https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/dio-stakeholder-briefing---27-august-2026Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:59:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c467892b-fed4-46c6-b2f7-4d50d689ed4fRN Forum ModeratorBe the voice of Service Families in your area DIO is launching Regional Experience Committees (RECs) across the UK, bringing together Service family volunteers who are passionate about improving housing services and ensuring family voices are heard. This is an exciting opportunity to become a Service Family Customer Representative for your region to help influence positive change in military housing. By joining, you will play an important role in highlighting local issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and sharing what matters most to Service families. As a member of your REC, you will work alongside other representatives and key figures within DIO to provide constructive feedback, discuss common themes and challenges, and represent the lived experiences of families in your area. To read more about the role and how to apply, click HERE Amendments to Surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Policy What is changing? From 1 September 2026, the policy for applying for and allocating surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is changing. The changes are designed to make sure surplus homes are managed fairly while work continues to transform and expand the estate as part of the Defence Housing Strategy. How surplus SFA is prioritised When surplus homes are available, applications will be considered in a new priority order. This means some family circumstances will be prioritised first. The updated prioritisation list will be reflected in JSP 464 from 1st September 2026. How to apply for surplus SFA From 1 September 2026, if you wish to request surplus SFA, you need to apply every time you receive a new assignment order dated on or after that date. Mid-assignment applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. If this applies, please submit a case through your single-Service personnel branch. If you receive another assignment order in future, you will need to apply again, even if you are staying at the same duty station. If you are currently live in surplus SFA, receive a new assignment order, and wish to retain your SFA, you must also submit a new application alongside a retention form available here. Existing applications for Surplus SFA We are reviewing the surplus waiting list using the new priority order. Applications will stay active on the waitlist if they meet the new criteria and you have more than six months remaining at the duty station requested. The Accommodation Support Cell will contact you directly if: · you applied for SFA using a previous assignment and at a different location from your current duty station. · you have less than six months remaining in your current role and location. · according to your Future Availability Date (FAD) on JPA. · you have submitted more than one e1132 application at the same time. · you have already been housed in SFA. For queries related to the Surplus SFA policy changes, please contact the Accommodation Support Cell at People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk or call 0800 368 7406. Housing Matters Podcast You can now watch the latest episodes of Housing Matters , the podcast exploring Military Housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their Families. Episode 3 focuses on damp and mould, one of the most significant challenges facing Military Housing. Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and Sebastian O'Hara, DIO Operations Manager South, are joined by Nikki Simmons from VIVO and Matt Smith from Amey. They discuss what causes damp and mould, the work of the Damp and Mould Taskforce, and the steps being taken to improve how these issues are identified, managed and resolved. Episode 4 looks beyond the home itself to explore the wider community and support networks that help make life on a patch work. The discussion covers the role of NHS services, welfare charities, and the social value initiatives delivered by DIO and its suppliers, showcasing how organisations work together to support Service personnel and their families. Episode 3 and Episode 4 are available now, alongside the first two episodes in the series. Whether you are interested in housing maintenance, community support or the future of military housing, Housing Matters offers insight into the issues that affect Service Families every day. Families First Newsletter The latest issue of the Families First Newsletter, featuring the latest Defence Housing News and Updates, is now available on the Defence Homes Websitehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/naval-children-s-charity---august-2026-newsletterThu, 27 Aug 2026 13:35:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a0bbf00e-4573-4108-9e34-8cd8974f8c88RN Forum ModeratorNaval Children's Charity latest newsletter is out now: We hope you have enjoyed the long, hot summer. We have been busy attending various events this season including Homecomings, Families Days and the first ever Officer Initial Naval Training Ceremony at HMS Raleigh. It has been wonderful meeting some of our Naval families. There are still those that have not heard of the Naval Children’s Charity which is why it is so important to spread the word about what we can offer and do to support our Naval children! Read the August 2026 Newsletter HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/what-to-do-when-someone-diesWed, 26 Aug 2026 10:15:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5018a2b0-46d7-4eb3-b801-e14618188420ASK INFOIf you would like some support on how to register the death, notify government departments, deal with the deceased estate or any other legal requirements then do visit GOV.UK which has a specific page relevant to this need. FIND OUT MORE: What To Do When Someone Dies: Step By Step | GOV.UKGriefDeathREGISTER A DEATHWHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE DIESbereavementGov.