: I have had the freedom to explore, given the support to grow, and the encouragement to get involved. I have found confidence through performing creatively, friendship through shared experiences, and a real sense of belonging in a school that values every individual journey.

bryanston.co.uk

TUCKED away in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College Brecon (CCB) is more than just a school. For many military families, it is a safe haven – a place where children can thrive academically while feeling part of a big, extended family.

With a proud history of supporting service families, CCB understands the challenges of military life. Headteacher Gareth Pearson, a former Royal Marines officer, knows this better than most. Having served for eight years, including overseas deployments, he recognises the importance of stability for children. “When parents are away, you want reassurance that your child has a nurturing, secure environment,” he explains. “Boarding at Christ College is about far more than continuity of education – it’s about belonging to a supportive community.”

That community shines brightest in the boarding houses. Families can choose flexi, weekly or full boarding, but whatever the option, the approach is the same: warm, family-style care. Each house is led by a Houseparent living on-site with their own family (and often pets), supported by tutors who provide both academic and pastoral support. Pupils often describe their Houseparents as “like second parents,” while parents praise the strong sense of belonging.

AT Farleigh School, boarding is more than just a practical option – it is a vibrant, enjoyable experience designed to feel like an extension of home. With 120 boarders and 40 flexi-boarders, many from military families, Farleigh understands the unique challenges faced by pupils whose parents are deployed on operations, serving overseas or further afield.

Central to this nurturing environment is a dedicated boarding team of 25 members of staff who live on-site, creating a warm, familyoriented community. House parents and their teams ensure that every child is understood, supported and encouraged – both academically and personally – while helping them build resilience and independence in a setting where they feel safe and happy.

Farleigh’s 70 acres of grounds provide the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary boarding experience. From woodland games and marshmallow roasts to climbing, cookery sessions and art, there are over 30 weekday evening activities and more than 70 across the year. Weekends brim with opportunities

Colonel Baker, a serving parent, reflects: “My children have made lifelong friendships, been taken out of their comfort zone, and learnt that kindness is a great strength. They’ve had a wonderful start in life.”

Life at Christ College is busy, happy and active. Small enough for every child to be known, yet large enough to offer a wealth of opportunities, the school fosters friendships across year groups and keeps weekends packed with sport, outdoor adventure and co-curricular activities – all framed by the school’s spectacular natural surroundings. Estyn inspectors recently commended the house system as “a vital layer of care” that nurtures trust and respect among pupils and staff.

– golf on the school’s six-hole course, tennis with friends, and off-site adventures, while full boarding weekends see over a hundred pupils joining in a busy, laughter-filled programme.

Christ College’s commitment to military families extends to practical support too. As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, the school offers a generous fee reduction, ensuring that with CEA, families contribute only 10% of fees per term.

With national recognition, including a Muddy Stilettos award for its inventive co-curricular programme, finalist for the Independent School of the Year Awards 2025, and a place in the Tatler Schools Guide, Christ College continues to grow its reputation as a small school with a big heart and big opportunities for its pupils. christcollegebrecon.com

For quieter moments, pupils gather in cosy common rooms or share a reflective pause at evening prayers. This balance of energy and calm encourages a genuine sense of belonging – one that military families, in particular, value deeply.

A standout initiative for those living far from home is Farleigh’s innovative in-exeat weekend programme, unique among prep schools. Instead of travelling away from school, pupils can remain on site, enjoying a relaxed weekend packed with fun, friendship and staff-led activities. For families based overseas, it is a reassuring option that ensures children feel settled, secure, and part of the Farleigh “family” all year round.

For military parents, knowing their child is thriving – cared for by a devoted team and surrounded by friends – is priceless. At Farleigh, boarding is not just about being away from home; it is about finding a home where every child is happy, supported and inspired.

farleighschool.com

Forging Future Leaders: Preparing Girls to Lead with Courage and Conviction

AS Queen Mary’s School in North Yorkshire marks its centenary, it does so with purpose: to develop the next generation of female leaders — young women ready to serve, lead, and stand tall in a complex world. Leading this mission is new Head, Fe Beadnell, whose approach is grounded in integrity, courage, and resilience.

Having experienced all-girls education herself, Fe believes in the power of giving girls space to grow their voices and lead with authenticity.

“Leadership isn’t always about being in charge,” Fe says. “It’s about the courage to speak up, the curiosity to listen, and the resilience to keep going.”

