https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/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. en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/forces-children-scotland---get-involved-in-their-research-projectFri, 10 Jul 2026 09:18:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:0aec2206-adb4-4a9e-8038-5d7d910dde35RN Forum ModeratorForces Children Scotland are looking for young people from naval families from all over the UK to be involved in a research project that will explore the experiences of children and young people when their parent leaves the forces. Young people aged 12–19 with a parent or carer who has left, or is leaving, the Armed Forces are invited to lead UK-wide research into this experience. Receiving a £10 voucher for each meeting they attend. For further information CLICK HERE . Closing date: 19 th Julyhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-228Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:33:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b8b42deb-134e-43eb-b8c6-03dfa7ebaf2bRN Forum ModeratorYour latest news comes from minehunting mothership RFA Lyme Bay who’s currently in the Middle East. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Updatehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/aggies-weekly-timetable-of-groups-in-your-local-areasTue, 07 Jul 2026 18:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:dbcbca5d-562a-488c-a870-0cbd74d142beRN Forum ModeratorAggies Pastoral Workers are based within many of our units and establishments supporting our serving personnel throughout their careers from basic training and beyond, providing social activities such as the infamous Bacon Butties, Coffee Mornings, Walking Groups, Arts and Crafts and much, much more. We have started to share their updated timetables to some of our Local Support groups and Unit groups (Listed below) within the Forum. Portsmouth Culdrose Rosyth Yeovilton HMS Collingwood If you are not already a member of your Local Support group you will need to request to join by completing the request to join box.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/valuing-forces-families-overseas-focus-group-invitation-1457669087Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:51aca564-4744-470e-ba8f-0fbdf44e6afdRN Forum ModeratorRAND Europe has been commissioned by the Army Families Federation, in partnership with the RAF Families Federation and the Naval Families Federation, to conduct a study exploring the experiences of UK military families throughout the overseas postings cycle. As part of this research, RAND Europe is holding focus groups with military families who have experience of overseas postings, including preparing for, undertaking, and returning from an assignment overseas. These discussions aim to provide an improved and up-to-date understanding of families lived experiences and the challenges they face at different stages of the overseas postings cycle. This research will contribute to the Valuing Forces Families Overseas (VFFO) programme, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which seeks to uncover hidden needs within the Armed Forces community and identify where additional support may be most needed. If you Are an ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces Are a partner of a serving or ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces, AND if you, within the last 3 years : Considered going on an overseas posting (even if you ended up not going), or Went on an accompanied posting overseas, or Were separated from your partner due to an unaccompanied posting Please follow the link below fill out the Expression of Interest survey to determine eligibility. Link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/G0MAAF/ If you have any questions, please contact the RAND Europe research team via email at VFFO_Research@randeurope.org RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research institute whose aim is to improve policy through evidence-based research and analysis.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/motorfinity-july-newsletter-2026Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:41:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:1d8fb4d7-9024-4398-a20f-eac28e0c4cedRN Forum ModeratorMotorfinity is a specialist car provider , helping eligible customers save thousands on brand-new vehicles through exclusive discounts from leading manufacturers including Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford, Kia and many more. Alongside helping you find your next new car, we're passionate about sharing inspiring stories that celebrate innovation, history and the people who have shaped the world around us. This month, we've brought together three fascinating articles that explore remarkable moments of courage, ingenuity and remembrance. Motorfinity | The Somme Secret: How Churchill’s tanks terrified Germany Explores the development and first deployment of Britain's tanks during the Battle of the Somme, highlighting Winston Churchill's role in championing the revolutionary technology and the psychological impact it had on German forces. Motorfinity | The photograph remembers - A Battle of the Somme Story A personal and moving family story by Renee Foster, recounting the experiences of her grandparents during the Battle of the Somme and the lasting impact of war through the lens of a treasured family photograph. Motorfinity | On Freedom’s Wings Tells the story behind On Freedom’s Wings , a full-sized steel sculpture of an Avro Lancaster bomber in Lincolnshire, honouring the 55,573 men of RAF Bomber Command who lost their lives during the Second World War and preserving their legacy for future generations. If you're in the market for a new car, your role could help unlock exclusive savings through Motorfinity. Get in touch today to find your next new car and discover how much you could save. Contact us or submit an enquiry today! Motorfinityhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/fixed-saver-13-by-serve-and-protectMon, 06 Jul 2026 11:04:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8b50fb8b-2b19-4758-b05f-df02c3c7ea90RN Forum ModeratorAs part of our financial wellbeing benefits, a new Fixed Saver account is available