DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

Revised move-in and move-out specification

We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.   

One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year.   

The revised move-in and move-out specification, effective immediately, returns to the previous standard with additional specifications including:  

1. Hard flooring being used in downstairs areas instead of carpet when replacement is required.  
2. The use of white paint to decorate inside homes.  

Vinyl flooring being used in all bathrooms, WC, kitchens and utility rooms if floor tiles, or hard flooring are not already installed when replacement is required.    

What's on this weekend?

Heidefest  Paderborn / Stadtheide 20th - 22nd Jun 

Hopefully a weekend of calm warm weather is on the way. so why not enjoy a free festival in Stadtheide on Saturday and then a Kinderfest on the Sunday.

Located in Stadtheide Festplatz there is no charge to join in and watch the bands or for the kids entertainment on Sunday. Location has no address but is listed as the Festplatz on Schwabenweg. Schwabenweg is about a 10 min drive or 25 mins on bus service Nbr 5.

Outdoor concerts in the Spa park at Bad Driburg 

The counts park in Bad Driburg offers Gardens to enjoy and free music concerts at the bandstand each day. You will hear classical to modern pop instrumental music. Entry to the park is 7 euro pp but the concerts are free to enjoy.

Besim Mazhiqi, Gräflicher Park Health & Balance Resort

Home to a Spa hotel and public gardens, the park is a 35 mins drive from Sennelager. 

Friedas Tea Party - Rietberg Gartenschau 19th -21st

A two day dance party with world class DJ's not far from Sennelager. Tickets are available for Friday night from 15 Euro pp (Age restriction is over 16 yrs.) Parking fee 8 Euro per car.   Drive time to the park is 29 mins. 

Dortmund Beer & Culturefest 19th - 21st Jun

100 Breweries present 300 Beers on Friedensplatz. A relaxed event where you can meet the people behind the beer. 

You can also purchase a Hop travel pass for the event. This will give you vouchers for sampling the beer and some themed gifts from the event. 

Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update

 25 JUNE 12:30-13:30 - SAVE THE DATE!

The FPS will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 on Wednesday 25 June via MS Teams.

It will cover:

• The latest on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud) implementation
• A reminder of how pension benefits are/were earned during service and the ages that deferred pensions are paid
• When and how the pension benefits increase
• How to obtain a pension forecasts whilst serving or as a Veteran
• Dependants Benefits
• When and how to claim a deferred pension
• The benefits of membership of the Forces Pension Society

 For more information, use this link.

Defence Vegan & Vegetarian Network

 

Download a membership form here

                                                     

Read the latest issue here 

What's on this weekend

Hopefully the temperature should rise in the run up to this weekend.  Providing plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoor after last weekends storms. 

Bad Pyrmont Wine Festival 12th -15th Jun 

From Thursday to Sunday, visitors can try German wines in all its variety. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with music and delicious food in front of the bandstand in the spa gardens. Opens at 11am each day.

Bad Pyrmont is home to an amazing Palm garden and the "Water" Schloss. Admission to the park is free during the wine festival. Drive time 52 mins . 

Copyright Bad Pyrmont Tourisms 

Paderborn Sports Day - Schloss Neuhaus 15th Jun 1400 - 1800

This year, the castle park in Schloß Neuhaus will once again be transformed into the largest sports mile in the region. 

Numerous Paderborn sports clubs present themselves and their sports and invite you to join in and try them out.

The open-air sports studio at the Brunnentheater also promises lots of fun and action.

Last Week of Mausolinos Bouncy Castle festival in Reitberg 

The inflatables will be on daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the northern part of the park. They are suitable for children up to 14 years old. Adults must unfortunately watch.

While bouncy fun is included in the regular admission price to the Garden Show Park on weekdays, children who want to jump pay €2 to enter the bouncy castle park on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. 

They can have fun there as long as they want, and they can leave and return later. Drive time is 30 mins. Make sure to head into the Northern section of the park to find the event.

Münsterland Castles and Palaces Day 2025 15th Jun

A fantastic day of special events in the most historic locations in Münsterland. The majority of sites are offering free admission on the day.

There are over 40 castles, manor houses and palaces to visit. You can find full details on the website here.

