https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/families-first-newsletter-1710716962Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:50:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9ffaf284-873f-491b-b3dd-eaaf9c9a9211RN Forum ModeratorThe latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-227Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:53:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4062023a-a985-41f3-b75b-3329d7569f55RN Forum ModeratorWe’re with HMS Prince of Wales as the Fleet Flagship continues to support NATO with exercises in the North Atlantic. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Updatehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/murton-farm-play-day-picnicTue, 23 Jun 2026 15:34:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7c9e6c88-a6ec-465a-861b-ca7c6dfe22a6RN Forum ModeratorJoin RN FPS in partnership with Angus Council and Aggies at Murton Farm. Enjoy crafts, traditional outdoor games, a visit to the animals in the petting zoo and a picnic lunch. If the weather is poor activities will take place inside a giant wigwam. Full details and how to book on this event see here - Murton Farm Play Day & Picnic (You will need to request to join the Member Events and Activities group if you have not already done so.)https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9533Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:53:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7426530a-5d5b-4f2e-9d37-a604bc2bbaafCommunity CSW2Hi MichelleK, to the best of my knowledge these were all done yesterday? Our group lead is now on leave until next Monday, so I will not be able to chase this up for you until then, sorry.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9532Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:31:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ff266bea-f6cc-4438-87db-61269fad0d5aMichelleKI haven't received the link for my Audible book yet - am I still on your list? Thankshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy---service-manager-casework-deliveryTue, 23 Jun 2026 09:37:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4624de80-f67a-4b95-bc20-dee2de436e53RN Forum ModeratorAre you a Qualified Social Worker looking for a new challenge? Royal Navy Family & People Support have a position for a Service Manager for Casework Delivery with primary work location either in Yeovil or Plymouth. Interested? Applications close on Thursday 16th July 2026 at 2355. See link below for full details. Link: Royal Navy - Service Manager Casework Delivery - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UKhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/neurodiversity/neurodiversity-community/b/announcements/posts/parents-and-carersTue, 23 Jun 2026 09:25:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5e3aeb05-0f91-4d2d-b6d2-1b4544cdcd27RN Forum ModeratorIntroduction to SEND law |22 July_| Free training (South East) This training is designed specifically for parents, carers and supporting family members of children with SEND, providing an introduction to SEND law, and empowering attendees to secure the right education for their child Thanks to a donation from The Peter Harrison Foundation, we are pleased to offer this training course for free to parents, carers and young people in the South East of England (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex who are unable to access a full cost place at an IPSEA parent/carer training event. A £10 deposit will be payable at the time of booking, and this will be refunded to you once you have attended the training.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichtonTue, 23 Jun 2026 07:11:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:de1d0b4a-9ac9-45ae-b28a-2ce33741848dCommunity CSW2Hello book club members, this month's book, The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton should be with you now... Please feel free to share your thoughts on the book here. A military space probe, sent to collect extraterrestrial organisms from the upper atmosphere, is knocked out of orbit and falls to Earth. Twelve miles from the crash site, an inexplicable and deadly phenomenon terrorizes the residents of a sleepy desert town in Arizona, leaving only two survivors: an elderly addict and a newborn infant. The United States government is forced to mobilize Project Wildfire, a top-secret emergency response protocol. Four of the nation’s most elite biophysicists are summoned to a clandestine underground laboratory located five stories beneath the desert and fitted with an automated atomic self-destruction mechanism for cases of irremediable contamination. Under conditions of total news blackout and the utmost urgency, the scientists race to understand and contain the crisis. But the Andromeda Strain proves different from anything they’ve ever seen - and what they don’t know could not only hurt them, but lead to unprecedented worldwide catastrophe. For kindle readers this book was unavailable and were given a choice of an audible copy or reading Book 2 "The Andromeda Evolution". We look forward to our next meeting on 20th July starting at 7.30pm on MS Teams.National Online CommunityBook Clubhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/introduction-of-transition-resource-for-armed-forces-pupilsMon, 22 Jun 2026 14:13:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3eff8738-d69e-480d-9333-f41ae5f68869RN Forum ModeratorAnnouncing the Introduction of Our New Transition Resource We are pleased to launch our Transition Resources for UK educators, designed to support