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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>Blog Post: China Fleet Club - November 2026 Newsletter</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/china-fleet-club---november-2026-newsletter</link><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:28:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4f08c9dc-6d53-4134-a61e-2cf762b7b9ae</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>This month&amp;#39;s China Fleet Club Newsletter contains all the latest news, upcoming events and discounts for Royal Navy beneficiaries. Read the Newsletter via the link: China Fleet Club - November 2026 Newsletter</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: FWG Feedback and Pictures</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2429/fwg-feedback-and-pictures</link><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:14:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cdf9d72b-b81a-4d55-9303-4fdb86bb3179</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>We are starting a discussion page for those who partake in a FWG day out to be able to post how their day went and may show us a couple of pictures so others can see what fun you had too! This discussion thread has now moved to Members Matters and Chatters . (You will need to request to join the Members Matters and Chatters group if you have not already done so.)</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Full steam ahead at Little Troopers!</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/full-steam-ahead-at-little-troopers</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:44:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:065b33d4-5b26-4424-96ff-86abfde58209</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Can anyone believe how quickly this year has flown by? We&amp;#39;re heading into the final two months of 2026 and already talking about Christmas! Before we dive into all things festive, I wanted to share this photo from our annual team day with some of the team. We&amp;#39;re a small team, with most of us working part-time, so it&amp;#39;s always lovely to get everyone together. We spent the day reflecting on everything we&amp;#39;ve achieved, sharing ideas and making exciting plans for the future. There&amp;#39;s so much we want to do, and I&amp;#39;m already looking forward to what 2027 will bring for Little Troopers! But first…..Christmas! This year marks 10 years of Christmas Smiles and we&amp;#39;re planning to make it extra special. We&amp;#39;ve got some lovely things in store for military families, so keep an eye on your inbox for announcements about our Christmas boxes and festive activities. Lots to look forward to as we head towards the end of the year. All Together Online 31st October - Kiddy Cook 21st November - Art Base 12th December - Zoolab 28th November - Royal Hospital Chelsea SNOWDON - SAVE THE DATE! 11th September 2027 Rain stopping play? Not for our little troopers! Autumn has well and truly arrived and with the colder, wetter weekends creeping in, we&amp;#39;ve got plenty to keep your little troopers busy! Our autumn All Together Online programme is now underway, with some brilliant sessions to come. From Halloween-themed baking to our ever-popular art workshops and a special animal-themed session in the run-up to Christmas, there&amp;#39;s something for everyone to enjoy. All from the comfort of home, whatever the weather! Christmas Smiles Boxes - Bulk Bids OPEN We&amp;#39;re excited to announce that our Christmas Smiles Boxes are back for 2026! Packed with separation support resources and festive goodies, they&amp;#39;re designed to bring a little Christmas joy to military children missing their serving parent. BULK APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN ! Military welfare teams, units, ships and bases can now apply for 15 boxes or more to distribute to families in their communities. Military families: Please encourage your welfare team to apply on behalf of families facing separation this Christmas. Just need one box for your Little Trooper? Individual applications aren&amp;#39;t open yet, so please don&amp;#39;t use the bulk application form. Keep an eye on your inbox for details of how to apply towards the end of November. Six years of our special Gazette! Launched during the pandemic, the Little Troopers Gazette was so popular that it became a permanent part of our work to connect military children. This unique newspaper is completely packed with stories written by military children, for military children. Louise said, “We wanted to build a sense of pride and community among military children and with every issue printed, I believe we do that.” To date, over 60,000 copies have reached little troopers at home and through schools. The latest edition is officially hot off the press order your copy today! Logan is our Little Trooper of the Month For the past seven months, Logan’s dad has been deployed overseas with the British Army. During this time, Logan has had to navigate a long period apart from his dad, alongside a huge amount of change in his young life. Logan has been processing the sudden loss of his grandad last year and recently received diagnoses of both ADHD and Autism. He is just beginning to understand and navigate what these mean for him. Logan’s mum, Katie, said: “It’s such wonderful news that Logan has been chosen as this month’s Little Trooper of the Month. He’s been through a lot over the last seven months and seeing the joy on his face when he found out, has meant so much to us. Fundraiser of the Month This month we want to say a massive thank you to BM Caterers. Each year the contract catering company organise an incredible fundraising dinner and we are lucky to be their nominated charity. At this year’s event guests were incredibly generous and raised &amp;#163;13,500 in one night through tickets, an incredible raffle and auction. We are so grateful for their ongoing support, this money will make such a difference to our little troopers.