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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>News</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/</link><description>Whether it is BFPO service updates or official statements keep up to date on key information and news from across the Royal Navy and other supporting services. </description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>Telligent Community 12</generator><item><title>Blog Post: Mission Motorsport - November 2026 Newsletter</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/mission-motorsport---november-2026-newsletter</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:59:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:94371a3b-46f2-4e83-be90-2945e69e4c2f</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Our November newsletter is here! It&amp;#39;s been a busy few weeks for Mission Motorsport, with Race of Remembrance bringing our community together last weekend at Anglesey and Thruxton Karting Centre for a very special weekend of motorsport, camaraderie and remembrance. In this month&amp;#39;s newsletter, you&amp;#39;ll find: Race of Remembrance 2026: Watch the race footage from Anglesey and how you can still get involved through Legacy Lap . Latest news: Welcoming Colin Hoad as a Mission Motorsport Ambassador and an evening with racing legend Mike Wilds. Upcoming events: NEXT WEEK Join us for Banter, Brews &amp;amp; Cars at Three Sisters Circuit on 18 November. Fundraising: Find out how to join Team Mission Motorsport at Run Fest Silverstone or support us while doing your Christmas shopping. And more! Whether you&amp;#39;ve been part of our events for years or are just getting to know Mission Motorsport, there&amp;#39;s plenty to catch up on. Read our November newsletter here.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: DIO Stakeholder Briefing 12 November 2026 - Love2Shop Compensation Scheme</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/dio-stakeholder-briefing-12-november-2026---love2shop-compensation-scheme</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 13:26:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:17a9c37d-7ebb-4f4b-aea5-fd2598ac4866</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Love2Shop Compensation Scheme A service disruption affecting Love2Shop had temporarily impacted the issue and redemption of electronic vouchers used to compensate Service families. The scheme itself had not stopped during this period and claims continued to be assessed and approved through routine arrangements. Full services have now been reinstated following the recent disruption, enabling normal issuing and redemption of vouchers to resume. Pinnacle are progressing the release of outstanding voucher codes to approved claims as a priority, with updated customer communications being developed to reflect new security and registration requirements introduced by Love2Shop. Whilst we anticipate minimal disruption to voucher redemptions during the service disruption, Service families experiencing any issue should be signposted directly to Love2Shop.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2027: Nominate Now!</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/celebrating-forces-families-awards-2027-nominate-now</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 11:54:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:53fdc192-1488-4179-aecb-5bac82f46eac</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Every day, forces families show resilience, dedication, compassion, and strength. The Celebrating Forces Families Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, families, and organisations making a positive impact across the Armed Forces community. Now is your chance to ensure their contributions are recognised. Celebrating Forces Families is delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2027 Celebrating Forces Families Awards, with nominations closing on 1 December. The awards ceremony will take place in London on 16 April 2027, bringing together the Armed Forces community to recognise the outstanding people and organisations making a difference to forces families. The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by forces family members, volunteers, community champions, and organisations supporting military families across the United Kingdom. Forces families play a vital role in supporting serving personnel and veterans, often demonstrating remarkable resilience, adaptability, and commitment behind the scenes. The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the individuals and organisations whose efforts strengthen the Armed Forces community. Members of the public, employers, schools, charities, community groups, and military organisations are encouraged to submit nominations for those making a difference. Nominations can be submitted online at: https://www.celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk/nominate By sharing these inspiring stories, the awards aim to highlight the achievements, impact, and dedication of forces families and those who support them. Nominations are open. Help us celebrate the people behind the uniform.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Stronger Together: Practical Support for Royal Navy Families and Veterans</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/stronger-together-practical-support-for-royal-navy-families-and-veterans</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:11:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a001d149-59fc-40e2-9143-17291d62b044</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>A supportive programme for Royal Navy and Royal Marines family members and veterans in Scotland, combining practical wellbeing tools, coaching and peer connection to help navigate the realities of service life. Stronger Together is an eight to ten-week programme designed specifically for Royal Navy and Royal Marines family members and veterans. Delivered through a combination of in-person sessions in Luss, Loch Lomond, and online group sessions, the programme provides practical tools to help participants manage stress, improve communication, build resilience and strengthen relationships at home. Participants will explore coaching techniques, mindfulness, breathwork, gentle movement and practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life. The programme also offers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique