Army & You Summer 2025

Summer 2025

VIRTUAL

SUPPORT

A rundown of the web welfare and apps at your family’s fingertips

ONLINE SAFETY

Tips on how to keep your personal information secure

CASH CHIEF

The Savvy Squaddie shares his story

AVOIDING SCAMMERS Know your phishing from your pharming!

Win

l istoric hote h g in m r a h Ac iltshire break in W side! and more in 1 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

Digitally enhanced How tech is helping to transform military life

PLUS: COMMUNITY | EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING | EDUCATION & CHILDCARE | FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH HEALTH | MONEY & YOU | OVERSEAS | YOUR FAMILY | YOUR HOME

READY FOR CIVVY STREET? When your loved one leaves the Forces, life shifts for you as well. The routine, the structure, even the community – it all changes.

Whatever challenges you might face, Help for Heroes is here for you.

Whether for mental health support, financial guidance or help finding your new community.

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

Editor

editor@aff.org.uk // 01264 554004

Housing

housingsupport@aff.org.uk

Money & Allowances✪

As we move towards an increasingly digital world, technology can help us to access resources more easily than before.

Image: Pexels

Today’s digital landscape Remote working can also remove the need to be located in a particular place for employment so this can be a plus for mobile military families.

In this edition we outline some of the resources available for the whole army family across the modern digital landscape.

moneysupport@aff.org.uk

Foreign & Commonwealth fcsupport@aff.org.uk

Education & Childcare educationsupport@aff.org.uk

Health & Additional needs healthsupport@aff.org.uk

Employment & Training✪ employment@aff.org.uk

Regions Devolved Nations contact@aff.org.uk

England contact@aff.org.uk

Overseas

overseassupport@aff.org.uk

In our feature on pages 12 to 14 we look at the MOD Families Hub online portal, which has just been launched, focus on the range of online support available in overseas locations, as well as exploring ways to combat isolation with the Military Coworking Network.

We turn to health on pages 38 and 39 and put the spotlight on digital access to healthcare, which can be a beneficial way for mobile military families to store and access information.

When it comes to finances, there is a wealth of support out there, including videos to help you manage your money. Army&You spoke to The l!

Savvy Squaddie Geteespoabcreiaast of the Want to k and views about to find out what s w latest new ake sure you follo led him to set M nt! army life? r exclusive conte fo X e n up his online o you us onlin armyand Find us @ ram, search for presence, ag r o and Inst acebook You on F Armyand yandyou.co.uk visit arm

CONTRIBUTIONS If you’ve got a story to tell about army life, then let us know – email editor@aff.org.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS In your own home or private rental?

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 would like to be removed from our mailing

helping thousands to understand how to make the most of their hard-earned cash.

In our Employment & Training section on pages 20 to 22 we look at online opportunities for training and support to improve spouses’ and partners’ employability skills. We also talk to three entrepreneurs who have set up their own businesses on page 59.

There are some inspiring stories in our Dandelions section for military children on page 62. If you’d like to tell us about a project involving service children and young people or your youngster would like to feature in a future edition, just get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk Finally, you could win some great prizes in our giveaways, including a bed and breakfast break on the edge of Salisbury Plain, on pages 64 and 65.

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.

Design by Wroxy Meredith AFF Army Families Federation is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales with registered charity number 1176393 and a charity registered

in Scotland with registered charity number SC048282. Principal office: IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 6, Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ. COMPETITIONS To enter, visit armyandyou.co.uk One entry per household per giveaway. Full T&Cs on the website. Closing date is 18 July 2025 unless otherwise stated.

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Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 3

Contents

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

12

66

30

Free relationshop support in Cyprus

Pilot for deployed families

33

34

A postcard from...

A snapshot of military life in Norway

COMMUNITY Army welfare service review update ‘Services remain uninterrupted’

FEATURES COVER STORY

12

Information at your fingertips

36

A dive into digital sources of support and information

Don’t forget to follow , us on Facebook m ra ag Inst and X for lots more news and features

REGULARS 7

10

16

60

62

64

66

Win

A Word From…

AFF Operations & Engagement Director Paddy Bleakley MBE

21

Help thrive in IT

21 22

AFF in Action

Discover the latest news affecting army families

25

Newsy snippets about army family life

26

Blogspot

You share your experiences of army family life

28

Dandelions

For the younger members of your army family

Giveaways

COVER STORY

Check out our prize haul and be a winner this summer

Book Club

Youngsters tell us what they thought of The Verts

Charitable programme boosts tech savviness

38

40

A blueprint for selfemployment bliss

New look for FFJ

Major revamp to recruitment tool revealed

YOUR HOME Summer moves checklist Accommodation advice

Avoiding the scammers

Know your phishing from your Pharming COVER STORY

44

Up close with the Savvy Squaddie

Meet the social media ‘money’ man

45

47

Covenant commitments

A glance at the allowances available to army families

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE Funding supports service students

Beyond the Barracks initiative receives funding

Keeping safe online

How to preserve your personal information

YOUR FAMILY A transformation to lighten your mood

COVER STORY

42

COVER STORY

29

Digital access to healthcare

‘Medicine’ for mobile households

MONEY

OVERSEAS Linking services digitally

Why ‘online’ makes sense for those heading overseas

COVER STORY

Tedworth House’s garden makeover

Follow your dream New programme for military partners

Common questions fielded

by AFF

HEALTH

Enhance your employment skills and prospects

Network a ‘firm’ favourite of forces families

Download

A night’s stay for up to five in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Amesbury, Wiltshire

4 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

20

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Find job success

FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH eVisa concerns

59

SPOTLIGHT Stepping into business

Entrepreneurs share their career journeys

64

Are you looking for a Boarding School?

Claire Calder and her knowledgeable team can help you.

Providing free and impartial advice UK Education and British Forces/FCDO specialist

Email claire@clairecalderconsultancy.com Mobile +44 7586 294687 Web www.clairecalderconsultancy.com

Placement at the right UK boarding school Advice on all Forces and FCDO discounts UK Easter and summer courses Private Tutoring

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AFFORDABLE FULL BOARDING FOR FORCES FAMILIES

Ministry Of Defence CEA approved offering assistance to eligible families worth up to 90% of school fees.

Supporting children from ages 4-18 to achieve their full potential in a safe and nurturing environmnent.

Scan to register interest for one of our Open Events or to arrange a personalised visit.

Alternatively, contact 01833 696030 or admissions@barneyschool.org.uk @BarnardCastleSchool

@barnardcastleschool

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AFF – HERE TO SUPPORT YOU A WORD FROM AFF OPERATIONS & ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR PADDY BLEAKLEY MBE

Right: Paddy Bleakley MBE Clockwise from top: AFF staff Carole, Emma, Amanda and Esther

Last year more than 7,000 of you came to AFF with your questions and concerns, and we were out and about in the army community meeting lots of you face to face.

We kicked off the year with the Ask AFF Roadshow in Colchester, where we met 16 Air Assault Brigade serving personnel and families. Our specialist team answered enquiries covering key subjects such as housing, additional needs, allowances for longterm relationships and complex immigration.

Later in the year AFF Overseas Manager, Esther Thomas, was invited to British Forces Brunei (BFB) by Commanding Officer of 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles, Lt Col Standford Tuck, who highlighted

challenges with immigration processes, lack of spousal employment and reduced household income.

We also travelled to Scotland, Wales and Aldershot where we talked to army personnel, families and welfare teams, as well as other locations in the UK and overseas.

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU During the coming year we will be travelling to a location near you. Keep a look out for the AFF stall, as we need to know what is working, or more importantly, not working for you, your family and others within the army family, and the unique issues with your current location. If you would like us to

deliver a specific brief, contact us via the details below and check out the events page of our website to find out where we’ll be next.

WHEN TO CONTACT AFF You may have an issue, question or concern, you might be frustrated with current policies or just want to share your experience to help others – if you are part of the army family, regular or reserve, we are here to provide independent and confidential advice and support.

emails and website portal questions, they will then triage your enquiry and either send the information directly, or, for more complex enquiries, they will put you in touch with our dedicated specialist teams. A

GET IN TOUCH Call 01264 554004 Email contact@aff.org.uk

HOW CAN I CONTACT AFF?

Email - qualified immigration advice fcsupport@aff.org.uk

There are many ways to contact us - our enquiries team are ready to take your calls,

Website aff.org.uk

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 7

INFOGRAFFICS

Army Families Federation statistics

Spotlight on the data GET IN TOUCH

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

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

YOU ASKED US... ●

●

●

●

●

●

TOP ISSUES FOR FAMILIES BY CATEGORY

I am having difficulty setting up my eVisa, can you advise how I do this?

●

EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE: 4-11 childcare

●

EMPLOYMENT: Job-seeking/employment in the UK

●

FAMILY LIFE: Postings

We will shortly be moving overseas where unfortunately I will be unable to work. Do you know of any online training opportunities I can access while abroad?

●

F&C: Visa to enter the UK

●

HEALTH & ADDITIONAL NEEDS: NHS provision and waiting lists

●

HOUSING: Allocation and entitlement

●

MONEY: Military allowances

PERCENTAGE OF ENQUIRER TYPES

How do I apply for Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

42%

My son is currently struggling with his mental health, do you know of any online resources which could support him?

OF ENQUIRIES CAME FROM A SERVING PERSON

I am nearing the end of my maternity leave and due to a posting will be unable to return to my previous workplace.

I’d like to find out if I’m entitled to any benefits in this situation.

We are currently looking at options for a posting overseas. Where can I find out more information about things I should consider and the housing options?

8 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer Spring 2025 2025

28% TOP THEMES ● Relationship breakdown ● Long-term relationships ● Overseas employment

OF ENQUIRIES CAME FROM THE SPOUSE/ PARTNER OF SERVING PERSON

5%

OF ENQUIRIES CAME FROM WELFARE SUPPORT TEAMS

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AFF IN ACTION #Goodtoknow

#AFFoutandabout

SHARING EXPERTISE

IMMIGRATION FOCUS

Katherine Houlston, AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist, attended the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Armed Forces Community at the House of Commons. The meeting was held to look at issues relating to members of the armed forces community and veterans who are non-UK passport holders.

The APPG was given a presentation on recent research conducted into the experiences of serving personnel and veterans. During the question and answer session following the presentation, Katherine’s expertise on the armed forces immigration rules were called upon a number of times.

SUPPORTING THE ARMY JOURNEY

AFF is now a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA). ILPA is a professional association and registered charity which exists to promote and improve advice and representation in immigration and nationality law.

Katherine Houlston and APPG chair Calvin Bailey

#AFFoutandabout

well as damp and mould. We have taken Members of AFF’s housing team away some individual presented a brief and cases to look into.” answered questions WO2 Mark Ward, from serving personnel UWWO 19th Regiment at Larkhill, which formed Royal Artillery, said: part of a welfare week.

“Cat’s delivery was Following the brief, clear, informative and Housing Specialist Cat professional. The Calder said: “It was soldiers found the wonderful to have presentation really useful such a spread of ages and now feel more and life stages in the confident in where to audience and beneficial find support.” to be able to show For more information how AFF can help at on these issues, take a all stages of the army Cat and Carol from the housing team look at aff.org.uk or get in career. The main areas touch with the team, housingsupport@ of concern were around ARAP (Afghan aff.org.uk Relocations and Assistance Policy) as

CONFERENCE GUEST

#AFFoutandabout

Katherine Houlston, AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist, was a guest speaker at The Female Voice – Women in the Armed Forces Community.

The event was held on HMS Belfast in London, and focused on issues women face when making the transition from military to civilian life.

Key topics of discussion included employment and business, emotional support, health and family. During

the event, there was an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and gain practical advice for navigating life outside the military.

Following the event, Katherine said: “It was an honour to be asked to present at the conference, especially on a ship, which was a first! It was inspiring to listen to all the stories of resilience and to hear how experiences of military life, both positive and negative, had led many of the presenters to set up charities or support groups which are doing amazing work.”

10 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

The AFF Foreign & Commonwealth team

ILPA is represented on many government advisory groups and provides evidence to parliamentary and official enquiries.

The F&C team is looking forward to working with ILPA, sharing its expertise on military immigration law and using the expertise of ILPA members to progress ongoing issues.

#AFFoutandabout

HEALTH MEET AND GREET

Natalie Shelley, one of AFF’s Enquiries Team, recently attended the Dalton Barracks Health Fair hosted by 4 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

The event provided an opportunity for service personnel and their families to learn about mental health and wellbeing, and injury prevention, amongst other health topics.

Following the fair, Natalie said: “This was a great way to engage with service personnel and spread the news about what AFF is and what we do, particularly single soldiers who don’t always realise we can support them too!”

#AFFoutandabout

RACING TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

AFF Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) Administrator Sarah Johnson and the RAF Families Federation’s Sue Gee recently attended the National Transition Event 2025 at Silverstone.

The event offers a unique opportunity for the armed forces community to connect with companies who value their skills and experience, as well as with support organisations who can help them on their career journey. #Goodtoknow

GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS

The Ministry of Defence and Department for Education have published guidance to help local authorities and statefunded schools in England understand the educational and wellbeing needs of service pupils.

It explains some of the challenges faced by children from military families and provides information about the Service Pupil Premium, explaining how it

Sarah said: “Being at the event reinforces our position within the employment support sector for forces families. It was also an opportunity to make new employer contacts, renew existing ones and to provide forces families with information and details on FFJ to help their career journey.”

If you would like further information about FFJ and the gateway it offers to employment and training opportunities with organisations who are forces family friendly, go to forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk

can be used to offer support to eligible pupils from reception to year 11.

AFF is one of the resources highlighted in the document, which brings existing guidance together into one easily accessible place.

And although it is non-statutory, it includes statutory information on the Armed Forces Covenant and the School Admissions Code.

Visit tinyurl.com/Servicepupils for more information.

DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR AFF TEAMS A soldier was given assistance by two of AFF’s specialist teams while he was on assignment overseas.