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Parenting, Pregnancy, Fostering, Childcare and Financial Assistance</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/parenting/b/announcements/posts/parenting-pregnancy-fostering-childcare-and-financial-assistance</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:31:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2163b3df-2387-4ee3-bb2c-2b20846660d0</guid><dc:creator>ASK INFO</dc:creator><description>For a wide range of information on parenting including pregnancy and birth, fostering and adoption, childcare and financial assistance, see: England https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting Scotland https://www.gov.scot/children-and-families/ https://www.parentclub.scot/ Wales https://gov.wales/children-families Northern Ireland https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/family-home-and-community/parenting-and-childcare https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/</description><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/Northern%2bIreland">Northern Ireland</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/families">families</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/parenting">parenting</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/wales">wales</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/Family%2bSupport">Family Support</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/childcare">childcare</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/Scotland">Scotland</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: Child benefit – get financial help if you have children</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/parenting/b/announcements/posts/child-benefit-get-financial-help-if-you-have-children</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:27:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:40c22acb-d2e2-4a0d-b6d1-40f66b44c739</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>With the rising cost of living, the Government are offering parents and carers up to &amp;#163;1,248 a year to help with the cost of raising their first child – and up to &amp;#163;826.80 for any other children. This means that by the time a child is 16 years old, their child benefit claim could be worth almost &amp;#163;20,000. What is child benefit? Child benefit is a monthly payment for anyone with parental responsibilities for children under the age of 16, or up to 20 if they stay in approved education or training. How does it work? There are two child benefit rates. The allowance for the eldest or only child is &amp;#163;24.00 per week. For additional children, the allowance is &amp;#163;15.90 per child. Child benefit is usually paid every four weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for. To find out if you’re eligible, and how to make a claim, visit GOV.UK (UTM). By claiming child benefit, you can also get national insurance credits which counts towards your state pension, and a national insurance number for your child without them having to apply for one. For more information, see the link above.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Give Us Time - Remembrance Week Breaks</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/give-us-time---remembrance-week-breaks</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:26:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ced331d1-4dc3-4ea5-8cd8-17436a8decc7</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Give Us Time have three wonderful Remembrance Week breaks available in November across the country. These are available to serving, veteran and bereaved families, which includes couples or solo travellers. Bodmin Set among the beautiful landscapes of Cornwall, Bodmin is a great base for exploring the county’s rugged coastline, countryside, and charming towns. A peaceful setting for a few days away, with plenty to discover. Broadland Sands Enjoy the best of the Suffolk coast at Broadland Sands, with beautiful beaches, coastal walks and traditional seaside towns close by. A relaxed setting for a refreshing break by the sea. Pevensey Bay With the beach on your doorstep, Pevensey Bay is an ideal base for discovering the Sussex coast, countryside, and historic towns. A peaceful coastal escape with plenty of opportunity to unwind and explore. All breaks are 9 – 13 November, in Platinum standard accommodation King-size bed in the master bedroom En-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe Two twin bedrooms with full-size single beds Double glazing and central heating throughout Private decking with outdoor furniture Open-plan, fully equipped kitchen Dishwasher and integrated fridge freezer Coffee machine Large family dining table Luxury bedding Bathrobes, towels, slippers, and toiletries Full-size bath in the family bathroom Allocated parking The breaks are live on the Give Us Time booking system now – families must have an account with us are at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login , breaks are booked on a first come first served basis, and are accommodation only; we are unable to cover the costs of travel, transport, food, entertainment etc.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Veterans learning new skills to help build homes in London</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/veterans-learning-new-skills-to-help-build-homes-in-london</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:15:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:316c41fe-11a7-4780-80a3-e0d832f0b077</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>A defence and Places for London partnership scheme is helping veterans use what they’ve learnt in the armed forces to build new careers in the construction industry. Eight veterans are the very first people to take part in the brand-new ‘Building Beyond Service’ programme at the Earl&amp;#39;s Court Skills Centre in London. They are learning how to safely operate plant machinery, which is the type of large equipment used on building sites – like diggers and excavators. As they train, they are working towards qualifications that are recognised across the construction industry. This means that once they finish, they will have recognised proof of their new skills and a direct route to employers who are looking to hire. Speaking about why the scheme matters, Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP said: &amp;quot;Veterans leave the armed forces with skills, experience and a work ethic that employers across the country are looking for. &amp;quot;The challenge is often making sure those skills are recognised and creating a clear route into civilian careers. That&amp;#39;s exactly what this programme is doing, helping veterans move into good jobs while supporting an industry that needs skilled people. &amp;quot;Having made the transition from military service myself, I know how important these opportunities can be. This is a practical example of how we can back veterans to succeed long after they leave uniform.