through Serve and Protect Credit Union . For your awareness only – benefits include: Fixed term and interest rate FSCS protected up to £120,000 Full terms and conditions available on the Serve and Protect website. Employees should take a look and decide if it’s right for them . For more details: Fixed Saver 13https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/introduction-of-transition-resource-for-armed-forces-pupils-1074509261Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:40:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:6887e77f-3a9c-4372-b7fa-8a8d9e40cf44RN Forum ModeratorAnnouncing the Introduction of Armed Forces Highland's 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/naafi-fund-2026---welfareMon, 06 Jul 2026 08:17:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3fc59f71-3ffb-4778-9065-f4acdd319035RN Forum ModeratorThe NAAFI Fund portal is open for applications again! Since their launch in 2020, they have supported 541 projects totalling £4,844,227. Mark Your Calendars Two-month window: Applications open on Wednesday 1st July and close on Friday 4 th September, meaning you have the whole summer to get your project ideas in. One-Stage Application: No complicated stages, just one straightforward application to complete. Get Ready to Apply You can find the link to apply on the Giving Back page: NAAFI | The NAAFI Fund , there is also some application guidance and FAQ’s to help with your submission, if you get stuck. If you have any questions, please send to funding@naafi.co.uk .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ssce-cymru-monthly-school-bulletin---july-2026Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:56:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:d44d2bf1-12ed-4930-9983-45b7aa42347bRN Forum ModeratorThis edition includes: Seren of the Month Armed Forces Friendly Schools Cymru New journal entries Resources Events Funding And much more Available HERE Back Editions available HEREhttps://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-soonWed, 01 Jul 2026 14:39:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2e049416-d77d-4843-bac4-2e269ddae772RN Forum ModeratorUnfortunately due to poor take up the Kings Camp - The Weekender at The University of Stirling has been cancelled 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. This Weekender would have run from 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.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/reminder---deployment-seminarWed, 01 Jul 2026 13:22:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e99823b1-500d-4326-a54a-d48b5dda4e34RN Forum ModeratorThursday 2 nd July 2026 7:30 – 9:00 PM Southampton Family Trust Deployment brings unique pressures for parents and children alike. Whether you are preparing for a separation, managing life during deployment, or navigating the transition when your loved one returns home, this session will offer practical advice, reassurance and ideas that can help. During this friendly and supportive seminar, we'll explore: How deployment affects children of different ages, from toddlers to teenagers Common emotional and behavioural reactions during separation and reunion Practical parenting strategies for each stage of deployment Ways to support your child's wellbeing and maintain family connections Tips for managing homecoming and rebuilding routines together Helpful resources and support available for Royal Navy families The session is free to attend, funded by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and includes opportunities to share experiences and ask questions. Email to the address on the image below to register and get a Zoom Link to attend.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/forces-pension-society---webinarTue, 30 Jun 2026 16:02:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:640d6abc-46ad-4b0a-83d5-a2158f05e5ceRN Forum ModeratorEveryone Welcome! Are you currently serving, preparing to leave, or have you already left the Armed Forces? Join us for an informative webinar covering the latest updates to Armed Forces pensions. 14 July 2026 12:30PM – 01:30PM Hosted online via Microsoft Teams. This is a great opportunity for serving personnel, veterans, service leavers, and family members to stay informed and get answers to your pension questions. Session details HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/navy-beneficiaries-newsletter---july-2026---china-fleet-clubTue, 30 Jun 2026 14:24:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fec9591d-85d6-46ea-b137-e034147eeb1bRN Forum ModeratorInside This Issue... Grab your Family Fun Day tickets Golf course upgrades NEW Brasserie summer menu Accommodation discounts Free children's tutoring with The Naval Children’s Charity Christmas booking NOW LIVE And more.... Read it all HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/publication-of-nao-report-on-the-repurchase-of-the-defence-sfa-estateMon, 29 Jun 2026 10:06:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:238f0da6-4126-4d51-82ce-43a50b2d4a58RN Forum ModeratorThe National Audit Office (NAO) has published its report into the MOD’s buy-back of 36,000 homes. The report confirms that bringing these homes back into public ownership has already stopped what could have been billions of pounds in future losses, while giving the MOD the control it needs to improve housing for families. The homes had originally been sold in 1996 and leased back for many years, at huge cost to taxpayers. Since completing the buy-back in early 2025, the MOD has been able to redirect money previously spent on rent into making homes better. Whilst the report states that the deal to repurchase was the lowest cost option and handled effectively, it also highlights some challenges for the MOD and the need to establish the Defence Housing Service with the powers and autonomy it requires to deliver planned reform efficiently. For the full set of NAO recommendations and details on the report’s impact, further information is available on Defence Homes .https://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/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/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/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.uk