Music, treasure to find and quizzes run alongside free tours in most locations. Schloss Ludinghausen will transform into an Italian Piazza for the day. 

There are so many locations to, some are close in Lippstadt others are on the Dutch border. You can view a map on the event website and flick through a full list of locations here 

Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 Results

The results from the armed forces continuous attitude survey (AFCAS) 2025 have been published and are available h

ere.

Help RBLI Lifeworks better understand the needs of the Army Forces Community – please complete their short online questionnaire

RBLI is exploring how to best deliver its Lifeworks Families courses to meet the unique needs of our Armed Forces Community: 

‘Your input is essential in helping us shape our employment skills training to be as effective and accessible as possible’

Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Its courses equip families with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces. 

MOD staff benefit update: new fixed-rate savings account available from Serve + Protect Credit Union

 A new issue of the fixed-rate savings account from Seve and Protect Credit Union is available from 1st to 26th June 2025.

This is available to you as part of the financial wellbeing benefits we offer through our partnership with them.

✅ 4% AER fixed for 12 months

✅ No fees or charges

This is just for your awareness - not a recommendation. Please review the details and decide if it’s right for you.

Serve + Protect Credit Union’s latest podcast about managing debt successfully

There are lots of times when borrowing money can be useful. However, managing your debt can sometimes become overwhelming 😔

The latest podcast episode from Serve and Protect Credit Union is full of useful information on managing your debt effectively and the support available if you are struggling.

🔗 Watch here

Immediate Effect

 With immediate effect no out of bounds areas in Paderborn.

What's On this Weekend?

Fingers crossed on the weather for the weekend. The Whit Monday holiday gives most of us an extra days holiday to enjoy a long weekend. 

If the weather dose not play ball. here is a google map with lots of indoor attractions and places to visit. 

If the weather does hold off. Then you have the pick of some great local events to enjoy. Live music and dancing top the list. Meanwhile Gütersloh and Dortmund host spring fairs with rides and entertainment to match. 

Confluence Festival Paderborn

Stay in Paderborn this weekend for three days of live music on three stages across the city.  from the 6th to the 9th Jun. 

Indie pop, classical, Jazz, Reggae music will all feature. All performances are free to enjoy. 

The Confluence Festival starts on Friday, June 6th at 6:30 p.m. on the main stage in the Paderwiesen.

Various street food stalls at the three stage locations, will be on hand to provide food and drink each day. 

Full details here on the website

Open fires are prohibited in public areas

"The City of Paderborn expressly points out that open fires are prohibited in public areas, especially on municipal green spaces. Furthermore, there is currently an acute danger from barbecuing and making fires, especially due to the ongoing drought.

This means that open fires are generally only permitted in designated areas and on private property.

Unfortunately, the city of Paderborn has recently discovered that this law has been violated, for example, in the area of ​​the castle and meadow park and at Lake Lippe. Such violations are punishable by fines.
Furthermore, it's important to ensure proper waste disposal.

The city and the Schlosspark und Lippesee Gesellschaft regularly observe that barbecue or picnic leftovers are not properly disposed of. In this case, too, a fine can be expected."

https://www.paderborn.de/.../109010100000300336.php...

paderborn.de

Offenes Feuer im öffentlichen Bereich verboten

Stadt Paderborn warnt vor Gefahr durch Grillen und Feuermachen

What's on This Weekend?

Fathers Day / Vatertag 29th May 

The annual celebrations of hand carts filled with Beer is here. German Fathers day is a different celebration than the traditional UK card for Dad. 

On Vatertag it is popular for groups of men to parade through towns with a handcart loaded with beer and snacks. These hikes are often cheerful and loud, with a focus on community and celebration.

image copyright Stefan Arend

RBLI Lifeworks Families – new remote courses now available

Lifeworks Families Remote courses will run on the following dates:

• Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th June
• Monday 28th - Thursday 31st July

Lifeworks Families courses are available to those in the UK and overseas.

Lifeworks families courses are available to spouses, partners, school-leaving age (and above) children and extended/blended family members.

Lifeworks Families courses are available to serving and veteran family members.

To view the Lifeworks Families leaflet, please click here.