&amp;quot; The training is being delivered by the Places for London skills academy , working together with two partners: The Skills Centre and L Lynch Plant Hire &amp;amp; Haulage. If this first pilot group is successful, the plan is to help up to 60 veterans in total during the programme&amp;#39;s first year. Building growth and opportunities Veterans leave the armed forces with brilliant skills: leadership, teamwork, discipline and often hands-on experience of engineering or logistics. But it is not always easy for employers to see how those skills fit into civilian jobs. At the same time, the construction industry needs more skilled workers. Experts think the UK will need around 41,200 extra construction workers every year up to 2030. This programme aims to connect those two things, helping veterans find good, lasting careers, while helping the construction industry fill its skills gap. The scheme also delivers against the Defence Housing strategy, a &amp;#163;9.2 billion government plan to improve homes for military families and build more homes, with veterans and Forces families given priority for some of the new properties built on surplus defence land. David Brewer, Chief Executive of the Defence Housing Service, said: “Whilst delivering on the promises of the Defence Housing strategy, we are taking a truly forces first approach to create real opportunities for veterans and employers, which have the potential to lead to lasting careers in the construction industry.” Joining together to support veterans This new programme is the result of joined-up working between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Places for London , a property company owned by Transport for London. It recognises the contribution veterans can make to economic growth and the resilience of the UK. In collaboration with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the programme sits alongside existing support and advice to help people move into new careers as they leave the armed forces. This includes Op ASCEND , which offers free careers advice to veterans for the rest of their working lives. Laura Miller, Head of Skills and Growth at Places for London, said: “Many veterans do not realise the range of opportunities available or how the skills they have developed during their military careers could open doors to something new. “Building Beyond Service aims to build on existing support, with us bringing together the Ministry of Defence, employers and training providers to create new pathways into the industry. “As one of London’s major developers, Places for London is in a unique position to bring industry partners together and turn that collaboration into real opportunities. Our first cohort of veterans is just the beginning. Our ambition is to build a programme that opens doors across the built environment, supports long-term career progression and helps develop the skilled workforce London needs.” Next steps This first group of veterans will trial the programme, to test what works best – covering how to recruit people, recognise their existing skills, and support them into stable, long-term careers in construction. The lessons learned will help shape how the programme grows in the future. More information To find out more about ‘Building Beyond Service’ and future opportunities contact The Skills Centre . People interested in future courses can also use this route to register their interest.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Serve and Protect Credit Union Upcoming Webinars - November 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-course-and-training/b/announcements/posts/serve-and-protect-credit-union-upcoming-webinars---november-2026</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:38:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:704b70cf-79c8-4ddc-a8dd-96d87baee0f8</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills When: Thursday 5th - 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Discover how you can live a greener life to protect the planet and your wallet. Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters When: Wednesday 11th - 12:00-13:00 What to Expect: Discover why financial resilience is so important, with simple tips to improve your resilience. Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money When: Thursday 12th - 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Learn how to create a budget that meets your financial goals, with tips to cut spending. Harmful Effects of Gambling: Presented in Collaboration with GamCare When: Tuesday 17th - 12:00-13:00 What to Expect: Understand the financial impacts of harmful gambling with insights and lived experience from GamCare. Saving Made Simple: Practical Habits to Boost Your Savings When: Wednesday 18th - 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Discover 10 practical savings methods to build a healthy savings cushion. Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score When: Thursday 19th - 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Understand the importance of credit scores, with simple tips to improve your score. Financial Guidance for Global Majority Workers in the UK When: Tuesday 24th - 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Explore the common challenges faced by Global Majority Workers and the support available. Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application When: Thursday 26th - 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Explore the journey of a loan application, the factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before applying. Register for free here: Serve and Protect Webinars</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: What Bills do you need to be aware of.