Pte Jeannick Serieux contacted the Foreign & Commonwealth team when he needed assistance with the non-UK call forward process to gain permission for his new wife to accompany him overseas following his marriage.

Once the correct visa had been secured for his wife, the Overseas team supported the family over several months, and through several refusals, as they navigated the UK residency requirements for the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Following positive results on both issues, he thanked AFF and said: “Whilst things are tough sometimes, with the right people by your side we can get through it.”

#AFFwin

GHICs are replacing the European Health Insurance Cards. Service personnel can apply for their first GHIC online if they have a National Insurance number and a UK or BFPO address. For more information visit aff.org.uk If you have any queries about non-UK or overseas assignments, email contact@aff.org.uk

#AFFevidence

COURAGE TO CARRY ON

AFF has helped many Foreign & Commonwealth spouses who have suffered domestic abuse to remain in the UK and rebuild their lives. One spouse who we helped was keen to thank AFF and share her story.

“My journey has been one of resilience and determination. As a former army wife, I faced unimaginable challenges, including domestic violence that left me in a dire situation.

“The Army Families Federation became my lifeline, offering unwavering support and helping me secure a stay in the UK. “Alone, as a woman navigating a new country, I summoned the strength to rebuild my life. Today, I am a law student at university, driven by a profound mission to combat domestic violence. My dissertation will shine a light on this critical issue, and I aspire to become a detective, dedicated to protecting and empowering others who face similar struggles. My story is one of hope, courage and an unyielding commitment to justice.”

For more information on how we can help, see aff.org.uk or call 01264 554004.

If you are in immediate danger or your life is being threatened, you should call 999.

FAMILIES ADD VALUE

#AFFoutandabout

AFF Overseas Manager Esther Thomas and her NFF and RAFFF colleagues visited the Australian High Commission in London and heard about the value accompanying families add to ‘the mission’ when it comes to defence diplomacy.

It followed the families federations’ routine brief for the Defence Attaché Foundation Course.

As part of the partners’ pre-assignment support there was an opportunity to visit Australia House and hear first-hand about defence diplomacy roles, which provide the interface between overseas military and commercial partners with UK defence.

The group was hosted by Australian Naval Adviser Capt Adrian Capner, his wife Christine, and Michelle, the wife of another defence support staff member.

Afterwards Esther said: “There was some discussion about the challenges of these busy representational roles and the impact on families. But it was hugely positive to hear how accompanying families can add value to ‘the mission’, while also having a great family experience on overseas assignments.”

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 11

Information at your

fingertips

Blandford Military Cow

orking Hub

From apps and websites to portals and social media, the world is at your fingertips. Jill Misson explores how to navigate the digital landscape to access support and information for your army family…

W

E have come to expect information to be instantly available somewhere on the internet. Anything you need to know, just reach for your mobile phone and look it up.

“Digital resources are the easiest way to keep families updated on a wide range of policy issues, be it information about housing, education, health or immigration, or providing a way for families to contact service providers for support or assistance,” says Rachel Smith, AFF Head of Policy.

How do you know whether you can trust the information you find? Rachel says the AFF website – aff.org.uk – is always

a reliable resource: “We provide army families with the most up-to-date information there is from the chain of command, MOD and other agencies to ensure they are always as well informed as they can be.”

New Families Hub The MOD has launched an online portal called the Families Hub, part of the Discover My Benefits tool, as a direct result of feedback from the Families Continuous Attitude Survey and other research. Find it at discovermybenefits.mod.gov. uk/families Head of Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding, Nick Pett, says: “Our user research showed that over

12 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

90 per cent of service family members would find it helpful Nick Pett to access information through a one-stop shop platform.”

A new app from the UK government will also simplify access to services such as applying for childcare or reporting a lost passport. A digital wallet will allow certain documents to be available on your phone such as your driving licence and the Veteran Card.

More personal approach Although online access is handy, you may sometimes prefer a more personal approach. Rachel says: “We are not a purely digital organisation so we make it easy for enquirers to contact us in a range of ways that suit their needs.”

AFF has a dedicated and experienced telephone-based enquiries team who can offer support to callers or ensure that the most appropriate specialist member of staff contacts them. Staff also attend unit briefings, welfare officer briefings and other in-person

AFF is encouraged by this progress and hopes it will make it easier for army families to independently research and navigate the complexities of living abroad in order to make the most of the posting.

Easy-to-use resource

events across the UK. The Overseas team speaks to army families wherever they are posted.

Postings abroad have been made easier since the introduction of new ways of communicating online with friends and family back home.

AFF Overseas Manager, Esther Thomas, says the world is more connected overall: “Since COVID many more schools are offering virtual parent evenings, which is a huge benefit for those overseas with children in boarding schools in the UK. There are now great opportunities to undertake virtual training and further education, if there is flexibility with time zone differences and being able to record seminars and lectures.

“On the employment side, some global companies operate 24/7 call centres so having employees dispersed in different time zones can be advantageous.”

Katherine Houlston, AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist, advises non-UK families who must apply online in order to enter and remain in the UK. She says: “The best resource is the AFF website as we have taken everything relevant from the Home Office website and presented it in a way that is easy to navigate and understand.”

AFF has introduced selfhelp videos online which take applicants through the process of completing forms step-bystep. See aff.org.uk/advice/ foreign-commonwealth/selfhelp-videos

For families moving from England to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, there are dedicated pages on the AFF website. These provide guidance on areas such as education and healthcare where there are differences in provision to be aware of.

Healthcare goes digital “We are encouraging army families to download the NHS App as it allows medical information to be held in one place and can be transferred when the family moves,” says Karen Ross, AFF Health and Additional Needs Specialist.

She adds: “There are limitations as young people must be 13 years or older to access it. Parents can have proxy access, but not if they are serving and registered at a Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) medical centre.

However, serving personnel cannot use the NHS App yet, which we have raised.”

Functionality varies between Integrated Care Boards and is different in Scotland and Wales.

Trusted sources of support for mental health and wellbeing online include Headspace, Kooth, Togetherall and HeadFIT. For more, see pages 38 and 39.

The Army Parents’ Network (APN) provides a space online for peer support and to access reliable information. The closed Facebook community has a verification process to ensure that only eligible serving army parents can join.

“We take the security and privacy of our community seriously and our administrators actively monitor membership to prevent unauthorised access,” says APN Chair Ben Davey.

Search ‘Army Parents’ Network’ at army.mod.uk He explains: “This platform allows for a deeper level of interaction and support among army parents that may not be possible in an open public

Online portals Another positive step is that more resources are now available online for families whereas information was previously often only accessible by the serving member. Online portals now exist for Cyprus, Brunei and USA with more digital resources in the pipeline.

They can be found at britishforcescyprus.info, britishforcesbrunei.co.uk and BDSUS.info

Karen Ross Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 13

forum. Members can feel more comfortable sharing sensitive information and connecting with others who understand their unique challenges.”

Administrators identify and address any misinformation promptly and members are encouraged to verify the information they share and to cite official policy sources when necessary.

Parents should educate themselves and their children to ensure a safe digital environment, says Ben: “This includes setting privacy settings on social media accounts, being cautious about sharing personal information online and monitoring online activities.”

He also recommends using reputable sources for staying informed about the latest trends in online safety such as the UK Safer Internet Centre, NSPCC and ChildNet.

Rachel Smith

good eye contact and sit somewhere quiet and well-lit with a neutral background.

Don’t forget first impressions matter so dress professionally, sit up straight and smile!

Digital poverty

Beating isolation Being able to work remotely has opened up new possibilities for spousal employment but it can be isolating. Donna Burns from the Military Coworking Network (MCN) encourages spouses and partners to join the MCN Online Community.

She says: “We are funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust so there’s no financial risk or commitment to worry about.

“Membership is all about benefits and opportunities, including free access to an exclusive resource library packed with some fantastic resources across topics related to career, business and wellbeing designed to educate and inspire; a great selection of online learning and development events to support growth and drive connection, plus opportunities to connect informally with people who

share your experiences and challenges.”

Forces Families Jobs is an online gateway to employment and training with vacancies advertised by employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. For more see page 25.

Remote interview tips When applying for any new job, your interview may be held online rather than in person.

The Forces Employment Charity recommends preparing by fully charging or plugging in your device and testing your internet connection, camera and microphone. It is worth having a back-up plan like having your phone handy in case of technical issues.

You should position your camera at eye level to maintain

14 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

If someone is unable to access online services when, where and how they choose to, it is referred to as digital poverty.

This includes households who can’t afford to pay for broadband or mobile data or those who don’t have enough internet-capable devices.

Having poor connectivity where you live is also a problem.

Rachel Smith says: “AFF has been involved in supporting residents in Aldershot who were experiencing slow broadband and helped to get faster broadband installed to the impacted SFA; however we are aware there is always more work that needs to be done to improve broadband speeds in other areas.”

Organisations are making a commitment to the Digital Poverty Alliance Charter for Digital Inclusion. Rachel Penny, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students) for The Open University, explains why they were the first university to sign

up: “We’re passionate about making education accessible to all, and we know that technology can often be a major barrier for prospective students.

“This brings together a host of support initiatives for students including, but not limited to, funding towards devices and internet access, free Microsoft 365 and training in essential digital skills.

“We are also part of the National Digital Inclusion Network, which means OU students can find support at local hubs, digital training and free mobile data through the National Databank.”

AFF continues to reinforce the message that families need clear and accessible resources.

Rachel Smith says: “We are very mindful that some of the communications that families need are behind an MOD firewall so the serving person is the ‘gatekeeper’ of information as families cannot access it.

“We work with the army and MOD to be the translator of that information to families, but more needs to be done to be able to provide the suite of digital communications that families need and expect in today’s world.” A

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The Army Sailing Association (ASA) is set to celebrate a record-breaking training season at the Inshore Sail Training Centre at Thorney Island. What began as a project to create a hub for army watersports activities is now on track to host more than 1,400 soldiers this year.

Members can take part in power boating, dinghy and keelboat sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing foiling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Revised guidance has been issued for the MOD provision of passports for service personnel and their families.

Paper applications have now been discontinued and all applications for UK passports should be submitted online using gov.uk For those submitting a Forces Official Capacity (FOC) application, there is a new threestage process.

Non-UK nationals should note that His Majesty’s Passport Offices (HMPO) can only process passport applications from individuals who are UK Nationals. Those who are not UK Nationals must apply to their own authorities for renewal or replacement of passports.

For more information see aff. org.uk/your-posting/generaloverseas-postings/

A new storage facility, ‘Jed’s Shed’, was opened in April, following grants awarded by the Army Central Fund and Army Sport.

Caroline Crewe-Read, Director of the Army Central Fund, said: “The construction of ‘Jed’s Shed’ will provide a much-needed new facility for the ASA, enabling more soldiers and their families to take advantage of the huge range of watersports and activities offered.”

The ASA offers family membership for serving regular and reserve personnel, their spouses and up to four children under 18 for £45 a year. See sailing.britisharmysport.com/ membership

Image: Pexels.

NEWSY SNIPPETS ABOUT ARMY FAMILY LIFE

NEW HELPLINE FOR ABUSE VICTIMS A new helpline has been launched for military personnel and their families from all three services who have suffered domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking.

The free and confidential service, which covers the UK and overseas, is run by Aurora New Dawn.

It will operate five days a week between 9am and 3pm on 0333 091 2527. There will be WhatsApp availability from 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays, 5pm to 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

The charity has been providing safety, support and advocacy to victims since 2011 through services including one-to-one help and training and education programmes.

It already has a dedicated service for army and navy personnel and their families aged 16 and over, regardless of whether they have made a report to police.

CHARITY’S TOUR OF UK

FAMILIES HUB LAUNCHED

Military charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which supports bereaved military children, is introducing ‘Scotty’s On Tour’, three events in different regions of the UK, in partnership with the Army Widows’ Association, RAF Widows’ Association, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Widows’ Association, and the War Widows’ Association. In addition, the charity is planning to host a summer and winter festival.

Rachel Scott, Head of Service, said: “We want our events to be fun – laughter is a good medicine, and sometimes

The MOD has launched a new online portal to signpost forces families to information and support that will help them navigate service life.

The Families Hub, part of the Discover My Benefits tool, is for all serving personnel and families, including reserves, and includes links to organisations like the families federations and the NHS, as well as to government pages.

It points users towards help with different areas, from housing and health to childcare, family support and transition to civilian life.

Find the Families Hub here: discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/families

16 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

bereaved children need to remember that it is okay to have fun and not feel guilty about laughing. But we also want families to bond and create their own network of support with other families.”

See scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

NEW HEALTH FACILITY IS ‘THE FUTURE’ Defence and the NHS are integrated, An integrated care centre that will serve combining our resources and expertise. the military and their families as well as “It will benefit people across the civilians is taking shape at Catterick.

Catterick area and demonstrates why it The new Catterick Integrated Care is important that Defence and the NHS Centre (CICC), due to open late next year, is a collaboration between the MOD continue to increase integration in the future.” and the NHS, who Principal Project will provide more Manager for than 300 medical the CICC, John personnel between Weatherby, of them to treat up to the Defence 1,000 people a day.

Infrastructure Director of Catterick Integrated Care Centre Organisation, Defence Healthcare said: “The building has been carefully Air Vice Marshal Dave McLoughlin paid designed to meet the needs of medical a visit to the construction site earlier this professionals from a variety of fields in year. He said: “This fantastic new facility both the MOD and NHS. In turn, this will is the future and belongs to all those allow them to provide excellent care to who will work and be treated here. It is a their patients, whether military or civilian.” great example of what we can do when

SPECTACULAR EVENING The Massed Bands of the Household Division, including the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, and the Pipes and Drums will combine in a display of musical mastery and marching might this summer.

The annual Military Musical Spectacular takes place from 15-17 July in Horse Guards Parade from 7.30pm each night, and this year pays homage to our heroes.

The evening culminates in a fireworks display. Proceeds go to the Household Division Charity.

