Army&You – Autumn 2026 by TylerBale Communications

The Magazine of the Army Families Federation

ISSUE: #142 2026

armyandyou.co.uk

LEARNING CURVE

the challenges of settling into UK Army family life HOUSI N G

Have your say Take the chance to view the floorplans and shape the service family homes of the future

OV E R S EAS

Adventure of a lifetime Army families and their children give an insight into the ups and downs of an overseas posting

FEATUR E

Aiming for future success What support is available for service young people as they make the journey into adulthood?

Become a member of the Royal British Legion today Together, our members form an international community that champions our cause, strengthens camaraderie, and helps the Armed Forces community access support for life. Search Join RBL rbl.org.uk

Registered charity number in England and Wales 219279 and Scotland SC054446

Whether you have served or are serving, are part of the Armed Forces community, or just want to stand with our service personnel, there’s a place for you at the Royal British Legion.

Welcome

Next generation support

BY ALISON GROVER, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

We’ve changed the way Army&You is distributed so you’ll now need to sign up to continue receiving (or request to receive) a free copy direct to your door, which can be done by scanning the QR code below or visiting armyandyou.co.uk If you’re constantly on the move, don’t worry – you’ll be able to pick up a copy of the magazine at a multitude of military hubs, be it the mess, welfare centre or medical waiting room.

Scan here for a free copy of A&Y direct to your door

eing born into a service family can mean facing hardships not experienced by the civilian community. Separation from parents because of training or deployments can cause stress and anxiety, while frequent moves may mean children and young people are denied the chance to put down roots and establish long-term friendships. The unique lifestyle, however, can also lead to the development of positive qualities such as determination and resilience. In this edition we are focusing on how the lives of children and young people are affected because they have serving parents. Our feature on pages 12 & 13 explores the support available for teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 24 in the military community. We have links to resources to help children’s mental health on page 28 and look at the highs and lows of postings to Canada and SHAPE for families and their children on pages 38 to 42. We highlight new initiatives for service children’s education on page 21, including a toolkit to help with the transition to a new school. On the housing front, we explore what the new Defence Housing Service will look like and talk to Defence Families Champion for the MOD, Trish Jakeman. You also have the chance to view the floorplans and leave your comments on new military homes being built in Wiltshire. Deployments are a frequent feature of military life, and on pages 32 & 33 we speak to Hayley, who decided to go married unaccompanied while her husband was on a two-year posting to Jordan. If you need a break away, or somewhere to meet up to see loved ones living in different parts of the UK or overseas, the Services Cotswold Centre could be the answer. We talk to a family who have made use of what it has to offer on pages 18 & 19. We’ve got some great giveaways on pages 58 & 59 including tickets to the Festive Good Food Show and The Tank Story, which features Al Murray and historian James Holland. Do drop us a line to let us know how we can improve your magazine and include more of what is relevant and interesting to you. You can do so by emailing your thoughts to editor@aff.org.uk. Enjoy the issue.

Alison

armyandyou.co.uk | facebook.com/armyandyou | instagram.com/armyandyou | x.com/armyandyou armyandyou.co.uk | 3

Aiming for future success Jill Misson explores support available for 16 to 24-year-olds in the Army community

Building a new career in civvy street Building Heroes helps family members take their first step into construction

Rural retreat Exploring what’s on offer at the Services Cotswold Centre

What works for Service children Tour of the UK gathers evidence from those working with service children

A steep learning curve Army spouse Shashi explains how her family overcame the challenges they faced when moving to the UK

Pushing for right to remain AFF F&C team works with Home Office on new guidance for case workers

Mental health support for young children A rundown of the avenues of help available if your young person is struggling

Families are at the heart of housing MOD Defence Families Champion Trish Jakeman wants to make the voice of families heard

One big adventure One family’s story of life married unaccompanied

Extra source of CEA support The detail on the new advisory team

Life on the prairie Esther Thomas explores what family life is like in Canada

4 | aff.org.uk

Regulars 08

News Stay up to date with the latest news, whats happening at AFF Headquarters and what’s new online

Giveaways Enter our giveaways for your chance to win prizes

Postcard A snapshot of life in Canada

Book Club Young readers find out how to weather a storm

Military Chatter Voices from our community, featuring blogs, emails, and thoughts from our readers

Comms All you need to keep in contact

CONTENTS

Features

Are you looking for a Boarding School? Let Claire Calder guide you. Providing FREE and impartial advice to HM Forces and FCDO families

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Book a Visit

A Word From

Covenant commitment BY CHIEF EXECUTIVE COLLETTE MUSGRAVE

ere at AFF we receive frequent enquiries about accessing the Armed Forces Covenant. Families tell us that the information they receive can be confusing and complex, and they need our expertise to be able to access the support they need. Earlier in the year we shared families’ views on the Armed Forces Covenant with MPs while giving evidence to a Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill, which is currently going through Parliament. Continuing this focus, a two-year programme has been launched to raise awareness of how the Armed Forces Covenant can help service personnel, families and the bereaved discover how new measures in the Armed Forces Bill may be of benefit. AFF has been given a £370,000 grant to work with the Naval and RAF Families Federations on significantly increasing knowledge of the Covenant among Forces families. This will enable the creation of tailored resources and support, which we hope will encourage a greater understanding of the Covenant and what it can do for the Armed Forces community. To enable us to better capture your experiences, we are boosting our evidence function to introduce a new Head of Evaluation and Research role. This will provide the data we need to make sure your

voices are better represented to those who make decisions about your life. Don’t forget we’re here to help. We aim to work with you as you navigate the challenges that can come with being part of the Army family. We are a strong independent voice for you, raising your concerns and evidence to the Army, Ministry of Defence and government. Our team can guide you through key areas such as housing, education and childcare, employment and training, money and allowances, healthcare and additional needs, and overseas postings. Our qualified immigration team will continue to provide tailored presentations – just get in touch if your unit would like one.

Signing off After over five years as Chief Executive of AFF, it is time for me to say goodbye as I move on to my next role. It has been a genuine privilege to lead this organisation, whose people and work I care about so deeply. To the AFF team – present and past – thank you for your commitment, compassion and professionalism in supporting Army families. Your dedication to helping serving families with the unique issues that Army life throws up is inspiring. And so is your hard work

Call - 01264 554004 Email - contact@aff.org.uk Website – aff.org.uk to turn their voices into change for the better. It takes determined effort over months and years, and the changes are often behind the scenes but do make a difference! Thank you to those in the Army chain of command who have listened and helped. And thank you to our colleagues across the Defence charity sector, including the Naval Families Federation and RAF Families Federation, all united by a commitment to those who serve and their families. And to every member of an Army family who speaks to us, challenges us and trusts us with your experiences: thank you. Your voices are what give AFF its purpose and its influence. We cannot make change without you. A armyandyou.co.uk | 7

NEWS

LGBTQ+ veterans who marched at the Cenotaph during Remembrance

Bereavement support

SUPPORT

Time to act FIGHTING WITH Pride is urging veterans affected by the historic ban on LGBTQ+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces to come forward before the LGBT+ Financial Recognition Scheme closes on 12 December 2026. The scheme offers financial recognition and restorative measures to those who suffered dismissal, discharge, loss of career opportunities or other impacts because of their sexual orientation or gender identity while serving. Many veterans remain unaware that they may be eligible. Families, friends and former colleagues can play a vital role in helping to reach those affected. Fighting With Pride provides confidential support, guidance on accessing restorative measures and assistance throughout the application process. For more information, visit fightingwithpride.org.uk

Website for police complaints

THE SERVICE Police Complaints Commissioner (SPCC) has launched a new 8 | aff.org.uk

website offering information on how to make a complaint and what to expect. It’s aimed at anyone subject to service law or discipline, including Regular and Reserve personnel, their families and civil servants. Users can find an explanation of the SPCC and how it works, step-bystep guidance on making a complaint and data about investigation outcomes. The website is also for police officers, Professional Standards Department staff, commanding officers and welfare leads. The SPCC oversees complaints for around 3,000 Service Police Officers around the UK and abroad. thespcc.org.uk

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT Support has launched a Military Bereavement Service, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. It offers support for those affected by military bereavement, including the death of a serving member of the Armed Forces, or an exserving person whose death was due to service-attributable reasons. One-to-one bereavement support and online group sessions are free, confidential, and available online or by telephone across England and Wales. Search ‘military bereavement’ at cruse.org.uk

Funding helps parents CHARITY SHARED Parenting Scotland has received funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund 2026-28, announced by the former Veterans Minister Graeme Dey. With this award, the charity will continue to work with military personnel, veterans and their families who are going through family breakup, and grow its services in Scottish prisons. Shared Parenting provides a coaching course, New Ways For Families, throughout

the UK, free to military personnel and veterans. It helps separated parents take responsibility for their communication and work towards effective coparenting. Chief Executive Kevin Kane said: “We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this vital support. Family separation can be especially challenging, particularly where there are additional pressures linked to service life or transition to civilian life.” Its Love, Loss and Living course is aimed at parents who are not seeing their children at all, to help them deal with grief and bereavement. For more, see sharedparenting.scot

Quicker route to help A NEW online referral form has been launched to make it easier for veterans and those leaving the military to access welfare support and guidance. It cuts out the need for paper or PDF forms and provides a secure way to request assistance. And it means referrals are submitted directly to the MOD Veterans Services triage team. Referrals can be completed in a few minutes by the veteran, serving person or anyone supporting them. Once submitted, the form is reviewed by the triage team before appropriate support is arranged. The form and more detail about Veterans Services can be found at gov.uk/guidance/ get-help-from-veteransservices Existing referral routes, including downloadable forms, are still available.

NEWS

Magazine for Reservists A NEW magazine, The Reservist, has been launched to support service personnel who are considering joining or are already part of the Reserve force. The brainchild of veteran Mark Hill MBE, it provides information and signposting for those balancing civilian and military roles, and the employers and partners who recognise the value that Reservists bring. You can read the magazine online at serviceleavers. co.uk/the-reservist MAY 2026

The Reservist Regular to Reserve

UKSF(R) AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Settling in

WILTSHIRE COUNCIL has launched an online resource called Belong in Wiltshire to help military families settle in the county. It contains information on education and school admissions, finding employment, housing and health. You will also find details of how to connect with different groups locally, whether online or in person. Other councils also offer advice and information for the military community on their websites, for example Dorset and the City of York. wiltshire.gov.uk/belong-inwiltshire

MONEY

Pay award for personnel

THE ARMED Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB) published its 55th report in June, highlighting ongoing recruitment, retention and morale challenges across Defence, while recognising the professionalism and dedication of service personnel. A key recommendation was a 3.6 per cent pay award for Armed Forces personnel, backdated to 1 April 2026. This is the third consecutive above-inflation pay increase, following awards in 2024 and 2025, and aligns broadly with wider UK earnings growth. The Office for National Statistics reported regular pay growth of 3.4 per cent across the UK economy in the three months to March 2026. The report also recommended increases to accommodation and food charges. Consistent with the AFPRB’s long-standing approach, these charges should broadly reflect inflation and the value of the services provided. While the increases will affect service personnel directly, the report emphasised the need to maintain a fair balance between pay, allowances and the subsidised cost of accommodation. No immediate changes were recommended to the X-Factor, although the AFPRB noted ongoing work to review its relevance to modern service life. Currently worth 14.5 per cent of military salary, the X-Factor compensates personnel for the demands

and disadvantages of military service not otherwise reflected in the remuneration package.

FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH

Challenges for non-UK families AFF’S LATEST non-UK survey results highlight that while some progress has been made, significant challenges remain for non-UK serving families navigating the UK immigration system. Two-thirds - 67 per cent - of respondents said they were either unsure how to access immigration information or found it difficult or very difficult to access. Although this is an improvement from 75 per cent in the previous survey undertaken in 2024/25, these results demonstrate that finding reliable immigration guidance remains a concern. Understanding immigration information is an even greater challenge. Eighty six per cent said they either found the information difficult to understand or did not know where to find it. Encouragingly, there are signs of improvement in the provision of immigration briefings. Among those who had served for 0-2 years, 45 per cent had received a briefing, compared with 29 per cent in the previous survey. A key recommendation to the Army from the last survey was the continued provision of yearly immigration briefings to the non-UK serving community. Overall, 18 per

cent of respondents reported receiving a briefing in the last 12 months, broadly unchanged from 16 per cent previously. The AFF Foreign & Commonwealth team of qualified immigration advisors continue to play a vital role in supporting non-UK serving personnel and their families. Of those who had contacted AFF, 84 per cent found the support helpful or very helpful, an increase from 80 per cent previously. AFF was identified, alongside gov.uk, as the most popular first source of immigration information. Respondents were also keen to tell AFF about issues that affected their experience of being a non-UK serving family. Responses revealed ongoing concerns about the financial burden of immigration - 34 per cent of comments related to visa fees and associated costs, highlighting the continued pressures faced by serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Last posting dates BRITISH FORCES Post Office (BFPO) anticipates a number of technical challenges could disrupt the Christmas posting period from October to December this year. The last posting date to overseas locations is 30 October 2026, so if you are sending gifts to service personnel and families overseas, post soon to ensure they arrive in time for Christmas. The last posting date for service personnel on operations and HM ships is 17 November 2026.