positive transitions for armed forces children moving between education systems. The Resources have been developed in collaboration with educators, stakeholders and partners across each of the UK nations. What is the Transition Resource? The Transition Resource is a curated set of resources, organised around a core set of transition activities sending and receiving schools should complete before, during and following children’s moves between systems. How can you access it? The Transition Resource is available, CLICK HERE TO VIEW and find out more. What the resources contain Key transitions actions for schools and educators, linked to curated practical resources Accessible information about each nations’ education system, curriculums and qualification frameworks Routes to network with schools across the UK Next steps Explore the resource. Please share with education settings you work with. Schools or settings to share examples of how this resource supports armed forces children moving between education systems. Please send these to RC-DCS-HQ-EPT@mod.gov.uk , using the subject line ‘Our Transition best practice’.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/little-troopers-1144372618Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:36:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7ec70a49-c0a5-4d43-90ae-28e1c39c7e79RN Forum ModeratorArmed Forces Day 27th June is Armed Forces Day. A chance for the country to show their support for the British Armed Forces. For us, it is another chance to celebrate the support team behind the forces, our military families and specifically all the little troopers. We love to encourage our families to have a celebration. Take a look below at some of our resources and ways that you can recognise and celebrate your children. There’s also news of our Family Reconnection Weekends. Grab a cuppa and read on. Dates for your Diary All Together 27th June - Armed Forces Day 31st July - 2nd August - Family Reconnection weekend in Hertfordshire 26th August - Royal Hospital Chelsea intergenerational event Celebrating our little troopers Armed Forces Day is a great time to get together as a family, if you can, and celebrate the contribution you all make to the Armed Forces Community. Why not plan a special dinner and surprises for each member of the family?We have some lovely certificates that you can download and print, or you can make a gift for each other using one of our Crafty Little Troopers projects. To make it extra special you could order one of medals to present on the day. Family Reconnection Weekend Last month military families from across the country gathered in Dorset for the first Family Reconnection Weekend of the year. The event was part of our All Together programme which supports military children and their families during, or following time apart. Funded through a partnership with Team Forces , the weekend brought 11 families from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to the Portland Outdoor Centre. Over the weekend the families enjoyed hot chocolate on the beach, preparing mackerel and hiking to Portland Bill for fire-lighting and cooking their fresh fish. There was also a chance to take part in In coasteering along the rugged Dorset coastline and water sports. Isabella is our Little Trooper of the Month 8 year old Isabella has shown remarkable courage and resilience throughout her life while facing significant health challenges and adapting to military life. Before she was even born, Isabella was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition and has since undergone two open-heart surgeries at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Throughout her childhood, she has also faced additional health challenges, including hearing loss in her right ear and ongoing respiratory issues requiring specialist care. As the daughter of a serving British Army soldier, Isabella has experienced the unique challenges of military life alongside her medical journey. Nominate a Little Trooper We love to recognise little troopers who have been exceptionally brave, inspirational or just extra special against all odds. Anyone can nominate a child, who has a parent serving in the British Armed Forces, for Little Trooper of the Month. We love to hear from Unit Welfare Offices, Community Development Workers, Schools/Nurseries, Brownies/ Scout leaders and of course parents! Our monthly winner will receive a £100 voucher, certificate and lasting recognition of a customised, unique medal. Fundraisers of the Month This month, we would like to say a huge thank you to 7 year old Lillyaana, who has completed a read-a-thon “book tower” fundraising challenge and raised a total of £180 ! Lillyaana’s Mum told us: “In celebration of month of the military child, Lillyaana has read 196 books over 25 days to make a book tower standing as tall as herself at 131cm in height. Lillyaana read multiple books at a time before, during and after school and in the car when travelling. She even read bedtime stories to her baby sister to complete her challenge.” Thank you so much Lilyaana, you are an absolute superstar! Looking for activities this Armed Forces Day? We have a range of free resources for home and school, including a fun word search that's perfect for the whole family. Older children (and parents!) can hide the words for younger ones to find before starting the search. You can also download our Armed Forces Day Schools Pack and Little Troopers Club session to help children learn more about and celebrate the Armed Forces community. Make an Armed Forces Day wordsearch Armed Forces Day Session Armed Forces