Families feel the squeeze

In 2024, AFF, with the support of the other two families federations, ran a tri-service pay survey, which aimed to provide evidence directly from military families to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. A tota...

Fresh starts overseas

Thinking of trying something new this year, maybe a fresh start in a new sport, learning a language or just meeting people and feeling part of a community? Members of the SHAPE community share a few tips for ...

Charity marching to success

Give Us Time, a small tri-service charity supporting forces families with much-needed respite breaks, is celebrating its best year yet, having helped more than 280 serving and veteran families reconnect and m...

Bra allowance

Did you know that eligible service personnel can claim up to £50 a year towards sports bras? This can be claimed via JPA under My Expenses. It’s a miscellaneous expense and should be claimed under ‘medical, ...

Global Health Insurance cards change

AFF’s overseas team spotted a trend in forces personnel assigned overseas reporting difficulties fulfilling the UK residency rules when applying for their first Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC), and renew...

Singing loud and proud

‘Not Forgotten’ is a new single performed by Matt Goss in collaboration with The Not Forgotten military charity. Released this spring in commemoration of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), it serves as a tribute...

Apply for ETA to travel to UK

All visitors to the UK who previously did not need a visa to visit for six months or less, will now have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. The ETA is not a visa, it is ...

Overseas housing pilot

A pilot scheme launched in January last year has helped couples in long-term relationships access SFA in the Falkland Islands and Cyprus. Accommodation in these locations is being offered on the same basis a...

Pathways into employment

The Forces Employment Charity has unveiled a series of opportunities to help military communities find pathways into new careers. The charity is offering a dedicated programme of events and bespoke support a...

VE Day 80 celebrations

The nation is preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8 with parades, street parties and acts of remembrance. On Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May the celebrations in London start at noon with a mil...