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NEWS

FROM AFF HQ

Overseas research findings THE VALUING Forces Families Overseas programme (VFFO) is being run by AFF, the NFF and the RAFFF and is a series of projects funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Insights are now emerging from the discovery and development phase, in the form of independent research carried out by RAND Europe. Following several focus groups, RAND reports that it has gathered valuable evidence from families living overseas, and the next stage is to identify the most significant themes and recommendations. Many spouses and partners say they would welcome an independent, trusted source of information, particularly when navigating employment, taxation and welfare-related queries. Some families have also highlighted occasions when pre-posting expectations did not fully match the reality of life at their overseas location. The research has also identified challenges for families returning to the UK, with housing, medical transfers and education provision - particularly SEND support - mentioned as areas where clearer information and support would be beneficial. Look out for RAND’s report coming soon. Another VFFO project focusing on spousal employment overseas is progressing well and will play 10 | aff.org.uk

an important role within a new digital information hub being developed by the RAFFF. Meanwhile, the three explainer videos created by the NFF have received positive feedback and are helping serving personnel and families across all three services better understand how they might prepare for an overseas assignment. There’s more information on the general overseas postings page at aff.org.uk NFF is currently preparing for its next live webinar on October 15 at 7pm which will provide information on overseas assignments. Keep an eye on our social media to find out how to attend.

Celebrating service

PADDY AND Emma from AFF were proud to be out and about at the National Armed Forces Day event in Aldershot in June, celebrating the service and marking the sacrifice of the Armed Forces community. It was a great opportunity to meet families, veterans, serving personnel and supporters, share what AFF does, and be part of a special day. They were able to chat to Aldershot MP Alex Baker about the challenges currently facing the Armed Forces community.

NEWS

HEALTH

Making moving easier

Sharing experiences THE FORCES Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF), for serving personnel, reservists and families hosted its spring event in May. Supported by SSAFA, it was a chance for families and professionals, including chain of command, medical officers and welfare teams to share experiences. Lynne Doherty, of SSAFA, said: “It was an inspirational day, but one that didn’t shy away from the real-life realities. “It’s heartbreaking to still be hearing those all too familiar words ‘I don’t know where to turn’. “Caring for a loved one while also trying to get to grips with military life is not easy and support is available.” Find out more at ssafa.org. uk

New health network THE ARMED Forces Health, Disability & Carers Network (AF HDCN) is a tri-service network that brings together service personnel affected by health conditions, disability, neurodiversity, special educational needs (SEN), illness and caring responsibilities — either personally or through supporting a family member. The network exists to share experiences, provide peer support and help improve understanding of the realities

faced by many within the Armed Forces community. These experiences are often not visible, but they can have a significant impact on individuals and families. The network is open to Regulars and Reservists from across all three services. You do not need a diagnosis to be part of the network. Members can join the AF HDCN Microsoft Teams community, access information, resources and updates through the SharePoint site and connect through Facebook. Contact People-AFHDCN@mod.gov. uk

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

Student finance redesigned THE NEW Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will transform post-18 student finance in England into a single, unified system. It will benefit Army families by giving flexibility and funding to many spouses and partners wanting to study, upskill or retrain.

Rather than restricting student finance to traditional full-time degrees, the LLE permits learners to use their funding in flexible chunks. They can finance smaller, high-value technical courses or stand-alone modules (minimum 30 credits) to upskill or retrain as their career demands. This will allow students to stack completed modules into full qualifications over time. Designed for people aged 18 to 60, the LLE will offer a flexible loan allowance equivalent to four years of post-18 education. For the 2026/27 academic year, this maximum tuition fee loan will be £39,160. Applications were due to open in September 2026 for eligible courses and modules that start from January 2027. Learners can also access maintenance loans to help with living costs for courses requiring in-person attendance, alongside targeted grants for specific personal circumstances. Returning students who previously received student finance can access a residual entitlement. To find out more, search Lifelong Learning Entitlement at gov.uk.

FORCES CHILDREN Scotland has launched a storybook, Max’s Big Move. Co-written with children and young people from Armed Forces families, the book helps young readers navigate the transition to civilian life. The story follows Max and his family, who face big changes when his mum leaves the Armed Forces and they leave the patch. The book is available at forceschildrenscotland.org. uk. It is accompanied by an animated read-aloud version and other resources for young learners, including puzzles, puppets, colouring sheets and guided reading materials. The project was funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

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Aiming for future success Young people experience significant change in their lives as they move from childhood to adulthood. Jill Misson explores support available for 16 to 24-year-olds in the Army community.

rowing up, you can’t wait to take control of your life and decide its direction, but the reality of that responsibility can feel daunting. From what to study and deciding a career path to where to live, young people face some crucial choices. Ruby, 17, is studying English Language, Sociology, and Media Studies at sixthform college. She says: “I chose these courses because I believe that they will help me succeed in the future. I know I definitely want to do something in the media industry and I plan to go to university or do an apprenticeship next. The only challenge I am concerned about is moving away from home as it will be a huge leap.” Being a child in an Army family has helped Ruby to develop vital skills and a positive mindset. She says: “I am adaptable and can adjust to new communities, schools or countries. I am confident when meeting new people and getting comfortable in unfamiliar environments. I am resilient due to coping with change and overcoming challenges such as frequent moves, making and leaving friends and my dad being away.”

Help from grants The Armed Forces Education Trust (armedforceseducation.org) can award grants to individuals up to age 25, where their need is directly linked to their education having been disadvantaged due to their parent’s service. CEO Charmian Hickman says: “This could be to give a young person the 12 | aff.org.uk

to reach his full potential. When we thought we’d been let down, the trust helped us out and he is definitely reaping the benefit.”

Teens left in limbo

Ruby

continuity they need at their school to finish A-levels or help someone whose schooling was heavily disrupted by mobility to pay for an access to education course so that they can later move into higher education. We are always happy to discuss your situation and see whether we can help.” Ethan* was due to start a BTEC course at Peter Symonds College in Hampshire when his family arrived back in the UK from Cyprus. However, his father’s posting changed suddenly, meaning they would be living too far away for him to attend unless he started boarding. When an application for Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) was not approved, Ethan’s parents contacted AFET and a grant was awarded for part of the boarding fees. His mum Helen* says: “Ethan needed to be at a school where his skills would be developed further and where he would have lots of opportunity

Children with a non-UK serving parent are legally entitled to attend school up to the age of 16, regardless of their immigration status, but the rules change as they get older. AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist Katherine Houlston says: “Once they reach 16 they must be legally resident in the UK to continue their studies so schools and further education colleges can refuse to accept students who don’t have a legal right to remain in the UK. “To undertake higher education courses they must also have three years legal residence before the start of the course, so if they have been overstayers in the three years prior, they won’t be eligible for home fee status.” To find employment they must have a valid visa, she explains. “We have come across many cases of children who have finished school but are left in limbo because they are not able to continue their education, get a job or rent independently. If someone is in this position they must come to us and we can support them to regularise their status.” AFF offers support to young people who are serving too, including briefings for non-UK recruits in Phase 1 training. Katherine says: “We like to catch them early so that they are aware of what we offer, so they don’t start paying for

immigration advice when they don’t need to and they know where to come for a fully-qualified free service when they need help.” For young people considering a military career there is information about the application process and the jobs available on the Army recruitment website jobs.army.mod.uk. Anyone under 18 needs parental consent to join and all training for 16 and 17-year-olds takes place during residential courses at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. For school leavers who have not yet made up their minds about what they want to do, AFF Employment and Training Specialist Lucy Ritchie recommends finding work experience. “It gives them the opportunity to explore a range of jobs and careers. Springpod (springpod.com) offers virtual work experience through on-demand online courses and The Forces Employment Charity (forcesemployment.org.uk) has advisors to help with CVs and applications, and finding work experience, internships and apprenticeships.”

Don’t be scared to put your hand up Forces Children Scotland forceschildrenscotland.org.uk offers in-person and online support to young people from Armed Forces families in Scotland. Their projects focus on enhancing wellbeing, fostering a sense of community and advancing children’s rights. Erin, 18, says: “Contributing to research, being able to speak face-to-face with decision makers and meet new friends is my proudest achievement. The difference in my life has been positive and helpful; I’ve become more confident to speak about matters which are important and I’ve been able to understand things I didn’t quite grasp. I’ve got more comfortable putting my hand up for opportunities and trying new things.”

Additional help For young people struggling with their mental health there are resources available to access online. Young people still at school are eligible to apply for the Little Troopers Therapy Programme littletroopers.net.

Erin taking part in a FCS residential course

AFF Health & Additional Needs Specialist Karen Ross also signposts to Talking Therapies and Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services. She says: “Once a child is 18 they will access adult mental health services and this can be from 16 in some locations. In the UK you should call NHS 111 for urgent mental health support.” Young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should continue to be supported up to the age of 25 if they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Karen says: “For Army families where it is demonstrated that a child with a disability cannot live independently they can continue to live with their parents in Service Family Accommodation (SFA). The serving parent is advised to register their family member’s additional support needs to inform their career managers when assignments are considered.” When children without additional needs reach 18 they are classed as nondependent adults. Although they are allowed to continue living in SFA they no longer count towards their serving parent’s entitlement which could result in downsizing to a smaller property on the next assignment. There is more information at aff.org.uk

Nuances for NEETs Entitlement remains for young people under the age of 25 who are unmarried and in full-time education or taking a gap year between school and university but does not extend to those who are not

in education, employment or training (NEET). For overseas postings, the circumstances of older children matter. AFF Overseas Manager Esther Thomas says: “Young people who are NEET do not automatically qualify to accompany their parents. Some locations, such as USA, remove dependant status at 18 meaning they must leave the country. Local employment opportunities are limited both by locations and by visas.” There is financial support through School Children’s Visits to help eligible young people at boarding school and university to visit their parents overseas. Esther says: “It’s six return journeys for school-age children and three for students but there is no travel support for NEETS living in the UK.” The Office of National Statistics reported earlier this year that the number of 16-24 year olds classed as NEET had risen to over one million. The King’s Trust (kingstrust.org.uk) believes that every young person should have the chance to succeed. UK CEO Jonathan Townsend says: “At a time when more young people are out of work, education and training, we’re seeing the impact of health challenges, financial hardship and a difficult jobs market. “For those without strong support networks or opportunities, these barriers can be even harder to overcome. We help young people access opportunities and build the confidence, skills and connections they need to achieve their goals.” A *Names have been changed armyandyou.co.uk | 13

PUTTING THE VOICES OF VETERANS AT THE HEART OF THE CONVERSATION CIVVY is a new lifestyle magazine for the UK’s Armed Forces community – created for veterans, Service leavers and anyone who has worn the uniform and is finding their way through whatever comes next. We wanted to create something that felt different from a traditional military publication. Not a magazine with a narrow focus, but one that looks at what comes next because life after Service is about far more than the transition from one job to another. It’s about travel, careers, money, health, family, food, adventure, sport, cars, culture and all the things that make life interesting. It’s about the people you meet, the things you discover and the opportunities you didn’t know were out there. And,

of course, it’s about the stories and memories. Every issue of CIVVY brings together inspiring people from across the Armed Forces community – from household names and remarkable veterans to people quietly doing extraordinary things after leaving service.

We talk to people who have taken completely new directions, built businesses, travelled the world, pursued second careers, overcome challenges and simply got on with building a new life. You’ll find interviews, features, advice, ideas and plenty more. The magazine is distributed direct to readers’ doors for £5.95 and can be ordered via civvymagazine.co.uk.

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EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

Building a new career in civvy street

Hannah Parton is forging a career in the construction industry

BUILDING HEROES supports the whole Armed Forces community service leavers and family members - to learn new skills, earn recognised qualifications and take advantage of direct access to employment opportunities in construction and the built environment. Its intensive, five-week programmes are designed to fit around the realities of transition, allowing individuals to explore options and build a clear pathway into civilian careers. It has a strong connection to industry and works with employers across the UK to ensure training reflects real demand. This means participants gain relevant skills. They also have opportunities to meet employers, visit sites and make connections that can lead directly to work. Career pathways include construction multi-skills, groundworks and street works, green skills and retrofit, and wider roles across the built environment. Support does not stop at training. Through a partnership with Forces Transition Group, it offers

CV support, interview preparation and access to employer networks. The Building Heroes team also provides ongoing pastoral support, recognising that transition is personal as well as professional. It removes barriers by offering funded training, short and focused courses, and routes into employment across England. For Hannah Parton, growing up in a military family sparked an early interest in construction, but it was Building Heroes that gave her the confidence to take that next step. Through hands-on training, employer engagement and real industry introductions, Hannah progressed from learner to a graduate management trainee role with Lovell. She said: “The experience from Building Heroes is so transferable to a site team.” From building practical skills to opening doors with employers, Building Heroes supports military families in finding direction, confidence and opportunity beyond service life. A

buildingheroes.org.uk/courses

16 | aff.org.uk

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

HELP TO FIND YOUR WAY “GROWING UP in a military family shapes you in ways you don’t always realise at the time. Even though I don’t remember loads of my parents’ service, it was always part of our lives. The mindset of hard work, perseverance and just getting on with things was ingrained in us.” Chloe, 19, grew up with parents who had served in the Army. She worked hard at school and got into university, but when it came time to choose her next steps, she didn’t know what she wanted to do. “When I got to the end of school, I felt lost. My parents had joined the Army around my age, so they didn’t really know how to support me with civilian career choices. But I kept searching, always believing I would find my own direction.” Inspired by her parents, Chloe tried to join the RAF. “I gave it my all but

FORCES FAMILIES Jobs (FFJ) is the families federations’ career portal for serving military families – this doesn’t just mean spouses and partners but includes adult children (age 18-25) of serving personnel too. We know that being the child of a serving person can have an impact on education, CVs and opportunities to get onto the employment ladder. FFJ is there to help overcome these barriers as a ‘one-stop shop’, offering vital career starting points, upskilling and employment opportunities. Through the platform, young people can access resources aimed at kickstarting their professional life.

