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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/utility/feedstylesheets/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>Royal Navy Forum</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/</link><description /><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>Telligent Community 12</generator><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Book Club Discussion for The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2359/book-club-discussion-for-the-silent-patient-by-alex-michaelides/10077</link><pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 15:53:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8b1e8479-d763-4616-8e90-1e82eab44a99</guid><dc:creator>Community CSW2</dc:creator><description>Good afternoon Juliette h, the books were sent with the post room at Portsmouth on 1 October, so unsure why you havent received ️</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Book Club Discussion for The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2359/book-club-discussion-for-the-silent-patient-by-alex-michaelides/10076</link><pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:58:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2086c19d-49ba-4685-9b04-e6cfbc70d8de</guid><dc:creator>Juliette H</dc:creator><description>Hello again! Forget the entire last message from me!! Daughter is just back from base and is reading The Silent Patient so I shall borrow her copy and get reading!! Thanks, Juliette</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Masking and Burnout in Neurodivergent Children (Diagnosed or Not) - Seminar</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-course-and-training/b/announcements/posts/masking-and-burnout-in-neurodivergent-children-diagnosed-or-not---seminar</link><pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:57cd7464-7c5e-4c19-a61a-6a0979ea5a02</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Thursday 19ᵗʰ November 2026 On Zoom from 7:30 - 9:00PM Allowing you to learn practical strategies to recognise the signs and support children more effectively. For Royal Navy Parents of children of neurodivergent children of all ages (diagnosed or not). To Book or more information Email: info@sftrust.ork.uk Website: www.sftrust.org.uk</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: New - Walsall Armed Forces Hub</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/new---walsall-armed-forces-hub</link><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:50:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e1cb6907-3399-4d63-a372-2329966d57fb</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>A new Armed Forces Hub was launched in Walsall on Wednesday 23 September 2026 Providing support and advice for serving Personnel, Reservists, Veterans and their Families The hub will run as a monthly drop-in service on the second Thursday of every month from 1pm to 4pm Lichfield Street Hub Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TR Drop in - no appointment needed. Read more about the launch Here Details of further local support can be found on the Walsall Council website: Help for the Armed Forces Community</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Book Club Discussion for The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2359/book-club-discussion-for-the-silent-patient-by-alex-michaelides/10072</link><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:53:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:584bb9a5-4f35-4fec-9f8f-4a03ed152bcc</guid><dc:creator>Juliette H</dc:creator><description>Hello! Hope you’re all ok… just checking as the postman hasn’t delivered my book yet…and making sure it’s not gone astray please! I know I talked about swapping one out but I haven’t got to Waterstones yet (I’ll let you know when I’m venturing out to Norwich to sort it out ) Many thanks, Juliette</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: Adults Lego Serious Play - September Session's Recap</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2371/adults-lego-serious-play---september-session-s-recap</link><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:23:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:0ce6db04-5f46-46af-a9bb-a8ddab91a281</guid><dc:creator>Community CSW2</dc:creator><description>Thank you to everyone who came along to our Lego Serious Play session on Monday evening We continued this month with the games that our members had come up with to utilise the Lego&amp;#39;s within the LSP sets we all have as well as the extra bricks we have accrued for our sets so we all have the same! Our first game challenge was to build two towers, using 2x2 bricks of which we had 19/20 of each colour and to build each tower in the same colour until run out then continue with another colour ... the lowest tower was the bricks counted to ascertain our &amp;quot;score&amp;quot;. We had three rounds, with a decreasing amount of time to build the towers. The third round was the final for those who had a score of 20+ and well done to Ali who won this one overall. The second game was Charades. We all had 10 minutes to build our book/film/TV/song for the other group members to guess what we had built. There were some great builds and even better guessing going on for this one The Bible The Snowman The Greatest Showman Our final build for the evening was to recreate a miniature version of a famous painting, again there were some amazing creations/builds, here are a few: Monet&amp;#39;s Bridge Over Pond of Water Lilies No 14 by Mark Rothko The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh Please continue to reply to this discussion to share your builds from Monday night, let&amp;#39;s show everyone what we get up to on the first Monday of the month If you would like to get involved in this fun Adults Lego Serious Play then please email navypeople-psrnfpscom@mod.gov.uk