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/event-booking-forms-are-now-back-onlineFri, 23 Oct 2026 08:26:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f3f19f55-a3ef-4c68-ac1b-dd1048effd32RN Forum ModeratorOur Events Online Booking Form system is now back online. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/event-booking-forms-unavailable-due-to-technical-issuesThu, 22 Oct 2026 11:08:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:52bb1bef-653f-4c74-b604-49f162606464RN Forum ModeratorThe system used for our Event Booking Forms is undergoing essential maintenance and is currently unavailable. We are hoping the system will be back up and running soon and will keep members updated here within the Forum.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/fun-friendship-and-exciting-events-aheadThu, 22 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7b8151db-9125-4b85-8921-b2845e2da4b7RN Forum ModeratorFrom summer fun days and family adventures to upcoming Halloween celebrations and Christmas parties, the RN FPS Community continues to bring Royal Navy families together across the UK. Through a wide range of activities and events, families have enjoyed opportunities to connect, make new friends, strengthen community ties, and create lasting memories. Take a read about some of the fantastic events delivered this summer and discover what's coming up over the next few months. For the latest updates, visit the RN Forum and follow Community Events A big thumbs up by attendees for the Culdrose K-Pop Disco! Eighty-four family members attended the RN FPS K-Pop Disco at Culdrose Community Centre, enjoying an afternoon packed with music, dancing, and entertainment. Resident DJ Ronnie kept the party atmosphere alive with games, musical statues, and a variety of fun competitions, ensuring children and families were engaged throughout the event. Soft drinks were provided for the children, while tea and coffee were available for adults, helping to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy. The disco proved to be a fab event, with many children giving a thumbs-up as they left and parents sharing positive feedback about the day. Much family fun was had by all who attended, with plenty of laughter, dancing, and memorable moments. As well as being a fantastic opportunity to have fun, the event brought the RN FPS Community together, allowing families to socialise, make new friends and learn more about future community events and activities. The Culdrose Play Out Day atmosphere was fantastic, with families enjoying a day full of fun, friendship, and community spirit. A fun-packed day attracted 213 adults and children, with excitement around every corner! From bouncy castles and Zorb balls to volleyball, outdoor games and refreshing slushies, there was plenty to keep everyone smiling. The Navy Police, Fire Brigade and Civilian Police were on hand to meet families and highlight their roles, while the main hall hosted an array of craft stalls and community organisations, including Aggie's, NFF, NCC and RBF. Family Fun Comes to Plymouth! Families in Plymouth enjoyed a fantastic day packed with fun, creativity, and community spirit. Children took part in balloon modelling, crafts, glitter tattoos, and exciting games, while refreshments were available for everyone to enjoy. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, have fun, make new friends, and create lasting memories in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Summer Fun Days Bring Families Together Families across Portsmouth enjoyed fun-filled community events featuring the opportunity for every child to create and take home their very own teddy bear. Families brought along picnics, relaxed together, and enjoyed spending quality time with one another. The events provided a welcoming environment where new friendships were formed, and community connections strengthened. Children and families attending enjoyed a variety of outdoor games, ensuring there was plenty of entertainment throughout the day, with some also having access to a bouncy castle, candy floss, and popcorn. With teddy-making, family picnics, games, and community fun, the events were a tremendous success, bringing families together for a memorable summer of fun, friendship, and laughter. Taunton Together Through Fun and Friendship Families came together for a fun-filled community event designed to strengthen local connections, welcome newcomers, and build lasting friendships. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for families to meet others in similar circumstances, connect with RN FPS staff, and learn more about the support available within the community. There was plenty to keep everyone entertained, including face painting, balloon twisting, relay obstacle races, football challenges, beanbag toss games and a variety of outdoor play equipment such as hula hoops, skipping ropes and footballs. With snacks and refreshments available for both children and adults, the event created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. RN FPS staff also gathered valuable feedback from attendees to help shape future activities and events for the community. Summer Fun Brings the Yeovilton Community Together A fantastic 83 members of the Yeovilton community came together over the summer to enjoy a fun-filled Play Out Day and Family Fun Day, celebrating community spirit, friendship, and family fun. There was something for everyone to enjoy, with inflatables, soft play, games, music, and a delicious BBQ creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. Families had the opportunity to relax, socialise, and connect with others while children enjoyed a wide range of activities and entertainment. The event was a remarkable success, bringing people together, strengthening community connections and creating plenty of smiles, laughter, and lasting summer memories for all who attended. Adventure, Friendship and Confidence at Lockerbie Manor More than 30 young people aged 8 to 16 joined the RN FPS Community Team for an unforgettable five-day residential at Lockerbie Manor, Scotland. The week was packed