</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/bills-bills-and-more-bills</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:16:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e3cc1711-35c2-45a1-9d3e-55ff0bd24e95</guid><dc:creator>RN FPS HQ</dc:creator><description>Some of these you may already have if you have relocated from Service Accommodation, but here are a list of the main bills you will need to pay when being in your own home: Rent This will need to be arranged and agreed with the Landlord, with payments sent direct to the Landlord, Local Housing Association or Letting Agency. More support on renting a property can be found here: Renting a property - GOV.UK Mortgage You will need to arrange and set up payments through your mortgage provider. More support on buying a property can be found here: Buying and owning a property - GOV.UK Council Tax Council Tax is an annual fee your local council charges you for the services it provides, like rubbish collection and libraries. In Service Accommodation this is taken directly out of a Service Persons pay, but in your own home you will need to pay for this directly. More support on Council Tax can be found here: How Council Tax works: Working out your Council Tax - GOV.UK If your Service Person is away from home for a long period of time, they may be able to claim some of this back - for more information contact navypeople-psrnfpsinfo@mod.gov.uk Utility Bills You will need to ensure you set up payments (if not already in place) for any Utility Bills you require in your property, unless it is part of your rental agreement: Gas/Oil Electric Water TV Licence Appliance/Electronic equipment rentals Internet Landline phone/mobile phone Home Insurance Service Charge (More common in flats, rentals &amp;amp; new build homes) Other bills may be required and it is your responsibility to maintain them Find out more about Bills and how to gain support here: What is the average cost of utility bills per month? | MoneyHelper Support to pay for your household energy can also be found here: Household energy - GOV.UK AND DON&amp;#39;T FORGET - there may be deals through the Blue Light Card or Defence Discount Service Schemes!</description><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/bills">bills</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/tags/Utility">Utility</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: Renting Privately</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/renting-privately</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:09:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cd744dcb-4d60-4fc1-9107-3b2958c8479b</guid><dc:creator>RN FPS HQ</dc:creator><description>When renting privately, it is vitally important that you understand everything you are required to do, help that is available and who to speak to for advice. You have certain rights and responsibilities if you’re a tenant in privately rented property. Your rights As a tenant, you have the right to: live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends - and in some circumstances have your deposit protected challenge excessively high charges know who your landlord is live in the property undisturbed see an Energy Performance Certificate for the property be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent have a written agreement if you have a fixed-term tenancy of more than 3 years If you have a tenancy agreement , it should be fair and comply with the law. If you do not know who your landlord is, write to the person or company you pay rent to. Your landlord can be fined If they do not give you this information within 21 days. Your responsibilities You should give your landlord access to the property to inspect it or carry out repairs. Your landlord has to give you at least 24 hours’ notice and visit at a reasonable time of day, unless it’s an emergency and they need immediate access. You must also: take good care of the property, for example turn off the water at the mains if you’re away in cold weather pay the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or you’re in dispute with your landlord pay other charges as agreed with the landlord, for example Council Tax or utility bills repair or pay for any damage caused by you, your family or friends only sublet a property if the tenancy agreement or your landlord allows it All the information and much more can be found on the Government Private Renting website https://www.gov.uk/private-renting The charity SAIL have lots of advice and support for housing https://sailine.org.uk Money Helper is another charity which can offer fantastic support and advice around renting https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/renting</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Household Insurance</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/house-insurance</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:04:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2a3f2cf4-9776-403c-98c6-24cf2551b651</guid><dc:creator>RN FPS HQ</dc:creator><description>Whether you are renting or own your own home, is it vital you have home insurance to cover you should anything untoward happen. Money Helper provides some useful information on Household Insurance The following have military affiliation and you may find they offer something specific to your needs as a Service family: Siiap Trinity Forces Plan Military Home Insurance | Everywhen (formerly Towergate) Don&amp;#39;t forget to check out the Blue Light Card and Defence Discount Service for Household Insurance too!</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Mortgages</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/mortgages</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:03:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c02606d5-ef22-4a4b-b9a0-7fc3befa33dc</guid><dc:creator>RN FPS HQ</dc:creator><description>When looking to buy your first home or moving house, it is important to get a full picture of all the support and advice available to you. The links below will take you to approved websites that will give you impartial advice and guidance. https://www.gov.uk/browse/housing-local-services/buying-owning-property https://sailine.org.uk https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/buying-a-home https://www.forcesmutual.org/2025/10/20/first-time-buyer-in-the-forces-your-guide-to-mortgages-for-military-personnel/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forces-help-to-buy</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Tenancy Deposit Loan Scheme</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/tenancy-deposit-loan-scheme</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7579b7f0-e3cc-4f86-8941-314a5d2442c5</guid><dc:creator>ASK INFO</dc:creator><description>The Tenancy Deposit Loan Scheme allows Civilian and Service personnel to apply for an advance of salary loan to help meet the cost of a deposit for a rental property in all UK locations. The initiative was developed by the Department of Communities and Local Government to assist you in meeting the cost of a deposit which can sometimes act as a barrier to moving. It is limited to the cost of the deposit and must be repaid over no more than 12 months. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/help-to-secure-a-rental-home-the-mod-tenancy-deposit-loan-scheme</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Trust Mark</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/trust-mark</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:14247bbf-9927-4697-8e60-d0204719b73e</guid><dc:creator>ASK INFO</dc:creator><description>TrustMark is a not-for-profit organization, licensed by the Government and supported by consumer protection groups. The website provides a search engine to find all types of tradesmen in all the towns across in the UK.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Forces Help to Buy</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/forces-help-to-buy-2049752257</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7affd99b-481b-4a70-95c5-23c9d8f31391</guid><dc:creator>ASK INFO</dc:creator><description>This scheme, designed to help you get on the property ladder, launched on 1 April 2014 and as of 1 January 2023 is an enduring policy available to all serving personnel and subject to certain criteria. You will be able to borrow up to 50% of your salary and any recruitment and retention pay (formerly Specialist Pay) up to a maximum of &amp;#163;25,000. The FHTB scheme is an interest free advance of salary and is to be repaid over ten years. It is available to Regular personnel to buy their first home or move to a new location (more than 50 miles from their current property), although there may be some exceptions to this. Most mainstream mortgage providers accept FHTB, but you should first check with your proposed lender before progressing any formal mortgage application. Approval for FHTB is no guarantee that a mortgage lender will advance a mortgage. Tel Internal: DBS (9)4560 3600 Option 4 Tel External: 0141 224 3600 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forces-help-to-buy</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Civilian Housing Options Brief and Information</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/civilian-housing-options-brief-and-information</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ba5613ba-3796-4498-886c-54ef1befdac3</guid><dc:creator>ASK INFO</dc:creator><description>Civilian Housing Options Briefs are delivered twice a month by the Defence Transition Service (DTS) part of Defence Business Services (DBS) who are the MOD’s tri-service focal point to provide service personnel and their dependents with civilian housing information for those wishing to move to civilian accommodation at any time in their career, and for those during resettlement to assist with the transition to civilian life. Email: DBSVets-DTS-Central@mod.gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing Civilian Housing Options and Information is provided by the Defence Transition Service (DTS) together with colleagues in the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). They can provide advice and guidance to help you make informed choices on your civilian housing options as you transition out of the forces. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-additional-support-when-leaving-the-armed-forces#what-we-can-help-you-with</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Leaving your Service Families Accommodation</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/private-accommodation/b/announcements/posts/leaving-your-service-families-accommodation</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a9f659e2-adfd-4c8e-926b-ee98d93d7047</guid><dc:creator>RN FPS HQ</dc:creator><description>When leaving your Married Quarter, Pinnacle are here to help. https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/moving-out/ Everything you need to know about how to book a Pre March out and March out can be found in the link above. You will also find information about the current march out standards.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Parenting and Relationship Support for Royal Navy Families</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/parenting/b/announcements/posts/parenting-and-relationship-support-for-royal-navy-families</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8b9a8595-106c-4a04-8378-1fb2443d70da</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Southampton Family Trust is a charitable organisation which has been working in Southampton since 2002. They provide information, parenting courses, couple work and one-to-one support for the various life stages, difficulties and joys that family life brings. They are offering FREE tailored programmes for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Families. Their courses are designed to help you support your children’s needs, enhance family resilience and manage conflict. Everything is online, so you can participate from anywhere in the world! It’s easy to book onto a course or seminar – just email them at info@sftrust.org.uk Explore the full range of practical, accessible Online bitesize seminars – just 90 minutes long Upcoming courses and news - Southampton Family Trust Run with support from the RNRMC and the AFCFT.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Parent Club Scotland - Talking about Sex and Relationships</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/parenting/b/announcements/posts/parent-club-scotland---talking-about-sex-and-relationships</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ebcc5292-33ce-4c84-9b4f-1295e993c5e7</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Parent Club has updated their website to include information on Sex and Relationships with guides on: Talking to your teen about sex. What does being in a healthy relationship mean? What&amp;#39;s healthy sexual behaviour and what isn&amp;#39;t? Talking to your teen about consent. Harmful sexual behaviour. To access these pages follow the link below: Sex and relationships | Parent Club</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Project Rebalance</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/parenting/b/announcements/posts/project-rebalance</link><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:463111f3-b867-41ad-8af6-c5c3778f363a</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Rebalance is an initiative of service mothers by service mothers to assist in seeking help if they have any concerns about their health. Pregnant and post natal service women are entitled to either Ministry of Defence , nhs.uk healthcare (via NHS GP Temporary Registration) or combined care. The Rebalance booklet can be found via the Defence Gateway. This is a MOD Internal network accessible to Service Personnel. https://jive.defencegateway.mod.uk/docs/DOC-368133</description></item></channel></rss>