What's on this weekend?

Jumping! On the Mausolino's Bouncy Castle festival in Rietberg Gartenschau 

May 23 to June 15. The inflatables will be ready daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the northern part of the park. 

copyright gartenschaupark-rietberg.de

They are suitable for children up to 14 years old. Adults must unfortunately watch. Adult day ticket 6.00€ , children aged 4 and over: €2.00 (Plus 2 Euro park entry). Drive time 29mins.  Visit the website for more information.

Sennelager Schutzenfest Sat 24th - 26th May 

Lots of activities to join in with go to the the website for full details.

Japan Tag  Dusseldorf - Sat 24th 

Join the massive festival in Dusseldorf- Modem and traditional Japanese celebrations collide in this much loved festival. Wander the Rhine promenade and try all the food. 

Get pictures with the Cos play specialists. Try out traditional Japanese archery.  Live music events with bands from Japan flown in. Food stalls will keep you fed with tasty treats along the Rheinepromenade.

copyright visitduseldorf.de

A massive firework show will round off the day at 11 pm. Hotel rooms are available but are selling fast. Travel from Paderborn is approx 2hrs by train though check the last train back. or the drive time is 2 hrs.  check parking apps for spaces to avoid being caught out.

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) bank holiday arrangements for 26 May 2025

The Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) office opening arrangements are different for the 26 May bank holiday. 

England, Scotland and Wales: 

On Monday 26 May offices and phone lines are closed. 

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early. 

If the expected payment date is Monday 26 May then benefits will be paid early on Friday 23 May. If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.  

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update from DIO, 16 May 25

Early adopters of new online platform HomeHub

DIO in collaboration with Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO, have invited a small group of Personnel and families as early adopters of HomeHub – a new online platform for households to easily manage repairs, appointments and their SFA in general.

Early adopters include representatives from all three services and a mix of ranks and locations – with the aim of gaining a broad representation of our SFA community and estate.

Those participating will be contacted in the coming days with instructions on how to take part. From this month until August, they will have access to an early version of HomeHub where they can feedback their honest thoughts and experiences through surveys.

For those families supporting the development of HomeHub as early adopters, your help in gathering feedback will be invaluable in helping us refine the portal into a seamless and user-friendly platform that really meets the needs of our families. A finalised version of HomeHub will be rolled out to all SFA this year.  

What's On This On

Exercise, fun fairs and museum trips are the highlights for the weekend and beyond. 

Events to enjoy include; Luna Park in Paderborn a bicycle fair  & auction in Schloss Neuhaus, a new play park with the summer programme of free exercise classes start in Paderborn. 

17th May - Luna Park- Paderborn. The Fun returns with the fair. all the usual food and drink to enjoy. Plus rides like the Beast and plenty for younger kids too. 23rd May will have a closing firework presentation. As Always the fair will be on Maspernplatz.

18th May - Holy Communion at St Bonniface Garrison church. Contact Padre Nick with any questions on +49 1722595317

18th May 11.00 Paderborn Cycle Day - Schloss Neuhaus

Learn about cycle rules in Germany and try out a whole range of different bikes. Plus you can bid on recovered and repaired bikes in the auction to snap up a bargain at 14.30. 

What's On This Weekend

Fairs and festivals are on the menu this weekend. It is your chance to enjoy some free  music and entertainment. This weekend you can try out as a member of the Paderborn Fire Dept 

Paderborn Fire Dept celebrates 150 Years

A family day has been set up to celebrate the event in the Schloss.  The whole family can look forward to a varied program including a blue light mile, a marching band concert, activities for children, food stalls, etc.

Start: 11.05.25 from 11 - 18 o'clock in Schloss Neuhaus. 

Paderborn SpringFest 

The annual free event returns to the city from the 9th -11th May.

Music and arts sprawl across three stages and downtown Paderborn.  World class artists put on a show in in the streets and you can dance the night away with rock and blues, singer song writers, marching bands and Techno DJ's .

The whole thing gets started at 19.30 on Friday night. With a mass Drum Band to bring the energy. The three stages at the Town Hall, Westener Str and the Market place will have acts on through the weekend including live bands and DJ sets. 