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/rn-fps-visiting-officerWed, 26 Aug 2026 10:10:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8afe6ae6-e957-4aef-990b-6a0da7775de6ASK INFORoyal Navy Family & People Support (RN FPS), through their Visiting Officer role, provide timely and sensitive support to bereaved Service personnel and their families. All RN FPS Visiting Officers (VO’s) are specialist welfare workers. VO’s could be military or civilian staff; they are either qualified Social Workers or graduates of the Defence School of Specialist Welfare Course. This means that to be able to take on this role, they must successfully complete the appropriate training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge for their role and engage in continuous professional development to ensure they are best equipped to meet the needs of bereaved RN families. The VO will make contact with a bereaved family, normally within 24 hours, of Kin-forming by the Notifying Officer. They will support the family with their grief, and act as a conduit of information and access control between the family, the Chain of Command, and other interested parties. RN FPS will continue to provide direct support to the family until such time it is agreed that it is no longer required and all Service-related matters concluded. VO’s are also appointed to work with Service Personnel who, following diagnosis, receive a poor prognosis. The VO will assist and support the Service Person and their families to prepare emotionally and practically for the challenges ahead. If you would like to know more about the VO role or the support available through RN FPS. FIND OUT MORE : Please contact navypeople-psrnfpsportal@mod.gov.uk Purple Book Bereavement Guide For Families Of Service Personnel - GOV.UKIllnessRN FPSvoslossbereavementfamily and people supporthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/every-mind-mattersWed, 26 Aug 2026 10:05:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:6fe01e43-fc10-4ead-b465-caaf58ed1455ASK INFOLosing a loved one or experiencing other traumatic events can have a long-lasting negative impact on our mental health. There are lots of sources of support and information that can help if you have experienced traumatic events. FIND OUT MORE: Bereavement And Traumatic Events - Every Mind Matters | NHSNHSevery mind matterslossbereavementsupporthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/grief-after-bereavementWed, 26 Aug 2026 09:41:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e757f6cc-000e-41a1-817f-a856264cb569ASK INFOCoping with grief after the death of a loved one can be one of the hardest things we ever go through. You might be dealing with lots of different emotions, and it can be hard to know what support is available and how to access it. FIND OUT MORE: Get Help With Grief After Bereavement Or Loss | NHS How To Deal With Grief After A Bereavement | Age UK Support And Self-Care For Grief | Mind What To Do After Someone Dies: Bereavement Help And Support | GOV.UK Managing Grief | Cruse Bereavement SupportGrieflossbereavementhelporganisationshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/national-hobby-club-1470022834Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:27:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e874929d-55e0-4150-96bc-51fd008bef5bRN Forum ModeratorIf you enjoy crafting and getting involved with hands on activities come along to the RN FPS and Aggies Hobby Club. 26th October 2026 The activity for this one is Diamond Art. Booking is essential (see graphic below for how to) and closes on Wednesday 7th October 2026 Serving Families Onlyhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2317/august-hobby-clubTue, 25 Aug 2026 14:23:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:068e8fb4-4998-4997-adfd-7f5dd1002274Community CDW2This months Hobby Club was mosaic art which was new to most of the group. After a bit of googling to work out the consistency of caulk everyone got stuck in creating beautiful mosaic feathers and dragonflies.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/go-learn---naval-children-s-charityTue, 25 Aug 2026 14:03:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5ca1320f-d9d1-40a7-9edb-eea7cf53e201RN Forum ModeratorGo Learn provides high-quality, non means tested, one-to-one online tutoring to secondary school students at key educational stages: GCSEs, A Levels, Scottish Nationals/Highers/Advanced Highers, age 14 + also to students with additional needs, age 11+. Go Learn is available free of charge to serving RN, RM and RFA Families. Go Learn offers: • Up to 16 hours of one to one tutoring per academic year per child • Free online tuition, not means-tested • Sessions tailored to GCSE/A Level, Nationals/Highers/Advanced Highers or additional learning needs • Support in core subjects: English, Maths and Science • Aimed at secondary school students age 14+, and age 11+ for those with additional needs • Flexible scheduling, including after school, in school, weekends and holidays • UK wide access, including families posted overseas but following UK curricula Eligibility Criteria: • The pilot is aimed specifically at the SERVING Royal Navy community – Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Serving Personnel • All ranks • Non-Means tested to benefit all secondary school children, age 14 for subject study and age 11+ for additional needs Booking is via the NCC : Go Learn: Free One‑to‑One Online Tutoring for Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Families – Naval Children's Charity or Email: golearn@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk Naval Children’s Charity Websitehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-course-and-training/b/announcements/posts/serve-and-protect-credit-union-upcoming-webinars---september-2026Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:770a9feb-5e17-463c-b2cf-41b483dcefffRN Forum ModeratorCar Finance: More than a Monthly Payment Date: Tuesday 1st September Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Discover the financial impacts of harmful gambling with representatives from GamCare. Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills Date: Thursday 3rd September Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet! Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money Date: Thursday 10th September Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending. Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score Date: Thursday 17th September Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours. Harmful Effects of Gambling w/ GamCare Date: Tuesday 22nd September Time: 12:00-13:00 What to Expect: Discover the financial impacts of harmful gambling with representatives from GamCare. S aving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings Date: Wednesday 23rd, Friday 25th September Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion. Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application Date: Tuesday 29th September Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply. You can register for any of the listed webinars here: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/education/webinars/ Other Serve and Protect Links and Resources Financilal Tools: Budget Planner Savings Calculator Loan Calculator Benefits Calculator Serve and Protect Services: Savings Accounts Loan Products Community Fund Financial Webinarshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/dandelion-military-familiesTue, 25 Aug 2026 09:45:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:da882517-0775-4c24-9b21-6552fac0546dASK INFODandelion Military Families collaborates with national organisations like Sands , to bring strategic level support to military families who have experienced bereavement; and working with stakeholders from the military and healthcare sector to raise awareness about the multi-faceted challenges faced, particularly in the perinatal period. FIND OUT MORE: Dandelion Military Families | Parental Mental Health Sands | Saving Babies' Lives. Supporting Bereaved FamiliesBabiesSANDSpregnancyDANDELIONhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/defence-children-services-students-celebrate-2026-exam-resultsTue, 25 Aug 2026 09:37:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:20637d34-b4b7-464b-a2d1-22fc56aa3d7dRN Forum ModeratorStudents at Defence Children Services (DCS) secondary schools have been celebrating throughout August, with many progressing to university, military careers and apprenticeships. DCS runs three secondary schools for Service families and MOD entitled civilians. Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, Scotland, is a boarding school following the Scottish Qualifications Authority framework, offering National 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers. In Cyprus, King Richard School at Dhekelia and St John’s School at Episkopi provide academic and vocational qualifications based on the UK national curriculum. Results were released across three dates in August, with Scottish results released on the 4 th August, A Level and BTEC results on the 13 th August, and GCSE results celebrated 20 th August. Read more about this year's results at Queen Victoria School, King Richard School and St John's School : Defence Children Services Students Celebrate 2026 Exam Resultshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/ssafa-bereaved-support-groupsTue, 25 Aug 2026 09:35:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f077f88f-f76f-46ee-b4a0-5db8b5426d64ASK INFOSSAFA offers dedicated support groups for bereaved Armed Forces families, providing opportunities to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss. These offer a safe and understanding environment where participants can share experiences, receive peer support, and take time for reflection and respite. Groups are open to adults (18+) from military families who have experienced the loss of a serving member of the Armed Forces or a veteran. Through SSAFA's bereavement support groups, participants can build connections with others who truly understand the challenges of military bereavement. With events designed to encourage conversation, mutual support, and connection within a compassionate and welcoming community. Each support group holds one or two events throughout the year, giving beneficiaries the opportunity to meet in person and benefit from peer-to-peer support in a safe and supportive setting. Please note: Whilst SSAFA support groups facilitate connection and shared experiences between members, they do not provide therapeutic support. FIND OUT MORE: Support groups for bereaved families | Military families | SSAFA Need To Talk? Contact Forcesline (Free & confidentia l) : 0800 260 6767 New Online: Live ChatGriefsuicidebereavedwounded injured and sickSSAFAsupport groupshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/travel/b/announcements/posts/rail-travel-discounts-ideasMon, 24 Aug 2026 15:01:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:54ae061c-6059-46e0-93f7-1e599acb1615ASK INFOUK Railcards: In addition to the HM Forces Discount card there are other offers worth considering and you can find out more on the Trainline website (or App) and compare the benefits so that you know which is best for your journey or longer term use. FIND OUT MORE: Compare UK Digital Railcards with Trainline European Rail Travel: If you ever fancy travelling extensively (or even