with adventure, fun and new experiences, giving participants the chance to build confidence, make friends and create lasting memories. Before the trip, online information sessions allowed young people and parents to meet the RN FPS team, ask questions, and get to know one another. By the time the group set off, many of the initial nerves had disappeared and friendships were already beginning to form. Throughout the week, participants took part in a wide range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, raft building, abseiling, ziplining, hillwalking, rifle shooting, and axe throwing. Paddleboarding and axe throwing were particular favourites, with plenty of laughter and encouragement as young people pushed themselves to try something new. Evenings around the campfire provided time to relax, share stories, enjoy and strengthen the friendships that had developed during the day. The supportive atmosphere was evident throughout the residential, with older participants helping younger members settle in and everyone celebrating each other's achievements. RN FPS staff were delighted to see many young people grow in confidence over the five days. Whether conquering a fear of heights, mastering a new skill or simply making new friends, every participant left with a real sense of accomplishment. The residential was a momentous success, demonstrating the positive impact of outdoor adventure, teamwork, and shared experiences. Parents praised the event for its excellent value, supportive staff, and the confidence their children gained, while young people highlighted making friends, trying new activities and the sense of community as the best parts of the week. Most importantly, Lockerbie Manor provided an environment where confidence grew, friendships flourished and memories were made that will last a lifetime. Special thanks go to RNRMC who contribute funding for all the RN Residentials, the parents who supported the trip and RN FPS volunteer Amy, one of last year’s participants, who returned this year as a helper. Connecting Families Across the Globe Being together in person isn't always possible, so RN FPS continues to bring families together online through Microsoft Teams. Over the summer, 118 family members took part in Lego and Craft sessions, while a further 241 participants joined regular online activities, including Book, Film and Hobby Clubs ( add link to online events discussion) Families received Lego and craft packs to use during the sessions, inspiring creativity, and giving participants the opportunity to display their designs and ideas. More importantly, these virtual events provided a valuable space for families to connect, build friendships, share experiences, and discover future RN FPS opportunities. No matter where families are in the world, online engagement is helping them stay connected, supported and part of the community. Spooky fun and festive cheer are just around the corner! From Halloween activities to Christmas parties and much more, stay up to date via the RN Forum and follow Community Events . You can view more images taken from across these events - HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/talk-money-week-2026-money-matters-made-clear-with-the-white-ensign-associationTue, 20 Oct 2026 12:29:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:0c5ce7e1-256d-4d21-bcb9-93a23149d93bRN Forum ModeratorHow well do you understand the financial matters that affect your everyday life? This Talk Money Week, the White Ensign Association naval charity is hosting a free, practical webinar designed to build your financial knowledge and help you feel more confident about the decisions you make with your money. Led by Alfie Orton AIMA (Cert), Financial Wellbeing Manager, this session will cover everything from understanding your tax code and credit score to saving, borrowing, buying a home and knowing what to do if debt becomes difficult. Tuesday 03 November 2026, 13:00–14:00 | Online via MS Teams > Register to attend: https://www.whiteensign.co.uk/event/webinar-talk-money-week-money-matters-made-clear-2026-11-03/https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/m/gallery/5009Mon, 19 Oct 2026 13:29:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ab23a2ed-740a-4ffe-922f-1057ed70f5f4RN Forum Moderatorhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/employee-benefit-with-costcoSun, 18 Oct 2026 16:02:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b3ae5fa1-f976-4c2a-b47c-aba8867e6b98RN Forum ModeratorCostco have a benefit which is available to everyone who is employed within the MOD. All MOD employees qualify to join Costco Wholesale as working for MOD puts you on our pre-approved list. Costco membership starts from £42 for two people for one full year depending on the membership which best suits the employee.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/rail-industry-offers-free-travel-to-remembrance-services-for-serving-personnel-veterans-and-bereaved-familiesThu, 15 Oct 2026 07:11:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7dafa7e6-43a1-4238-a863-a1ae2d8463d2RN Forum ModeratorThis is a very generous offer All individuals are required to purchase tickets by 12pm this Friday, 16 October , after which the offer ends. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MOREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/little-troopers---can-they-reunite-your-military-familyWed, 14 Oct 2026 12:34:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:80e896a7-e307-4d92-af14-39e6f4f866c0RN Forum ModeratorCan we reunite your military family? Over the years, some of our most treasured moments at Little Troopers have been helping to reunite military families. Those emotional homecomings create memories that last a lifetime and we're absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to make another very special reunion happen this year! Once again, we're working with the same broadcaster to create a heartwarming military family reunion to feature in a Christmas Day television programme, just as we have done in previous years. We're looking for a military family who will be reunited following a period of separation, with filming taking place in November at a very special, festive location! As in previous years, we'll work closely with the family to plan a surprise homecoming that will be a truly unforgettable moment. Every detail will be carefully considered and planned together, taking into account the unique circumstances of military life to make the experience as special as possible. Who we’re looking for If you or your partner has been serving overseas for 10 weeks or more and is due to return to the UK on any date between 16th and 30th November 2026 , we'd love to hear from you! How to apply Please email Louise from the team at louise@littletroopers.net with the following: Service person details: service, service number, rank, and name (required for MOD Press Office clearance) Deployment details UK home location (to help with logistics) Return date/time (if known) Names and ages of your little troopers We'll then be in touch to discuss the next steps if we can progress your application. We can’t wait to hear from you and hope we can help create a very special homecoming for your family .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/do-you-have-qualifications-from-outside-the-uk-and-need-help-getting-them-recognisedWed, 14 Oct 2026 11:14:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ea8a3a37-59b0-4095-a5f1-5a4f5bbf57f6RN Forum ModeratorThe RFS Foreign & Commonwealth (F&C) Programme supports spouses and partners of serving Foreign & Commonwealth personnel and veterans to obtain an ECCTIS Statement of Comparability for their overseas qualifications. A Statement of Comparability provides an official comparison of international qualifications against the UK education system, helping employers, education providers and other organisations understand the UK level of your qualifications. Through the programme, eligible candidates can receive funded support to obtain their ECCTIS Statement of Comparability, removing a potential financial barrier and helping them take the next step towards employment, training or further education in the UK. Alongside support with obtaining a Statement of Comparability, RFS can also provide: CV and interview preparation Career and employability guidance Support to understand and navigate the UK job market Coaching and mentoring opportunities Career development and confidence-building support Signposting to training and further opportunities Whether you are looking for your first job in the UK, returning to work, changing careers or hoping to make better use of qualifications gained overseas, we are here to support you. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply for your ECCTIS Statement of Comparability, please contact j.kanyua@recruitforpsouses.co.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-235Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:12:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f63b6f58-11cd-43e6-be99-71c2340edec0RN Forum ModeratorHistoric HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Belfast and more. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Updatehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/is-your-child-starting-primary-school-or-moving-to-secondary-school-in-september-2027Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:38:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:66e987bb-ec65-4a43-8f9a-c168562588c5RN Forum ModeratorService families are encouraged to check admissions deadlines and start planning ahead. If you are applying for a school place in England: Secondary school applications close 31 October 2026 Primary school applications close 15 January 2027 Admissions arrangements and deadlines vary across the UK. Families in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should check the requirements set by their local authority or education authority. Read the full information and find out where to access support on the Defence Children Services website: School admissions information for Service families: September 2027 entryhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/mission-motorsport---october-2026-newsletterMon, 12 Oct 2026 07:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:44766431-8fa7-4a1a-a76d-757a894e4466RN Forum ModeratorThere’s plenty happening across Mission Motorsport this month, from new partnerships and fundraising initiatives to upcoming events and preparations for Race of Remembrance. Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find: Legacy Lap – a new way to become part of Race of Remembrance, wherever you are. The unveiling of our third-generation Mazda Poppy Art Car. Our new partnership with Gama Aviation. The growing #YourRoR community. Upcoming events, volunteering opportunities and fundraising challenges. Every activity helps us continue supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans, serving personnel and their families through recovery, rehabilitation and opportunities beyond military service. Have a read, share with your community, and find out what’s happening, what’s coming up and how you can get involved. Read the October newsletterhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/little-troopers---scotland-focus-group-sessionsSun, 11 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b0d0ea4a-7dee-430b-8801-f66d08ac73acRN Forum ModeratorDetails of Little Troopers Scotland Visit: Over the summer, Little Troopers invited military families living in Scotland to share their views via an online survey on the proposed expansion of our Little Troopers Therapy Programme into Scotland. They received some really valuable feedback and now want to build on that by meeting families in person and involving you in shaping what this support could look like. They're hosting two relaxed and informal focus group sessions where military parents and carers can enjoy a cuppa, meet Louise and Debbie from the Little Troopers team and share their experiences, thoughts and ideas about the support your military children need. Helensburgh / Faslane - Wednesday 21 st October 09:30 – 11:30am Lossiemouth - Thursday 22 nd October 09:30 – 11:30am They'll also be