Between the stages artists like the giant balloon guy (World champion Baloon artist.) and the balance on your head couple Kate and Parsi at 15:30 & 1730 Sat & sun  will compete for your attention with the NOX 2.4m tall robot who will be in town at 11.30 1330 and 1530 moving between the stage areas. 

The Cheat lounge will be putting on street food and drinks Fri - Sun with service 17.30 - 2300 on Fri & Sat and 12.30 - 1700 on Sun when there will be Sunday shopping available during the day. 

Sunday services at St Boniface Garrison church

11th May – 10:30 Holy Communion 4th Sunday of Easter St Boniface

18th May – 10:30 Holy Communion 5th Sunday of Easter St Boniface

26th May – 10:30 Holy Communion 6th Sunday of Easter St Boniface

Children and families welcome, refreshments after the service

Any question please contact Padre Nick on +49 1722 595317

Paderborn 1945: The End of the War 80 Years Ago

An exhibition by the Paderborn City and District Archives. In the Foyer of the City Administration, Bahnhofstr. 28/30, Paderborn

• 8 May - 11 July 2025
• Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

17 exhibition panels show nearly 80 largely previously unpublished photographs of the destruction and harsh life in the immediate post war period. The city, littered with rubble, lacked everything: food and clothing, heating fuel and electricity, and housing. 

Yet, as early as 1945, the first steps toward improvement began. Clearing the rubble began, with the rubble railways beginning in September. A panoramic view from the cathedral in 1945/46 not only reveals the extent of the destruction, but also provides evidence of a slow improvement and the beginnings of reconstruction.

The bombing raids on Paderborn began in 1940, initially isolated and targeted at military installations and the railway network. Civilian facilities and residential buildings were hit, albeit on a significant scale, by misdirected bombs or inaccurate targeting. 

This changed on January 17, 1945. On that day, Paderborn experienced its first serious area raid, followed by the last on March 27, which led to the almost complete destruction of the city.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Support for families serving overseas

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded over £600,000 to support families serving overseas.

According to UK defence personnel statistics up to April 2024, around 5,700 armed forces personnel were stationed overseas. While the majority (66%) were posted within Europe, other key regions included North America, North Africa and the Middle East, and Asia.

Following the Trust’s own research and consultation, they launched the Supporting Serving Families Overseas Programme. Now, they have awarded nine projects a share of £127,642, with funding making its way to Spain, the Middle East, Cyprus, Belgium, Italy and more!

The projects funded in this round represent a range of support for the whole family. From support for those who have experienced, or are at risk of, domestic violence, to emotional health support for adults and children to help strengthen relationships while overseas.

Overseas, overstretched

A new posting can bring with it the usual upheaval: packing and moving all your belongings (drowning in moving boxes!), changing schools, changing job, leaving the dentist it took you 12 months to find. But add to that a language barrier, not being allowed to work for the next 2-3 years, having to pay for storage for all the things you can’t take with you, not to mention having to rebuy things you’ll need that won’t work in other countries, and you’ve got yourself an overseas posting!

The projects the Trust has supported seek to provide targeted support for families in-location to improve wellbeing and make the transition abroad easier.

Milspo Thrive, 13th May, a FREE ONLINE summit designed to help Military spouses and partners grow a business that works for them

 Are you a military spouse or partner running a business (or dreaming of starting one)?

Join us on 13 May for Milspo Thrive – a FREE ONLINE summit designed to help you grow a business that works for you, wherever military life takes you.

✨ Hear from expert speakers

🤝 Connect with fellow military spouse business owners

📈 Walk away with practical tools and fresh inspiration

Join the waitlist

 

VE & VJ Day 80th Anniversary

At 3pm on 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill took to the airwaves to announce that Germany had surrendered, bringing an end to nearly six years of war in Europe.

In anticipation of the long-awaited news, millions across the country and throughout the Commonwealth took to the streets to celebrate. Victory in Europe Day became a national holiday. Colourful bunting and flags were hung. Bonfires and fireworks were lit. People danced and sang.  The pubs were full of revellers.