Day Schools Pack CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS AND MOREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/last-chance-to-book-france-or-floridaMon, 22 Jun 2026 11:06:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:909e3d4c-de9e-4778-b3b6-8a09b90b9cecRN Forum ModeratorGive Us Time wanted to let you know about two amazing breaks available over the summer holidays! Orlando, Florida 14 - 28 August Spacious townhouse sleeping up to 4 people, on a family-friendly resort near Disney, with on-site pools and lakeside views. Brittany, N France 25 July - 1 August Beautiful gite which sleeps up to 4 people, stunning rural locations, but easy access to beaches and local attractions. Families will be required to cover the costs of TRAVEL, TRANSFERS, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT ETC as part of their trip. Email enquiries@giveustime.org.uk for more info! Or Visit their page HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/the-families-hub---it-is-more-than-you-thinkMon, 22 Jun 2026 08:37:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5e620757-7163-46f2-a007-f081657d4976RN Forum ModeratorThe Families Hub has moved into its second year. To mark the occasion, we hope to further raise awareness and encourage engagement. They have calendar of events throughout the year. Annual Content Calendar JUNE Armed Forces Week "Did you know there's a place designed to help Service families find trusted support? Whether you're serving, supporting or supporting those who serve—start with the Families Hub. Families Strengthen Defence" Carers Week "Are you caring for someone while balancing Service life? Support starts here. The Families Hub - Where Service Families find support.” JULY "Summer plans changing? Find information on childcare and family support. One Hub. Countless Questions”. AUGUST Back to School "New school. New area. New routine. School admissions SEND support Overseas education Childcare The Families Hub has it all in one place.” Family Travel Season "Heading overseas or relocating? The Families Hub has information to help you prepare.” SEPTEMBER Back to Routine "Settled in after the summer? Now's a good time to check what support is available. Every Stage. Every Family. One Hub." OCTOBER World Mental Health Day "You don't need to face challenges alone. Get the support you are entitled to and let the Families Hub point you in the right direction." (Signpost wellbeing and family support) NOVEMBER Talk Money Week "Let's talk money. Practical support and guidance for Service families. It all starts with The Families Hub.” DECEMBER Festive Support "Away from loved ones this Christmas? Support and guidance is available year-round via The Families Hub.” Generic BAU content "Did you know?" Housing support Childcare information Employment support Wellbeing guidance Transition resources All available through the Families Hub. One Hub. Countless Questions.” "Did you know the Families Hub covers everything from childcare to transition? Wherever you are in your Service family journey, start with the Families Hub." Myth: You need to know exactly where to look for support. Reality: The Families Hub helps point you in the right direction. Wherever you are in your Service family journey, start with the Families Hub."https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/share-your-messages-of-supportMon, 22 Jun 2026 08:08:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fa308b5c-46ef-4e1f-aea0-96bab1ca9807RN Forum ModeratorShare your messages of support for our Armed Forces! This Armed Forces Week, we're looking for messages of thanks from friends and family of our Armed Forces. Email your message to: MODComms-DDC@mod.gov.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/reminder---this-event-needs-support---kings-camp---the-weekender-at-the-university-of-stirling-kings-camp-this-coming-soonMon, 22 Jun 2026 07:37:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2e049416-d77d-4843-bac4-2e269ddae772RN Forum ModeratorKings Camp - The Weekender at The University of Stirling Kings Camps have been working with the Royal Navy for many years operating Kings Camps multi-sports and activity camps at locations across the UK. Through the Strengthening Families – By Your Side programme that’s been developed by the RNRMC , and new for 2026 in collaboration with the RAF Benevolent fund, Kings Camps have created and are hosting The Weekender, an incredible experience for teenagers of serving families. The Weekender runs Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August 2026. Exclusively for 14-17 year olds. Places are subsidised to £50 for RN/RM and £95 for RAF personnel. To find our more and to book visit The Weekender at The University of Stirling | Kings Campshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/save-big-this-armed-forces-week---exclusive-discountsSun, 21 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7bcdf572-99db-43c4-a228-22e17472648bRN Forum ModeratorFour brands have partnered with the MOD to offer special discounts for the Defence community throughout Armed Forces Week 2026. Household names Cotswold Outdoor, Decathlon, HelloFresh and Mountain Warehouse have become the first ever Official Partners during Armed Forces Week (22–28 June) – through a new collaboration between the MOD, Department for Business and Trade, and Defence Discount Service. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, spend more time outdoors, or make healthy eating simpler, the four Official Partners will offer the following boosted discounts during Armed Forces Week, beginning on 22 June : Cotswold Outdoor – 20% off full-price items, online and in stores Decathlon – 20% off a select range of full-priced sports and fitness equipment online HelloFresh – 60% off your first delivery, 25% off the next seven boxes, plus free treats for life for new and previous customers Mountain Warehouse – 25% off online Full details of each offer, including how to claim and any terms and conditions, are available via Defence Discount Service (DDS) How to claim your discounts For in-store offers, simply show one of the following as proof of eligibility: Defence Discount Service privilege card (physical or digital) MOD90 Forces Personnel ID Card HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (physical or digital) For online deals from the Official Partners and many other brands, you can access exclusive promo codes through the DDS website or app. Not yet registered with DDS? Sign up today Over 14,000 brands offer savings all year round, via Defence Discount Service – the official MOD discount service for the UK’s armed forces, veterans and Defence community. Signing up to access online discounts is free. A DDS privilege card can also be purchased for £4.99 – giving you access to discounts on the high street, in stores, restaurants and venues. Membership is valid for five years. You’ll get a digital card straight away, and a physical card will be posted to you. Register today via the Defence Discount Service website or DDS app. Please note: It may take up to 72 hours for membership registrations to be verified and confirmed. Worth more than just discounts… 15% of all DDS revenue goes to charities that support the Armed Forces community – through the Ministry of Defence – including serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every time you use your DDS card, you're contributing to that too.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/china-fleet-club-family-fun-daySat, 20 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:131fdeca-82a1-4e09-95bd-47972df79481RN Forum ModeratorAn action‑packed Family Fun Day at the China Fleet Country Club Saltash, Cornwall. Sunday 12th July 2026 , from 11am to 3pm a fantastic day out filled with entertainment for all ages. Access to a huge range of activities, including: Helter Skelter Inflatable | Energy Assault Course | Jungle Assault Course Minions Bouncy Castle | Inflatable Axe Throwing | Gladiator Duel Live Music | Face Painting | Circus Skills | Children’s Entertainment Military Equipment & Personnel | Fairground Games | + MORE! Tickets £5 per person (under 2's go free) All profits going to the China Fleet Trust Fund. See poster below or link for further details and booking: China Fleet Club Family Fun Dayhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/adult_education/b/announcements/posts/ucasFri, 19 Jun 2026 14:31:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:959fc571-440d-4b21-8b26-f5e7b56a8d0aFormer MemberHave you thought about going back into education and not sure where to start or do you have questions about how to balance studying around the strains of Armed Forces life? UCAS have a range of support available on their website which is focuses around spouses and partners of UK Armed Forces personnel. Whether you thinking about full or part time study or have concerns about how studying would fit around your own personal circumstances such as parenting and carer responsibilities, UCAS have you covered. More information can be found on the UCAS website here . The Armed Forces Covenant website also has a range of information and resources to support service spouses and partners with careers and education. More information can be found here .adultArmed Forces CovenantcareersAdult educationeducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/adult_education/b/announcements/posts/skills-for-careersFri, 19 Jun 2026 13:40:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:29637690-02ad-43aa-ac50-6e51c0fb56b3RN Forum ModeratorSkills for Careers is part of the Department for Education which provide education and training choices via different ways to get the skills you need for your career. They have: Apprenticeships T Levels Higher technical qualifications (HTQs) Vocational technical qualifications (VTQs) A levels Higher education Free Courses for Jobs Skills Bootcamps Essential Skills Supported internships if you have an education, health and care plan Apprenticeship units Click on one of the above or visit Skills for Careers for further support and information.careersAdult LearningAdult educationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/adult_education/b/announcements/posts/forces-families-jobsFri, 19 Jun 2026 13:31:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:781c0e38-1c36-4798-9db7-747818702738RN Forum ModeratorForces Families Jobs (FFJ) is the free careers platform for family members of currently serving UK personnel, run for you by the tri-Service Families Federations. For more information on what it offers: Forces Families Jobs - Forces Families Jobshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/adult_education/b/announcements/posts/rnldoFri, 19 Jun 2026 13:20:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7094aa04-7258-430a-9082-e2ad2c5c4069ASK INFOThe Learning and Development Organisation (LDO) enables Royal Navy personnel to access learning, development and resettlement support. This is available when shoreside, or at sea when deployed on operations. Some shoreside centres offer access to learning to partners of Service personnel. To find out if this happens in your location contact ASK INFO or email navypeople-psrnfpsinfo@mod.gov.uk