Tickets are available from householddivision.org.uk/mms

KEEP UP YOUR CREDENTIALS Health professionals who want to maintain their registration while abroad with their serving partner or spouse have a new resource to answer their questions.

Step into Health’s new FAQ page provides advice from healthcare regulatory bodies to help you keep your credentials up to date during your overseas assignment and revalidate your status when you return to the UK. AFF Employment & Training Specialist Lucy Ritchie welcomed the guide. “It’s fantastic that Step into Health engaged with the families federations when we raised the issues caused by the lack of clear information for spouses and partners on this.

“I hope these FAQs will enable

military partners in the health profession to maintain their registration during overseas postings, and so overcome some of the barriers that exist when accompanying their serving person.”

Step into Health helps members of the forces community and veterans connect with NHS employers for training opportunities, clinical and general work placements and offers a dedicated pathway to a career in the NHS. Visit militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk.

A STEP INTO THE UNKNOWN Young Victoria Gilkes had little idea of the life that lay ahead of her as the wife of a serving soldier with the British Army of the Rhine when she said “I do” to Capt David Coombes.

Now she’s turned her experiences, and those of other wives, into a book detailing the challenges and joys of life as a forces spouse in West Germany during the 1960s and 70s.

She said: “Accepting a marriage proposal from a military man involved embarking on the adventure of an uncertain lifestyle... a step into the unknown.”

Tor, a former editor of the Army Wives Journal, which became Army&You, chose the title Wife of… to reflect the army’s system at the time, defining women by their husband’s rank and name. It symbolises the identity struggle they faced.

Diverse aspects of military life are covered, including the rank system, the unique challenges of childbirth in army facilities, and the fellowship of wives’ clubs.

Wife of... is also a tribute to the women who, behind the scenes, played an essential and unsung role supporting their families and the military community under extraordinary circumstances.

The book is available on Amazon or via victoriacoombes.co.uk Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 17

Celebrating 25

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Image: Pexels

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

Find job success Our Employment & Training Specialist Lucy Ritchie caught up with Catch-22 to learn more about its Joining Forces programme, aimed at empowering military spouses and partners to achieve employment success.

Its Joining Forces project is delivered in partnership with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the MOD to provide training and support for military spouses and partners, enabling them to enhance their employability skills and secure meaningful employment.

Catch-22 is a social business that has been around for more than 200 years, with the formation of The Philanthropic Society. Since then, it has designed and delivered services that help build resilience and aspiration in people and communities.

Its Joining Forces project is delivered in partnership with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the MOD to provide training and support for military spouses and partners, enabling them to

20 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

enhance their employability skills and secure meaningful employment.

drive opportunities and building digital resilience by upskilling in AI.

The model is based on one-to-one career coach support, wrap-around and group industry insight sessions. It also provides up to six months’ support on programme completion and on securing a job.

The programme does not just cover support in improving employability skills such as CV and application writing and interview techniques, it also looks at the mental health and wellbeing of those on its programmes, working with individuals to overcome barriers to employability.

If you sign up to the programme, you will receive:

Focused on the challenges faced by spouses and partners and reservists, including frequent relocation, and working remotely, Joining Forces provides bespoke support whilst reflecting its commitment as an Armed Forces Covenant signatory.

six months of one-to-one support from a professional career coach; ● pre-employability skills training; ● support to help build confidence in writing CVs, interview techniques and finding jobs – both on a one-toone basis and in a group; ● support to find virtual work experience; ● support to find relevant technical training; ● an additional six months of in-work support on securing a role; ● access to a discretionary fund to support you with the cost of travel for interviews or equipment you may need. ●

Topics on the programme include Joining Forces is open to anyone aged navigating various career over 18 who is a spouse or partner of pathways, preparing serving armed forces personnel and for work, developing r who is currently unemployed or r fo To registe , e m interview underemployed. Participants m the progra 2’s -2 h techniques, must live in England or Wales tc email Ca ad, e L e m how to use and hold valid right-to-work m Progra ancio n a V e in social media to documentation. A Centa nancio@ a .V e in ta Cen .org.uk catch-22

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

Help to thrive in IT Due to frequent relocations, military life can make career stability challenging for partners and spouses.

The Forces Employment Charity (FEC) is bridging this gap by offering training, upskilling, and direct job pathways in IT and cybersecurity via its TechVets programme.

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP

In 2024, TechVets helped 2,823 members develop digital skills, with 156 members accessing technical training monthly. Courses include Google Career Certificates, the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification and cybersecurity training, equipping military spouses with skills for high-growth industries.

Programme advisor to consider TechVets, Louisa signed up for a Capslock 16-week cybersecurity bootcamp and the Pathways into Tech event hosted by Google.

“I thought maybe TechVets was only available to veterans,” says Louisa, “but it was signposted as open to spouses, which was really welcoming. There are so many different training options available - and it’s all free!”

result of the training and support from her FEC advisor, she received three job offers to choose from and is now employed by a Defence company.

“Even now in the workplace, I’m using TechVets courses to expand my knowledge,” says Louisa. “I love my job, and it wouldn’t have happened without the FEC.”

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

With new ‘Get into Tech’ events and expanded employer partnerships in 2025, TechVets continues to create career pathways for military families. By offering training, mentorship, and job opportunities, TechVets helps military spouses build rewarding and flexible tech careers.

When Louisa Mclaughlan decided to leave teaching, other army spouses recommended she investigate the FEC. Encouraged by her FEC Families

Louisa didn’t know what type of career in cyber she wanted to pursue, so used advice from the TechVets online community to narrow her options. As a

X- Forces Enterprise (XFE) is a leading provider of business support within the armed forces community. All of its training and events are fully open to serving military spouses.

Follow your dream the individual to register, though evidence of military connection will be required.

XFE has a comprehensive blueprint for self-employment support tailored to the armed forces community; a suite of training courses, networking events, ongoing learning opportunities, peer-topeer support and mentoring, all of which support business owners at pre-start, launch and in growth phases.

HOW TO REGISTER

DISCOVERY WORKSHOP

The self-employment discovery workshop is the first step on your enterprise journey, enabling you to make an informed decision about self-employment.

The next step is the Start-Up Skills workshop, building on what you have already discovered, to provide the skills, knowledge and tools to confidently plan and launch a business. You can also access mentoring support.

XFE also offers a monthly series of business masterclasses where subject matter experts share the latest knowledge, tools and skills.

Find out more at forcesemployment.org.uk/ techvets A

Events are delivered on a regular rotation, via an online video platform to ensure access. Some workshops are also delivered in person.

FULLY-FUNDED TRAINING

Through corporate and charity partnerships, XFE’s training workshops and networking events are fully funded exclusively for the armed forces community, including military spouses and partners, as well as some other family members. There is no cost to

Go to x-forces. zohobackstage.com/ events to find all the forthcoming events. A registration form is available on each event and the team will respond to confirm your place.

One attendee on the three-day SelfEmployment Discovery Workshop for Military Spouses and Partners said: “I’m so pleased I attended this course, I found it invaluable and it has given me the confidence to run my own business and a much clearer vision of what direction I want it to go in. It was also really great to meet like-minded people and make connections.”

Learn more at www.x-forces.com A Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 21

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

New network for military partners The e50K Strategic Advisory Network was formed in 2020 and is committed to exclusively employing partners and spouses from all three services into full, part-time and flexible roles.

Director Quincey Ankrett says: “As Defence spouses and veterans, we follow our serving personnel around the world, leaving behind careers as well as homes, family and friends, which often means we face periods of unemployment, but multiple relocations make Defence veterans and spouses resilient, dedicated, determined and welcoming of diversity.” e50K Strategic Advisory provides social value and sustainability support to multiple sectors including Defence, security, aerospace and nuclear. Profits from its activities are delivered to its sister company, the e50K community interest company, to provide free events, support and services to Defence families across the UK.

“I think the network really lifts our spirits - having the company of others really cheers me up and there are lots of different personalities and skills.”

- Emma Johnson The network has created a new hiring category – micro part-time. Micro parttime refers to those who work fully flexible, ad hoc hours and is modelled on the NHS ‘bank’ network.

It provides pay by the hour roles, offering an agile working pattern to 22 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

suit a variety of needs. Each member of the network signs a one-year flexi contract and each has a personal development plan to ensure they are progressing in both skills and experience.

This summer it is setting up a new network around its base in Warminster.

If you are currently working 80 hours a month or less, live less than 45 minutes from Warminster and want to hear more, get in touch by emailing info@e50k.org.uk Do you know of a company that needs social value and sustainability support?

Perhaps you, or someone you know, works for an organisation keen to drive innovation in this area whilst also supporting Defence families. If you do, email Development@e50k.org.uk A

Top: e50k Strategic Advisory Network members Above: Emma Johnson Left: Quincey Ankrett

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Armed Forces’ Health Support

The career portal for family members of serving military personnel

Take a leap!

It’s free to register and free to use so join us now!

forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk

24 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025 Forces Families Jobs is delivered by a tri-Service partnership between the Naval Families Federation (NFF), Army Families Federation (AFF) and Royal Air Force Families Federation (RAFFF). Forces Families Jobs is a product of the Army Families Federation (AFF). AFF 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 having its principal office at IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 6, Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

New look for FFJ

The Forces Families Jobs website has undergone a major revamp with the aim of making it a go-to career platform for military spouses and partners.

Along with a new home page that means users are never more than a few clicks away from the information they’re seeking, there is improved guidance in each of the sections.

AFF Employment and Training Specialist Lucy Ritchie said: “The team has been working hard, making it more accessible and relevant to all our users.

“We hope this will now give serving families information and guidance on every step of their career journey. It is really exciting to see it all come together now, and to be able to share it with our community.”

AN EXCLUSIVE SERVICE

Because the website is intended exclusively for members of military families rather than the wider public, users will need to register.

Lucy explained: “This is to ensure that it remains a valuable resource, creating an inclusive community for serving military spouses/partners and boosting confidence.

Lucy and Sarah from FFJ

was difficult to find. As a result, it was used mainly as a jobs board.

“It also enables us to better engage with employers on the skills offered by this community, and the unique barriers that they have to overcome.”

There are sections on finding a job, upskilling and reskilling, career advice, overseas employment, self-employment, volunteering and events and each contains a list of ‘things to think about’.

REVAMP MARKS FIRST PHASE

The employer hub has also been updated with information on best practice ideas and considerations on overseas remote working requests.

The upgrade came about after an independent review of employment support available to military spouses and partners in 2023 found much of the valuable information on FFJ’s website wasn’t accessed by visitors because it

Last year the Army Families Federation received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for the Delivering Positive Futures project. The website revamp marks the first phase and the next will focus on increasing employer engagement and raising FFJ’s online presence.

To find out more visit forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk A Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 25

YOUR HOME

Summer moves checklist

Packing up and moving home is probably one of the most stressful things about family life in the army, so AFF Housing Specialist Cat Calder has put together a checklist to help you get through your SFA move as smoothly as possible…

APPLYING FOR SFA

If you have a new assignment order, you will need to inform Pinnacle within 14 days. Even if you’re just changing desks in the same office, they need to update your details.

While you can submit preferences, your entitlement is to SFA at your duty station as per your JPA assignment order. But please make sure you include any relevant information in the free text box if you have any specific requests for your move adviser to consider.

Applications for SFA will not be reviewed until four months out, but you must apply within two months of your new start date to ensure that housing can be allocated and prepared in time.

The team has 15 working days to make an offer against entitled applications.

Those who are eligible or applying for a personal transfer have no timescales as to when an allocation will be made.

STAYING PUT

You’re allowed to refuse your first offer, but do think carefully about this because if nothing else is available you could be offered your original allocation again.

If you want to remain in your SFA, you must request this officially by completing an RMAT form (found in JSP 464 vol 1 part 1). Your welfare team or unit admin will be able to assist you. Retention is only for specific reasons as set out in JSP 464 and it’s granted for the minimum necessary period but up to a maximum of 12 months where required.

before your removals arrive so that if there are any issues you don’t feel pressurised with the removals team, children and dogs cranking up the tension on the day.

The service person will need to use an MOD computer to apply for SFA via the e1132 form. It will show available SFA at your entitlement within a 10-mile radius.

A second refusal will need to go through your chain of command and then the housing colonel for them to consider if a third allocation would be supported and could significantly delay your move.

●

●

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If you don’t meet retention criteria, you can request to remain in the SFA on a surplus licence, but this is dependent on availability of SFA in the local area and in many areas it’s not being offered. Being in surplus accommodation may impact your allowances – CEA in particular – so check with your unit admin team.

Those of you in long-term relationships should know that unless you have preserved rights, for example if you were entitled to SFA under the Future Accommodation Model (FAM) pilot, you’re currently only eligible for surplus SFA where availability permits and within a 50-mile radius. In some places you may need to look at private rental.

26 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

If you or an entitled family member requires adaptations, make sure you tick the box and again include all relevant information.

MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT APPOINTMENTS ●

Book your pre move-out appointment. This is compulsory and allows the team to identify if any particular work needs to be done before another family moves in. The more time they have to prepare, the more likely they are to be able to get the work done for the next family – and that includes you. ●

Book your move-in appointment. If possible, try to organise this for a day

●

Book your removals via Agility in plenty of time and remember removals insurance.

Book your move-out appointment and ensure that the SFA meets the move-out standards or you may be charged.

Make sure you have a copy of the move-in standards (available on the Pinnacle website) with you at your move-in and go through it as you walk round the property. Ensure any issues like cleanliness, stains on carpets, curtains not matching or dripping taps are included on the paperwork before you sign. Do not be persuaded to simply add issues you identify at this appointment to your 14-day report.

Book your 14-day visit/report at your move-in appointment. This is an opportunity to record any issues that aren’t repairs but you want to ensure you aren’t charged for at move-out.

If you find any issues that need repairs, they should be logged with Pinnacle. A

100%

MOVING INTO YOUR OWN HOME?

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Don’t worry, scan the QR code and we’ll send your Army&You magazine to your new address.