Now, 80 years on, we will come together again as a nation through a series of national and local events, kicking off next week, to pay tribute to the Second World War generation - serving at home and abroad - who fought bravely for the peace that endures today.

However you plan to mark this important anniversary, we hope you reflect on those who paid the ultimate price for freedom and thank our living veterans for their contributions to the war effort. 

V for Victory! #VE80 

What's On this Weekend?

This weekend 

May 3rd Sat & Sun 4th May  - Paderborn Travel fair 

Visit the airport to check out the potential bargains from tour operators like Freebird. we are promised some specific bargains just for the event.  A Bouncy Castle & face painting for kids. With lots of ice cream and food & drink for sale.  Free entry. (Paid parking) Drive time just under 20 mins.

Paderborn Airport website

Thursday, May 1st to Sunday, May 4th - Dalheim Garden Festival

Dalheim Monestary, Garden Party.  Enjoy the Monestary gardens plus the many market stalls and attractions set up for you. Perfect if the weather is nice. Definitely one for those looking to buy plants flowers and garden wares this year. Drive time is 27 mins.

Dalheim gartenfest

Thursday May 1st - Sunday May 4th - Bad Pyrmont Landpartie

With music, markets a food and drink, the Bad Pyrmont Kurpark turns into a mini festival this weekend. Enjoy the Beautiful park and Schloss. Drive time is one hour (ish  - 1hr 20 mins for the scenic route.) from Sennelager.  Tickets from 13 Euro online

Bad Pyrmont Landpartie

Thursday May 1st - Sunday May 4th - Maxi Park Hamm


Just under an hour from Sennelager, this park offers gardens and multiple play areas with splash zones and more. over the weekend you can enjoy a large spring fest market, buy plants and more and get tips from garden experts. Adults 7 Euro. Drive time 54 mins

Tickets available from the website.

From Thursday 1st May  Paderborn Rolandsbad outdoor pool 

The paderborn Rolandsbad outdoor pool opens for the summer from Thursday.  Drive time 11 mins. 

Visit the website for date that the other pools will open from.

Thursday 1st may - 25th May - iTronic Dinosaurs Bielefeld

The world of Dino's comes alive. think Jurassic park and you have this immersive event for the family. full animatronic dinosaurs interact with visitors in themed environments. 15 euro for children up to 16 the 20 Euro for Adults. watch a website  of the event here.  Drive time is 25 - 30 mins. 

4th May - Future Garden Schloss Neuhaus 11 am - 1800 

Your chance to learn about sustainable garden planting and permaculture and to meet experts and ask questions. Vist the event website.

International Team Fireworks Competition

International Team Fireworks competition 

Each year in the great garden of the Herrenhausen. the international Team Firework event takes place. From May to September five countries have 25 mins to wow the judges with their best displays. 

Teams are allowed to place fireworks in different zones across the gardens, the judges haves chosen the same first piece of music for the teams. After that the choices are up to them. 

These are teams from professional companies which work all over the world.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £290,000 to support those with seldom heard needs in Armed Forces communities

Over £290,000 to support those with seldom heard needs in Armed Forces communities

Ensuring under-represented voices in armed forces communities are heard is vital.  In the latest round of their Hidden Voices programme, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) awarded grants totalling more than £290,000 to 15 projects delivering accessible mental health and wellbeing support for those with seldom heard needs in armed forces communities.

 

These projects will focus on improving access to bespoke support for groups whose voices, opinions or needs are not adequately represented or who face barriers to accessing support services.

 

Trust CEO Anna Wright said: "This programme is all about giving a voice to armed forces communities who may have been overlooked or unheard. Providing tailored, accessible mental health and wellbeing support, these projects will improve awareness and understanding of the of the unique needs of these communities, improving service provision for years to come."

AFF Virtual Immigration Brief – 29 Apr

 

Sennelager Garrison VE Day 80 event

Thursday 8th May 1015-1045hrs - Service of Remembrance (Memorial outside HQ NFS (Bldg 78).

This will be the official GSU event to mark the day. 

Understanding UK codes 2025

 

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE 430 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Service Delivery

Stratford, Barking, Hounslow, Ealing, Forest Hill and Gloucester

Closing Date: 9 May 2025

Job Description

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

.