to express your interest. We look forward to seeing everyone next month, showcasing our homework which is to create a 3-D model, using just the LSP Lego&amp;#39;s that we have been given. Clare &amp;amp; Sarah</description><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/National%2bOnline%2bCommunity">National Online Community</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/Adults%2bLego%2bSerious%2bPlay">Adults Lego Serious Play</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) 2027 is now LIVE</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-afcas-2027-is-now-live</link><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:45:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8c0e2ff4-ad93-433c-9512-92f65f5ce077</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) has been refreshed to make it shorter, clearer and easier to complete, while continuing to focus on the issues that matter most to Service personnel. Around 40% fewer standard questions. Refocused on high-priority topics that deliver the greatest strategic value. Single-Service content better aligned, creating a more coherent survey across the Armed Forces. Questions have been streamlined and updated to improve focus. Less time completing the survey, without compromising coverage of key topics. AFCAS helps shape decisions across a wide range of issues affecting Service life, from pay and reward to career management, accommodation, family support and personal development. Previous survey results have contributed to real and tangible changes, including support to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body as well as improvements to career management and career flexibility. AFCAS is a sample survey, which means that selected Service personnel are invited to participate. If you have been invited to take part in this year’s survey, you will receive an email to your MOD.GOV.UK account - containing information on how to complete it. Your Service number, which is case-sensitive, is the token you will need to enter. Please be assured that your responses will be confidential. You can check your inclusion for the survey - HERE To view previous AFCAS results, visit GOV.UK</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Book Club Discussion for The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2359/book-club-discussion-for-the-silent-patient-by-alex-michaelides/10070</link><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:36:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5fa99c68-2a3e-456c-8cc5-e24c0d8ba741</guid><dc:creator>Ellis C</dc:creator><description>9/10!! I read The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides a couple of months ago and I still think about this book! This was such a gripping read and definitely one of those books that had me constantly trying to figure out what was really going on. The twists, the suspense and the way everything comes together at the end were SO good. I genuinely didn’t see the ending coming, and I love a book that can actually surprise me. Definitely one of my favourite thrillers I’ve read and an easy 5 stars from me.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Intro to Parenting Children with Autism Free Online Seminar</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-course-and-training/b/announcements/posts/intro-to-parenting-children-with-autism-free-online-seminar</link><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:d6da601d-ab96-46e2-86f4-fd2bb62d8100</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Southampton Families Trust are delivering a free online seminar - Intro to Parenting Children with Autism Thursday 15th October 7.30 - 9.00pm via Zoom Bookings by email to : info@sftrust.org.uk An introduction to parenting Children with Autism: Insights and strategies for families of children who have or might have autism. Find out about other courses and seminars via the Southampton Families Trust website: Royal Navy &amp;amp; Royal Marines Families</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Beyond the Wire Bereavement Hub – Protecting Your Military Child After a Loss</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/beyond-the-wire-bereavement-hub-protecting-your-military-child-after-a-loss</link><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:40:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:92801ba4-4094-41e9-84e4-3f145c10601e</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>The Beyond the Wire Bereavement Hub exists to support people navigating life after military loss, and to make sure no one has to do that alone. Beyond the Wire was founded following personal experience of military bereavement, and the realisation that support was often fragmented, difficult to navigate, or missing altogether. It may feel like everything is changing after a bereavement. Your children may need stability and understanding at school during a time of change. Follow the link below to find guidance on staying in school, accessing financial support, and helping teachers understand what your child may be facing. Children&amp;#39;s health and education - Bereavement Hub</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Spaces Still Available - Connected Families Weekend - Helensburgh</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/spaces-still-available---connected-families-weekend---helensburgh</link><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:27:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:26229b98-695e-47c0-80da-d74ca24347ce</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Connected Families Activity Day and Family Weekend - Helensburgh - 16-18 October 2026 - For families whose service person is based at HMNB Clyde Both events are being held at Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre. The FREE activity day - Sat 17th October - is all about getting outdoors, trying something new and spending time together. OR Go all out with a FREE weekend bringing dispersed Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families, couples &amp;amp; individuals together for outdoor adventures, shared experiences and time to connect at Blairvadach. Full details including eligibility criteria, information on both options and expression of interest links for the weekend can be found - HERE If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact our outreach team at enquiries@andrewsimpsonfoundation.org .