Fe is launching a new leadership programme focused on real-world skills:

We meet...

adaptability, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and ethical decision-making — traits valued across sectors, from business to the Armed Forces.

“These are the same qualities any strong leader needs,” Fe adds. “They form the foundation of everything we do here.”

This message resonates with military families who understand leadership as both mindset and moral character. Queen Mary’s

CSF Education

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from talking to Forces families, it’s this: education can be one of the trickiest parts of military life. Whether it’s moving schools mid-term, figuring out SEN support, or just trying to make sure your child settles in after yet another posting – it can feel like you’re constantly starting from scratch.

Luckily, I’ve found a team that’s made it their mission to guide military families through it all. Meet CSF Education – a dedicated group of specialists who’ve been there, done that, and (probably) taught half the kids along the way!

I had a lovely chat with Colin Fleetwood, CSF Education’s CEO, and Hailey O’Riordan, their lead educational consultant – and let’s just say, you’re in very safe hands.

Colin, you’ve had a long career in education — tell us about your journey.

Colin: I’ve spent more than 40 years in education, much of that working with military families around the world. Before founding CSF Education, I was the Senior Principal for Military Education (Worldwide), so I’ve seen it all – from schools in Germany to classrooms in Cyprus. It’s funny – we often meet families today where I’ve either taught the parents or crossed paths with them during their time overseas. That long-standing connection with the community really matters to us.

And how did CSF Education come about?

Colin: After retiring from my formal role (and picking up a bit more golf when the weather allows!), I knew I wasn’t done supporting Service families. Education remains a real challenge for those living a mobile lifestyle – and it shouldn’t have to be. That’s why we built CSF Education: to give families expert guidance, grounded in genuine understanding

So what makes CSF Education different?

Unlike many other consultants, CSF Education isn’t just there for the school search and then gone. You have us for life. Whether it’s help with bill discrepancies, support with

education is rooted in service, self-discipline, and personal responsibility.

Outside the classroom, the school’s Adventure Programme builds confidence through calculated risk and challenge, much like the exercises shaping junior cadets. Meanwhile, Her Voice, a new initiative, introduces students to female role models across diverse industries, including defence and public service.

“Girls need to see leadership in action,” Fe says. “Her Voice helps them discover their strengths and step into leadership with confidence.”

As Queen Mary’s steps into its second century, it’s shaping young women ready for the world — intellectually sharp, socially aware, and grounded in who they are.

queenmarys.org

school matters, or simply someone to meet for a coffee, we’re always here. Many families come back to us time and again – sometimes just for reassurance, sometimes just to chat –and that’s absolutely fine.

Hailey, you’re now leading much of the day-today contact with families. Tell us about your role.

Hailey: I work directly with families, offering advice on school transitions, special educational needs, and EHCP processes, among other things. As a parent myself, with young children in private education, I also relate on a very personal level. I understand what it’s like to want the very best for your child while trying to manage the pressures of life.

The team also has a huge portfolio of schools they’ve visited first-hand, meaning their advice comes with genuine insight. They don’t just recommend schools; they walk the journey with you, often visiting alongside families to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

That mix of expertise, lived experience, and lifelong support is what sets CSF Education apart - and why so many Forces families trust them to be in their corner, wherever life takes them.

csfeducation.co.uk

Day and Boarding for boys aged 11-18 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Conveniently located ﬁve minutes from Belfast City Airport. Fees from £7,966 a term.

Forces families in receipt of full CEA pay only 10% of fees

• Meals, Laundry and Exclusive Uniform Allowance

• World Class High Performance Learning

• Award-Winning Wellbeing Programme

• Extensive Outdoor Education Starting in Year 3

• Over 10 Hours of Co-Curricular Activities Weekly

• “World’s Leading Boarding School”

BLOGSpot

Welcome to Army&You’s Blogspot. Write your thoughts about army life and send them to editor@aff.org.uk

Write your way to HAPPINESS

Poetry for me is both magic and medicine, hand in hand. I have written poems ever since I was a young girl. It is within me, though I believe we are all poets, and we can all tap into the brilliance of the written word. Writing can help you to feel calm, stay organised, let out your creativity, and connect deeper with your friends and family.

I recommend the following three tips:

1. Establish a daily writing practice Journal any words that come to mind, beginning with just a few minutes. This will help you to get to know yourself, give space for ideas to come through, and it has a great calming impact on your wellbeing.