Forces-friendly job board Users can connect with thousands of live employment opportunities with organisations who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, so understand and support the military community and the barriers experienced. Many employers advertise apprenticeship and placement opportunities via FFJ too. ● Training & upskilling FFJ provides access to training courses and programmes from training providers offering free ●

had to stop for medical reasons. It was disappointing, but I learned I can commit and see things through.” After this, Chloe’s mum reached out to the Forces Employment Charity. Chloe contacted their Young Person team, which supports 16 to 24-year-olds from Forces families. “At first, I didn’t really know what to expect. But I thought, I’ll give it a go. What’s the worst that could happen?” Working with an employment advisor gave Chloe structure, deadlines and interview prep. “Having someone believe in me made a real difference,” she said. A turning point was attending an Empowering You event. “It showed me I don’t need to rush or have everything figured out. Seeing other women building their lives showed me what’s possible.” Thanks to this support, Chloe now

feels more settled. She’s working parttime, learning to drive and looking into jobs in conservation and ecology. “I don’t feel lost anymore. Even if you don’t know what you want yet, you’ve got nothing to lose by getting support. “You gain confidence, clarity and people who actually understand where you’re coming from.” A forcesemployment.org.uk

Starting your career? FFJ can help Volunteering If it’s a step into a new career you are looking for, volunteering can help you gain experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. FFJ lists community volunteering opportunities to help gain vital work experience. ● Events FFJ also shares employment events and programmes aimed at the Armed Forces community. Many of FFJ’s Forces-friendly firms hold valuable insight days, giving a real sense of what it might be like to work in that sector. ●

or discounted training to serving families. ● Career advice & support FFJ signposts users to a variety of employment support organisations, including the Forces Employment Charity’s 16-24 mentoring and career guidance programme. FFJ also features ‘How To’ guides on CV writing, interview preparation and navigating the job market. ● Self-employment For young people interested in starting a business, the platform offers guidance and signposting to entrepreneur support organisations.

FFJ’s social media pages also highlight opportunities and ideas. You can follow on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Ultimately, the platform gives Forces young people a free gateway to understanding employers and support when starting out on their employment journey. A Forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk armyandyou.co.uk | 17

COMMUNITY

The Beynon family

Rural retreat A short break in the countryside could be just what your Army family needs. If your budget won’t stretch to a hotel or holiday park, you can find more affordable accommodation at the Services Cotswold Centre (SCC).

he tri-service facility in Corsham, North Wiltshire provides short-term transit accommodation for Service personnel, family members and MOD civil servants. Officer Commanding Alison Savage says: “Our 25-acre site is a relaxing and peaceful rural environment with 41 mobile homes, 17 single-storey accommodation blocks and two bungalows. The majority of the units are threebedroom and can sleep up to five but larger families can make use of accommodation with interconnecting doors.” Two of the units are fully adapted for disabled guests with additional mobility needs. Family pets are not permitted so you will have to make alternative arrangements for them. Accommodation is furnished and equipped with a TV, Freeview box, and Defence Business Internet. Each kitchen has a fridge and

18 | aff.org.uk

freezer, cooker and microwave, kettle and iron. Leisure facilities include a recently-refurbished bar, community centre, fitness suite, snooker room, table tennis table and two large playparks. There are also two launderettes.

Friendly place to stay Army spouse Louise Beynon booked several short breaks with her family to cover half-terms and exeats during an overseas posting, and a longer stay to recover after an operation. She says, “We were truly grateful for this accommodation just off the M4 corridor in a glorious part of the country. It was not far from our sons’ boarding school in Monmouth and midway between our families in Wales and Hampshire.” Louise says the SCC would benefit from some improvements but overall, she would recommend

it to other families: “They could do with some new towels and nicer bed linen but it is inexpensive and it more than fulfilled our requirements so we hope to stay there again soon.” She also praised the admin staff who helped to arrange everything from booking in to checking out. Louise says: “They are fabulous friendly, organised and supportive.” Alison, who was made an MBE in 2024 for her work with military families, acknowledges how hard the team works to keep the SCC running. She says: “Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to build on the site's strengths through future development and investment, subject to funding and approvals." The rate for short breaks is £20 per unit per night, including bedding and towels. Alison explains: “Short breaks are usually for a week or a maximum of two weeks if we

COMMUNITY

have availability. Accommodation for short break stays can be removed if another family is in priority need but this is very rare.”

do and help facilitate this. They also refer individuals who are resident at SCC to the programme and support them to attend the course.”

Useful stop-gap

Attractions nearby

The SCC provides a welcoming place to stay for service personnel and their families in a range of circumstances. Alison says: “We support military spouses and civil partners who are experiencing estrangement, separation, divorce, domestic violence or abuse, and can provide them with safe accommodation and help in claiming welfare benefits and securing onward housing.” Divorced or separated personnel can arrange stays to spend time with their children. The site is also used as emergency accommodation during overseas evacuations or when a return to the UK is necessary for compassionate reasons including medical treatment. Staying at the SCC can be a stop-gap for service personnel awaiting allocation of SFA or for service leavers who are anticipating payment of a resettlement grant or pension lump sum to enable them to move into their own home. Eligible delegates attending events at the SCC or nearby may also book accommodation, and it is open to military children and young people for residentials.

The setting of the SCC is easily accessible while feeling tucked away in the countryside. Situated on the outskirts of Corsham, the historic town centre is a 20-minute walk away. Regular buses connect Corsham with Chippenham and Bath nearby which have a wider selection of shops and mainline train stations. Local attractions to reach by car include the National Trust village of Lacock, Bowood House and Gardens with its huge adventure playground, ancient sites like Avebury and Stonehenge, and the safari park at Longleat. Louise and her family enjoyed going for walks in the local area. She says: “There are some super walks close by at Corsham Court, the opportunity to hunt down the Wiltshire White Horses carved into the hillsides, and a Banksy walking tour in Bristol.” For more information and to book a short break, search the Services Cotswold Centre on gov.uk or find more on DefNet (MOD access only). A

Time to focus The Warrior Programme has held its three-day emotional resilience and personal motivation training programme at the SCC since 2019. Programme Co-ordinator Rebecca Gallimore says: “It gives us accommodation, training space and catering facilities in a quiet environment that gives our participants space and time to focus on themselves in a place that feels safe, secure and without the interruptions of day-to-day life. “The team on-site are endlessly helpful and, importantly, they are wholly supportive of the work we

The Warrior Programme has used the centre

armyandyou.co.uk | 19

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

What works for service children SERVICE CHILDREN often experience challenges that many of their civilian peers do not. They may move home regularly, change schools, or spend long periods apart from a parent who is serving. While many thrive, these experiences can affect their education, friendships and wellbeing. To gather insights from those who work with service children, the Service Children's Progression (SCiP) Alliance has been travelling across the UK on an Impact Centre Listening Tour. The tour was created to hear from the people who work directly with service children and young people. It has visited communities to gather the knowledge and experience of schools, youth workers, local authorities, charities, researchers and other professionals. And it has captured valuable insights about what works for supporting service children and what doesn't. Although the tour is almost complete, its greatest impact is still to come. The conversations held across the country will

Funders need evidence of success to continue to provide money. Policy makers need to know what to support and promote.

provide the foundation for research, collaboration and improvements that will benefit service children and young people in future. Dr Liam Satchell, the Director of The Impact Centre which is leading the tour, answered our questions about the tour:

What have you learned so far? There is so much good work going on! That's not to say everything is fine - we have heard a lot about the challenges the sector faces but one of my first takeaways is how proud the sector should be that a lot of people want to support children in the Armed Forces community.

How will the new Impact Centre turn these conversations into improvements? Its role is to better identify what works for supporting service 20 | aff.org.uk

children. But we have heard in many places, evidencing what works is difficult. Funders need evidence of success to continue to provide money. Policy makers need to know what to support and promote. That's where we come in. Having learned what is needed, our role is to provide the support and resources to help them show that their activities really work.

What difference do you hope this work will make over the next five years? It is a core aim of the SCiP Alliance to make sure the resources are there to support children from Army families. Helping our partners win that argument means bringing better data to the table. Our job in the Impact Centre is to provide the best support possible for a whole variety of organisations, projects and individuals to be able to say what works. A

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

A FESTIVAL OF FRIENDS

EIGHTY-ONE SCHOOLS in three areas of England with a significant Army presence took part in an improvement project aimed at strengthening provision for service children in 2025/26. Led by education consultant Matt Blyton, the three Festival of Friends projects were aimed at developing good practice, enhancing professional learning and encouraging service children to consider the benefits of higher education, post-18. Projects were based in Wiltshire where 42 schools got involved, East Anglia where 31 took part and Yorkshire with eight. Pupils, aged six to 16, attended thought-provoking pupil voice conferences in the spring, held at universities in Winchester, Bath, Peterborough, Colchester, Norwich and Hull.

Never Such Innocence and Portsmouth-based social enterprise Seekers Create celebrated the children’s unique identities and explored ways in which their schools could support them during challenging times. The participating schools ran improvement projects during the year, drawing on resources from the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance, including its Thriving Lives Toolkit. As a finale, ceremonies attended by more than 350 pupils and school staff were held in Tidworth, Cambridge and Hull. The projects were funded through grants from the Armed Forces Education Trust (East Anglia & Wiltshire) and East Riding Council’s Armed Forces Covenant Delivery Group. A

Above from top: Pupils taking part in the Festival of Friends. The Festival of Friends at Tidworth. The Royal Tank Regiment supported the Tidworth celebration

Above clockwise: Corsham Primary School pupils took part. Longcroft School pupils receive their certificates. Anglia Ruskin University’s festival. Warming up for the ceremony in Hull armyandyou.co.uk | 21

Considering a UK Boarding School? Anderson Education has a wealth of experience and up-to-date knowledge of UK boarding schools; we have visited over 350 UK boarding schools and have been working with Forces & FCDO families for over 27 years. Jen, our Forces Consultant, is the wife of a veteran with two boys who enjoyed boarding school. She has been where you are now and is ready to guide you through the process.

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FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH

A steep learning curve ARMY SPOUSE Shashi Pal explains how her family settled into the UK after moving from India and how they overcame the challenges they faced… Life in the UK was initially very challenging for me and my children. Before moving I worked in IT in New Delhi. Adapting to a different country, culture, customs, weather and lifestyle was not easy. My husband, Sanjeev, has been serving with the British Army and has already been in the UK for more than six years. During that time it was difficult for me to stay away from him while taking care of our young son and daughter single-handedly. Like many, I had to balance stress, parenting and work responsibilities.

Preparing for the move In 2022 we started preparing the paperwork to apply for a five-year family visa for the UK. Since it was our first experience dealing with immigration procedures, we were not fully aware of the correct English language test requirements and the supporting documents needed. Unfortunately, I appeared for the wrong English test and after submitting the application my passport and test certificate became stuck in the process. This created a stressful situation. We felt helpless because we didn’t know how to resolve the issue or who to contact. My husband contacted AFF and F&C Specialist Katherine provided tremendous support. She helped us understand the process and organise the paperwork. With the help of AFF I was able to retrieve my passport and complete the English language test. 24 | aff.org.uk

Facing challenges Once in the UK new challenges began. One of the most difficult experiences was at Heathrow Airport, where I had to answer questions from immigration officers. Although I could speak English, understanding the fast British accent was difficult. Another major challenge was adjusting to daily life and finding employment. I also struggled with school admissions for my children because we arrived in September and, due to lack of awareness about the system, my husband had not informed the local council or schools in advance to reserve places. Once again, AFF guided us on how to approach local schools and communicate with local authorities. Another major difficulty was understanding how systems and public services work in the UK. We didn’t know much about government authorities, train routes, transport connectivity, bus services, local markets, or how to approach local councils for assistance. We were also unfamiliar with the process of enrolling ourselves and our children with the NHS for GP appointments and healthcare services. In the beginning even simple daily tasks felt confusing and overwhelming.

However, with time, we gradually understood how different systems work. This helped us become more independent, confident and comfortable in managing our daily life in the UK.

Building connections We currently live in Aldershot and sometimes visit our family and friends elsewhere in the UK. Since we belong to the Hindu community, we searched online for Hindu temples and community centres nearby. Social media platforms such as Facebook also helped us connect with temple groups and local communities. Slowly life began improving after I found employment with the NHS. Having a stable job gave me confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. We are now better adjusted to life in the UK. My son and daughter are receiving a good education and I am learning to drive. My journey has been full of struggles, adjustments, learning and growth. The experience taught me resilience, patience and the importance of support systems while starting a new life in a foreign country. A

FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH

Pushing for right to remain OUR F&C Specialist Katherine Houlston has been working with the Home Office for the past two years on the right to remain in the UK for early service leavers. As a result of our advocacy, there has been an update to the guidance issued to case workers. Under current immigration rules, non-UK serving personnel who serve less than four years are not eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) unless strict requirements are met. The service leaver must have been discharged medically for an injury that was attributable to service and deployment. Or the injury was attributable to service and settlement is considered to be appropriate due to the seriousness of the injury, the prognosis, the requirement for further treatment and length of service. Prior to 2013, the guidance issued to case workers was that a grant of ILR would normally be appropriate where the serving person had served for at least two years, especially if they needed ongoing medical treatment after discharge.

What’s changed? Newer versions of the guidance have removed these recommendations, leaving case workers to decide whether to grant leave depending on the information provided. As a result, decision making is inconsistent and has become stricter. Many serving personnel are refused any form of leave despite being medically discharged for injuries received as a result of

service. Even if they are granted some form of leave, it could only be for a year, and they would be expected to leave the UK after it expires.