</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Civvy Street Magazine - Oct / Nov 2026 Edition</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/civvy-street-magazine---oct-nov-2026-edition</link><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:21:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:dc47682e-a774-48ff-a435-9e7e5e59d7e8</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Use the link below to access the latest Digital Version of Civvy Street Magazine. Civvy Street Magazine – Oct/Nov 2026 Edition Visit Website - For Previous Editions and More.....</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Ripple Pond - Autumn Newsletter 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ripple-pond---autumn-newsletter-2026</link><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:09:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a83ee44f-1891-4fea-b5fa-e7df4f4c8c86</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>I ntroducing their Autumn Newsletter, packed full of updates from the team. View it - HERE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Royal Marines Experience - Coming Soon to Portsmouth</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-marines-experience---coming-soon-to-portsmouth</link><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:21:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b0ffde61-db63-4072-bca0-d713bb64f97f</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Opening 24 October 2026! Included in your visit: Drum along with the Royal Marines Band Assemble your kit against the clock Take on the bleep test Tackle the traverse wall Experience a RIB ride Read more and how to get tickets - HERE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Little Troopers - All Together Online - Space Detectives Workshop</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/little-troopers--all-together-online-space-detectives-workshop</link><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:40:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fbdcc3f7-d2d5-4023-ba44-04f6207ae32d</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>SPACE DETECTIVES - All Together Online - fun virtual sessions bringing together military children Saturday 10th October 2026, 1100hrs Journey around the Solar System and discover the size and distances of planets within our own neighbourhood. Take part in the “Human Solar System,” experiment with how it was formed and then assemble your own scale model. Book your family space here All Together sessions run frequently until April 2027. Sessions are free, but places are limited. Please only book if you are confident you can attend so that as many families as possible can take part. About All Together Online All Together is a club that brings military children together. As part of this, All Together Online offers a series of exciting, live, online events especially for military children under 11 years old. Everyone from the serving military community is warmly welcome to join us. Details of further events are available via link below: All Together - Online</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Film Club Discussion for "Pressure" (Cinema) and/or Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (Home Movie)</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2346/film-club-discussion-for-pressure-cinema-and-or-star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-home-movie/10041</link><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:39:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ae048284-72c3-433d-9425-0dfbcb0424c1</guid><dc:creator>OES</dc:creator><description>Darren&amp;#39;s review of Pressure: I really enjoyed this movie, for me it was the sheer force of Captain Stagg and his absolute refusal to compromise on the truth. The best part of the movie for me lies in Stagg’s defiant stand against General Eisenhower. He didn’t want to hear about complications. Yet, Stagg doesn&amp;#39;t falter and stands up to the giant. While the American meteorologist paints a sunny, optimistic forecast that fits what the generals want to hear, Stagg relied purely on the science regardless of it being very unpopular. The tension in the room is immense as military leaders bark about losing the war if they delay. Stagg being told that he will be personally responsible for thousands of lives if he gets this wrong. Two thoughts that stuck with me 1.Who would have thought weather would be so topical, relevant, gripping &amp;amp; interesting 2 I&amp;#39;ve never wanted the weather to be so bad then so good</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Wraparound Childcare (WAC) - Armed Forces Personnel Portal Beta Testing</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/wraparound-childcare-wac---armed-forces-personnel-portal-beta-testing</link><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:59:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:721cdca8-ec1d-4151-87d4-b3ef8d9df6fd</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>As part of the continued development of the Armed Forces Personnel Portal (AFPP), DBS are preparing to commence the next phase of Beta testing for the Wraparound Childcare (WAC) service. They are seeking current or recent WAC users who may be interested in supporting this important activity. User participation is essential to ensuring the service meets the needs of