2. Be you! Make time for your own creativity and your own dreams.

Being there for everyone else is so important and noble, though we can only support our loved ones in the best way, if we are also looking after ourselves in the best way. Book that special thing just for you today! (If you join an online writer’s group, like Poetry Dreamers… you can take your special hobby with you if you move.)

3. Connect with your surroundings. Do you know your neighbours? Have you walked down the road to that coffee place? Is there a hidden trail right around the corner to take your dog? A great way to feel grounded, creative and inspired is to mindfully explore your local community. You can find lots of beautiful things right there waiting for you.

With regular writing practice, space

BY JENNIFER MARY JONES

for your own dreams, and connection with your community, you can weather challenging times better too.

I wish you all the happiness and remember, you are someone’s hero… Contact Jennifer via email jennifer@ heartmindsoldier.yoga, her website heartmindsoldier.yoga and instagram @heartmindandsoldieryoga

For a chance to win a copy of Jennifer’s new book, Poetry Songbook Journal, click the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk

Making the most of military life

Being a military family conjures up a wealth of feelings; excitement, uncertainty, times of sadness, times of happiness, and a sense of commonality to those around us.

These feelings are not facts, but narratives that derive from individual, personal experience. I have over 10 years of knowledge and understanding of life as a military wife.

Over this time, I have watched my husband delicately balance the progress of his career alongside meeting the needs of our family, and this is no easy task.

Our priorities naturally shifted upon the arrival of our daughter. There was a need for me to take a step back to re-evaluate how I could navigate life not only as a wife and

BY SARAH JACQUES

mother – but as a person in my own right. My husband had his career, and I wanted to maintain mine. However, navigating this to find my sense of self within a military way of life tested every part of my emotional and physical strength. In the midst of both personal and professional challenges our resilience and strength has grown as a family. We have immersed ourselves in military life, asked questions, used resources, and embraced the military community. During the last three years I have enhanced myself and

my career prospects, achieving a master’s degree and now doing a PhD, which is a dream come true! And it’s something I can do alongside being a mum, which will always be my most important job!

Imperatively, as parents we strive to be good role models for our daughter, and to promote understanding about military life which can at times be very tough. But we find joy and fun in the small things –family walks in the beautiful countryside, access to a swimming pool, family events and visits to local beaches. Our daughter continues to surprise us every day with her own resilience and creativity, aspiring to one day fly helicopters.

Military life always presents options for learning, and what I have learnt is that I can live the life I want, counteract stresses and struggles with fun, and things may go wrong, but it will be ok!

Support during pregnancy loss

My husband and I had been trying to conceive since November 2024 and every month that went past felt like our dream was getting further away.

But on the 6 May of this year I found out I was pregnant. I FaceTimed my partner, who was due to be away with work on and off for a month, to let him know and we were both very happy.

I noticed some worrying symptoms, so went for a scan at the Early Pregnancy Unit. I was told it was a pregnancy of ‘unknown location’, meaning they couldn’t find the pregnancy. They did an HCG test as they said it could have just been too early.

I couldn’t call my husband, so I had to message him to tell him. I went into the scan room alone and when they left to let me get dressed, I just stood there crying. Having him away when I needed him was really tough, but that is just army life. He returned that evening and was due to go away again a few weeks later. During the week I had three blood tests and his chain

BY LAURA GOBEY

of command let him come with me to them all. We also went to A&E as I was in a lot of pain on my left side, but it seemed to ease so I was sent home.

On the 19 May the hospital asked me to come back to the Early Pregnancy Unit for a repeat scan. My husband explained the circumstances to his chain of command, and with zero hesitation, they said he could go with me. The appointment was at noon. During the scan they discovered I had

LIFE AFTER SERVICE

After graduating from Newcastle University in 2009, I commissioned into the Royal Artillery with a simple plan: serve three years, enjoy the adventure and move on. Fifteen years later, I finally signed off – but not before my time; the army had become far more than I ever expected.

My military journey took me to Afghanistan as a fire support team commander, and then to technical and instructor roles as a gunnery instructor at the Royal School of Artillery, and later working at Army HQ. Each posting revealed new aspects of military life I hadn’t anticipated. Eventually, I faced the inevitable question: what next?

The 12-month sign-off period brings a unique mix of excitement and trepidation. Without a job offer in hand, it’s natural to second-guess your decision.