Or visit armyandyou.co.uk to subscribe.

Don’t worry, scan the QR code and we’ll send your Army&You magazine to your new address.

Or visit armyandyou.co.uk to subscribe.

OVERSEAS

Linking services digitally Sara Tancock, AFF Overseas Assistant, has been finding out why signing up for online government accounts to access services is a good idea for those planning an overseas assignment…

Until recently a Government Gateway account has been an easy way to keep a track of UK services and benefits, from child benefit and tax-free childcare to pensions and National Insurance contributions. Wherever you are in the world, you should be able to view, amend and submit important documents as your personal circumstances change.

Sara says: “Families need to be aware that currently this doesn’t automatically enrol you into a suite of services. Once you have your unique 12-digit Government Gateway user ID, you need to register for other online services separately.”

GOV.UK ONE LOGIN ROLLOUT However, change is on the horizon. The new GOV.UK One Login aims to provide a single way for you to create an account, log in and prove your identity to access central government services, providing one ‘front door’. This programme is led by Government Digital Service (GDS).

The GOV.UK One Login system is now operational for some services. You can set up an account, sign in and then prove (and reuse) your given information to access a growing list of government services, including the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.

GOV.UK One Login expects to onboard more than 100 services this year, including the Office for the Public Guardian, Companies House, HM Revenue and Customs, Driver and Vehicle Licensing

28 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

Agency, and the Department for Work and Pensions. See gov.uk for more details.

Gov.UK Wallet The GOV.UK Wallet is the government’s secure digital wallet, designed to make it easier for you to store and share your government-issued documents in one place.

It will provide you with a secure and convenient way to access your documents instantly whenever you need them. It will also give you more control over your documents – so you can share what you want, when you want.

The GOV.UK Wallet will be rolled out in stages, with the first digital version of a document being the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, followed by a digital driving licence later in the year. More documents, and more functionality, will be rolled out over the following years.

Veteran Card The digital version of the Veteran Card will be available to use alongside your existing physical card this summer. Your digital Veteran Card will give you a secure and convenient way to show you are a veteran on your smartphone device.

If you do not have a Veteran Card yet, you can apply for one through GOV.UK. Currently, a UK address is required to apply, however veterans who do not have a UK address will be able to apply later this year. If you left service after 2018 you should have automatically received your Veteran Card.

Your digital Veteran Card will give you a secure and convenient way to show you are a veteran on your smartphone device.

While these new smartphone friendly apps will undoubtedly help those mobile army families within the UK, the potential value for those going overseas could be exponential. No more lost documents!

However, AFF is aware that not everything always runs smoothly and we will be monitoring what works and what doesn’t for families overseas as the rollout expands.

If you have experienced any digital administrative difficulties overseas relating to UK government services, or if you have any questions on the implications of the new digital driving licence for those on overseas assignments, do let us know by contacting overseassupport@aff.org.uk A

OVERSEAS

KEEPING SAFE ONLINE TOP TIPS ON KEEPING SAFE ONLINE WHEN OVERSEAS

On arrival overseas most army personnel and families will be offered a safety brief.

With terrorism threats overseas often higher than in the UK, it is good to know how to keep your digital life and personal information secure.

●

For those who are not tech-savvy, a VPN helps to keep your data safe by hiding online activity and creating a secure connection from your device to the internet. It keeps your data safe by encrypting it, so hackers can’t see what you are doing.

WHY USE A VPN, ESPECIALLY OVERSEAS? ●

It keeps you safe on public WiFi;

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It hides your IP address;

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It makes it harder to be tracked by advertisers; It allows you to ‘spoof’ your location.

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AFF understands that even though the use of a VPN is only mandated for the serving person, they are strongly encouraged for all family members across all devices.

Therefore, if a provider on the Cyber Force Directive allows multiple devices, this may be an ideal opportunity for the whole family to stay protected, at little to no charge (depending on claimable amount).

CYBER SECURITY – WANT TO LEARN MORE? ●

AFF asked Sgt Thomas if the cost of VPN software can be claimed back and he confirmed that: ●

The cost of a VPN can only be claimed back by the serving person or civil servant if they are assigned overseas to a Portable Electronic Device (PED) country graded yellow or higher (or deployed on operations). Further details on eligibility to claim can be found within Annex K to the MOD Cyber Force Directive.

Each qualifying theatre has its own budget limits, and the local J6 branch should be able to provide details on the process for claiming and how much the MOD will reimburse. He gave the example that currently personnel in BFC can claim back up to £69.99 per year towards their package, with anything over this having to be self-funded.

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If you are a serving person then additional cyber security awareness training is available on Defence Gateway.

Additional resources and guidance available for all family members can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre website ncsc. gov.uk A

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Social media – ensure your social media privacy settings are locked down by changing your profile from public to private/ only friends. Avoid sharing information about yourself and your travel and social plans.

Public WiFi – use a VPN; avoid sensitive activities like banking; ensure device software (operating system and anti-virus) is up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – the use of MFA across all online accounts is encouraged – use methods like time-based one-time passwords, via call or SMS or Authenticator apps.

However, find out if your apps need a UK mobile number or not.

Image: Pexels

“Adopting these practices will help to keep yours, your family’s and the MOD’s data secure online.”

Image: stock.adobe.com

Sgt Thomas, who works in cyber assurance in British Forces Cyprus (BFC), told AFF: “Basic cyber hygiene is crucial for protecting personal, as well as organisational, data from cyber threats. The simplest practices like using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, using a virtual private network (VPN) and being cautious regarding phishing or scam emails can significantly reduce the success of potential threat actors.

Mobile phone – the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides general advice on how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad – see gov.uk. It advises that it’s good practice to keep your mobile phone charged and with you with emergency numbers saved.

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 29

OVERSEAS

Free relationship support in Cyprus Serving army personnel and accompanying family members, who have an assignment order to British Forces Cyprus (BFC), have been given free access to a range of relationship counselling services provided

by Relate at Family Action.

Up to six sessions can be provided via webcam to individuals, couples, families or children aged 11 to 18.

The free service, which started in April, will run as a pilot for 12 months.

Relate at Family Action has a long track record of supporting military personnel and families, delivering around 6,000 sessions of counselling each year to RAF and naval personnel. The extension of the service to serving army personnel and families in Cyprus is made possible through grant funding from the Army Central Fund.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF MILITARY LIFE National Partnerships Director Carol Florin-White said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer relationship support to army families in Cyprus. Working with military personnel for many years, we know that everyday relationship challenges can be amplified by the unique circumstances of military life.

“Our counsellors are highly trained and understand the pressures that military life and a posting overseas can involve. As the specialists in relationships, we’re proud to be a part of the support network available in Cyprus.”

The charity is the largest provider of relationship support in England and Wales and helps millions of

30 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

people every year. Its confidential counselling services support people to overcome a range of challenges, whether in their intimate relationship or within their family. They help people to develop techniques and coping strategies, and most clients see an improvement in their situation and their emotional wellbeing.

Caroline Crewe-Read, Director of the Army Central Fund, said: “Army personnel, as well as their spouses, partners and children, experience many challenges as a result of their service, and this can put significant strain on relationships.

“Service overseas can be particularly tough and the Army Central Fund is pleased to support this pilot programme to offer counselling support to our people based in Cyprus, helping to improve their mental and social wellbeing.”

HOW TO ACCESS THE SERVICE Serving personnel or partners can self-refer directly to the service by emailing armycentralfund@relate.org. uk quoting their service number. Young people can be referred by a parent. The service can be accessed at any stage of your assignment journey to Cyprus, while in location or during the period you are assigned on from BFC until you are in your next location.

Relate at Family Action has a dedicated administrative team who will respond to emails within two working days with a link to a short registration form. They aim to offer adults a first appointment to take place within 10 working days.

Scan the QR code to access the registration form. A

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SC AN M E 

Norway

A postcard from...

Ilimo – aka Rav (serving), Sila and

How long have you been an army family?

Just over 16 years and we’ve been really fortunate to have had five overseas assignments – Cyprus, Germany, Belgium, Turkey and now Norway.

Time in your overseas location?

We moved here in August 2024.

How many other military families live there?

There are more than 30 families from the three services here.

What’s your quarter like?

We live in a perfect location where everything is walking distance – from the office, the supermarkets, train stations right down to beautiful fjords and walking paths. The

quarters are very modern and well-maintained. The best bit is having a log burner that makes it very cosy during the colder months.

Are there any employment/ training opportunities?

I’ve been fortunate to have always worked remotely even before coming overseas and this has continued throughout our time away from the UK. There are work opportunities as well on site for spouses.

There are online courses and

Jaden

and Claire Monk our community liaison officer who organises all our events and community get-togethers.

They’ve both been fantastic in keeping us updated.

workshops for professional development available to everyone too.

What about schools/ childcare?

The children of school age go to two local schools and the younger ones have the option of going to local nurseries. Because of our overseas assignments our son Jaden has been in boarding school in England for the last two years.

Where do army families get together and who supports you?

There’s a UK National Support Element, in that team we have Dave Want to share Marple your experiences of who army family life? deals with Get in touch housing emailing

by editor@aff.org.uk

How do you find the cost of living out there?

This is the most expensive overseas assignment location we’ve had. It took a bit of an adjustment, but the quality of service, goods and life in general is very impressive and well worth every penny.

What is the best thing about living there?

Our experience of living here has been nothing but the best. Norway is a beautiful country that is ahead with so many things. We love that every 30 minutes to an hour drive exposes us to pictureperfect scenery. A

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 33

COMMUNITY

Army Welfare Service review update At a recent meeting, Jane Jackson, Head Personal Support, Army Welfare Service (AWS), updated AFF on the latest review of the service, which is ongoing.

She said: “The AWS is in a period of transition; the AWS review and structural change is in progress and intended to maximise our workforce to best support our mission and aim. In relation to the specialist welfare part of AWS, the rationale beyond the review and restructure is to ensure that the location of the Personal Support (PS) teams are aligned with the army footprint and to ensure team resilience as a priority, particularly with the increase in referrals.”

“The AWS is in a period of transition; the AWS review and structural change is in progress and intended to maximise our workforce to best support our mission and aim.”

When asked what prompted the latest review, she said: “The Chief of the General Staff has spoken about tripling fighting power (lethality) by 2030 and how he expects the Field Army to do this is by accelerating modernisation. Consequently, the

34 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

AWS needs to ensure that it is fit for purpose in the future, reviewing all we do and questioning whether there’s a more streamlined way.

However, PS maintains its focus on delivering a strong and co-ordinated approach to specialist welfare.”

AFF confirmed that one aspect of AWS that has already seen some change is how it manages and processes referrals. While AWS maintains its single point of contact (formerly known as the Intake and Assessment Team) based in York, referrals are now directly forwarded to the local team for initial assessment. This enables direct contact with the service user or unit welfare team by their local team. Selfreferrals are still welcomed, and this will not change.

Jane added: “Despite significant changes occurring within AWS, the delivery of services remains uninterrupted.”

Keep an eye on armyandyou.co.uk and our social media for more on the outcome of the review. A

Referrals can be made to AWS by phone (01904) 882053 or to the group email RC-AWS-IAT0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Jane Jackson, Head Personal Support, Army Welfare Service (AWS)

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FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH

eVisa concerns Since the introduction of eVisas on 1 January 2025, the AFF Foreign & Commonwealth team has received numerous enquiries from spouses worried about travelling back to the UK and proving their status.

Here we look at some of their main concerns…

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF I WANT TO TRAVEL OUT OF THE UK? Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to be as simple as showing your eVisa to the airline when you are returning to the UK. We are aware of one spouse who was refused permission to board her flight to Morocco over Christmas because the airline would not accept the eVisa.

Another spouse was asked to provide a printed copy of her eVisa and a share code when they were coming back from Turkey recently.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidance recommends the following: ●

●

●

●

Before you travel, check your immigration status is displaying correctly on your eVisa, that your passport is linked to your account and that your personal details are correct.

Print a copy of your eVisa. Not all airports have a good WiFi signal so you may not be able to open it online.

Get a share code before you travel and print it out. Your carrier may ask to see it. A share code is valid for 90 days.

Carry your expired biometric residence permit (BRP) with you as you may be asked to provide it.

More information is on gov.uk 36 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

HOW DO I PROVE MY RIGHTS IN THE UK WITH AN EVISA? If you have not yet applied for your eVisa, there are helpful videos explaining the process at gov.uk/ government/collections/evisa-supportvideos Once you have created your UKVI account, you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online, for example your type of permission, when it expires and your conditions of stay in the UK. However, in order to prove your right to work and to rent you will need to get a share code at gov.uk/view-proveimmigration-status If you’re having problems proving your rights in the UK, please get in touch with us. The F&C team are aware of some spouses and veterans who have been given the status ‘armed forces’ instead of ‘settled’, which is leading to problems.

If this applies to you, please contact us.

I’M HAVING PROBLEMS VIEWING MY EVISA The most frequent issue raised to the F&C team about eVisas is people receiving the following error when logging into their eVisa ‘we cannot show proof of your status’. This issue has also been reported by other charities. It is possible to report an error at this link gov.uk/report-error-evisa but we have not known anyone to get a response from this so far.

CAN I CREATE AN EVISA EVEN IF I DON’T HAVE A VALID PASSPORT? Yes, if you still have a copy of your expired BRP, you can use this as your valid ID when creating the account.

However, if your passport has expired and you have lost your BRP, you will need to contact request-referenceevisa.homeoffice.gov.uk A

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HEALTH

Digital access to healthcare

AFF Health & Additional Needs Specialist, Karen Ross, explores some of the digital access available for healthcare provision and information…

As a society we are moving increasingly towards accessing support and information digitally and this includes our healthcare. This digital access can be really beneficial for mobile army families and can be a good way to store and transfer information.