ILR not granted Muhammed came to the UK in 2018 and served for three years and seven months. He was medically discharged for a condition that UKVI caseworkers confirmed was caused by his service. If the old guidance had been applied to his case, he would have been granted ILR, instead he was granted limited leave to remain until November 2026. Unfortunately, he can’t combine this with the years he served to apply for ILR. His only option in November will be to apply to remain on the basis of his British child, which will require him to spend another five years in the UK before he is eligible for ILR. AFF is not aware of any serving personnel who are now granted ILR even if they have served only a few months short of their four years.

What’s wrong with the current rules? Non-UK serving personnel give up their livelihoods in their home country to move to the UK to enlist at the invitation of the MOD. They leave their jobs, sell their houses, take their children out of schools and move their families to the UK with the expectation of settling here. For them to have to leave the

AFF would like serving personnel who are discharged due to an injury that was attributable to service to be granted ILR regardless of the seriousness of the injury.

UK when they are discharged due to an injury that was received because of their service is unjust and goes against the promises made in the Armed Forces Covenant. AFF would like serving personnel who are discharged due to an injury that was attributable to service to be granted ILR regardless of the seriousness of the injury.

What improvements has AFF influenced? The Home Office has now made two updates to the medical discharge guidance following representation from AFF. Unfortunately, the changes don’t enable case workers to grant settlement. Instead, we are seeing an increase in veterans being granted permission to stay in the UK for one year only.

What’s next? AFF is continuing to work with the Home Office, Royal British Legion and MOD on this issue. A

armyandyou.co.uk | 25

HEALTH

Mental health support for young people AFF is often contacted by parents seeking help with mental health and wellbeing and wider support for both them and their children. Karen Ross, AFF Health & Additional Needs Specialist, looks at what support there is for service children and young people… Mental health and wellbeing support Little Troopers Therapy Programme The programme provides six sessions of free, faceto-face, military-specific talking therapy for children and young people from age five who have one or both parents currently serving. littletroopers.net Founder Louise Fetigan MBE said: “We've already seen the life-changing impact this specialist support can have, helping military children better understand their emotions, navigate the unique challenges of service life and build resilience.” Kooth The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has partnered with Kooth digital mental health to support children and young people with a serving parent or family member. It’s available from

Rebecca Wakefield

the age of 11 until you turn 19. kooth.com Rebecca Wakefield, AWS Chief Community Development Officer, said: “Young people make good use of the forums, journals and articles, and those who use the drop-in chats and messaging have found it very helpful. Later in the autumn, Kooth, the Community Development team and young people plan to produce helpful content specifically focused on the needs of children and young people with a serving parent.”

The Little Troopers therapy programme

Forces Children Scotland - Your Mind Matters Forces Children Scotland has been working with service children and young people to produce a new mental health and wellbeing support service, Your Mind Matters. They have piloted faceto-face mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people from the Armed Forces community in the west of Scotland. forceschildrenscotland. org.uk SSCE Cymru SSCE Cymru has produced a directory with links to mental health and wellbeing support, which includes Mentally Healthy Schools information. sscecymru.co.uk Togetherall Young people aged 16 or over can access Togetherall

free of charge, as a family member of a serving person. It provides an anonymous service with monitored community support, guided support, courses and self-help programmes. togetherall. com

Wider support Young Carer Support AFF was fortunate to have been involved with the Children’s Society’s Nexus Project, a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. It aimed to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers in Armed Forces families. Many valuable resources for young carers are available on the Nexus Project page at childrenssociety.org.uk. Resources for professionals are also available. A

Togetherness The British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) is running the Togetherness programme for parents who are interested in sensitive and effective parenting in some overseas locations. It aims to develop a framework of thinking about parent/child relationships which can be developed into a lifelong skill. It looks at exploring feelings, parenting styles, communication, temper tantrums, sleep patterns and behavioural issues. BFSWS is also piloting a Togetherness face-to-face parenting programme in Germany. togetherness. co.uk/mul/british-forces-overseas/

26 | aff.org.uk

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YOUR HOME

Families are at the heart of housing WHEN TRISH Jakeman was appointed Defence Families Champion for the MOD, she took on the role determined to make sure the voices of service families are heard. “I’m humbled to have been appointed Defence Families Champion and trusted to represent service families,” she says. “It’s not just the military person who is serving; their family and children are too.” Having worked for Defence for 30 years, Trish brings professional experience and personal understanding to the role. With her son now considering a future in the Armed Forces, she appreciates the impact service life can have on families.

Listening to families A key part of Trish’s role is ensuring that families’ experiences help shape future decisions. “I ensure the voices of families are at the heart of decisionmaking,” she explains. “I’m never afraid to challenge policies or processes that could impact families’ experiences.” She regularly raises concerns with senior defence leaders, ministers and industry partners, helping to ensure family perspectives influence decisions. Family feedback has already helped drive a greater focus on clearer communication, easierto-navigate services and a more customer-focused approach to housing support. 28 | aff.org.uk

What is the Defence Housing Service? One of the most significant changes ahead is the establishment of the Defence Housing Service (DHS), creating a dedicated organisation focused on delivering better homes and services for Service families. “Our aim is to improve the overall experience for families – whether that’s the quality of homes, the speed and consistency of service, the way we communicate, or how easy it is to get help when something goes wrong,” she says. While some improvements, particularly those involving housing upgrades, will take time, progress is already being made. Customer feedback is helping to shape improvements, alongside a focus on delivering better service and clearer communication.

Looking ahead Trish’s vision is simple: “Modern homes, strong communities and better experiences for service families.” Success, she says, will be measured by families feeling listened to, supported and happy with their homes. Improvements already introduced include enhanced move-in standards, clearer information and processes, and greater freedom for families to personalise and manage their homes. For families wanting to make their voices heard, opportunities

are growing. Regional experience committee groups, housing surgeries, local impact days and regular engagement with the families federations help ensure family experiences are reflected in future decisions. If you're experiencing housing difficulties, Trish encourages families not to struggle in silence. Your first step is to contact your local housing officer. You can find their details at defencehomes.mod.gov.uk. If the problem persists, share your experiences with Trish at Tricia. Jakeman975@mod.gov.uk. To make sure your voice is heard, sign up for updates via the QR code above. A

YOUR HOME

First look at new-build SFA homes

AS THE last edition of Army&You revealed, the MOD is developing a range of new homes in Bulford, Wiltshire, that will help shape the future of SFA across the UK. Family feedback is at the heart of this project and the results of the 2025 Housing Questionnaire have already had a significant impact on the designs. You can play a key role in influencing the final house plans. You can now view the all the different proposed house types, floor plans and images by scanning the QR code and completing the accompanying survey. Whether your priorities are space, storage, accessibility, energy efficiency or practical family living, this is your opportunity to help ensure future military homes meet the needs of service families. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Every response will help shape the homes of the future for service families.

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For Autumn Open Events please visit www.gordons.school armyandyou.co.uk | 29

One big adventure

hey may be thousands of miles apart due to deployment but Army spouse Hayley and her husband Adam pride themselves on being a team. He’s spent the last two years based in Jordan on a Loan Service posting, while she’s created a business and a settled home for their two children in the UK. The separation has been tough, but they’ve made it work. The decision for him to go married unaccompanied followed seven moves, a battle to find the right support for their son Benjamin and a cancer diagnosis. They’ve been together for 20 years, married for 17, and Adam’s been in the Army since the start. Their first posting was to Winchester. Hayley said: “I knew about the moving, but I didn’t quite realise what it entailed. It was a big learning curve and it fell to me to organise everything.” She was training to be a primary school teacher when she met Adam and in the year between passing her qualifications and their wedding he deployed to Iraq. After eight months in Winchester they moved to Germany and Hayley had to give up her teaching job. It was difficult to find work so she became the patch babysitter.

30 | aff.org.uk

Then came a move to Cyprus where Emma was born. The family then moved to Manchester. After Benjamin was born Hayley was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She wasn’t due for a smear for another year, so if she hadn’t given birth it might not have been discovered for months. When they returned to the UK she and Adam began to wonder whether their son had special educational needs. They didn’t realise it would mark the start of a long battle for the right support.

L-R: Hayley and Adam in Jordan, Hayley dressed up for an event and at a Remembrance Day event in Winchester.

want to miss out on spending time with her children. That meant not going back into the classroom. Instead she set up her own business. A keen cake maker, in 2016, armed with £100 and permission to work from the family quarter in Tidworth, she started baking birthday cakes and supplying cafés. There were a lot of late nights, but word spread, and the business flourished. “A lot of it was time management,” she said. “I had to plan my time around the children, but I could choose when to work. If an event like the children’s sports day was coming up, I would book it off. I made my business work around me.” Having that flexibility also helped when she was undergoing treatment.

A home of their own

A new direction Hayley’s cancer treatment was a success, but the diagnosis was a shock that gave her a new perspective on life. While she wanted to work, she decided she didn’t

She and Adam had serious discussions about his job preferences and their decisions about his postings were made with the children in mind. But although he would always support her and be present for meetings, much of the four-year struggle to get an Education, Health and Care Plan for Benjamin fell on Hayley because of his job. They felt very isolated.

Hayley’s business, now operating from a converted horsebox, was her haven. Finally, after several rollercoaster years that involved removing Benjamin from school, an unwelcome visit from the headteacher and welfare officer, education tribunals and nine months of home educating him and his older sister Emma, the couple came to a decision. It was time to buy their own home and settle down closer to family. The move to Wolverhampton was a landmark moment. “When I opened the front door I smiled and I knew instantly I was at home,” said Hayley. Emma, 13, went back to school and within a couple of months an educational support package had been agreed for Benjamin. He went from dreading school to looking forward to it. Meanwhile Adam would go solo on postings. “It was a hard decision that Adam and I had to make. But while we stayed put he didn’t have to worry about us. “He put his career on hold so he could be there to support us. Now he could focus on it and it’s led to some amazing jobs. We’re very proud of him.” He’s taken tanks to Ukraine and during the past couple of years he’s had a training role in Jordan. Hayley and the children went for an extended visit last year.

A dream come true When Hayley discovered a café up for sale near home, not only was Adam on board with the idea of buying it, he rolled up his sleeves and spent three days helping her to transform it before he flew to Jordan. “I was at the point where I needed something for me,” she explained. “I had no schools to battle, no tribunals. I needed another purpose.” Cheeky Monkeys Cakery now had a bricks and mortar home. It’s well established now and celebrated its first anniversary in March. “We really like that we’ve found a local community where we’ve been accepted. People are always coming in and asking after Adam.”

Maintaining a long-distance relationship takes effort and the couple have been through rough patches. But they talk as often as they can and text during the day. “He’s an amazing dad. Even from Jordan he’s a hands on dad.” These days when he has to choose his job preferences they sit and work out what’s going to help his career. “You have to work to find what fits for you and your family,” explained Hayley. “But the way we’ve looked at it is to treat it as one big adventure.” A

From top: Hayley, Adam and the children at an event in the early days of her business. Cheeky Monkeys Cakery used to be run from a trailer, Hayley outside her café, marking its first anniversary and Hayley, Emma and Benjamin at the café.

armyandyou.co.uk | 31

MONEY & YOU

Extra source of CEA support

or many Armed Forces families, one of the biggest challenges of service life is balancing frequent moves with the desire to provide continuity for children’s education. The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) plays an important role in helping eligible service families maintain educational continuity, but understanding the rules and making a claim can feel complicated. To help families and service personnel navigate the process, the Ministry of Defence launched the new CEA advisory team in April 2026, following a recommendation made in the Haythornthwaite Review published in 2023. AFF Money & Allowances Specialist Steven Barnard visited the team in Glasgow to learn more about how they are supporting the Armed Forces community.

Finding the right support As defence continues to modernise its HR services and move more information and processes online, having a specialist team dedicated to CEA advice is a welcome addition. In just the first 10 weeks after launch, it dealt with 177 enquiries, mostly from service personnel, but also from families. According to the team, one of the key priorities is ensuring people are directed to the right source of help. “Sometimes people simply don’t know where to turn for advice,” they explained. “Our first aim is to make sure they are signposted to the organisation that can provide the support they need, when they need it.”

What does it do? The team specialises in providing

32 | aff.org.uk

Steven Barnard

advice on CEA policy and eligibility. That role includes:

it helps to include your name, service number, rank and unit to ensure a quicker response.

●

Explaining how CEA policy works.

Working alongside existing support

●

Helping service personnel and families understand eligibility criteria.

●

Providing guidance on claims and supporting evidence.

●

Advising unit HR teams on complex or unusual cases.

●

Promoting consistent interpretation of CEA regulations across defence.

The team works with the Education Advisory Team (EAT UK) within Defence Children Services, which continues to provide independent professional advice on a range of educational matters, including school admissions, boarding school applications, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and educational continuity. Likewise, the families federations continue to play a vital role in providing confidential, impartial and trusted guidance for service families. The new advisory team should be viewed as an additional source of reassurance and expertise rather than an alternative to the support already available. For further information on CEA, visit Chapter 14 of JSP 752, speak to your unit HR team or go to aff.org.uk.

The team can be contacted directly at DBSAFVS-MilOps-PACCCCEAAdvice@mod.gov.uk But families should remember their unit HR team remains the first point of contact for all pay and allowances queries, including CEA. When contacting the advisory team,

MONEY & YOU

Could a PStat Cat change help you access SFA? IN MAY 2026 the MOD, recognising that families come in many different forms, expanded eligibility and entitlement to certain allowances for service personnel in established long-term relationships (LTR(E)). While this was a positive step forward, accommodation policy has not yet fully caught up. As a result, personnel in an LTR(E) are currently only able to apply for surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA), which is allocated only if homes are available. With demand for SFA remaining high in many locations, particularly in popular garrisons, securing surplus accommodation can be difficult. But if there is a child in your family your circumstances may be different. Providing a stable home for a child is a key aspect of family life. While being in an LTR(E) alone does not create an

entitlement to a regular occupancy of SFA, a change in your personal status category (PStat Cat) to PStat Cat 2 may provide that entitlement.