What helped my job search most was starting early. I began reaching out to veterans in relevant fields on LinkedIn, searching by company, asking for informal

chats and soaking up their insights.

The generosity of the veteran community was brilliant. People were prepared to share their experiences, talk through opportunities. That pay-it-forward mentality made a lasting impression on me, and it’s something I now try to pass on – whether through a quick call or a brew with someone navigating their own transition.

Those conversations led me first to Leonardo, where a mentor helped me translate my military experience into a civilian context – project management, consulting, business development, all underpinned by skills many of us subconsciously develop while in uniform.

Eventually, I found my way to Chess Dynamics, a UK Defence business whose work felt like a natural extension of my Royal Artillery service.

Since leaving regular service, I have continued as a reservist gunnery instructor, with Chess offering ten days’ paid leave for reserve service. This

an ectopic pregnancy in my left fallopian tube, which was rupturing and needed emergency surgery. By 2.30pm I was in surgery. We had to arrange care for our dog, Teddy, and being a military family living away from friends and family, the only option was the patch Facebook group.

I put a post up and quickly I had ladies who had never met me offering to have him for the day. I know it can feel like there is a lack of community nowadays, but it showed that when we really need it, there are still people ready to offer support.

My husband’s chain of command gave him two weeks of compassionate leave, which was a saving grace. When he returned to work, he felt comfortable speaking to people about the experience and his colleagues checked in on him. This experience will always sit with us. It has been emotionally difficult but we have been well supported, not only by our families, but by the army and other army families.

enables me to keep current with trends, threats and the outcomes of policy updates. My operational experience, contacts and understanding of military life all offer an advantage in industry.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment was embracing the freedom of civilian life. There is no career manager dictating your next role, or obligation to stay somewhere for a posting cycle. It’s a big change, but one that most veterans adapt to and thrive from.

If you’re approaching transition, start planning early. Know your strengths. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the network. The journey won’t always be smooth, but with preparation and support, it can lead somewhere remarkable. A

BY RICHARD VARLEY

GIVE MORE THAN A GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS - SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED.

This Christmas, the gifts you choose can carry a message far beyond the wrapping paper. By shopping with Help for Heroes, you’re offering veterans and their families more than a present - you’re giving them hope, support and the chance to rebuild lives after service.

CARDS THAT CARRY MEANING

Our brand-new Help for Heroes Charity Christmas Cards are available to buy online, each design created with care and festive spirit. From charming military bears designed exclusively by Bryn Parry CBE, co-founder of Help for Heroes, to clever nods like the classic ‘Four Candles’ sketch, these cards capture the essence of the season.

Printed on premium FSC-certiﬁed paper, complete with envelopes and warm greetings inside, they’re a heartfelt way to spread joy while making a real difference. All proﬁts support veterans and their families throughout the year because giving back should always be part of the celebration.

GIFTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

When you choose a gift from our carefully curated collection, you’re giving something that matters. Whether it’s a soft jumper to keep someone warm, a snug beanie, a festive mug, or even cosy socks or a Christmas decoration - every item has been selected with care and purpose.

These gifts aren’t just thoughtfulthey fund recovery programmes, mental health services and welfare support that help veterans and their families

face the challenges of life after military service. So whether you’re buying for a loved one or treating yourself, you can be sure your gift makes a real difference.

STYLE WITH HEART THIS AUTUMN AND WINTER

Our seasonal clothing range is designed for warmth, comfort and lasting quality. From relaxed hoodies to cosy beanies, every piece offers a unisex ﬁt that suits everyday life. Crafted to withstand the colder months, these garments are practical and built to last - with the added comfort that your purchase supports veterans in need. It’s the kind of clothing that feels good on you and does good for others.

Since 2007, Help for Heroes has been a lifeline for tens of thousands of veterans and their families, providing vital support through recovery programmes, mental health care, welfare assistance and social connections.

This work depends on people like you. Shopping at Help for Heroes turns everyday spending into something extraordinary - real, lasting change for those who’ve given so much.

MAKE YOUR GIFT COUNT

This Christmas, don’t just give a gift. Give a lifeline. Whether you choose a card, a thoughtful gift or practical clothing, every purchase helps make a difference.

And if you’re not ready to shop, donations are always welcomepowering this work throughout the year.

Visit the Help for Heroes Shop today and be part of something truly meaningful this festive season.