NHS APP

England The NHS App can allow you to book appointments (although some GP practices don’t offer this function), order repeat prescriptions and choose a pharmacy to collect them from, and access your GP health record, so you can see information about your allergies and medication. Some GP practices allow access to more detailed information like your test results and investigations too. You can also find your NHS number, register for organ donation and use NHS 111 to get local advice and medical help. To use the app you must be over 13 and registered 38 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

with a GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man. Teenagers aged 13-15 will need to contact their GP practice first to get login information and verify their identity.

Parents or guardians can request to have their children’s records linked to their account if they are under 13. You may also be able to get proxy access to an elderly family member’s health record, if you are both registered at the same GP practice.

Scotland If you live in Scotland you can download the NHS 24 Online app which can help you find your nearest healthcare services and assess your symptoms.

Wales If you live in Wales you can access the NHS Wales App but you must be with a GP practice in Wales that has connectivity to the app and aged 16 or over. The app will give you access to organ and blood donation and NHS 111 health advice.

Defence Primary Healthcare If you are registered at a Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) medical practice you currently cannot access the NHS App. However, there are other ways you can access your health records such as through eConsult to book appointments.

More information can be found by accessing MyHealth Hub via Defence Connect.

ADHD and autism assessment AFF has received several enquiries about accessing assessments for ADHD and autism diagnoses for both children and adults. The NHS Choice Framework has allowed patients a better choice on how they access and receive their healthcare.

Therefore, under Right to Choose you can be referred by your GP to the most appropriate assessment provider for you or your family. For more information on Right to Choose visit: clinical-partners.co.uk/ nhs-services/right-to-choose

HEALTH eREDBOOK

This is a digital initiative which sees the Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) transferred to a more secure and easily accessible online format. It provides a secure, easily accessible portal for information to be shared with families and health professionals and relevant content from the NHS and the community health team.

The eRedbook is available in overseas locations with a BF1 postcode and includes developmental milestones, immunisations, dental and health records, growth and measurements, screenings and reviews and emergency contacts for that location, including domestic abuse and safeguarding.

One of the SSAFA Health Visitors, who works across Europe and Turkey, said: “I use the eRedbook daily. Given that most of my appointments are virtual, the ability to access and update a child’s personal health record remotely is invaluable.

“Families frequently express their appreciation for the app, as it enables them to upload key medical documents, such as vaccination records from local doctors, ensuring that their child’s health information remains complete regardless of location.

“This is particularly important for military families who often receive care outside of a Defence Primary Healthcare facility and may need to share medical records with different healthcare providers on their return to the UK.” One parent said: “As a military family relocating from Cyprus to the UK, we have experienced the value of having the eRedbook to manage our children’s health records.

“Two of the most significant benefits of the eRedbook have been its portability and having everything in one place. Moving from one location to another is a regular part of our lives, and keeping track of

medical records across different systems can be a logistical nightmare.

“When we moved back to the UK, it was reassuring to know that our children’s health records were securely stored and easily accessible. This eliminated the need to request and transfer paper records from our previous healthcare provider overseas, saving time and reducing the risk of lost or incomplete records.

“It has also given us control over our children’s health records. Unlike paper-based systems where we’d need to rely on previous medical practices or providers to retrieve information, the eRedbook ensures that all data is in place and accessible whenever we need it, no matter where we are living.”

For more information, see kooth.com/mod Togetherall Togetherall is a free online service for serving personnel, veterans and family members aged 16 or over. It provides a combination of anonymous services including monitored community support, guided support, courses and self-help programmes.

The team is experienced in supporting the armed forces community with issues including stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD. See togetherall.com Headspace app The Headspace app is free for military personnel and army personnel can now gift free membership to five family members or friends. Headspace is a personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, exercise and reducing stress. See headspace.com HeadFit Serving personnel can also access HeadFit, an online mental fitness resource that has been designed by the military, for the military. See headfit.org

Rebecca Wakefield, AWS Chief Community Development Officer

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

Kooth The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has partnered with Kooth to provide a digitally accessible mental health resource to children and young people aged 11-18 with a parent or family member serving in the armed forces.

Rebecca Wakefield, AWS Chief Community Development Officer, said: “Access to Kooth has been really welcomed by young people who register with the service. They make good use of the forums, journals and articles and those who use the dropin chats and messaging with the Kooth delivery team have found it very helpful and supportive.

“They say they would recommend it to their friends. Kooth and the Community Development team are planning virtual Kooth awareness sessions to be delivered directly to young people in armed forces families overseas.”

More information There is an NHS webpage on healthcare for the armed forces community at nhs.uk/ nhs-services/armed-forces-community/ Other specific webpages are also available by searching ‘armed forces’ on the Scottish NHS Highland website and gov.wales. A

APPLYING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS ONLINE Applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have previously had to be made by phone or post, however, in some locations in England you can now apply for PIP online. To see if you can apply online in your area you will need to check your postcode when you start your application. Visit apply-for-pip.dwp. gov.uk/eligibility/check-if-eligible If you’re in Scotland you can apply for Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment online.

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 39

YOUR FAMILY

A transformation to lighten your mood Personnel and staff at Tedworth House, a 19th-century Grade II listed recovery centre in Tidworth, have witnessed a transformation in the gardens following a period of environmental management, which included ecological rehabilitation and biodiversity restoration.

The meticulously cared for landscape not only portrays military pride but has the power to lift the aspirations of serving personnel and their families, and critically, is proven to support mental health and wellbeing.

Scientific research on the direct effects of gardening on the brain is still evolving, but numerous studies emphasise the profound positive impact of green spaces on health.

TENDING AN INTRICATE PLANTING SCHEME The work was done by Gavin Jones Ltd, under contract from VIVO Defence Services. Landscape and grounds maintenance services regional manager Andy Mighall said: “We are accustomed to routine tasks like grass cutting, leaf collection and weed control but working on Tedworth House required something special.

40 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

“The formal grounds are well established so we’re not starting from scratch, rather caring for the ongoing needs of an intricate planting scheme as areas either come to the end of their natural life or succumb to weather, pests and disease.”

The house started life as a private home before it was bought by the War Office in 1897, eventually becoming the officers’ mess for the garrison and then accommodation for nurses working at Tidworth Military Hospital.

The American Red Cross moved in during the Second World War and ran it as a club where GIs could spend some rest and relaxation time. After the war the nurses returned and stayed until the hospital’s closure in 1977. At that point the house

Part of the mausoleum reve

aled in 2024

became an officers’ mess once again until it was converted into a personnel recovery centre in 2011 by Help for Heroes, which ran it until 2021. It’s currently operated by the MOD and provides residential accommodation for up to 54 personnel and 30 day attendees.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES Last summer the grounds were the scene of discoveries by archaeologists working with serving personnel and veterans as part of Operation Nightingale. They uncovered foundations and parts of ornate architectural mouldings belonging to a mausoleum in memory of former owner Thomas Assheton Smith, who was an MP, noted amateur cricketer and steam yacht designer.

Longer-term initiatives for the gardens include the rehabilitation of their ecosystem, and their broader health and functionality.

The whole area is home not only to plants, trees and hedgerows but also wildlife vital to the biodiversity of the site. The variety and abundance of these species and their habitats have been carefully considered in all grounds maintenance activities. A

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Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 41

MONEY & YOU

Avoiding the scammers Image: stock.adobe.com

By Paul Fox, Money and Pensions Service

No one thinks they will be a victim of fraud or caught out by a scam, but it happens far more than you might think…

legitimate emails will use your name. ●

TYPES OF SCAMS Phishing – This is an email scam where it appears you have a message from a legitimate source, such as HMRC, PayPal, Apple or Amazon. It will encourage you to click a link and log into your account, often by telling you your account has been locked or frozen or there has been a suspicious transaction. In reality, the link in the email takes you to a fake website which gathers your information. ●

Look at how you are addressed in the email. Scammers tend to use a general greeting such as Dear Sir/ Madam or Dear Customer, whereas

42 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

£

Check the email address the message has been sent from. If it is a real message, it will come from a recognisable address – such as ‘noreply@bank.com’. Scammers won’t be able to send messages from a real domain name, so the email addresses might be filled in with random letters or numbers, such as ‘noreply@1234.bank.com’, or have deliberate spelling mistakes.

During the call, fraudsters will try to get you to reveal personal details or to transfer money out of your account. Scammers may use ‘number spoofing’ which usually involves changing their caller ID when making a phone call. It can be very difficult to spot vishing. The big clue is that the caller will be desperate to get you to reveal your information, which no legitimate caller would ask you to do. ●

● ●

Never click the link in an email if you are even remotely suspicious.

Vishing – This is when scammers call and pretend to be from your bank, building society or even a government agency.

If you think the call is fraudulent, hang up the phone.

If you’re not sure, hang up the phone and call your bank/building society on the number on your debit or credit card. This means you can be sure you’re going to the right people, and if there is a problem, they can tell you about it.

£

MONEY & YOU

£

£

●

Be careful. Scammers can hijack your phone line, so when you hang up, wait a few minutes before calling your bank or building society or use a different phone.

Authorised push payment – The aim of this scam is to get you to voluntarily send, or authorise, a payment to the scammers.

This scam can often occur when you’re in the process of buying a house, having building work done on your home or booking a holiday.

No one thinks they will be a victim of fraud or caught out by a scam, but it happens far more than you might think The scammer intercepts a company’s email and sends you a message asking for payment. Because you’re expecting to have to pay a bill, it can be difficult to spot that this is a scam. There’s a common scam where you might get a text or WhatsApp from a new number, telling you that they are a friend or relative that needs money. The messages can be worryingly convincing. If in doubt, call or message the person they’re pretending to be on their old number to double check.

confident that you know who the recipient is. ●

●

If you are paying by bank transfer, you need to be 100 per cent

If you think you’ve been scammed, there are some steps you should follow. ●

Stop and give yourself time to think before you make any transaction. ●

Pharming – This is similar to phishing but instead of sending you an email directly, the scammers target the website you’re visiting. You type in the correct website address but you then get directed to a fake version, where you inadvertently put in your login details and secure information. ●

●

Be observant when you’re logging into or visiting websites and look out for suspicious website addresses.

●

●

It’s also important to keep your operating system and anti-virus software up to date. ●

Smishing – These are text messagebased scams. Scammers will contact you claiming to be from your bank, saying you need to update your personal details or that there’s an issue. The text might contain a link, like a phishing scam or a phone number to call. The phone number is fake and when you call the fraudsters will attempt to get you to reveal your details. ●

● ●

Check the company you expect to be paying sent you the email and that the bank details match.

IF YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED

If in doubt, call the number on your card and find out if they have tried to contact you.

Don’t click any links in text messages. Always go directly to the website and log in as normal.

Contact your bank or card provider immediately if you’ve lost money, so they can start trying to get it back.

Stop sending money straight away.

If the payment has been set up as a direct debit, get in touch with your bank to stop this immediately.

If you’ve been targeted, even if you’re not a victim of it, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or use the Action Fraud online reporting tool via actionfraud.police.uk Beware of follow-up scams.

Sometimes after reporting a scam you might get targeted again by a fraudster who says they can get your money back.

Regularly check your credit report for applications or activity you don’t recognise. A

MoneyHelper has free resources at moneyhelper.org.uk/ en/money-troubles/ scams or call free on 0800 138 7777.

£

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 43

MONEY & YOU

Up close with The Savvy Squaddie Army&You spoke to The Savvy Squaddie, aka Sgt Cameron Eden, about what led him to create the character well-known for demystifying all things financial in the military world…

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO START THE SAVVY SQUADDIE AND HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN GOING?

The first videos and posts went live on The Savvy Squaddie in October 2021 but the idea for it began towards the end of 2020. I was on my re-trade course to become an army photographer between the middle of 2019 and February 2020.

During that period, I used my evenings while sitting in the block to go deep into personal finance and the benefits of the military. I’d saved up a lot of money over my five years of service and I wanted to put it to work.

In my research I came to understand that those of us in the armed forces are uniquely positioned to set ourselves up for a comfortable future financially.

This realisation, coupled with seeing my peers in debt at the end of the month, while I was able to save, and the lack of understanding of basic personal finance principles and awareness of our benefits prompted me to do something about this gap in knowledge. Instead of complaining, I could use my skills to solve the problem.

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S NEEDED?

Basic personal finance skills are not taught at school and some parents are unable to teach their children due to not having the skills themselves.

Understanding the basics of budgeting, living within your means, debt, saving and investing are all important life skills. With an understanding of the basics, people can then make much more informed financial decisions which will benefit them and their families.

44 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

When it comes to armed forces benefits, many of these are not well understood. A lot of people don’t realise how sheltered we are from many of the financial realities on civvy street. For example, our subsidised accommodation is a great benefit, although the standard of some is a different topic.

Our pension is one of the best workplace pensions available. Yes, some will say it’s not as good as the 75 scheme, but that scheme closed 20 years ago – a time when people who are joining the military today were not even born.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies and their income distribution calculator, a private who lives in Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and is single with no dependants is better off than 61 per cent of the UK population in terms of disposable income. And that’s on an annual salary of £25,200. It’s unlikely many would be able to walk into a job and have the same level of disposable income on civvy street.

Many soldiers just look at the salary and compare it to similar jobs in civvy street. But they fail to make a fair comparison because they leave out our non-contributory pension and subsidised accommodation. They don’t consider that part of that civvy salary will be sacrificed for their pension and that their accommodation costs will probably be higher. Of course, this is not applicable to all because many people will already have their own home.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT BRING? Over the last three years The Savvy Squaddie has helped thousands of people understand

what is possible with their hard-earned money. The primary benefit is increasing the financial literacy of the audience, allowing them to make better informed decisions which will positively impact their future.

The content I create is very accessible. I break down complex topics like pensions and explain them in simple terms so everyone can understand them. I present them in various different ways so people can benefit from a wider perspective.

We are a growing community and I have a large reach. This benefits the audiences because if people have a certain query I am unable to answer, or we are looking for a general consensus etc, we can lean on the audience to provide their thoughts, opinions, ideas and expertise.

The Savvy Squaddie also brings practical tools and insights to the audience which provides them with actionable tips to sort themselves and their families out financially.