What is PStat Cat 2? For allowances and accommodation purposes, PStat Cat 2 applies to a service person who has parental responsibility for a child and is considered the child’s main carer. All service personnel are responsible for keeping their PStat Cat up to date through JPA. This includes updating details such as relationship status and dependent children, and providing any required evidence to the unit HR administration team. HR staff will then verify the information and update your official record.

You may be eligible to change your PStat Cat to 2 if you have parental responsibility for a child under the Children Act 1989 or are at least 28 weeks pregnant. When considering an application, the Army will look at factors such as: ● ● ● ●

Whether you provide the child’s main home. Whether you are regarded as the child’s main carer. Whether you are a natural or adoptive parent. Future intentions, such as establishing a separate family home.

If you think this might apply to you, speak to your unit HR administration team, review JSP 752 Chapter 2 Section 2, or visit aff.org.uk

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MONEY & YOU

Understanding the Armed Forces pension THE ARMED Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) is a Government-funded defined benefit scheme. Unlike other workplace pensions, service personnel do not contribute financially from their salary; their selfless commitment and service are recognised as their contribution. In return, the scheme provides guaranteed pension benefits and financial protection for eligible family members. Benefits are generally based on salary and length of service, providing financial security throughout retirement.

Key benefits A key feature of the AFPS is the provision of death and survivor benefits. Eligible dependants may receive support if a service person dies while serving, after leaving the Armed Forces, or whilst receiving their pension. Depending on the pension scheme and individual circumstances, this support can include a lump-sum payment and an ongoing survivor’s pension. For civilian partners, it is important to understand that entitlement is not always automatic. Under AFPS 05 and AFPS 15, benefits can be payable to a spouse, civil partner or an eligible unmarried partner. An eligible partner is generally someone who was in a financially dependent or interdependent long-

34 | aff.org.uk

term relationship with the service person and meets the scheme’s criteria.

Keep admin in order Service personnel are encouraged to complete or update their beneficiary nomination forms. While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 members. A valid nomination ensures any tax-free lump sum is paid to their chosen beneficiary; otherwise, Veterans UK will normally pay it to an eligible dependant or, if none exists, to the estate. In the event of a death, the surviving partner should contact Veterans UK or the Armed Forces Pension Scheme team as soon as possible. The member’s service number, date of birth, National Insurance number and details of the dependant will usually be required to assess eligibility and begin any claim.

Tax questions Another common question concerns tax. Death benefit lump sums under AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 are generally paid tax-free to the beneficiary or nominee, and retirement lump sums are also generally tax-free within HMRC limits. AFPS 05 provides an automatic tax-free lump sum, and AFPS 15 allows members to commute part of their pension for a tax-free lump sum. Tax treatment can vary depending on the type of benefit and individual circumstances, so beneficiaries should seek guidance if they are unsure. Rob Morris, Head of Pensions at the Forces Pension Society, emphasises the importance of understanding pensions as part of long-term financial planning: “The Armed Forces Pension Scheme offers valuable benefits that can support service personnel and their families throughout life. “Reviewing your pension arrangements is an important part of securing your family’s financial future. If you need guidance or have any questions, the Forces Pension Society is here to help.” A

Membership of the Forces Pension Society costs £47 a year. forcespensionsociety.org Veterans UK administers the AFPS. Contact 0800 085 3600/ (overseas): 00 44 141 224 3600 Email: dbs-pensionshelp@ dbspv.mod.uk

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OVERSEAS

LIFE ON THE PRAIRIE During a visit to the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) Canada, AFF Overseas Manager, Esther Thomas, explored what family life is like… WHILE MUCH has changed since AFF’s last visit several years ago, BATUS remains a unique place. Located on the Canadian prairie, it can feel adventurous and remote. Families live around 100km from the nearest major city, Medicine Hat, meaning a visit to the dentist, takeaway or shopping trip needs planning.

A community built around families BATUS is currently operating on a ‘maintain and sustain’ footing. The reduced permanent British population remains well-resourced as it is co-located with the Canadian Armed Forces. The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) is at the heart of the community. British families can access social spaces, children’s play area, new sensory room, counselling services, a library and regular community events. Outside term time, children and young people can take part in recreational programmes, summer camps and field trips. Sport is a major feature of life. On camp there is a range of facilities including fitness classes, an ice hockey rink, bowling alley, skate park, tennis courts and football pitches. For outdoor adventurers Canada is a wonderful playground, with the Rocky Mountains just a few hours away. While some families highlighted the additional costs that can come with participating in all the activities and coping with temperatures that range from around -40°C in winter to over 35°C in summer, there are some loan facilities on camp for those who want to try before buying.

Military-focused school For younger children, education is at Ralston School on the base, which 36 | aff.org.uk

serves children up to age 14. There are around 60 pupils and around 80 per cent come from military families, the remainder from the local community. A key part of supporting younger military children is Defence Children Services teacher Sonia Stanton, who works to help bridge any curriculum gaps. “Working within the Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes, they follow the Alberta programme of study,” she explained. “They enhance learning with elements from the Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1 curriculum when the Alberta outcomes have been met.” Sonia also runs an after-school library and helps families identify resources that can support learning at home. Ralston School now offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. The school’s Principal, Jason Duchscherer, believes it will “better prepare pupils moving between countries and educational systems, helping them develop transferable skills that support future transitions.” Families with babies and toddlers may be surprised by the childcare support available. Childcare for children aged 0-3 is currently provided through Ralston School for up to 30 hours per week during school hours. At present, this provision is funded by the school, so there’s no

charge. Wraparound care is also available before and after school, with sessions costing just CAD$5 per child. Eligible UK service families can claim appropriate childcare support for children aged 4-11. While families welcomed the affordability of these services, some noted that childcare is only available during school term time, which can create challenges for dual-working households.

Reality of remote living Families did raise some challenges due to the isolated location. With the lack of public transport, it is not the ideal location for non-drivers. Living in a small and isolated community means friendship groups can be limited, and maintaining social connections requires extra effort. No overseas assignment is without challenges, and BATUS families spoke about the realities of extreme weather, distance from services, spousal employment, immigration challenges and the additional costs associated with living in such a remote location. Yet, despite these hurdles, the message from most was positive. In fact, several told AFF they had enjoyed Canadian life so much that they were considering settling there permanently when their Army careers end. A

OVERSEAS

Finding their feet far from home Children and young people living in BATUS give the lowdown on what life is like in Canada. FOR CHILDREN and younger teenagers life is focused around Ralston School and activities on base. After that educational options include UK boarding schools or Canadian high schools, around 45km away. Ten-year-old Tessa is on her first overseas posting. When she first heard her family was moving to Canada, she admits she was “sad because I would be gone from my friends for two to three years.” Starting at a small school took some adjustment. “I found it hard to make friends because it’s a very small grade.” But she added, “I get to see my dad every day. In England I sometimes only saw him once a week.” Like many military children, Tessa credited her family with helping her settle into her new life and when asked what living in Canada has taught her, she reflected that it has made her “more confident speaking to strangers and less shy”.

Opportunities beyond the classroom For teenagers, there are many opportunities. Fifteen-year-old Lucy is currently on her second posting to BATUS and has embraced it. “I love Canada because the education in Medicine Hat is way better due to the courses,” she said. “I got the chance to enter Flight Academy, study aviation and I’m learning to fly a plane!” When asked what BATUS has given her, she said: “The opportunity to set up my career and goals.” When Elise, 15, first moved to BATUS she attended Ralston

School. A few years later she switched to a UK boarding school but discovered this was not for her and she wanted to be closer to extended family in the USA. Being in a fortunate position where her mum works on a contract in support of defence activity, she has been able to commit to the longer-term option of studying within the Canadian system and is also looking to work in the aviation industry. The one thing she said would improve her experience of BATUS would be “not being so isolated from things to do”. Her advice to other young people concerned about integrating into a new school and home life is “to take up new hobbies and be social with everyone”. Newcomer, James, 16, who recently joined his family in Canada, is excited about his new prospects. “Since completing my GCSEs in the UK, I’m happy to be back with my family,” he said. “I’m looking forward to completing the Fire and Rescue course at Eagle Butte High School and playing Canadian football.” AFF also heard from Charlie, who has just graduated from a local high school and is looking forward to returning to the UK to start university. He said he didn’t experience any issues with UK universities accepting his Canadian Diploma with a transcript. He was also very enthusiastic about the Canadian laws which allowed him to start learning to drive from 14. If you are considering an assignment to BATUS and would like more information, contact overseassupport@aff.org.uk. A

armyandyou.co.uk | 37

OVERSEAS

Adventure of a lifetime Three parents give their perspective on how they prepared for and supported their child’s move overseas. AMY BRIGGS was already on an overseas posting when they learnt they were moving to SHAPE. She admitted her first reaction was apprehension. She said: “At the time I longed to be at home in the UK, but my feelings melted away almost instantly to that of worry about my children.”

represented a major change for my family, but we viewed it as a valuable opportunity. “We prepared our children by talking positively about the move, explaining what life at BATUS would be like, and encouraging them to see it as an exciting new adventure.”

Preparing for the move

Settling in

The family considered how best to prepare the children for this change and made them a part of the conversation at every point. “We showed them pictures of the house and the area. We had positive conversations about school and what they’d have to look forward to there. We told them all about the fun places we’d visit. But we also let them know it was okay to feel nervous.”

After the move Amy said: “Our children have surprised us. The more confident one initially really struggled. However, he has since joined a French-speaking kindergarten and made friends with children from various countries. Their confidence has grown, they are much more settled and happy now.” Amy values the chance to spend valuable time together, explore and take advantage of how accessible the neighbouring countries are. “The children have met families from all around the world, learning about other communities and cultures has been massively rewarding. It has been a beautiful family adventure.”

Mix of emotions The Limbu family’s initial thoughts when learning they were moving to Canada were a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “Moving to BATUS 38 | aff.org.uk

Amy and The children were her family adaptable and easy-going, and they adjusted quickly to their new schools and environment. The biggest challenge was the harsh winter weather. The teachers let the family borrow some winter clothing and also gave them good advice on surviving the Canadian winter. Dad Staff Sgt Surya Limbu said: “Living overseas has had a positive impact on my children. It has made them more confident, adaptable and open-minded. They settled into their new schools quickly, made new friends, and gained valuable life experiences that have helped them grow both socially and personally. “The most rewarding aspect of the experience has been the opportunity to travel and experience different countries and cultures. “My top tip would be to embrace the experience and make the most of every opportunity.” See Postcard from..Canada on page 61

Embracing the lifestyle Lucy Hawkner and her family also moved to BATUS. She said: “The children settled into

The Limbu family enjoyed the chance to sample other cultures The Hawkner family have embraced

the Alberta lifestyle

Ralston School seamlessly. It is a well-oiled machine! The DCS and local teachers are very wellpractised at this and understand the importance of building a relationship quickly. “They missed their friends and family but they appreciate what they have here, too. They know that it’s okay to miss someone but look forward to seeing them when we go back. “We’ve had the opportunity to embrace the Alberta lifestyle and our eldest enjoys horse riding, competing monthly, having never ridden before! “It has changed our lives for the better. We’ve had our challenges, but the opportunity to discover this beautiful country outweighs them all.” A

OVERSEAS

What’s it like to move overseas? Rachel Barnes, AFF Overseas Assistant (Europe) recently met primary school children from the Defence Children School based in SHAPE. THE CHILDREN, who are part of the School Council, shared reflections on the opportunities, challenges and experiences that come with moving abroad as part of a military family. Many of the pupils spoke positively about the opportunities available to them overseas. Onha said he enjoyed learning about different cultures and traditions, while Mani highlighted making new friends. For Jaqueline, the opportunity for exploration was a particular highlight, and Graham described overseas life as "a new adventure and a chance to learn". Their responses demonstrated how overseas postings can provide children with experiences and perspectives they may not otherwise encounter.

New insights Moving to a new country often brings unexpected discoveries. Fraser was surprised that not everyone spoke English, while Remi noted the different languages spoken around her. Mani was surprised by the number of teachers at the school, and Millie commented on the different weather. For Onha one of the biggest surprises was discovering that although there are many different people, “people are always nice”.

Barriers to overcome While the children spoke enthusiastically about many aspects of overseas life, they were also open about some of the difficulties they had experienced. Several identified leaving friends and family behind as one of the

behind can be challenging but many children develop resilience and become skilled at building new connections. The school places significant emphasis not only on helping children arrive, but on preparing them for future moves, recognising that transition is an ongoing part of military life. One particularly positive observation was how welcoming pupils are towards newcomers. Children understand exactly what it feels like to be new and are therefore eager to support others through the process. hardest parts of moving. Millie spoke about missing family while Jaqueline highlighted the challenge of saying goodbye to friends. The children balanced excitement about new opportunities with sadness about leaving familiar people and places behind.