Dandelions

FOR THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF YOUR ARMY FAMILY

STRENGTHENING THE BOND

Catterick Garrison is more than just a location for Risedale School; it’s part of its identity. With over half of its pupils from armed forces families, the school understands and champions the unique experiences and challenges faced by service children. Recently, Risedale has been focused on celebrating its strong connection to the wider military community and recognising the valuable contributions its service pupils bring. The school takes pride in this bond, ensuring these students are well-supported, with their academic and pastoral needs addressed to help them thrive, in part by taking advantage of Service Pupil

A recent highlight was the school’s involvement in the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. BFBS Radio Catterick provided a special platform, inviting Risedale pupils to share their thoughts on what VE Day meant to them. Their poignant reflections resonated across the garrison.

Risedale pupils also attended Children’s Armed Forces Day in Catterick. This event provided another fantastic opportunity for children from service backgrounds from the garrison to celebrate their heritage and connection to the armed forces.

‘IT

FELT LIKE THE FALLEN WERE THERE WITH US’

Children from the Never Such Innocence Military Kids Choir had a Royal welcome when they sang during the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate as part of a series of events to mark the centenary of the death of Field Marshal Sir John French.

The first Earl of Ypres, he is the great grandfather of NSI’s founder Lady Lucy French OBE. He commanded the British Army on the Western Front between August 1914 and December 1915.

As part of their visit to Belgium the children were taken on a tour of Tyne Cot Cemetery, where they learned about the soldiers laid to rest there.

One member, Sophia, nine, said: “Seeing the graves really helped me to understand the big numbers of casualties in the war.”

Later, at the ceremony, where they were greeted by Princess Astrid of Belgium, they sang I Vow to Thee My Country and an original song, The 11th of November Lliana, 13, was moved by the experience. She said: “It felt powerful to sing at the Gate, like those who had fallen were there with us, giving us the courage to sing.”

The youngsters were also invited to perform in St George’s Memorial Church in a programme that mirrored the original order of service for Sir John’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.

Plans are being made for another visit in 2027 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Menin Gate and the choir has already written a special song.

HELPING TO COPE WITH SEPARATION

Clare Shaw is the author of Sometimes: My Mummy’s Gone Away with Work, a comforting book designed to help children cope with the absence of a parent due to work commitments. Through simple rhyming text and engaging illustrations, the story gently addresses feelings of missing a parent, offering reassurance and encouraging emotional expression.

The book also features interactive elements, allowing children to draw or write about their emotions.

Clare’s therapeutic picture books, including a Daddy version of this title, aim to support families through sensitive topics like separation, providing comfort and understanding for children facing temporary goodbyes.

One reader can win a copy of either Sometimes: My Mummy’s Gone Away with Work or Sometimes: My Daddy’s Gone Away with Work. Scan the QR code to enter. The closing date is November 16, 2025.

Premium funding.

NSI Military Kids Choir members at the Menin Gate. Image: Last Post Association, Ypres

TIME TO RECONNECT

Children enjoyed an action packed few days with their parents as part of a programme of short breaks staged by Little Troopers aimed at helping military families reconnect with each other.

Earlier this year the charity launched a series of four weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by the Team Forces Foundation.

Eight families took part in one at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Hampshire where they stayed in shepherd’s huts and tried raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft.

Parents cooked a barbecue and there were campfire games for the children. Families headed home on Sunday after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees.

“It’s been fantastic,” said Natasha Lowe, who was there with her children, Joseph, 13, and Saffron, 11. She said: “No devices, and we actually spent some time together. The raft building, we all got stuck in and enjoyed.

“Meeting the other parents and realising that

RESOURCE FOR CHILDREN

Pupils at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness have teamed up with members of the Military Liaison Group (MLG) to create a vibrant and engaging new digital resource that helps explain the education section of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The result is a colourful and accessible online book, complete with a poster designed to help children, families and school staff understand the support that’s available to military families in education. Using clear language and engaging illustrations, the resource brings the Armed Forces Covenant to life in a way that is informative and child friendly.

often you are all in the same boat, it has felt like a real military community and all the kids have got on great. We learned new skills like fire lighting which we’d never done before, pushed ourselves and came out our comfort zone.

We’ve enjoyed it very much.”

Little Troopers founder Louise Fetigan explained the All Together family reconnection weekends were aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment, and to help children to connect with their parents and make new friends.

“Our New Forest weekend went brilliantly,” she said. “It was a real joy to see everyone laughing and enjoying some special time together out in nature.”