just a bit!) you have the option of using an Interrail card for potentially cheaper and more straight forward European travel. The Interrail card can be purchased and used by anyone - it is no longer restricted to students. The pass allows you to travel widely without the need to continually buy tickets (some routes still require reservations). FIND OUT MORE: Interrail | National Rail (this link will also allow you to explore the main Interrail site).https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/cruse-bereavement-supportMon, 24 Aug 2026 14:19:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cf95ad45-024e-4cc4-9909-17cdbaa44064ASK INFOCruse can support you no matter how long you’ve been grieving. Trained in all types of bereavement, their volunteers can help you make sense of how you’re feeling right now. FIND OUT MORE: About Cruse Understanding Grief What To Do After Someone Dies How To Help Someone With Grief Workplace and Training Get Support Helpline : 0808 808 1677GriefDeathget supportbereavementcrusehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/travel/b/announcements/posts/blue-light-discountMon, 24 Aug 2026 13:28:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2aa702b4-83d1-4007-b3f5-4140bd6ffe66ASK INFOTravel can be made easier using the Blue Light Card for amazing savings on hotels, holiday insurance, and accommodation, to fantastic offers on car hire, short breaks, and cruises, there’s something for every type of getaway. Whether you’re looking for exciting activities, guided tours, or great value on trains and coaches, the Blue Light Card helps you make the most of your travel while keeping costs down. Wherever your journey takes you, exclusive discounts are here to help you explore more for less! F IND OUT MORE https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/enTravelexperienceshotelsdiscountscar rentalDays Outflightshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/travel/b/announcements/posts/travel-aware-campaignMon, 24 Aug 2026 13:25:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f754c04d-78e0-477a-821d-56eb6cf93038ASK INFOThe UK Government's Travel Aware Campaign provides a range of advice linked to travelling abroad including the latest safety information, the entry requirements for the countries being visited, warnings and sensible precautions when travelling with friends. The site has a number of links making it easy to find relevant information and provides a useful addition to what is already in this topic area. FIND OUT MORE: Travel Aware - Travel Awarehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/rnrm-widows-associationMon, 24 Aug 2026 13:12:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:bdd9f758-608a-43d2-ab6d-57efe489c71bASK INFOThe Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows’ Association supports those who have lost a recognised partner who is serving or has served in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines. All who have experienced loss are welcome to join, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the death. Aims of the Association: To offer support and friendship to the bereaved whose spouse/recognised partner was serving in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines at the time of their death. To help the bereaved and their children to ensure they are recognised by Royal Navy and Royal Marine related organisations. To work with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and the Ministry of Defence to improve their approach to bereavement. To ensure representation by sharing experiences and suggestions in a bid to shape change, primarily via the Defence Bereaved Families Group. FIND OUT MORE: Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows' Association Facebook: www.facebook.com/rnrmwidowsassoc TEL: 07462 376850 Email: sarah@rnrmwidows.orgGriefRNRM WidowslossbereavementRoyal NavywidowsRoyal Marineshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/travel/b/announcements/posts/defence-discount-serviceMon, 24 Aug 2026 13:02:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cff506e6-d047-4615-87db-c31e3d18027eASK INFOPlanning your next adventure just got easier with the Defence Discount Service! If you're a member of the Armed Forces, a partner, spouse, or a veteran, DDS are here to support you with savings and support. From amazing savings on hotels, holiday insurance, and accommodation, to fantastic offers on car hire, short breaks, and cruises, there’s something for every type of getaway. Whether you’re looking for exciting activities, guided tours, or great value on trains and coaches, the Defence Discount Service helps you make the most of your travel while keeping costs down. Wherever your journey takes you, exclusive discounts are here to help you explore more for less! A Defence Privilege Card is also available to support purchases when you visit in-person in shops, restaurants, etc. FIND OUT MORE www.defencediscountservice.co.ukTravelexperienceshotelsdiscountscar rentalDays Outflightshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/bereavement/b/announcements/posts/nspcc--children-grief-lossMon, 24 Aug 2026 12:58:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:814b2d28-3b69-45ce-88f3-9627e143050cASK INFOThere’s no right way to grieve. Feeling sad, angry, or confused, laughing about a memory, and having lots of questions are some of the ways a child might cope with the loss of someone they loved. If you’re an adult who’s helping them understand what’s happening and how they’re feeling, the NSPCC offer advice and guidance from their experts to help you support children through the journey of grief and loss. FIND OUT MORE: Family Bereavement: How to support children through grief and loss | NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 Email: help@nspcc.org.ukGriefHelplinelossbereavementnspcc