experiences and challenges associated with military family life. The programme includes: Two in-person wellbeing mornings in Luss, Loch Lomond Four online group sessions via Zoom One final in-person session to reflect on learning and future wellbeing goals No previous experience is required, and all activities are suitable for beginners. The programme may be particularly helpful for those: Managing deployments or periods of separation Supporting children through change or uncertainty Balancing caring responsibilities Looking for practical wellbeing tools Interested in connecting with others who understand naval family life Booking deadline: Friday 27 November 2026 (12 noon) Booking the programme: BOOK HERE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Royal Navy 60 Second Update - Episode 237</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-237</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:52:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:1cfecebe-f369-47d0-80c6-7f6e03d67978</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>It’s been a busy time for the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Update</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Armed Forces Commissioner: Service Community Request to Share Experiences of Phase 1 Training Establishment’s Welfare Support</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-commissioner-service-community-request-to-share-experiences-of-phase-1-training-establishment-s-welfare-support-254356029</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:42:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:1df751e8-f530-4c3a-8ec6-5c18d666b928</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>The Armed Forces Commissioner is currently undertaking a Thematic Review into welfare, behaviours, and lived experiences at Phase 1 Training Facilities. As part of this, the AFC has launched a call for evidence from anyone who has been a recruit, staff member, or relevant family member at a Phase 1 Training Facility within the last 5 years. The is an opportunity to inform and shape the future of welfare and wellbeing in the Armed Forces. Evidence is welcome from anyone who is currently based at a Phase 1 Training Establishment as a recruit, instructor or Chain of Command, or anyone who was based at one between 2021 and 2026. Relevant family members who have supported, or are currently supporting, a Service person through Phase 1 training are also encouraged to share their experiences. The AFC is keen to hear both positive and negative experiences. Included in Phase 1 Training Facilities are: Army Foundation College Harrogate Army Training Centre Pirbright Infantry Training Centre Catterick Army Training Regiment Winchester Royal Military Academy Sandhurst HMS Raleigh Britannia Royal Naval College RAF Halton RAF College Cranwell Royal Marines CTC Lympstone Army Training Regiment (ATR) Grantham Submissions should focus on participants own experiences and can include participants overall experiences of Phase 1 Training or specific issues such as support available, and how effective it was, how concerns about inappropriate behaviour could be raised or reported, whether concerns were dealt with effectively, and if safeguarding or bystander training was provided. For more information on how to submit evidence participants should visit the Armed Forces Commissioner’s website .</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Your Royal Navy Journey: A Celebration for Service Leavers and Their Families</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/your-royal-navy-journey-a-celebration-for-service-leavers-and-their-families</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:39:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8ddccf77-5d2f-4e2b-9b68-eb09e5b78878</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Leaving the Royal Navy is a significant milestone, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is also an opportunity to recognise not only your commitment and achievements, but the unwavering support of those who have shared the journey with you. Service Leavers Events (SLEs) are held to formally thank Service Leavers and their families for their dedication, resilience, and contribution to Service life. Whether through deployments, relocations, time apart, or the many challenges and rewards that come with military life, family support plays a vital role every step of the way. These events offer a chance to: Celebrate your service and achievements Reflect on your Royal Navy journey Connect with fellow Service Leavers and their families Mark this important transition as you prepare for the next chapter Families Welcome Service life is a family experience, and these events are an opportunity to recognise and thank those who have supported you throughout your career. Partners, spouses, children, and close family members are warmly invited to join you for this special occasion and celebrate everything you have achieved together. Each Service Leavers Event is hosted by a senior Royal Navy officer (2* rank) and includes an informal drinks reception, providing an opportunity to meet others, share experiences, and mark the occasion in a relaxed and welcoming environment. To find upcoming event dates and details on how to attend, visit the Members Matters and Chatters area located under the Information tab. Members Matters and Chatters (You will need to request to join this area if you haven&amp;#39;t already done so)</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Motorfinity: 10 years of miles and smiles</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/motorfinity-10-years-of-miles-and-smiles</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:37:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:df0acdae-4a16-4078-89b5-8e8b2f94f156</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>This month Motorfinity is marking ten years of helping the UK’s frontline workers buy brand-new cars for less. Since 2016, Motorfinity has helped thousands of people save money when they buy a new car. And the good news is, Motorfinity is part of Defence&amp;#39;s Offer, so those savings are available to serving members of the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans, military families and MOD civil servants. Motorfinity works with most major car manufacturers, so you can compare your options in one place. Customers save an average of &amp;#163;7,400 on many makes and models – based on 2025 sales data. The facts It&amp;#39;s free to use – there&amp;#39;s no cost or paperwork for you or Defence It won&amp;#39;t affect your pay, pension or any workplace benefits There are no tax implications You get your own account manager, who supports you from your first enquiry to delivery day You can choose from flexible finance and leasing options, including HP and PCP, to spread the cost Your family may also be able to access discounts with some car brands You can part-exchange your old car as part of the process Your new car can be delivered to you, anywhere in the UK How it works Choose a car and submit a quick enquiry on the Motorfinity website Motorfinity will check that you&amp;#39;re eligible Their team will find the best offer for you, sort out your finance and arrange part-exchange if you need it You don&amp;#39;t need to visit a showroom. You can do everything online or by phone. There&amp;#39;s no pressure to decide quickly, and no hard sell. Find out more Read Royal Navy veteran Andy&amp;#39;s story about the savings he made with Motorfinity and the benefits of going electric You can see the full range of car brands and current offers at www.motorfinity.uk Visit Discover My Benefits to find out more about Motorfinity and the other discount services available in Your Offer</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Sibs Parent Workshop – Introduction to Supporting Siblings</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/sibs-parent-workshop-introduction-to-supporting-siblings</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 08:16:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:73127040-8d1a-40aa-b5ba-d24e08809172</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Join us for an online workshop all about supporting young siblings of disabled or neurodivergent children. Wednesday 18th November 2026 7 PM - 8 PM This workshop is for: Parents of disabled children who want to know more about supporting siblings. It will help parents of disabled children find ways of giving attention, information, and support to the other children in their families. Participants will gain: • Insight into siblings’ needs and experiences • Practical ideas for giving siblings attention • Further sources of information This workshop does have a cost of &amp;#163;10. Book via the QR code on the graphic below or this link: Parent Workshop Book Here</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: RN Forum Lowdown - October 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/rn-forum-lowdown---october-2026</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:46:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:53fec501-8c0b-459b-8c9c-6e8100a19daf</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Take a look at the latest RN Forum Lowdown which consists of links to the majority of posts that have been published over the previoust month, plus highlights of what Member groups have been updated too. It includes forum facts and updates to assist you in navigating and using the RN Forum. To read the latest Lowdown and access previous issues follow the link below: RN Forum Lowdown</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Improving Lives Plymouth - November 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/improving-lives-plymouth---november-2026</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:28:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fe09bfb5-b503-4ea6-849e-b77cbaeb08d5</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Presenting their Armed Forces Covenant Newsletter for November 2026. Linked below: November - Newsletter-.pdf</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: SSCE Cymru Monthly School Bulletin - November 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ssce-cymru-monthly-school-bulletin---november-2026</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a1830ad8-8a0d-4c2d-af37-50fa69303fa7</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Including: Seren of the Month Armed Forces Friendly Schools Cymru Supporting children in times of conflict resources Remembrance Events Funding And much more Available here https://tinyurl.com/ycx87pvp</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Dark Days, Brighter Finances - Serve and Protect</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/dark-days-brighter-finances---serve-and-protect</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:6f503a58-9282-49a5-a6cf-64eeb4ed2ef2</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so a little planning can go a long way! Tips For the Winter.pdf Serve and Protect Credit Union also has helpful financial wellbeing tools, including a Budget Planner, to help you plan ahead and manage festive spending. Serve and Protect Winter Tools</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Naval Children's Charity - October Newsletter</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/naval-children-s-charity---october-newsletter</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 08:25:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:73644f05-e53d-408c-9e59-11be48051ab1</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>This month includes: Princess Royal Visit We Won! Pottery Fun Trek to Crete in 2027? And more Read the full newsletter - HERE Subscribe for a direct copy - HERE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: DIO Stakeholder Briefing - 29 October 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/dio-stakeholder-briefing---29-october-2026</link><pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:34:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cd08d30f-458c-4700-b9e9-14ef4ad48901</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>New DAS Mattress Pilot From 1st November 2026, if you receive a DAS-issued mattress, you will be asked to keep it and continue to use it until it reaches the supplier&amp;#39;s five-year shelf life or you no longer need it. To help keep track of this, all new mattresses issued from 1 November 2026 will be labelled with the month and year they were provided. If you already have a mattress issued before 1 November 2026, there is no change and the current process will continue to apply. In occupancy requests for mattresses will be only for collection, unless it is exchanging a cot mattress for a single mattress to grow with the child. All other in occupancy requests for new mattresses will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Once