The Little Troopers weekends invite between eight and ten families, with one or both parents and up to four siblings aged nine to 16, to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection, where they are encouraged to put down their phones, meet new people and make memories. Go to littletroopers.net to find out more.

families and members of the local authority.

The project is a brilliant example of co-production in action. By involving the children from the start of the project, it has ensured the final product truly reflects the experiences and voices of those it’s designed to support.

What makes the project stand out is not just the quality of the resource, but the way the pupils have taken ownership of it. They’ve been proudly presenting the book at various events, helping raise awareness and explain its purpose to a wide range of audiences, including educators, military

Highland Council MLG (Education) Lead, Lou Kinnear, said: “A huge well done to the incredibly hard work of these pupils who have, through these resources, made a positive difference in understanding, learning and engaging with the Armed Forces Covenant – Education. It has been a pleasure to work alongside them.”

The MLG (Education) partnership has a dedicated website packed full of information for families, educators, communities and children and young people at armedforcesfamilieshighland. wordpress.com

You can find the new digital resource at tinyurl.com/AFCexplained

DREAMING BIG

More than 200 pupils and 30 inspiring professionals took part in this year’s Careers Day at St John’s School in Cyprus, making it the school’s biggest yet. With 20 interactive stands and more than 40 different career pathways to explore, from law and performing arts to data science, there was something to spark everyone’s interest.

Students at the MOD secondary school in Episkopi also heard from specialists from the local area and beyond. Talks covered everything from pharmacy and animation to civil engineering, journalism and travel and tourism. One of the biggest highlights was a practical demonstration by a bomb disposal expert that had everyone on the edge of their seats!

Organiser and Careers Lead, Sam Papaioannou, said: “For our students, many of whom move schools often because of military life, events like this are so important. They give our young people the chance to see what’s possible, no matter where they go next.”

Year 8 student Jess added: “I love that the people who came were so happy to show us what they do – and what we could be.”

For military children who know what it’s like to move around and start over, Careers Day at St John’s was about showing them that nothing can hold them back – and that big dreams really can come true.

Pupils took ownership of the project to create an explainer for the Armed Forces Covenant

Little Troopers with founder Louise

Creating men & women for others

Giveaways Spend a day on the water

Click the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk

Entries close on 16 November 2025.

Spend a leisurely day drifting along a scenic canal aboard an Anglo Welsh canal boat. Day boats can carry up to 10 people and are equipped with the facilities you need for a day afloat such as cutlery, crockery, a kettle, hob, fridge, sink and toilet.

Enjoy a picnic on board or stop off at a canal-side pub for lunch. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, so whatever the weather, you can enjoy the ever-changing view.

Anglo Welsh day boats can be hired from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales, Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, the Stratford Canal

in Shakespeare country and the historic market towns of Nantwich in Cheshire, Whitchurch in Shropshire and Rugeley in Staffordshire.

One lucky Army&You reader can win a day’s boat hire for up to 10 people, valid for a Monday to Friday from 1 January to 30 June 2026.

SEW

CREATIVE

Gemma Chadwick, who grew up in an army family, is a Lincolnshire-based textile artist specialising in free motion embroidery. Since 2013 she has been the creative force behind JimJam Designs, where she crafts unique, handcrafted textile products that showcase her intricate stitching and artistic flair.

Each piece is meticulously designed and made by Gemma, reflecting her passion for texture, colour and storytelling through fabric. With a commitment to quality and originality, her work embodies the essence of handmade artistry, bringing warmth and personality to every creation.

One reader could win a textile hoop from Gemma’s collection worth £22, which will be personalised with your choice of initial, name and colours. For more, see jimjamdesigns. bigcartel.com or @ jimjamdesigns

HOW TO ENTER: Click the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk and follow the links. One entry per household per giveaway. Closing date for entries is 16 November 2025 unless otherwise stated. See page three for competition rules. Your information will not be used for marketing purposes. Winners’ names and T&Cs are published on the Army&You website.

•

His autobiography charts a troubled childhood and escape to the military, where at fifteen Colin becomes the

and even appearing on Soldier Soldier and

He then reveals the gruelling SAS selection where only six percent survive and gives a rare insight into life as an SAS operator, including missions, training, and his time with Mountain Troop, D Squadron on some of the most dangerous operations in SAS history. “An incredible story of

Keep the cold out

Snugpak is known for its innovative lightweight and technical products, including clothing and camping equipment.