ARE THERE ANY CHALLENGES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED ALONG THE WAY?

The main challenge I have faced is time. I alone run the page. I do all the research, write all the scripts, record the audio, edit all the videos, upload them all and answer the questions and comments I get daily.

I do all this in my free time and use public information. It’s important for me not to be a mouthpiece for the MOD. By acting independently, I have more creative freedom, and it also builds trust and authenticity with the audience. But

MONEY & YOU

the other side of that coin is that it’s just me doing it and the challenge is balancing this while having a young family, a busy day job and also completing a Diploma in Business Studies. But the mission to improve the financial knowledge of serving personnel and have a positive impact in their lives keeps me going. Having a very supportive wife also helps!

Covenant commitments

WHAT FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED?

Feedback over the last three years has been overwhelmingly positive, from soldiers all the way up to two and threestar generals. I have upset some along the way but they are a very small minority.

A recent video covering the Refund of Legal Expenses (new buyer) prompted a number of people who were unaware of the allowance to put in a claim, and they received the maximum £1,500 when they didn’t even realise it was possible before watching the video.

After my recent debt repayment strategy video, I had a number of messages from people saying they had sat down and made a plan to tackle their debt and get their finances back on track.

All of my pension videos have been well received, and many people have decided to stay at least to their 20/40 Early Departure Payment point in order to benefit from that.

I have sat down with my peers in the office and gone through their pension calculator with them. When they see the thousands of pounds they would lose out on if they don’t stay in for those extra few years, they have all changed their mind and have decided to stay. So, it’s not a great stretch to say that I have positively impacted retention, albeit by a small degree.

Many people have started looking into investing, something very accessible to do these days, in order to build up additional retirement pots for the future. Many have also benefited from my free budget and tracking spreadsheet.

WHERE CAN A&Y READERS FIND THE SAVVY SQUADDIE?

Predominantly I am on Instagram instagram.com/thesavvysquaddie and YouTube youtube.com/@ thesavvysquaddie. I also have a small presence on Facebook and X. A

There are lots of military allowances which help you out financially when moving around but are you aware of how the Armed Forces Covenant can help support you so you’re not out of pocket? AFF Money & Allowances Specialist Claire Hallam explains…

CANCELLING AND SUSPENDING CONTRACTS

It can be a real chore ringing companies after every move as we all know that assignments may not tie in with the end of a contract.

If you are cancelling a broadband or media contract and moving to an area in the UK where your provider can’t give coverage or overseas, some companies will waive cancellation charges, so you don’t have to pay out mid-contract.

LETTING OUT YOUR PROPERTY

If you’re moving from your own home to Service Family Accommodation and have a mortgage on your property, you don’t need to get a buy to let mortgage if renting out your home. You can ask for consent to let while you are posted away in the UK or overseas. More than 40 mortgage providers have agreed to this commitment.

SUPPORT OVERSEAS

Mobile phones: If you’re deploying or moving overseas, you can suspend your mobile phone contract until you’re back in the UK. It’s worth contacting the company if you’re going overseas to avoid being stung with high roaming

charges. Some add ‘fair use limits’ on the amount of time that customers are allowed to use their phones abroad.

No claims bonus: Building up your no claims bonus on your car insurance can take time and you may be worried about losing it if going overseas. Some providers have agreed to ensure that you keep the no claims bonus for up to three years, so you don’t lose out.

Car finance: Having a car on finance is another concern when you’re going overseas. Special provisions with some providers allow you to take your car on finance as long as it’s comprehensively insured. For more information on car finance and overseas postings, scan the QR code.

National Insurance credits: It is often a struggle for partners to find employment overseas, so to protect against gaps in your state pension record, you can claim back National Insurance credits for the period of the assignment. This also applies to unmarried partners. See aff. org.uk/advice/money-and-allowances If you’re having issues using these Armed Forces Covenant commitments email: moneysupport@ More aff.org.uk A informatio n the Armed on Forces Covenant is at armedforc es covenant. gov.uk

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 45

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qe.org/forces-families 46 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

FOCUS ON EDUCATION OVERSEAS

Funding supports service students Beyond the Barracks, a project to promote equality of opportunity in higher education, has been awarded funding from the Office for Students (OfS).

The partnership between York St John University, higher education partnership Inspiring Choices, Askham Bryan College, York College, Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT) and the Service Children’s Progression Alliance (SCiP Alliance) aims to more effectively address the needs of students from armed forces families.

The OfS identified service children as an at-risk group after research highlighted the risks that frequent school moves posed to their higher education access.

The project will look at current post-16 interventions supporting students from armed forces families and aims to build knowledge and evidence of what works when supporting them.

Director of the SCiP Alliance, Philip Dent, said: “Service children

can benefit from the unique nature of armed forces family life, but disruption to learning, relationships and support can harm their wellbeing and education.

“Service children can benefit from the unique nature of armed forces family life, but disruption to learning, relationships and support can harm their wellbeing and education.”

We are delighted to be working with York St John and other partners to address a known gap in knowledge and support through this innovative project.”

The funding will help set up a pilot scheme with colleges and universities in the York and North Yorkshire region and assess its effectiveness before it is made available across the UK. A

Defence Children Services (DCS) schools and settings overseas can now expect a regular ‘Review of School Effectiveness’ (ROSE). This is an opportunity to look closely at the quality of education and care provided across all DCS schools and settings.

Families should be aware that a ROSE visit is an internal audit and not an external inspection like OFSTED. However, it allows DCS to monitor the impact of education and care and assess what has been achieved in each setting.

Gareth Flemington, Governance and Performance Lead for DCS, said: “We put service children at the heart of our work, finding out what it is like for them to attend their school. Visits celebrate the experiences in each unique location.

We also consider character development, pastoral support and achievement. These are essential for the next stages of learning, wherever in the world that may be.”

The reports will be hosted on the DCS website dcs. school, where families can also find more general information about schooling overseas. A

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 47

SPONSORED FEATURE

‘A sense that anything is possible Why We Chose Bryanston, by a military parent Why Bryanston?

What key factors influenced your decision to choose Bryanston for your child? Were there any unique qualities that stood out?

Bryanston immediately struck us as dynamic and forward thinking under Richard Jones. We loved its liberal ethos – no uniform, plenty of room for individuality – and the way pupils are encouraged to be independent, resourceful, and imaginative. The art facilities are exceptional, and the idea of pairing current pupils with Old Bryanstonians who have excelled in their fields is inspired.

Settling In As a military family, how smooth was the transition for your children when joining Bryanston?

Given the extenuating factors – moving, deployment and starting a new school – the transition was incredibly smooth. The boarding staff were very supportive and quick to communicate if there was an issue and the children were quickly absorbed into school life. By half term, my daughter, who is an art scholar, was already exhibiting her work in an art exhibition, held by the school.

Stand-Out Features What aspects of Bryanston do you value the most, and why?

We love the fact that we feel like we are included in our children’s

journey. Communication with the staff is brilliant, and they really do go the extra mile to encourage and support the children. The personal tutor system, along with the eChart, gives a real time insight into our children’s academic progress on a day-to-day basis and any niggles are addressed immediately.

The other element that really stands out are the opportunities that the children are given to get involved with other activities when the school day has finished. My daughter often plays netball with a mixed year team on a Tuesday evening and does portraiture classes on a Thursday evening, while my son is in the gym at 7am doing fitness training for rugby. When you visit the school, it has an amazing atmosphere, one that feels dynamic and a sense that anything is possible. It helps that the children are surrounded by the most stunning grounds with a beautiful river running through.

School Support How has the school supported your family, particularly in the context of military life?

When my husband was deployed, both house parents were aware, and made a point of keeping me updated on how my children were faring, and the matrons were brilliant at taking them aside if extra support was needed in the form of a chat or hugs. The wellbeing support at the school is outstanding.

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Boarding Life How would you describe the atmosphere and size of Bryanston’s boarding community?

The atmosphere of Bryanston’s boarding community is a relaxed, happy and familial one. The children love that everyone goes to breakfast during the week wearing their pyjamas and hoodies and on Sundays they get a lie in followed by brunch. Often ‘day with bed’ pupils will choose to stay in too, meaning that weekends are busy and active.

Weekend Life What are some of the boarders’ favourite weekend activities?

My daughter loves playing tennis with the girls in her house, while my son just likes hanging out with his friends.

Social Life Which social events do your children most look forward to during the school year?

They love having house socials on a Saturday night with other boarding houses, but a highlight is the year group balls, when the whole year comes together for a black-tie dinner.

Beyond the Classroom What extra-curricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or arts, are your children involved in?

My daughter, particularly, is a

very busy bee. If she is not doing extra netball, she is involved in extra hockey and tennis. Art is one of her favourite subjects and she is incredibly lucky to be able to access the art block most hours of the day. She is also involved in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and as part of her pioneering has been helping to teach art to seven-year-olds at a local school.

My son is a member of the rugby team and consequently is involved in extra training, which he really enjoys.

Security & Stability Do you feel Bryanston offers a stable and secure environment for military families?

Absolutely, the children have a strong network of adults who

SPONSORED FEATURE

are involved in their day-to-day care throughout their time at the school, which is very reassuring as a parent, and it allows you to get to know the key staff that they are interacting with daily.

Growth & Development How has Bryanston helped shape your children, academically, socially, or personally?

It’s been wonderful to watch my daughter, who is shy, blossoming with the support of the staff.

She has been put forward and encouraged to participate in so many different areas of school life, from public speaking to attending county netball trials, something she would normally have shied away from. To our great surprise

she is also doing Latin GCSE, having vowed to give it up at the first possible moment when she joined the school, thanks to her inspirational teacher. Both children are so happy, a reflection of what school life is like.

Sixth Form Experience What do you see as the main advantages of the Sixth Form at Bryanston?

One of the key advantages is the breadth of studies available to pupils from A Levels and CTEC to the International Baccalaureate, it is incredible to have so much choice. The other main element is the continuity, which is key when you are an army family.

Unforgettable Moments What have been some of your children’s most memorable experiences at Bryanston?

There are so many but without doubt, a highlight was the art exhibition held in London and the opening night which we all went to. Participating in the Duke of Edinburgh, school plays and going for county trials would also feature highly.

What Sets Bryanston Apart?

How does Bryanston differ from other schools?

Bryanston feels unique, from its teaching methods to its creativity, and I really feel that it is setting my children up to be in the best place they could be when leaving the school, whether that’s going

to university or starting up their own company.

Looking to the Future How has Bryanston prepared your children for life?

It’s instilled in them a confidence that anything is possible, they just need to make it happen.

Advice to Others What one piece of advice would you offer to a fellow military parent considering Bryanston?

Don’t be put off by the lack of uniform. Bryanston is unique, forward thinking and a wonderful place for your children to grow. www.bryanston.co.uk

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 49

Vision Makers: Lilly Mae

CEA families pay no more than 10% of boarding fees

We need to find a common language I want to make the news accessible to everyone. Trust in journalism has eroded—it’s been undermined and debased.

When news is serious, it often feels out of reach; when simplified, it becomes distorted. I aim to spark meaningful conversations, using language we all understand. At school, I learned how to turn this vision into action.

Lilly Mae is now an apprentice journalist at the BBC

Bryanston is an award-winning, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3-18 set in 400 acres of Dorset countryside

admissions@bryanston.co.uk | 01258 484 633

SPONSORED FEATURE

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School... an educational setting ‘where heritage meets high-tech’

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T The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, we believe that the future of education lies in the intelligent blending of timeless values with forward-thinking innovation, writes headmaster Alex Foreman.

As a school with over 200 years of heritage, we honour our past – but we’re not defined by it. Instead, we use it as a springboard to embrace modern teaching methods and the transformative power of technology in the classroom.

We’ve made it our mission to ensure that every student is equipped with the digital fluency, adaptability, and confidence they need to thrive in an everevolving world. From interactive learning platforms to curriculumintegrated devices, our students learn through the tools they’ll use beyond school – bridging the gap between education and real-world application.

But it’s not just about having the latest tech – it’s about how we use it. I’ve asked every member of

staff to truly know each student: what inspires them, what they care about, and how they learn best.

We are committed to unlocking the potential in every child. This personalised approach, combined with digital tools, allows us to deliver a responsive, dynamic learning experience tailored to the individual.

Our results reflect the strength of this approach, with 85 per cent of students achieving A*-C at A Level and 95 per cent going on to university – 40 per cent of whom attend Oxbridge or Russell Group institutions. At GCSE, our students make outstanding progress, performing two-thirds of a grade higher than the national average and placing us in the top five per cent of schools nationally.

Of course, technology is just one part of the picture. We remain committed to developing well-rounded individuals. Our inclusive fees provide access to over 60 clubs and societies per week, an Olympic-grade athletics track,

and professional-standard theatre – ensuring that learning happens everywhere, not just behind a screen.

We are proud to be a school where heritage meets high-tech, and where students are prepared not just for exams, but for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

I warmly encourage parents to visit and see first-hand how we are blending tradition with innovation to bring out the best in every student. www.doyrms.com

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Technology and Teaching: A Q&A with Sam Chislett, Assistant Headteacher at Queen’s College Prep School, Taunton

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another tool in a child’s pencil case. Traditional skills remain vitally important, and they will continue to play a key role as children progress through school and prepare for the wider world.

HAT better way to explore the impact of technology in education than by using it itself to help shape this article? The questions answered by Sam Chislett were not formed by our readers but by ChatGPT itself – an example of how artificial intelligence can be harnessed in education.

AI: Sam, what role do you see technology playing in enhancing the learning experience for students?

Sam Chislett: Technology helps make learning more engaging and personalised. It provides instant access to resources and encourages collaboration in ways that would not be possible without it. This year alone, technology has allowed our children to interview people across the globe in areas that

AI: What technological innovations have had the most positive impact? they are studying in their topic work, quiz against schools across the country and create multimedia presentations that showcase their learning in creative and dynamic ways.

AI: How do you balance technology with traditional teaching methods?