Developing friendships While moving abroad can involve leaving behind friends, family and familiar surroundings, it also offers children the chance to develop confidence, independence, cultural awareness and lasting friendships. A

Building connections The discussion also included insights from the head teacher, Mrs Jackaman, who explained that transition is a significant focus for the school. Every child moving into the school works through a transition process designed to help them settle. This includes ensuring pupils have familiar points of contact, access to trusted adults and opportunities to build friendships quickly. She highlighted that military children often demonstrate strong social skills, confidence and adaptability because of their experiences. Leaving friendships

ADVICE FOR OTHER MILITARY CHILDREN Toby: “It’s not as bad as you think.” Seb: “Make friends.” Porter: “Learn the language.” Ellis: “Just be happy.” Onha: “Join clubs.” Remi: “Have a great time.” Sofia: “Be happy.”

armyandyou.co.uk | 39

OVERSEAS

Heading overseas with children and young people Moving overseas as a family can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with questions about education, travel and support. Based on the questions AFF receives most often, AFF Overseas Manager Esther Thomas highlights the points families should consider when planning an accompanied overseas assignment. Who arranges my child’s school place? This depends on your location. In overseas areas supported by Defence Children Services (DCS)/ MOD schools, places are allocated automatically once educational supportability has been confirmed. But in many locations without DCS/ MOD schools, parents are responsible for researching, applying for and securing a suitable school place themselves. Will my child follow the UK curriculum? Not always. DCS/MOD schools follow the UK curriculum, but international and local schools overseas may offer different educational systems. Support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can also vary significantly between countries. Are school year groups the same everywhere? No. Entry ages and school structures differ internationally, meaning children may find themselves in mixed-age classes or experience gaps in parts of the curriculum. What about older children? Some locations do not offer suitable education beyond certain ages, making UK boarding school the best option. Families should investigate local education before accepting an assignment. Can we home educate overseas? Not in every location. Elective home education may be restricted 40 | aff.org.uk

Left: SHAPE School, above: Ralston School, Canada

journeys per year for school-age children. For university students it is three return journeys per year with the final SCV returning them to the UK to complete their degree course.

by local regulations and requires chain of command approval before arrangements can be made.

What if my child is travelling alone? Unaccompanied minor arrangements vary between airlines, locations and school transport providers. These differences can create additional costs and logistical considerations for families.

Will school life look different overseas? Possibly. Uniform requirements, school meals, free school meal arrangements and term dates can all differ from those in the UK. Different holiday schedules can also create practical challenges for families with children studying in both the UK and overseas.

Can adult children accompany us overseas? Young adults over 18 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) do not automatically qualify to accompany parents overseas. Approval must be sought before the assignment and may depend on local host nation agreements. Entitlements, visas and employment permissions can also vary.

What travel support is available for children studying in the UK? School Children’s Visits (SCV) provide a contributory allowance to help eligible children visit accompanied parents overseas. Current entitlements include up to six return

AFF encourages families to seek advice early and research the location before applying for an overseas posting. Got a question? Contact the AFF Overseas team overseassupport@ aff.org.uk A

SPONSORED FEATURE

The appliance of science*

*(and technology, engineering and mathematics)

partnership between Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School and Harper Adams University is inspiring the next generation of scientists. Harper Adams Research Project (HARP) Students can spend two weeks in July at Harper Adams University undertaking independent scientific investigations linked to the university’s research priorities. Working alongside university technicians, academics and postgraduate mentors, students explore a range of real-world challenges. Previous projects have included assessing alternatives to soya in pig feed, analysing meat quality in different grades of beef, examining sustainable approaches to pest management and evaluating the microbiological safety of plastic alternatives. The programme provides students with a valuable introduction to academic research, from experimental design and data collection to scientific analysis and reporting. Each participant produces a 42 | aff.org.uk

research paper and presents their findings at a colloquium attended by mentors, teachers, parents and university staff. Students find the experience both academically challenging and highly rewarding. They develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills while gaining insight into careers in medicine, dentistry, agriculture, biotechnology and drug development.

The Daffodil DNA Project Another innovative programme of molecular biology and bioinformatics at Harper Adams University gives students hands-on experience of the techniques used by professional researchers in plant

genetics and conservation. Working in the University’s specialist laboratories, students collect leaf samples from known daffodil varieties grown at school and extract chloroplast DNA using industrystandard methods. After assessing DNA quality through gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry, students generate and analyse DNA sequence data from their own specimens. Alongside the practical research, students attend careers talks and specialist lectures from university researchers, exploring the growing role of genomics in plant science and entomology. Through real-world case studies, they gain valuable insight into how DNA sequencing is helping address challenges in agriculture, biodiversity conservation and species identification. “These projects provide students with exceptional opportunities to undertake genuine scientific research,” explained Nicola Fletcher, Head of Biology at Haberdashers’ Adams.“Working with university researchers and industry partners provides students with authentic insights into higher education, collaborative research and careers within STEM.” adamsgs.uk

SPONSORED FEATURE

ECHNOLOGY plays a key role within our STEM provision at Aldro, helping pupils become confident, curious and responsible digital learners. Across Computing, pupils develop programming, computational thinking and creativity through practical, project-based work, including the use of emerging technologies such as AI and an emphasis on responsible use. STEM enrichment is further strengthened through VEX Robotics, where pupils design, build and program robots to compete in regional and national competitions. This provides a highly engaging context for applying computing and engineering skills, while developing teamwork, resilience, and problemsolving abilities. Children learn how technology works and how it can be used to design solutions, solve problems and think logically. Our pupils regularly take part in The Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge, Astro Mission Pi Challenge,

The Young Coders Competition, VEX IQ Robotics Competition, The Young Animator of the Year Awards and the The iDea Programme. Children enter all UKMT competitions (Primary, Junior and Intermediate) with an average of 9-10 children per year who go through to the Kangaroo rounds. This year, our children progressed to the Olympiads which is the top 0.5 per cent of the country, a huge achievement! Indeed, several of our Year 7 & 8 children were awarded medals in the Intermediate Maths Challenge Kangaroo round,

competing against children from Year 11 and below nationally. Aldro also runs a dedicated Science Week which is packed full of enrichment activities and trips. aldro.org

armyandyou.co.uk | 43

SPONSORED FEATURE

TEM is thriving at Farleigh School, near Andover, where the subjects are brought to life through curiosity, creativity and handson learning. The school benefits from outstanding facilities that support STEM learning, not only to enable academic achievement but also to inspire a lifelong enjoyment of discovery and innovation in every child. Purpose-built science laboratories, well-equipped Design and Technology workshops, and modern computing suites provide pupils with the resources they need to explore, investigate and create. These specialist spaces enable the children to move beyond theory and engage directly with practical challenges and real-world applications. As a prep school, a key feature of STEM teaching at Farleigh is the commitment to learning through investigation. In science lessons, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, design experiments and analyse evidence. Whether exploring chemical reactions, constructing electrical circuits or investigating environmental issues, children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through first-hand experience. Beyond the classroom, a wide range of enrichment opportunities enable pupils to pursue their interests further. STEM clubs at lunchtime, break times and after school offer opportunities for

44 | aff.org.uk

coding, engineering challenges, scientific investigations and collaborative projects. These activities help foster creativity, teamwork and resilience while allowing pupils to develop skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment. Farleigh pupils also regularly participate in local and national competitions, providing opportunities for aspiring scientists, engineers and mathematicians to test their knowledge and compete against their peers. These

events encourage ambition, teamwork and a healthy competitive spirit while showcasing their talents. By combining excellent facilities, inspiring teaching and a wealth of enrichment opportunities, Farleigh creates an environment where both boys and girls can develop confidence in STEM subjects and discover passions that may shape their future studies and careers. farleighschool.com

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SPONSORED FEATURE

CIENCE, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lie at the heart of innovation, shaping industries, driving technological advancement and preparing young people for careers that may not even exist yet. At Gordon’s School, STEM education extends far beyond the classroom, providing students with opportunities to develop technical knowledge, creativity, resilience and the practical problem-solving skills that employers and universities increasingly value. The school’s STEM provision is deliberately broad and ambitious, embedding scientific and technological thinking across both the curriculum and an extensive co-curricular programme. Students are encouraged not simply to learn scientific principles but to apply them through real-world challenges, collaborative projects and national competitions that mirror the demands of industry. One of the standout opportunities is the Formula One in Schools programme, where Year 10 students design, manufacture and race miniature Formula One cars. Working in teams, they experience every stage of product development, from computer-aided design (CAD) and physical modelling to branding, marketing and project management. The competition develops far more than engineering knowledge;

students gain valuable experience in teamwork, communication, leadership and commercial thinking while competing against schools from across the country. Sixth Form students are challenged even further through an ambitious satellite engineering project. Participants design and build a satellite, developing expertise in computer programming, electronics, 3D printing and parachute design before competing with schools nationwide. The project demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of modern STEM careers, requiring students to combine engineering, computing, mathematics and scientific understanding while managing a complex, long-term project. Learning is further enriched through an extensive programme of educational visits and partnerships. Students have the opportunity to visit CERN and the Large Hadron Collider, experience astronomy masterclasses, explore the historic codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park, and visit Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. These experiences allow students to see STEM in action, connecting classroom learning with cutting-edge research, scientific discovery and technological innovation. Students also have the opportunity to build and test rockets alongside experts from the National Space Centre, bringing complex scientific concepts vividly to life. Beyond timetabled lessons, Gordon’s Outside CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research) on the French/Swiss border.

46 | aff.org.uk

offers a thriving range of STEM clubs and enrichment activities designed to ignite curiosity and encourage exploration. Robotics clubs, coding clubs, Girls Code Club, 3D Printing Club, Science Club and Technology Club enable students to pursue their interests while developing practical skills. Robotics competitions and LEGO engineering challenges encourage innovation and healthy competition, while environmental initiatives such as the One Ocean and Eco projects demonstrate how STEM can be applied to solving global challenges. The school’s investment in specialist facilities reflects its commitment to STEM education. Dedicated learning spaces, including a STEM Hub, modern Mathematics block and Business and Computer Science suite, provide students with access to contemporary learning environments that support both academic study and practical application. This investment has helped transform perceptions of STEM subjects, attracting increasing numbers of students – particularly girls – to pursue science and engineering pathways. Importantly, STEM at Gordon’s is closely linked to careers education. Students are introduced to industry professionals, workplace experiences and employer partnerships that help them understand the diverse opportunities available within science, engineering and technology. Whether aspiring to medicine, engineering, computer science, environmental science or advanced manufacturing, students benefit from experiences that connect academic study with future career aspirations. At Gordon’s School, STEM education is not simply about preparing students for examinations. It is about developing inquisitive, resilient and innovative young people who are confident tackling complex challenges and creating solutions that will shape the future. By combining academic excellence with practical experience, industry engagement and exciting enrichment opportunities, Gordon’s equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly technological world. gordons.school

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SPONSORED FEATURE

HEN your school is surrounded on all sides by beautiful Dorset countryside, STEM becomes more than just worksheets, plotting graphs and conical flasks. At Hanford Prep fundamental science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are taught in a constructivist and self-led way, inside the science labs and outside in grounds, with hands-on self-discovery at the heart of lessons. Rather than following a set of instructions to carry out a practical experiment, girls are encouraged to think for themselves about how to test their own hypotheses and design and evaluate their own experiments. This helps them acquire scientific skills in a natural selfdriven way, by actually doing the science. In this way girls explore science with creativity and curiosity, building essential inter-relational skills when working alongside others to solve a problem and create a possible solution. These skills are

48 | aff.org.uk

far from ‘soft’ and, now more than ever, with such rapid advancements in AI, bringing people and relationships into STEM is crucial; true creativity comes from humans not computers, and only we can ensure that morality sits at the heart of scientific developments. For girls at Hanford, working with one another outside the classroom to explore science, may mean gathering leaves from a variety of trees to use in investigations exploring photosynthesis. In another

lesson it might involve popping to the stables to look at the ponies’ teeth to help compare carnivore, omnivore and herbivore digestive systems, or exploring dimensions and measurements in our walled kitchen gardens. STEM lessons at Hanford often involve animals, who inspire creativity and confidence in the pupils. Diggory, Lucky and Dora, our Maths Department dogs, involve themselves in many mathematical expeditions into the gardens, observing the girls measuring the height of plants, calculating the height of the buildings and trees through trigonometry or, perhaps, joining in with an exploration of scale on the front lawns. After all, everyone needs to know how many golden retrievers it takes to make the length of a blue whale! Throughout daily life pupils are encouraged to recognise the relevance of what they have explored in STEM lessons so that these skills and knowledge are not pigeonholed. For example, in Handwork and Art lessons, girls must consider the application of diameter, area and circumferences as they cut out fabric or create a new piece of art. In this way, at Hanford, STEM skills and knowledge quietly shape the girls’ learning at many levels, and in a multitude of locations, creating a love of science and a creative mindset that our pupils can take with them on to their next academic adventures, whether at our partner school, Sherborne, or further afield. hanfordprep.group

E H RY A S T S IT IE F E IL IL O E M M % F FA 10 ING + D A AR C E BO

A DIFFERENT KIND OF CO-EDUCATION AGES 3-18

There’s something about Sherborne

Nowhere else in the UK does a school exist with the same structure, the same set-up or the same deliberate philosophy as Sherborne. We are Sherborne Prep, Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Boys and we work in unison, together when appropriate and separate when appropriate. You will not find this elsewhere, and something unique is always worth a closer look. Come and see for yourself.