The Snugpak name combines two passions, keeping its customers warm and providing compact products. These passions started in 1977, when options for lightweight sleeping bags and clothing were limited, and the affordable kit available was bulky and heavy.

For multiple expeditions in different conditions, a versatile sleeping bag is essential. The Softie 9 is a three-season bag made in the UK that performs well in temperatures down to minus 10C.

One lucky reader can win a Softie 9 sleeping bag worth £161.

For more see, snugpak.com

Wartime struggles

Dear Mr Snippet is a heartwrenching true story of enduring love, told through real Second World War correspondence between a husband, wife and their children.

Featuring photographs and letters diligently transcribed by their granddaughter, author Roseanna Rolph, this novel aims to shine a light on the struggles faced by military families past and present.

The Second World War has just begun, and newly-married John, a young cadet army officer from London, has been

forced to leave behind his beloved wife Rita. As each of them desperately try to hold onto their joint hopes and dreams, will fate grant them the future they dream of, or will the unpredictability of a relentless war conspire against them?

Through their passionate, witty and heartfelt letters, personal diary entries and family photographs, Dear Mr Snippet chronicles John and Rita’s parallel yet contrasting lives.

Three readers could each win a copy, worth £12.99.

Feel-good news

You could win a one-year subscription to The Happy Newspaper, a colourful, feel-good quarterly newspaper celebrating all that’s good in the world.

From uplifting stories and acts of kindness to inspiring people and positive changes, The Happy Newspaper shines a light on hope and happiness – something we all need a little more of.

One lucky winner will receive four issues delivered straight to their door throughout the year, packed with joyful news from around the globe.

Whether it’s for you or someone you love, this prize is a perfect pickme-up and a reminder that there’s still so much good out there.

See thehappynewspaper.com

Book Club

Army & You and Reading Force Book Club, have fun sharing books!

Thrilling tale of a tiger

In this edition’s Army&You and Reading Force Book Club, service children tell us what they thought of Tiger, Don’t Worry! by Daishu Ma.

If your children would like to review books for the A&Y Book Club, email hattie@readingforce.org.uk with their names and ages

I really liked the book. I liked that they were having lots of fun and were trying to be very helpful. The pictures were pretty. It was very funny when the leaves went all over Tiger. But it’s very important that Tiger learns that it’s not okay to run away. You have to tell the grown-ups when something goes wrong.

HAVE FUN SHARING BOOKS

Leander and his two siblings had so much fun reading Tiger, Don’t Worry! before bed! It was super easy to read, and we even grabbed our toys to act out the story – it felt like we were part of the adventure! Big thanks for letting us read this awesome book.

READING FORCE is the free shared reading initiative for forces families where you can share a book and talk about it, together at home or via video call if separated. You’ll receive a free book and scrapbook to fill in with your thoughts, letters, drawings and photographs. It’s a fun way to keep connected. Teens receive a special journal. Take part via your children’s school, HIVE, or register online at readingforce.org.uk

Enter our giveaway to win a copy of Tiger, Don’t Worry! and a Reading Force scrapbook. See page three for entry rules. Already read it? Tell us your thoughts @ArmyandYou

NATHAN, AGED FIVE

Published by: Post Wave, hardback, £12.99

LEANDER, AGED TWO, AND MUM

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Flexi, weekly and full boarding options

Dedicated junior boarding house

No tuition fees (VAT exempt boarding fees)

A safe home-from-home to develop independence and build friendships

Comprehensive activities programme

Local RAF Cadets 1140 Squadron and No.22 Platoon Sussex Army Cadet Force

Your Trusted Partner For Total Facilities Management

When you think of NAAFI, you might picture a comforting cuppa and a familiar chocolate bar; a welcome taste of home in an often-unfamiliar world. And while our shops remain at the heart of what we do, this barely scratches the surface of the extensive services NAAFI provides to Armed Forces communities worldwide.

NAAFI is a dynamic, global organisation capable of delivering a comprehensive suite of services, contributing to the welfare of UK personnel wherever they are deployed.

CEA families pay no more than 10% of boarding fees

We can’t ignore the dark side of fashion – the exploitation behind the creative facade. I’m going to be a fashion journalist you can trust – who uncovers the truth, offers you better choices, and empowers you to express yourself ethically. Let’s redefine fashion together and transform our wardrobe and our world. Bryanston is