exploring the specific needs of submarine families during the Helensburgh session. Your voice can help shape the future of Little Troopers support in Scotland. Both sessions are free to attend, with refreshments provided. You don't need to have completed the original survey or accessed Little Troopers support before. They would simply love to see you there. Full venue details will be shared with those registering. You can register your interest to join either of the sessions via this link: Little Troopers Scotland Focus Grouphttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/new---walsall-armed-forces-hubWed, 07 Oct 2026 17:50:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e1cb6907-3399-4d63-a372-2329966d57fbRN Forum ModeratorA new Armed Forces Hub was launched in Walsall on Wednesday 23 September 2026 Providing support and advice for serving Personnel, Reservists, Veterans and their Families The hub will run as a monthly drop-in service on the second Thursday of every month from 1pm to 4pm Lichfield Street Hub Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TR Drop in - no appointment needed. Read more about the launch Here Details of further local support can be found on the Walsall Council website: Help for the Armed Forces Communityhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-afcas-2027-is-now-liveWed, 07 Oct 2026 07:45:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8c0e2ff4-ad93-433c-9512-92f65f5ce077RN Forum ModeratorThe Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) has been refreshed to make it shorter, clearer and easier to complete, while continuing to focus on the issues that matter most to Service personnel. Around 40% fewer standard questions. Refocused on high-priority topics that deliver the greatest strategic value. Single-Service content better aligned, creating a more coherent survey across the Armed Forces. Questions have been streamlined and updated to improve focus. Less time completing the survey, without compromising coverage of key topics. AFCAS helps shape decisions across a wide range of issues affecting Service life, from pay and reward to career management, accommodation, family support and personal development. Previous survey results have contributed to real and tangible changes, including support to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body as well as improvements to career management and career flexibility. AFCAS is a sample survey, which means that selected Service personnel are invited to participate. If you have been invited to take part in this year’s survey, you will receive an email to your MOD.GOV.UK account - containing information on how to complete it. Your Service number, which is case-sensitive, is the token you will need to enter. Please be assured that your responses will be confidential. You can check your inclusion for the survey - HERE To view previous AFCAS results, visit GOV.UKhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/beyond-the-wire-bereavement-hub-protecting-your-military-child-after-a-lossTue, 06 Oct 2026 17:40:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:92801ba4-4094-41e9-84e4-3f145c10601eRN Forum ModeratorThe Beyond the Wire Bereavement Hub exists to support people navigating life after military loss, and to make sure no one has to do that alone. Beyond the Wire was founded following personal experience of military bereavement, and the realisation that support was often fragmented, difficult to navigate, or missing altogether. It may feel like everything is changing after a bereavement. Your children may need stability and understanding at school during a time of change. Follow the link below to find guidance on staying in school, accessing financial support, and helping teachers understand what your child may be facing. Children's health and education - Bereavement Hubhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/spaces-still-available---connected-families-weekend---helensburghTue, 06 Oct 2026 15:27:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:26229b98-695e-47c0-80da-d74ca24347ceRN Forum ModeratorConnected Families Activity Day and Family Weekend - Helensburgh - 16-18 October 2026 - For families whose service person is based at HMNB Clyde Both events are being held at Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre. The FREE activity day - Sat 17th October - is all about getting outdoors, trying something new and spending time together. OR Go all out with a FREE weekend bringing dispersed Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families, couples & individuals together for outdoor adventures, shared experiences and time to connect at Blairvadach. Full details including eligibility criteria, information on both options and expression of interest links for the weekend can be found - HERE If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact our outreach team at enquiries@andrewsimpsonfoundation.org .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/civvy-street-magazine---oct-nov-2026-editionTue, 06 Oct 2026 14:21:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:dc47682e-a774-48ff-a435-9e7e5e59d7e8RN Forum ModeratorUse the link below to access the latest Digital Version of Civvy Street Magazine. Civvy Street Magazine – Oct/Nov 2026 Edition Visit Website - For Previous Editions and More.....https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ripple-pond---autumn-newsletter-2026Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:09:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a83ee44f-1891-4fea-b5fa-e7df4f4c8c86RN Forum ModeratorI ntroducing their Autumn Newsletter, packed full of updates from the team. View it - HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-marines-experience---coming-soon-to-portsmouthTue, 06 Oct 2026 07:21:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b0ffde61-db63-4072-bca0-d713bb64f97fRN Forum ModeratorOpening 24 October 2026! Included in your visit: Drum along with the Royal Marines Band Assemble your kit against the clock Take on the bleep test Tackle the traverse wall Experience a RIB ride Read more and how to get tickets - HERE