Sam Chislett: I don’t believe we should view these methods as opposing forces. Instead, we should aim to blend the two, with technology becoming just

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Sam Chislett: Being a Google Workspace school has been a real game-changer. The wide range of tools available enables pupils to be creative in many different ways, while also providing a shared platform for collaboration. We’ve also been exploring how technology can help us create adaptable teaching spaces that better support learning.

AI: How do you see artificial intelligence evolving in education?

Sam Chislett: AI is already starting to have an impact on both pupils and staff. There are some fantastic tools at our disposal – from analysing data to helping children visualise a descriptive piece of writing. In the future, I see AI becoming even more integrated into teaching tools, giving both teachers and students the ability to interact with dynamic content that adapts to individual needs.

AI: What advice would you give to other educators looking to embrace technology?

Sam Chislett: Spend time getting the entire school community on one platform, try to avoid EdTech ‘trends’, and always ensure technology enhances learning rather than using it for the sake of it. www.queenscollege.org.uk

Technology and Teaching: AI, Interactive Learning and Online Safety at Farleigh School

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HE changes in technology over the past three decades have been, quite simply, staggering, writes Peter Napthine, Head of IT & Computing at Farleigh School, Andover. Before the early 90s, there were no online safety issues, because there was no ‘online’ – no Internet for the masses. Next came dial-up connections, email, clunky networks and cautious steps onto the web. Early threats were viruses and hacking.

The pace accelerated with broadband, search engines, Wikipedia and social media which brought knowledge (and misinformation) to our fingertips.

New challenges emerged, such as plagiarism, cyberbullying and trolling.

Clever educational tools followed, including personalised apps like Duolingo. But these tools brought new dangers, like addiction, grooming and online influencing. As with all these dangers, education is the most effective means of protecting our youngsters.

Now, AI is the next leap.

ChatGPT, in under two years, overtook Google as the most used

tool for young people seeking answers. The responses are often more balanced, well-researched and immediate. Is that such a bad thing?

Wouldn’t we do the same in their shoes?

AI is reshaping personalised learning. TalkPal, for instance, helps learners practise language conversation, providing encouragement and detailed feedback.

AI is awesome – but so are the risks. Pupils may stop thinking for themselves. Coursework assessment is under threat. Do we return to

exams-only, or learn to assess how pupils use AI? Technology isn’t going away. We cannot rewind to pre-AI days, any more than to pre-Internet ones.

The task for educators – as we do at Farleigh School – is to guide, not fear, the change. Because in the end, it’s not about the tool – it’s about the learner.

The Farleigh grounds and buildings are free of smartphones for the young. They are not necessary nor wanted. There is discreet, filtered iPad use, following guidance by the experienced online safety expert, Karl Hopwood, who recently gave talks at Farleigh for parents and pupils. He says don’t ban, but educate for responsible use. Farleigh School does that, recognising the importance of online life and the use of IT, but wanting it to be responsibly used for the benefit of the young person.

And when Farleigh pupils aren’t romping around the grounds, they’re in class investigating subjects which stimulate and challenge, which inform and give a sense of the wonder of life and why we are here. farleighschool.com

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 53

SPONSORED FEATURE

Shaping a Future-Ready Digital Culture at Wycombe Abbey

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INCE joining Wycombe Abbey in September 2023, my focus has been on fostering a dynamic, forward-thinking digital learning culture, writes John Doherty, Director of Digital Learning.

This academic year, we launched our three-year Digital Strategy that prioritises agility, reflection and innovation. This strategy provides clear direction as we navigate advancements in AI, digital learning and educational technology.

As a Microsoft school, we have integrated Microsoft Copilot into both teaching and operational practices, enhancing efficiency and creativity. We have established groups of digital ambassadors, an AI Working Party among staff, and Digital Officers across the pupil body to support our shared vision.

These groups set expectations for digital and AI use, encouraging pupils to utilise digital tools for support, exploration and deeper engagement with learning.

Beyond AI, we are strengthening our digital infrastructure. A

54 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

new SharePoint communication strategy improves access to academic resources, complemented by updated digital signage across the School. In the Lower School, pupils follow a futurefocused digital skills programme, which will expand to the Upper School over time. We also encourage pupils to explore further digital opportunities outside the classroom through pupil-led societies. As we work towards becoming a Microsoft Showcase School, our goal remains clear: to create a culture that is collaborative, reflective and genuinely prepares girls for the future.

Our efforts extend internationally including collaboration with our international schools in Asia in terms of policy development, ethical approaches to AI, and practical integration of digital tools in teaching and learning.

We have also begun collaborating with the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, whose recent visit was insightful. Connecting with

like-minded schools committed to purposeful innovation is invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. www.wycombeabbey.com

SPONSORED FEATURE

Embracing Technological Innovation: Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future At Dauntsey’s

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N today’s rapidly evolving world, technological innovation is not just an enhancement – it is an essential part of preparing our students for the future, writes David Noble, Deputy Head (Academic).

As educators, we must ensure that our pupils are equipped for a world where technology, and now artificial intelligence (AI), will play a central role.

At Dauntsey’s, we embrace technology not as an addition to the curriculum, but as an integral part of the learning experience, enhancing how we teach, engage, and prepare students to thrive in an AI-driven society, while preserving an emphasis on hard work, critical thinking, and meaningful teacher-pupil relationships.

Our journey with technology took a significant step forward two years ago when Dauntsey’s became a fully digital school.

Each pupil now has access to a personal device, empowering them to engage with digital learning platforms and tools that support collaboration, creativity, and help to personalise the learning journey. This transformation has fostered greater engagement, improved organisational skills, and facilitated a variety of teaching methods, tailored to the needs of individual students. But this is just the beginning of our vision for the future.

At Dauntsey’s, we recognise the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and learning. But rather than adopting a simplistic or reactive approach, we’ve developed a carefully considered framework that enables our staff and pupils to engage with AI in a

way that is responsible, creative, and distinctly human. For pupils, we want AI to be a learning companion, not a shortcut. Our AI principles for pupils focus on using these tools to deepen understanding and enhance critical thinking – not to avoid the cognitive struggle that leads to real learning. We teach pupils to use AI transparently, ethically, and intelligently, embedding habits that will serve them well both in examinations and in a

future where these technologies will play an increasing role.

Teachers at Dauntsey’s are not only embracing AI in their own professional practice – they are also playing an active role in helping pupils to understand how these tools can be used thoughtfully and ambitiously.

Rather than shying away from AI, our staff are modelling curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in how they explore its possibilities. They are teaching

pupils to ask intelligent questions of the technology, to reflect on the quality and reliability of what it produces, and to use it as a springboard for deeper understanding. In this way, AI becomes not a replacement for thinking, but a catalyst for it – and our pupils are developing the confidence to use these tools with skill, purpose, and integrity.

At Dauntsey’s, our approach to technology is rooted in a deep commitment to preparing pupils not just to navigate an AI-driven world, but to shape it. By embracing innovation in a thoughtful, values-led way, we ensure that our pupils develop the confidence and discernment to use new tools responsibly and ambitiously. They leave Dauntsey’s not only ready for the future, but ready to lead it – equipped with curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong ethical compass in an increasingly digital age. www.dauntseys.org

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 55

Your pension is for life.

Don’t neglect it.

Join us. Job done.

Your Armed Forces pension is one of the best in the public sector.

But to make the most of it, you need to make the best choices at key points in your career. Your personal circumstances may change, influencing those choices, and you need to appreciate various ways in which you can influence the amount you receive when you leave. It’s not surprising that the Forces Pensions Consultants at the Forces Pension Society dealt with almost 30,000 enquiries last year. The guidance our experts provide is personalised and access to the team is included in your membership fee.

Independent, not-for-profit

Don’t underestimate the value of your pension. An annual income of £20k requires a pension pot of at least £400k at today’s values. And as you transition from the Armed Forces, your pension will provide a secure platform for your next career or for retirement.

Visit: forcespensionsociety.org/join-now/

In short, your pension is worth a great deal and it would be neglectful to ignore it. Joining the Forces Pension Society will also keep you in touch with changes to tax regimes, ensure you’re fully informed about issues with potential retrospective impact (such as McCloud), and also deliver a range of valuable membership benefits at discounted prices.

As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, our membership subscriptions help to fund our support for the Veterans’ Community, our Roadshows and Webinars, our attendance at CTP Employment Fairs, plus our vigilance in challenging

governments whenever we spot unfairness or injustice in the system.

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

Annual membership for you and your spouse/partner is just £47.

You will have exclusive access to our Forces Pensions Consultants, our informative Members’ Webinars and you’ll receive our bi-annual enewsletters and our magazine, Pennant.

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

I T PAYS TO U N D E R STA N D T H E VA L U E O F YO U R P E N S I O N Forces Pension Society 68 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London SW8 1RL. T:020 7820 9988 E: memsec@forpen.co.uk www.forcespensionsociety.org

SPONSORED FEATURE

Keeping an eye on your pension!

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ENSIONS go some way to providing family financial security and it is a good idea to keep an eye on those savings as they grow, writes Mary Petley. What is available to help you do that?

First, there’s the Benefit Information Statement (BIS), which is issued annually to all serving personnel shortly after their birthday. These can also be accessed via JPA. The BIS provides a concise statement of pension earnings up to the date of issue, offering the opportunity to identify and correct any errors found in the underpinning data used to produce the BIS (so, dates, rank etc). Nonreceipt or data errors should be referred to Unit Admin staff.

The BIS is a snapshot of the pension/Early Departure Payment (EDP) as if the member were leaving service on their birthday that year, and the spouse/partner benefits which would become payable if they were to die in service at that point. It separates the benefits so that it is clear which benefits result from which scheme, and when they are payable. To keep it simple, the BIS does NOT

show benefits transferred in from other schemes, other deferred/ preserved AFPS pensions, the value of any Added Years or Added Pension purchased, or the impact of divorce-related orders on the pension. Nor does it mention the benefits payable for dependent children or unmarried partners.

The BIS is a welcome tool, but it does not provide the full picture and should not be used for financial planning. So, what else is available?

There is the MOD online pension calculator, but its accuracy depends entirely on the data that is input, and it should be emphasised that the calculator is for guidance purposes only.

Finally, there is the formal pension forecast. This provides a forecast of benefits based on a given exit date using the actual data as held by MOD/Veterans UK, and the actual rules of the scheme(s) in which benefits have built up. Everybody is entitled to one free formal pension forecast a year and it is obtained by submitting an AFPS Form 12 (while still serving) or an AFPS Form 14 (once discharged) to Veterans UK in Glasgow.

Many people who receive their BIS, forecast or calculator information need help in understanding what the numbers mean. We can help members of the Society check these statements and explain their contents. For those approaching an exit point, we can explain any options the member might have and for those faced with a 2015 Remedy (McCloud) decision, we can help them understand those figures too.

If you are not a member of the Forces Pension Society, but would like to know more about us, visit www.forcespensionsociety.org.

Mary Petley

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 57

Keswick

School School

11-18 Co-educational Boarding and Day 11-18 Co-educational Boarding and Day

• State Boarding is the UK’s best kept secret • Annual fees less than £15,000 • Located in a UNESCO World Heritage site • International & local boarders • Great transport links • Weekend activities included in fees • Wellbeing programme

Lairthwaite Boarding House at Keswick School is home to 52 boarders from all over the world. Led by an experienced Head of House and staff team, boarders are nurtured and supported in academic and personal growth and well-being.

A vast array of lunchtime and extra-curricular activities are available to our boarders throughout the school day and every weekend.

For further details or to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Pepper at boarding@keswick.cumbria.sch.uk

GORDON’S SCHOOL Proudly supporting our Forces families for 140 years

STATE BOARDING IN SURREY

‘Students thrive and make excellent progress because of the genuine and nurturing relationships they have with boarding staff’. OFSTED BOARDING INSPECTION REPORT 2024 BESPOKE RESIDENTIAL BOARDING HOUSE FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS

BOARDING FROM UNDER £800 PER TERM WITH CEA

NON-SELECTIVE LOWER SCHOOL PRIORITY PLACES FOR FORCES

For Open Events please visit www.gordons.school 58 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

Stepping into business For some army partners and those leaving the military, setting up a business can be the solution to overcoming employment barriers and developing a rewarding career.

Army&You chatted to two entrepreneurs about their journey…

Laura and Hayley Gardner Purendure - Purendure.com Military connection Laura served in the Royal Signals for seven years.

Why start a business?

Amelia Lockey The 21/90 Club - the21-90club.com Military connection I’m a military spouse.

Why start a business?

I needed a career that could easily move with us to each posting because part-time/ short-term jobs were hard to find as we move house pretty much every two years.

Starting my own fitness business meant that I could choose my hours and work from home – something I’ve always wanted!

Biggest challenge?

I’d say the biggest challenge (at the start) was finding clients but now that I’m well established, I have new clients starting every week and my business is very much growing by word of mouth. I offer a ‘refer a friend’ deal where The 21/90 Club member gets a free bootcamp session if they bring a friend. It’s a win-win!

Best thing about running a business?

I absolutely love converting ‘fitness-phobes’ into fitness

We both have a passion for fitness and nutrition, including a love of running and football.

We also saw a gap in the market and wanted to manufacture fruit purees and syrups for sports, using natural ingredients that we could control.

Biggest challenges? lovers. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring or done alone. I offer fun, childfriendly bootcamp sessions, challenging one-to-one sessions in my home gym or a low-intensity online class.

Moving house every few years can become tiresome and lonely, so if you move to a patch and see The 21/90 Club, I urge you to join as you’ll then become part of a group of like-minded and extremely friendly women. I organise fun social events, unique experiences and we even buy, sell and swap unwanted clothes and children’s toys on our WhatsApp group.

My business motto is that ‘it takes 21 days to build a habit and 90 days to build a lifestyle’.

Bringing the product to market and the processes involved, working on the lab analysis and nutritional analysis. Getting noticed – we’ve been handing out samples and at the same time we’re gathering

e-mail addresses for our database, setting up our Shopify platforms, partnering with events, looking for ambassadors and arranging fulfilment.