a mattress reaches five years old, a replacement can be requested through the usual in-occupancy process. Changes to CAS Survey Communications Improved communications for families about Condition Surveys (formerly CAS Surveys) were introduced on 1 October 2026. While the survey process remains the same, the new letters and booking process are designed to make it clearer why surveys are carried out and easier to arrange an appointment. We encourage you to take part and provide access when requested as these condition surveys help DIO understand the condition and safety of your home, identify any maintenance needs, and plan future improvements. Please note, you will now be able to choose an appointment date before survey teams visit your area. Access for safety inspections Regular gas and electrical safety inspections are a vital part of keeping Service Family Accommodation safe for you and your family. If you are unable to attend a booked appointment, please contact the service provider as soon as possible to arrange an alternative date. Failure to provide access may result in the matter being escalated through the Chain of Command and, where necessary, authorised entry arrangements may be implemented to enable essential safety inspections to be completed. Storms: Checking your home for damage Following the recent storms which affected many parts of the UK, we encourage Service families living in SFA to carry out a quick check of their home and garden for any signs of damage. Taking a few minutes to inspect your home can help identify problems early and prevent further damage. If you spot any damage or have concerns about the condition of your home, please report it to Pinnacle as soon as possible. You can do this through HomeHub or by contacting the National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628. If there is an immediate danger to life or property, you should contact the emergency services first. Be on the look out for: Loose, cracked or missing roof tiles. Damaged, leaning or fallen fencing. Fallen branches, trees or other debris in your garden. Signs of water ingress, leaks, damp patches or flooding. Damage to doors, windows, gutters or other parts of your home. Loose items or structures that may have been affected by high winds. Aiming to move before Christmas? If you are planning a move in the UK before or during the Christmas and New Year period, please submit your accommodation and removals applications as early as possible. Demand for moving services is typically higher at this time of year so booking early gives you the best opportunity to secure your preferred moving date and make arrangements confidently ahead of the festive period. While arrangements are always in place to support short-notice needs, early applications help us to plan our effectively and reduce pressure during the busy winter period to deliver the best possible service to Service families. We encourage anyone expecting to move before Christmas or over the holiday period to start the process as soon as you can. Families First newsletter DIO Defence Connect Email us: DIO-CorporateComms@mod.gov.uk</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Royal Navy 60 Second Update - Episode 236</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-236</link><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:13:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:963fcb37-aacd-45a5-ab10-039a686e3f3e</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Allies in the South China Sea. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Update</description></item><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>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: 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: This Remembrance Day, How Will You Remember? Introducing Legacy Lap.</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/this-remembrance-day-how-will-you-remember-introducing-legacy-lap</link><pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:36:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:687e74ad-483e-4bbe-9547-075c31db2121</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Mission Motorsport are proud to introduce Legacy Lap , created in partnership with military veteran Mark Bradshaw, this new fundraising initiative offers a meaningful way to remember someone special this Remembrance, be part of Race of Remembrance 2026 and support Mission Motorsport’s work with the Armed Forces community. Whether honouring a loved one, remembering a fallen comrade or sharing a message of support, you can dedicate a section of the track to someone special. How will you remember? Legacy Lap allows anyone, wherever you are, to sponsor a five-metre section of Anglesey Circuit and dedicate it to someone or something meaningful. Each donation helps turn the virtual track from red to green, creating a lasting tribute to the people who matter. The idea was born following last year’s Race of Remembrance , when Mark wanted to give back to Mission Motorsport and create a way for people unable to attend or participate to still be part of the event. Having experienced his own challenges following military service, Mark found support, friendship and renewed purpose through Mission Motorsport. “Mission Motorsport gave me an understanding of something that is difficult to appreciate from the outside – motorsport may bring people together, but what happens around it is just as important. It’s the people, the friendships, the sense of belonging, and the opportunity to rediscover purpose and confidence,” said Mark. Alex Atherton, Managing Director of Mission Motorsport, added: “Legacy Lap embodies everything Race of Remembrance stands for: remembrance, community, and the power of people coming together for a greater purpose. It is a wonderful way for supporters to become part of the race while helping us continue our work with veterans and their families.” Every penny raised will support Mission Motorsport’s work helping members of the Armed Forces community affected by military service through recovery sport. Choose your section. Share your dedication. Leave your mark. Visit Legacy Lap to make your dedication. Please share this with your community, friends and network. If you have any questions about Legacy Lap or would like to find out more about how to get involved with Mission Motorsport, please get in touch at team@missionmotorsport.org .</description></item></channel></rss>