Prep

Girls

Boys

Sixth Form

Co-ed day & boarding, ages 3-13

Full boarding & day, ages 13-16

Co-ed day & boarding, ages 13-16

Girls & Boys full boarding & day, ages 16-18

sherborne.org/visit-us

admissions@sherborne.org

SPONSORED FEATURE

ERE at Sherborne, marking a century since Alan Turing’s remarkable first day at school, Alastair Poulain, Deputy Head of Sherborne Prep and Sherborne’s Turing Lead, explains what Britain’s most famous codebreaker’s legacy means for a new generation of Sherborne pupils, and how Artificial Intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship and problem solving is taking centre stage. In May 1926, with the country’s trains at a standstill due to the General Strike, 13-year-old Alan Turing borrowed a bicycle and cycled 60 miles from Southampton to his new school, arriving at Sherborne entirely unfussed by the ordeal. This year, on the exact centenary, I led a group of Sherborne pupils and staff from the senior and prep schools, recreating that ride, ending in a procession down the town’s infamous Cheap Street. It felt a fitting way to open a year built around the thought: what should this remarkable former pupil, later the codebreaker of Bletchley Park and the father of artificial intelligence, mean to our schools today? The start of the answer arrives this month, when Sherborne hosts the inaugural Turing STEM Conference, from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 October. The conference opens at Sherborne Prep, where explorer Benedict Allen will give a talk to 200 pupils on problem solving, enterprise and adventure before the young learners move on to rotate through interactive stations on coding, entrepreneurship and STEM. On Thursday at the Gryphon School, a demonstration of AI-driven robotics from Thales UK, followed by an interactive lecture on reinforcement learning from Professor Özgür Şimşek, Director of the Centre for AI at the University of Bath will inspire our GCSE pupils and that evening, Sherborne Abbey will be the venue for a concert of music, poetry and readings on the life and work of Alan Turing, open to all. Friday is the key conference day and takes place at Sherborne Girls’ impressive Merritt Centre. A-Level pupils will hear from an expert panel on the future of AI, the ensuing issues facing the next generation, what controls should be applied, and what it all means for jobs and career paths. This will be led by Air Marshal Sir Christopher Coville, followed

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by a digital twin technology demonstration from Sol Rogers of Magnopus, showing applications across industry, defence, medicine, space and entertainment. The afternoon belongs to Tech Fest, a hands-on carousel for pupils from four local schools, before the doors open to families. The ‘Tech Fest’ will see Microsoft, Bletchley Park, GCHQ, Oracle, Cambridge, Bath and Bournemouth universities, among others, showcasing what is possible for our students, as they leave Sherborne to pursue further education and/or the world of work. The conference kickstarts an academic year at Sherborne where Digital Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Character Education will course through the curricular veins of the schools, prep and senior, preparing all for a future full of possibility, with hackathons, entrepreneurial days, lectures, workshops and visiting experts all in the pipeline. So, 100 years after a young schoolboy got on a borrowed bicycle rather than accept that the journey was impossible, we hope this conference, and the week around

it, shows that same spirit of initiative and positivity is still very much alive, giving families and children a host of reasons to come and visit Sherborne, and Turing’s legacy, for themselves. Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Prep form part of Sherborne Schools Group, a wider family of independent schools united by a shared commitment to transformative, valuesdriven education. The Group’s vision is to be recognised as the UK’s leading group of independent schools, renowned for blending academic excellence, character and wellbeing, and 21st-century skills – preparing every pupil to thrive, lead, and shape society as ethical innovators, courageous thinkers, and global citizens. The total amount payable for CEA funded pupils is the CEA allowance plus 10% of the prevailing (full) boarding fee (inclusive of VAT). All the Schools within Sherborne Schools Group offer a 10% discount off day and boarding fees for those families currently working in the armed forces, who do not qualify for the CEA allowance. sherborne.org

SPONSORED FEATURE

T Embley, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning goes far beyond the classroom. The school’s integrated approach took a dynamic turn when a student passionate about Formula 1 pitched a project to apply physics and maths practically: building a Greenpower electric race car. Driven by student initiative, a team quickly secured sponsorship and acquired their first kit from the Greenpower Education Trust. Making their competition debut in 2024, the team refined their aerodynamic designs and returned this September to secure an impressive tenth-place finish overall. More recently, they’ve continued to work their way up the winning ranks and were recently awarded ‘Best Presented Team’ at Aintree Motor Circuit. Led by Year 11 students, the team fosters leadership, peer-to-peer mentoring and practical problem-solving. The impact extends across the school: one student earned a work placement at Williams Racing, while a new Prep School team is now building cars for slalom events. Beyond motorsport, Embley offers diverse STEM pathways. Students compete in the Lego League, attend

university workshops, and have the opportunity to join the school’s Flying Club. Run in partnership with the British Young Pilots Association, the club provides flight simulation and logbook hours toward a pilot’s licence. Embley’s focus on real-world application delivers clear outcomes. Over half of Embley students take A Level Mathematics, with many progressing to top-tier engineering degrees.

T The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, STEM is about more than what happens in the classroom. It is about encouraging students to ask questions, explore ideas and apply their knowledge to the world around them. Our approach gives students opportunities to move beyond the curriculum and engage

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Complemented by a Senior School scholars lecture series featuring industry leaders, and Sixth Form Nightingale Lectures, which has seen a range of speakers including the Mercedes-AGM Petronas F1 Team Technical Director, James Allison, in recent years, Embley equips students with the discipline, technical proficiency and ambition to be successful across STEM career pathways. embley.org.uk

with STEM in practical, meaningful ways. From science and technology to engineering and mathematics, students are encouraged to experiment, solve problems and develop the confidence to think independently. A particular highlight is our student-led research community, where students can explore areas of interest beyond their normal

lessons and develop their own research projects. This culture of enquiry was recently recognised at the 2026 IRIS Awards, where the school was highly commended in the Research Community and Culture Award. Alongside strong academic provision, students benefit from opportunities to engage with STEM through enrichment, competitions, projects and extracurricular activities. The emphasis is on developing not only subject knowledge, but also the curiosity, creativity and resilience needed to use it. For us, STEM is not simply about preparing students for STEM careers. It is about giving every student the opportunity to become a confident problem-solver, critical thinker and lifelong learner. doyrms.com

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SPONSORED FEATURE

T Walhampton, we believe some of the best learning happens when children are given a question, the freedom to explore it and the confidence to see where their ideas might lead. Curiosity is one of our school values. Our approach to STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics – brings these disciplines together through practical, creative and often wonderfully unexpected challenges. Our annual STEAM Fair is a highlight

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of the school calendar, as children are tasked with producing an exhibition piece around a theme. This year the theme is Water and it is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to showcase and celebrate their curiosity as much as achievement. The school is transformed as exhibits are displayed and the children share their learnings with each other, staff and parents. In addition to the exhibits we welcome guest speakers and local organisations to share their work around

the theme. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, solve problems and, importantly, learn from things that do not always go according to plan. The 2025 STEAM Fair was themed around Space and pupils launched Bradfield Bear into the stratosphere using a weather balloon, equipped with technology to capture his extraordinary journey. The experiment generated huge excitement across the school and led to an unexpected adventure when Bradfield Bear was subsequently lost! The story travelled far beyond Walhampton, attracting global media attention and demonstrating how a child-led school project can capture the imagination well beyond the classroom. While sending a bear into space generated global headlines, STEAM at Walhampton is about much more than spectacular projects. Pupils apply their learning to real-world challenges, working collaboratively and creatively while developing problem-solving, resilience and critical-thinking skills. Technology scholars recently transformed a mobility scooter into a Land Rover and our technology classroom sits adjacent to maths, art and science as we bring learnings from each subject together. At Walhampton, we call this Thinking Wild: giving children the space and encouragement to imagine what might be possible and then having the courage to try it. walhampton.com

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See why more than 200 Forces families chose our school

There when you need her You’re always ready but is your safety net? In the Armed Forces you plan for every possibility. But what happens if illness or injury means you or your family need unexpected care? Lady Grover is there when you need her, helping to cover care costs, so you can stay prepared whatever life throws your way. From just £65 per year.

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03/06/2026 21:13:49

SPONSORED FEATURE

Firm foundations for thriving B OARDING at Peter Symonds College gives students a supportive stepping stone between secondary school and university or work. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where young people build the confidence, independence and resilience they need to thrive. Our two boarding houses offer a friendly, inclusive community where students settle in quickly. Boarders naturally take on more personal responsibility, like managing study time, keeping their rooms tidy, and doing their own laundry, which helps prepare them for life after college. We do everything we can to make our houses feel like a genuine home. Our catering team serves fresh, nutritious meals, and students get a weekly allowance to use at college outlets. We also deliver groceries to the houses twice a week so boarders can make breakfast and snacks in shared kitchens. Weekends

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feature made-to-order brunches, social events and themed evenings throughout the year. Our focus on student well-being was recognised in 2025, when Ofsted rated our boarding provision Outstanding. Inspectors highlighted that students were “unanimously positive and enthusiastic”, noting strong relationships with house parents and how much boarders value learning to live independently. There is always plenty to get involved in. Boarders enjoy trips to local theatres, cinemas, restaurants and active days out in the New Forest, as well as exploring Winchester and Southampton. Students can use the college gym and sports hall during supervised sessions, join local clubs or unwind in comfortable common rooms. Evening access to the library and dedicated quiet times help make healthy study habits second nature. psc.ac.uk

PETER SYMONDS COLLEGE

BOARDING A UNIQUE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT IN THE HEART OF WINCHESTER

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AFF STATS

Spotlight on the data – young people Some of the key issues you asked us for advice on between April and June 2026 are listed below. Your queries...

26%

Can you give me some information on how my child applies for university when we are currently based overseas? We live in England and my child is in reception class. We are moving to Scotland where I understand children start school a year later. Can you give me some advice on this?

of enquiries came from the spouse/partner of a serving person

My unit is rebasing next year; I’m currently in Single Living Accommodation. How will the removals process work?

We are going through the process of an ADHD assessment for our child. What will happen with this when we are posted?

44%

I’m about to start studying towards an NVQ Level 3. Is there any funding available to support this?

of enquiries came from a serving person

I am currently completing my Phase 1 training, when can I bring my family over to the UK?

Can you still claim CEA when parents go through a separation?

of enquiries came from the ex-spouse/partner of a serving person

TOP 3 Visa to enter UK Visa extension/switching Citizenship

of enquiries came from welfare support teams

issues for serving personnel were:

TOP 5

Foreign & Commonwealth issues concerned:

Allocation/entitlement Retention Repairs/maintenance Military allowances Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA)

issues for spouses/partners were: Allocation/entitlement Repairs/maintenance Military allowances Job seeking/employment (UK) Early years childcare

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

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GIVEAWAYS

Fabulous taste of Christmas THE FESTIVE Good Food Show offers a chance to see top TV chefs like James Martin and John Torode in action and sample some amazing food. Staged at the NEC in Birmingham between November 26 and 29, the event features live cooking demonstrations and competitions, including the Big Kitchen, the Festive Kitchen and the Christmas Challenge. More than 350 independent food and drink producers will be offering tastings and waiting to be discovered. You could spend the entire day grazing and never eat the same thing twice. There are dozens of workshops - from mastering the perfect festive cheeseboard at the Cheese Hub or discovering flavours at the Fabulous Food Finds Tasting Theatre, to learning show-stopping cocktail shaking skills at the Princess Cruises Cocktail Club. Army&You has five pairs of tickets to be won. The closing date for entries is 1 November. Find out more about the show at: goodfoodshow.com/festive

Mooving tale DAISY IS the pantomime cow for the local theatre group. With her own song that all the family can sing along to, she has always been everyone’s favourite. But when the building used for the pantomimes closes, all the scenery and props are no longer needed, leaving Daisy destined for the bin. The local librarians are heartbroken, and devise a plan to rescue Daisy from her fate. Will they be able to come together and save the beloved pantomime cow? Army veteran Babs Vinden-Cantrell is the author of four children’s picture books. Daisy the Pantomime Cow is based on her childhood, during which she was a dancer in several professional pantomimes. Three lucky readers could each win a copy of Daisy the Pantomime Cow.

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 20 November 2026 unless otherwise stated. Your information will not be used for marketing purposes. Winners’ names and T&Cs are published on the Army&You website. 58 | aff.org.uk

Sweet celebrations

Talking tanks FOR THE first time, The Tank Museum will be joined by acclaimed historians and broadcasters Al Murray and James Holland on a London stage exploring the history - and future - of the tank. Taking to the Royal Geographical Society’s Ondaatje Theatre in November, Al Murray, James Holland and Tank Museum experts will examine the role of the tank across some of the most significant conflicts of the last century, including the First World War, the Second World War and the Cold War. Lucy McCalister, of The Tank Museum, said: “For over 100 years,

MAKE YOUR next celebration even more memorable with a personalised Big Day Cakes photo cake from ASDA. Three Army&You readers can each win a £20 ASDA voucher and treat themselves to a large, personalised photo cake that serves up to 40 people. Choose from hundreds of licensed designs, including Premier League football clubs, favourite children’s characters such as Bing, Teletubbies and Beano, or upload your own favourite photo. And there are hundreds of beautiful templates for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, new babies and every special occasion. Creating a personalised cake couldn’t be easier. Simply visit of one of 300-plus participlating stores across the UK, design the cake in minutes at the Big Day Cakes kiosk, and it will be prepared while you wait. Once our winners have their vouchers, they can find their nearest participating ASDA store at bigdaycakes.com/find-a-store.

The Tank Museum has been telling the stories of tanks and the people who served in them. The show is shaping up to be a terrific mix of expert discussions.” In addition to covering the last century’s significant armoured conflicts, speakers will look to the future and consider the changing nature of warfare and whether the tank will continue to dominate tomorrow’s battlefields. Admission tickets are £35, and Friends of The Tank Museum save 20 per cent on tickets. Tickets are available at tankmuseum.org/ thetankstory One reader can win a pair of tickets to The Tank Story on 28 November at 7.30pm. The closing date for entries is 1 November.