Service Personnel and their families and has been tested by representative users prior to wider release. Expression of Interest Required If you would like to be considered for participation in the Beta testing programme, please complete the Expression of Interest survey using the link below: Expression of Interest Survey Link Survey Deadline - The Expression of Interest survey will close at 2359hrs on Fri 23 Oct 26. Only individuals who complete the survey by this deadline will be considered for participation in the Beta testing programme. The testing is only open to Serving Personnel as access to AFPP is via Defence Gateway that essentially is an interface to JPA and so requires an individual to have a LIVE JPA account. Planned Beta Testing Period The Beta testing programme is currently planned to commence from Mon 2 Nov 26 and may be conducted across multiple iterative testing periods . This approach will enable the AFPP team to gather user feedback, implement improvements and, where required, re-test enhancements before wider release. Selected participants may therefore be invited to support one or more rounds of testing during the Beta period. Each testing iteration will focus on validating specific aspects of the service and gathering feedback to inform future development. As part of the Beta testing activity, participants will have the opportunity to use AFPP to complete the Wraparound Childcare registration and claims process using both MODNet-connected devices and personal mobile devices . This will help DBS validate that the service is accessible, usable and effective across the range of platforms that Service Personnel are expected to use in the future. Note : Participants should only volunteer if they are comfortable using a live service and submitting actual WAC information and claims as part of the testing activity. Detailed instructions and support will be provided to all selected participants before testing commences. Selection Process Please note that completing the survey constitutes an expression of interest only and does not guarantee selection. Participant numbers may need to be limited to ensure an effective and manageable testing programme. Following closure of the survey, participants will be selected from those who have expressed an interest. Successful volunteers will receive a follow-up email containing detailed information on the relevant testing activities, including: Testing objectives. Testing timelines. System access instructions. Supporting guidance and training materials. Feedback and survey requirements. Selected participants will also be required to complete and submit a feedback survey following each testing activity. This feedback is essential to supporting AFPP&amp;#39;s Beta assessment, informing future improvements and ensuring the service is ready for wider release. Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity to support the development of AFPP. Your participation will play an important role in helping DBS deliver a user-centred digital service that better meets the needs of Service Personnel and their families. They look forward to receiving your Expression of Interest and potentially working with you during the forthcoming Beta testing activities.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: SSCE Cymru Monthly School Bulletin - October 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ssce-cymru-monthly-school-bulletin---october-2026</link><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:1768859b-3e5c-4975-b9ea-ec57d6bfa0dc</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>This month’s bulletin includes: A message from the SSCE Cymru team October’s SSCE Cymru Seren of the Month Armed Forces Friendly Schools Cymru Service children data collection 2026/27 Upcoming events Remembrance 2026 Funding Supporting Service Children in Education Wales Fund (SSCE-WF) 2026/27 Funding support – guidance documents and drop-in sessions. Social media links. View the latest bulletin (and previous issues) - HERE Please direct any queries to SSCECymru@wlga.gov.uk</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Forces Connect - A Girls’ Brigade Online Group (Ages 13+)</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/forces-connect---a-girls-brigade-online-group-ages-13</link><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c6784a06-e3ee-40e3-94e8-a74c08bb12eb</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Are you aged 13+ and part of a Military Family? Join them online for a fun, relaxed, and welcoming Girls’ Brigade session via Zoom! This special event is a great opportunity to connect with other young people from military families across the country, share experiences, and make new friends. Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families When: Thursday 15 October • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! What to expect: Get diving into the fantastic Girls&amp;#39; Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions. No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life. How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance. https://girlsbrigadeonline.eventbrite.co.uk More information on the project - HERE Girls Brigade Website</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: LGBT Veterans: Restorative Measure Reminder</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/lgbt-veterans-restorative-measure-reminder</link><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 07:08:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f8dc29da-23b0-411a-8517-10f478b2ec0d</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Serving Personnel and Veterans who were discharged or impacted by the pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces have until 12 December 2026 to apply for restorative measures, including financial recognition. Find out more and which scheme applies to you - HERE</description></item></channel></rss>