Best thing about running a business?

Being able to showcase products at events close to our heart as an exhibitor, for example the National Running Show. We are also getting involved in forthcoming triathlons, duathlons, ultras and half marathons.

Organisations such as X-Forces Enterprise helped us, and we also recommend looking into business accelerator schemes.

See page 65 for the chance to win a 12-pack of Purendure energy gels in a mixture of flavours.

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 59

BLOG Spot

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

The soldier’s soldier Are you a military spouse who is working hard to have a thriving career, and there is no doubt that the next relocation will affect your professional advancement? Do you feel frustrated and resentful whenever you have to move?

Even if you opt not to relocate, the responsibilities of parenting and managing the household fall squarely on your shoulders.

Marriage by itself can be challenging, but throw the military into the equation and the challenges compound!

Separations are common occurrences.

Often there is an empty seat at the dinner table, parenting is often unbalanced and packing and moving frequently become the norm.

Being a military spouse is a unique role that not everyone can fulfil. It requires a special person to take on the responsibilities that come with it.

Our number one role is to be a supportive spouse, and that means taking on multiple roles such as that of two parents, peacemaker, home organiser, cheerleader and counsellor, among others. No matter how strong you are, the role demands you to be the soldier’s soldier!

60 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

It all starts with cultivating the right mindset. Having the right mental attitude is crucial to fulfilling your role as a supportive spouse and leading a fulfilling life.

Here’s a perspective that may not be popular: you must understand and accept that the military comes first. Failing to understand and accept this reality can lead to ongoing struggles and sometimes unhappiness.

Therefore, it’s imperative to train your mind to think positively, enabling you to handle situations where your serving spouse may be unavailable because of work commitments without becoming upset or emotional.

As a military spouse, I’ve learnt not to let my circumstances define me. Instead of dwelling on missed opportunities or resenting my career status, I choose to concentrate on how I can make the best of every single situation.

To family and friends, I urge you to make the effort to visit your military families and stay in touch. Understand that it can be challenging for them to travel and visit you, particularly when the serving spouse is away on duty.

BY ELLEN OWUSU Your visits not only provide much-needed companionship and comfort, but also serve as a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.

While it may be impossible to have everything we desire, we can make the most of every situation that comes our way.

Whether we’re confronted with another relocation, or any other challenge life throws at us, it’s essential to reclaim control of our mindset and begin living the life we desire.

We live once, so let’s make every moment count with enthusiasm and optimism. A

A Home-From-Home While You Serve Forces Families currently pay a maximum termly fee of £1,135 (Senior) and £970 (Prep) per child.

Why Queen’s?

• Meals, Laundry and Exclusive Uniform Allowance • Home-From-Home Boarding Environment • Award-Winning Wellbeing Programme • Extensive Outdoor Education Starting in Year 3 • Over 10 Hours of Co-Curricular Activities Weekly

Scan the QR code to learn more about joining the Queen’s family

• “World’s Leading Boarding School”

DOYRMS

BECOME A DUKIE

meets

Where

outstanding opportunities

exceptional education

KENT

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

See why families are calling us great value for money Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 61

Dandelions

FOR THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF YOUR ARMY FAMILY

RAISING AWARENESS

RECONNECTION WEEKENDS Little Troopers has launched All Together family reconnection weekends for military families to spend quality time with each other.

This is time families are encouraged to put down their phones and iPads to try new activities and make memories.

The opportunity is open to families with up to four siblings aged nine and over.

Set in locations including Portland and Corfe Castle in Dorset and the New Forest in Hampshire, the days will be packed with fun activities including kayaking, coasteering, raft building, stand up paddleboarding and coastal bushcraft. Each weekend will run from Friday to Sunday and is fully funded.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our

Firrhill High School in Edinburgh recently held a screening of a documentary, which offers an insight into the experiences of armed forces children at the school and the staff who support them. The film explores the unique challenges military families face, from frequent relocations to the impact of deployment.

new parent family reconnection weekends are particularly aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment. Easing periods of separation and helping military children to connect with their parents has always been a core part of the support offered by Little Troopers, so we’re really excited to be launching these new weekends and helping families to carve out special time together.”

For more information about Little Troopers All Together, visit littletroopers.net

RESOURCES FOR MILITARY CHILDREN Deployment can be a challenging time, bringing a host of conflicting feelings.

Forces Children Scotland, with funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and BFBS Big Salute, has produced an interactive webpage with downloadable resources called the ‘deployment rollercoaster’, which is designed to help alleviate challenges which can impact mental health and wellbeing.

It’s been developed in consultation with young ple Above: An exam people from the armed g of a digital talkin forces community, who have mat from the s Children shared personal experiences of Force Scotland website separation during deployments.

A young person who contributed to the 62 | armyandyou.co.uk armyandyou.co.uk || Army&You Army&You Summer 2025 2025

The project was driven by a desire to raise awareness and understanding of the particular needs of armed forces children both within their school and the wider community.

Through interviews and personal reflections, the documentary highlights both the resilience and the struggles of armed forces children, giving them a voice that is often overlooked.

The documentary is not just a school project, it’s a call for greater awareness and support for armed forces families. By sharing their stories, the pupils and staff created something meaningful, and something that should inspire other schools to follow their lead.

The school leadership team plans to share the film widely with as many schools across the UK as possible in the hope that it will help them to better understand the needs of military children.

development of the resource said: “I would like other people to learn and understand that we aren’t weak just because we get upset or stressed when our parent gets deployed, we are strong people, and I hope this deployment pack makes it enjoyable and relaxing to use as they go through this difficult time!”

Judith Blair, Learning and Development Worker for Forces Children Scotland, said: “With the launch of the deployment rollercoaster,

we hope that it will support children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing and will prove to be a successful and trusted resource to use in the future.”

Talking mats communication tool Forces Children Scotland, with funding from The Army Benevolent Fund, has also developed a communication tool which supports military children with additional support needs (ASN). Talking mat is a visual communication framework that supports young people with communication difficulties to express their feelings and views.

The topics covered include communication, separation, moves, asking about non-serving parents, friendships, self and sibling care, and coping with feelings.

To find out more, go to forceschildrenscotland.org.uk

Ignite

YOUR POTENTIAL

Renowned for our warm and welcoming home-from-home community, Kingswood offers full, weekly and flexi boarding opportunities, with our houseparent teams providing a safe, nurturing and engaging experience for pupils. Our broad and balanced curriculum is supported by outstanding pastoral care, so that every pupil can find and ignite their potential.

We are proud to provide an outstanding education for children of serving members of HM Forces and the FCDO.

To discover more and to arrange a visit, please head to our website:

A co-educational independent school for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

MILITARY PROVOST GUARD SERVICE (MPGS)

AARE YOU LEAVING THE ARMY? Stability of a non-deployable engagement with no requirement to move locations

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*?

Consistency of a ‘4 ON – 4 OFF’ shift system allowing up to 200 days off a year

Choose to serve at 120+ locations across the UK Entitled to subsidised Single Living Accommodation (SLA) & Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Continued Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) Full career pathway with promotion up to Warrant Officer (Class 1) Free Medical/Dental, Gym and other Military Welfare provisions

“Custodem Custodire”

Guarding the Guardians OR contact the Recruitment and Engagement Team: ArmyPM-MPGS-recruitment@mod.gov.uk

Maximum age to enlist is 57 (serve until 60)

*The MPGS recruits Current and Ex-Serving, Regular and Reserve personnel from all 3 Services Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 63

N I Giveaways W Click the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk.

Entries close on 18 July 2025.

Immersed in history Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, on the edge of Salisbury Plain, Fairlawn House is a charming hotel offering the perfect place to get together or visit your loved ones.

Guests can book between one and 14 ensuite rooms at the Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Amesbury, and even request exclusive access, tailoring their stay to suit any occasion.

Whether it’s a family reunion, a milestone celebration or a peaceful retreat, this intimate setting is full of historic character with wonderful connections to local opportunities providing a unique and unforgettable escape.

For a truly special experience, guests can add a private chef to prepare delicious, personalised meals.

Step outside and be immersed in the beauty of the Wiltshire countryside, with scenic walks from the doorstep. Close by is Stonehenge, Wilton House, the Rifles Wiltshire and Berkshire Museum in Salisbury and the Army Flying Museum.

One Army&You reader can win two bedrooms for a one-night stay for up to five, plus continental breakfast valid until April next year. Scan the QR code to enter.

Guests can enjoy 20 per cent off stays of three nights or more with promo code AFFFAIRLAWN, which is valid until 28 February 2026. For further information, visit alittleplace. co.uk

A tale of military intrigue

Former Intelligence Corps member Joseph Lindsay has drawn on his own career in the military to write a gripping spy story, A Pansy Resting on its Laurels: Private.

The novel follows Jon Comyn as he begins his career in military intelligence and discovers that while life undercover is not as glamorous or sexy as he had hoped, it’s certainly not lacking in excitement.

Joseph says the book is a fictional version of his and others’ lives in the army and the corps.

“Everyone has heard of the SAS and MI6 but, apart from the odd rather dry account of military intelligence, as far as I know no one has actually written a novel about it.”

Joseph’s career in the army, regular and reserves, spanned almost 30 years – five of them with the regular Intelligence Corps.

Army&You has three copies of A Pansy Resting on its Laurels: Private to be won.

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 18 July 2025 unless otherwise stated. See page three for competition rules. Your information will not be used for marketing purposes.

Winners’ names and T&Cs are published on the Army&You website.

64 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

Pure energy A fitness-focused Royal Signals veteran and her football fanatic wife have taken their passions for sport and nutrition and turned them into a business.

Their discovery of a gap in the market for pure and natural energy products for sports is where Purendure was born – they combined ‘pure’ ingredients with ‘endurance’ sports to create a natural, fruity and clean alternative to traditional energy gels. Laura and Hayley Gardner found that there were companies who loosely used

the word ‘natural’ alongside ingredients such as brown rice syrup (with a higher GI than refined sugar) but no products that were simply made from fruit.

They launched the business on Boxing Day 2024, and it has since been going from strength to strength.

Claim 15% off with code AFF15 at purendure.com Offer ends 31 July 2025.

One lucky A&Y reader can win a 12-pack of Purendure energy gels in a mixture of flavours.

Clipped to perfection

Carried through by coffee

Soldier On Coffee Co is run by Bryan Phillips, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.

A member of 1st Battalion Irish Guards for 10 years, Bryan lost both his legs above the knee after he stood on an IED while on a patrol during his second tour of Afghanistan in 2012.

Grit, determination and gallons of black coffee carried him through his rehabilitation. In fact his love of the

Combat Clipper Company was created by military professionals in response to the new British Army beard policy. Its aim is to provide the armed forces with top tier daily grooming products that also meet the demanding conditions service personnel face.

Products range from precision clippers to comprehensive grooming kits. It has a strong ethos of giving back to the military community and donates a percentage of profits to military charities.

One lucky reader has a chance to win a wash bag and coffee bag – both a big hit with customers!

Find out more about the range at combatclipper company.co.uk

drink prompted him to research brands, blends and strengths, comparing instant to ground. He’s also completed barista courses.

The dad-of-three was recognised in the King’s New Year Honours with a British Empire Medal for his efforts to help armed forces charities in Northern Ireland.

One Army&You reader will win a Soldier On coffee gift set.

Army&You Summer 2025 | armyandyou.co.uk | 65

Book Club

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

Celebrating difference In this edition’s Army&You and Reading Force Book Club, service children tell us what they thought of The Verts by Ann Patchett and Robin Preiss Glasser ALFRED, AGED 4

Published by: HarperCollins, hardback, £12.99

KIP & ARCHIE, AGED 4 & 6

Alfred said he enjoyed the book, he liked the differences between Ivan and Estie and realised he’s a bit of both of them! He loved the pictures and repeating “Estie is Estie, and Ivan is Ivan.” He loved that it involved a party too!

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

HAVE FUN SHARING BOOKS READING FORCE is the free shared reading initiative for forces families where you can share a book and talk about it, together at home or via video call if separated.

You’ll receive a free book and scrapbook to fill in with your thoughts, letters, drawings and photographs. It’s a fun way to keep connected.

Teens receive a special journal.

Take part via your children’s school, HIVE, or register online at readingforce.org.uk 66 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2025

The Verts is a story about a brother and sister called Ivan and Estie who are very different. Estie likes parties and playing with lots of people, but Ivan likes being on his own and peace and quiet. We loved the pictures in the book and the way they made the party really come to life – we could almost hear all the noise!

This was a beautifully written book with lots of different characters, which started a

Win

wider discussion on different personalities and why we all like different things. We read it over a couple of nights as it’s a bit too long to hold Kip’s attention but it’s definitely a story we’ll be reading again (and again!).

Enter our giveaway to win a copy of The Verts and a Reading Force scrapbook. See page three for entry rules. Already read it?

Tell us your thoughts @ArmyandYou

Supporting the

Continuity of Education Allowance Scheme

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

Parents pay 10% Our outstanding boarding facilities offer outstanding pastoral care for Forces children aged 7 – 19.

Wycliffe has over 130 years of We experience supporting Forces Families, support the Continuity of Education Allowance Scheme, meaning military parents only pay 10% of providing a stable education throughout key developmental stages. school fees, with Wycliffe covering the remaining amount through a Forces’ Bursary.

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

We support the Continuity of Education Allowane Scheme, To find out more contact the Admissions Team: meaning Military parents only pay 10% of school fees, with Wycliffe covering the remaining amount through a Forces’ Bursary.

admissions@wycliffe.co.uk

Family, Friends and

my Army family After your family and friends, will you consider us?

Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.

Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.

We are the Army’s national charity. Since 1944 we have been here to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.

Scan here for further information on our free Will-making services.

armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills

Alternatively please contact Emma Hamilton on 020 7901 8909 or ehamilton@armybenevolentfund.org

Army Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (SC039189) and registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).