Guided by the light THE BOY and the Pink Light is a moving and uplifting novel that follows a young boy on an unforgettable journey of resilience, friendship and discovering the strength that can be found even in life’s darkest moments. It’s a tale that will stay with readers long after the final page. The book tells the story of a boy who feels a sadness he can’t explain and is unsure how to cope until he meets radiant pink light that shows him how

to navigate the unfamiliar feelings. Mum-of-two and former primary school teaching assistant Mayra Clay uses compassion and imagination in her storytelling to help children learn how to recognise and express their emotions. It offers them comfort and reassurance that it’s OK to feel sad sometimes. Ten Army&You readers have a chance of winning a copy of The Boy and the Pink Light.

armyandyou.co.uk | 59

Book a tour and discover Walhampton for your family CO-ED DAY & BOARDING PREP FOR AGES 2–13 www.walhampton.com

MILITARY PROVOST GUARD SERVICE (MPGS)

ARE YOU LEAVING THE ARMY? Are you in resettlement, considering leaving, or wanting to transfer from the ARMY? Have you thought about what a career in the MPGS can offer you*?

Are you interested in a career in education or gaining new qualifications?

• Consistency of a set ‘4 ON - 4 OFF’ shift system

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• Choose to serve at 130+ locations across the UK

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• Stability of a non-deployable engagement with no requirement to move locations

• Subsidised Accommodation in either Single Living Accommodation (SLA) or Service Family Accommodation (SFA) • Pensionable Service with the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) • Full career pathway with promotion opportunities up to Warrant Officer (Class 1) • Free Medical/Dental, Gym and other Military Welfare provisions • Maximum age to enlist is 57 (serve until 60)

“Custodem Custodire” Guarding the Guardians FIND OUT MORE OR contact the Recruitment and Engagement Team: ArmyPM-MPGS-recruitment@mod.gov.uk ARMY DESIGN STUDIO ADR013984

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*The MPGS recruits Current and Ex-Serving, Regular and Reserve personnel from all 3 Services

A postcard from

CANADA

Surya (serving), Sushmita, Smiya and Samyukta How long have you been an Army family? More than 13 years. How long have you been in Canada? We have now been in Canada for nine months and have settled well into life in Ralston Village. Although BATUS is much smaller than it once was following the drawdown of troops, there is still a welcoming community of around 11 British military families, alongside several Canadian military families. The close-knit nature of the village means everyone knows one another, and there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand. What’s your quarter like? Our family lives in a spacious, fully furnished three-bedroom house. Tell us about the schools and childcare One of the biggest advantages for families is Ralston School, which is only a five-minute walk from our accommodation. The school also offers childcare and wraparound care, making family life much easier. Where do Army families get together and who supports you? The unit, welfare team, BFBS, Ralston School, Personnel Support Programmes (PSP) and the Military Family

Resource Centre (MFRC) all play an important role in supporting the military community. They organise social events, family activities and community gatherings, helping everyone feel connected. How do you find the cost of living there? The cost of living is higher than in the UK, and the isolated location means access to shops and services can be limited. Winters are long and temperatures can be extremely cold, requiring families to adapt to a very different climate. What are the best things about living there? Canada offers excellent healthcare, a safe and secure environment, and a welcoming multicultural society. Above all, the country’s breathtaking

natural beauty is simply unforgettable. From stunning national parks and wildlife to the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, there is always something new to explore. One of the greatest benefits of this posting is the opportunity to travel throughout North America, with many families also taking the chance to visit destinations across South America during leave using Respite Provision allowances. If you are looking for a unique military experience, a safe and supportive community, and the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, I would wholeheartedly recommend a posting to BATUS. It is an experience that our family will always treasure. A armyandyou.co.uk | 61

Sixth Form Boarding The perfect introduction to living and studying away from home.

Open Morning 26 Jan 2027 • A leading selective state grammar school • Co-ed Sixth Form with boarding for boys • Excellent A-level results – 71% A*/B • Extensive sport and extra-curricular activities • Comprehensive careers guidance and mentoring • Dedicated support for Armed Forces pupils • Affordable boarding at £5,797 per term

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01952 953810

Reimagining education With many of our teachers and staff having served in the Armed Forces or grown up in Service families, we understand the rhythm of military life. Alongside excellent academic outcomes, children benefit from inspiring experiences that bring learning to life, from motorsport engineering and flying to a thriving Combined Cadet Force and trading on the London Stock Exchange. A school for the whole family from Nursery to Sixth Form 20% military discount on day and boarding fees* Full, flexi and weekly boarding options *subject to terms and conditions

www.embley.org.uk | admissions@embley.org.uk | 01794 527371 62 | aff.org.uk

Reading Force Book Club members give Army&You their reviews of The Storm Cloud by Emily Hamilton and Frances Stickley

Published by: Postwave, hardback £12.99

Harvey, six and Hunter, five HARVEY SAID: “I liked that the sad feeling was a cloud, I think that is how sad can feel. His friends were very kind.” Hunter loved the ending. He said: “The rainbow is so pretty and he is with all his friends feeling happy!”

Ralph, three and Lily, 16 months, with mum RALPH AND Lily liked looking at all the beautiful illustrations and especially loved all the animals and the rainbow. Our favourite bits of the book were when the bear and squirrel jumped in puddles together to feel happy and when there was a big, beautiful rainbow after the cloud had gone. What we will remember about the book is to be kind to our friends and give them a cuddle if they are sad. Daddy is away a lot at the moment so this was a nice little activity for us.

Sharing books – a good way to stay close

BOOK CLUB

Bear weathers the storm

Army&You would love to read your children’s reviews. If they’d like to take part email hattie@ readingforce.org.uk with their names and ages.

Reading Force will send children aged up to 10 a scrapbook to fill in with their thoughts and a book, and young people aged over 11 a special tween and teen journal and book. Families say doing Reading Force is a good way to stay close, connected, and to keep communicating. Best of all, it’s fun! To receive your free scrapbook and book, or teen journal and book, go to the family page on the Reading Force website and register online: www. readingforce.org.uk

Freddie, aged three I LOVED the pictures in this book and I was happy that the bear wasn’t sad in the end. I think my friends would like this book because it made me feel happy like a rainbow.

Take part via your children’s school, HIVE, or register online at www. readingforce. org.uk

WIN

Enter our giveaway to win a copy of The Storm Cloud and a Reading Force scrapbook. See armyandyou.co.uk for entry rules.

armyandyou.co.uk | 63

Military Chatter

Open channel Your thoughts. Your views. Your mission. Got an opinion that needs airing? A story worth sharing? Or a blog ready for deployment?

A leap into wild equestrianism

Fall in, write in and let your voice be heard. Send all submissions to: editor@aff.org.uk

By Courtney Wild HORSES HAVE always been a huge part of my life. From a young age I was happiest at the yard, riding, competing and learning everything I could about their care and welfare. Although life became busier with raising two children and supporting my husband through his Army career, my passion for horses never disappeared. My husband currently serves with 47 Regiment Royal Artillery, and we are based in Larkhill. Like many military families, we’ve learnt to adapt to change, be resilient and make the most of every opportunity. Those experiences gave me the confidence to take a leap and build something for myself. I now run my own private yard in Wiltshire, Wild Equestrian, where I offer rehabilitation, schooling and holiday livery alongside equine sports and rehabilitation massage. My passion has always been horse welfare, and I believe every horse deserves an

This is your chance to sound off. Whether it’s sharp analysis, service humour or something that’s been bugging you — we want to hear it.

Starting my own business has been both exciting and challenging. Running a yard means early mornings, long days and plenty of hard work.

individual approach. Whether helping a horse recover from injury, building confidence with a young horse or supporting owners through tailored exercise programmes, seeing horses thrive is the most rewarding part of my job. Starting my own business has been both exciting and challenging. Running a yard means early mornings, long days and plenty of hard work. But it has also given me the opportunity to create something I truly believe in. Every new client, every horse that progresses and every positive message from an owner reminds me why I took that first step.

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone thinking about starting their own business, it would be to believe in yourself. There will never be a perfect time, and the journey won’t always be easy, but if you’re passionate, willing to work hard and prepared to keep learning, it’s incredibly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take opportunities and trust that small, consistent steps lead to big achievements. I’m incredibly excited about the future and hope my story encourages other military spouses and families to believe that they can turn their own passions into reality too.

the boxes come out again, when I wonder if I am asking too much of them. Then I heard military children described as dandelions. At first, it seemed an unusual comparison. But the more I

thought about it, the more it stayed with me. Dandelions do not wait for perfect conditions. They grow where they land, they adapt, persist and continue to bloom. I began to see my children differently.

My dandelions By Ellen Owusu I GREW up in one house, on one street, surrounded by the same friends and neighbours. Life had a reassuring rhythm, and I assumed that was what childhood was meant to look 64 | aff.org.uk

like. However, my children’s lives have not been that way. As a military family, we move often. New schools, new homes, new friendships, sometimes just as old ones begin to take root. There are moments, especially when

Military Chatter Ellen with her family

Years ago, my husband was away, and I was heavily pregnant and struggling with simple tasks. Without being asked, my toddler son started helping me load the washing machine. He didn’t understand the task, but he understood that I needed help. Military children often learn responsibility early. They also learn what it means to support others, because they live it every day. They become used to starting again, walking into classrooms where no one knows them and finding their place. After one move, my son

came home from his first day at a new school, and that evening there was a knock on the door. Three boys stood there asking if he could come out to play. I had not even finished unpacking, but he had already begun to build a new world for himself. Living in different places, including overseas, has also widened their view of the world. They meet people from different backgrounds, and instead of hesitation, they show curiosity. I used to worry that all this moving was taking something from them, a sense of stability, a fixed idea of home. But I have realised

it is giving them something else. They are resilient. Though they miss people and places and ‘grieve’ what they leave behind, they keep going, carrying those memories with them. My children are dandelions; they land in unfamiliar places and find a way to grow. So perhaps it is time we

recognise what these children carry. Not just the disruption, but the strength. Not just the goodbyes, but the courage to begin again. Let us celebrate the resilience, empathy and adaptability they develop. Because military children are not just learning to cope with change, they are learning how to thrive through it.

Finding a new home through Army life By Jenita Rai STARTING A new life in a different country is never easy. But for me it became a journey of growth, resilience and unexpected belonging. Three years ago I moved from Nepal to the UK after marrying my husband, who serves in the Queen’s Gurkha Signals. Leaving behind my home, family and everything familiar was not an easy decision. Adjusting to a new country brought many challenges, from adapting to a different culture and lifestyle to finding my place in an unfamiliar environment. In the beginning, it felt overwhelming. I often missed the comfort and familiarity of home. However, over time, things began to change. I met new people, particularly other Army spouses, who played an important role in helping me

settle into this new life. Their understanding, support and shared experiences made a significant difference, and through them, I developed a sense of belonging. Life as an Army wife comes with both challenges and rewards. There are times when my husband is deployed for months, and during those periods,

I must remain strong and independent. These moments can be difficult, but they also build resilience. At the same time, they make the moments of reunion even more meaningful. The joy and pride I feel when he returns home are truly special. Being part of the Army community has been one of the most positive aspects of this journey. The events and functions organised for families and spouses create opportunities to connect, share experiences and support one another. They foster a strong sense of community that is unique to military life. Frequent postings are another defining part of this lifestyle. While moving regularly can be challenging, I have come to appreciate it as a valuable experience. It offers the opportunity to

explore new places, meet diverse people and grow both personally and emotionally. It is a way of life that few outside the military truly experience. Reflecting on the past three years, I feel proud of how far I’ve come. What once felt unfamiliar has now become part of my identity. I have learned to adapt, to be resilient and to find strength in new circumstances. Although I came from Nepal, I have built a new home here in the UK. Army life is not without its difficulties, but it is meaningful and rewarding. It has given me experiences, friendships and personal growth that I will always value. This journey has shown me that home is not just where you come from, it is where you learn to belong, grow and build a life with the people around you. A

armyandyou.co.uk | 65

Comms Army & You

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe for FREE via armyandyou.co.uk – you can unsubscribe at any time via the same link or by emailing unsubscribe@aff.org.uk. If you need to change your details, email: update@aff.org.uk DELIVERY If you would like to be removed from our mailing list email unsubscribe@aff.org.uk or visit armyandyou.co.uk, where you’ll find our privacy policy and T&Cs. 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.

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Principal office: IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 6, Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ. COMPETITIONS To enter, visit armyandyou.co.uk. Full terms & conditions and closing dates are available on the website, click the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk and follow the links. ADVERTISEMENTS Interested in advertising in Army&You? Contact TylerBale Communications. Email: info@tylerbale.co.uk Web: ayads.co.uk Tel: 01252 714870 66 | aff.org.uk

(Option 1 – Enquiry Team) Monday–Thursday 9am–4pm Friday 9am–1pm

contact@aff.org.uk

UK contact@aff.org.uk 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.

To contact AFF HQ, report as follows:

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HQ Location: AFF, IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 6, Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover, SP11 8HJ Alternatively, you can open an online channel by visiting aff.org.uk/contact, or scan the QR code above for quick access.

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helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help

When every day feels like a battle, Forcesline is here to back you up. We’re not here to judge – we’re here to listen, so you never have to battle alone. Contact Forcesline. We’re open 09:00–17:00 Monday to Thursday, and 09:00–16:00 on Friday

0800 260 6780 Talk to an advisor via our live chat service

ssafa.org.uk Forcesline is a free, independent helpline, that’s outside of the chain of command for the Armed Forces and their families. Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760, in Scotland Number SC038056, and in the Republic of Ireland Number 20202001. Established 1885.