One of HIVEs core functions is to provide support to deployed personnel and families through the provision of information and communication information during operational deployments.

Actives - Deployment Activity Days (D.A.D)

Episkopi HIVE Information Officers Mrs Vikki Reid has organised several activities for both parents and children of deployed personnel. Vikki tries to hold Deployment Activity Days (D.A.D) in support of families and is constantly working with the Resident Infantry Battalion to assist in the various activities. The short video clip shows D.A.D in Feb 2010 as reported by BFBS British Forces News.

Storybook Alliance

HIVE Cyprus through a generous award from the Church of England Soldiers' and Airmens' Clubs (CESSAC) in 2008 was able to purchase recording equipment and some story books. Initially in association with Storybook Soldiers (The scheme has been developed voluntarily by staff at 10 Army Education Centre in Tidworth) HIVE Cyprus established recording centres. HIVE Cyprus is now a recording centre for both Storybook Soldiers (Army) and Storybook Wings (RAF).

(Picture of Cpl Wez Owen 2 Lancs)

Listen to a sample story: (Thanks to Cpl Rob Hall) 

Storybook is a scheme run by volunteers that helps bring mum or dad back for just a few minutes each night to read that much needed bedtime story. For the young children of Armed Forces personnel, missing a parent who is away for six or more months to dangerous places far from home can be a very difficult experience. This is a FREE service all it costs is the time of the deploying personnel. If you wish to record a story, contact your local HIVE Information Officer.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Cyprus HIVE’s support friends and families keeping in touch with those on an operational deployment. We provide or host activity days, Fax-blueys, E-bluey, recording Storybook Soldiers and Wings.

During deployment, communication is more important that ever. Find the method that works best for you and your loved ones. There maybe times when letters don't arrive and telephone calls are missed. Try not to dwell on that fact and look positively forward to the next time. Don't forget keeping in touch works both ways, so send your loved one off with a few pens and some crayons!

Blueys - A FREE way of sending a hand written letter, message or drawn picture to your loved one on deployment. Blueys can be obtained free from your local post office or Welfare Office. Please remember you should NEVER put anything inside a Bluey. These are great as you don’t need a computer to read them out in the more remote areas.

E-bluey - A FREE service provided by BFPO over the internet that is normally quicker than surface mail. You need to create an account at www.bfpo.mod.uk . If you don't have a computer or internet access, it is available FREE in the HIVE, WRVS or Library. HIVE, WRVS can also offer wireless internet if you have a compatible laptop and assistance in setting up an e-bluey account. Like Bluey’s these don’t require a computer to read, just to write.

Fax-Bluey - A FREE service provided by BFPO available through the HIVE to send a scanned handwritten letter or picture on special paper over the internet. (Paper available form HIVE or Welfare Offices) - NO COMPUTER REQUIRED. It works the same as E-Bluey but you can write for those that aren’t into technology or communicate in your native language, you can also get the kids to do pictures (no crayons). All Fax-Bluey's arrive in black and white.

Parcels: The Enduring free packet service has been authorised for Op Herrick and HM Ships in Support. The enduring free service will operate until further notice. Family & friends in UK & BFPOs can send packets up to 2Kg in weight free of charge to Op Herrick and HM Ships in support only. More info at http://www.bfpo.mod.uk/enduring_free_packet_service.htm

Internet: The HIVE provides FREE internet (including wifi) to all Service community members to keep in contact with their loved ones while away. This can be though the use of Armynet, RAFCOM, or one of the many web mail providers.

Telephone: Your loved one will normally get a welfare phone allowance of 30 mins per week during the deployment to call YOU. Additional top up cards can be bought in theatre or topped up by you, by ringing the Paradigm contact centre Tel: 0044 (0)1438282121. (You will need a credit/debit card and the Paradigm and service number). For assistance or further information contact your Welfare point of contact or your local HIVE.

BFBS Radio: It's easy to send a dedication to a loved one on Ops.

Phone: 01494 372 786 and leave a message

E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Text: 07740 377 377 starting your message with OPS and a space

Website: Submit a message at www.bfbs.com/messages

Write to: BFBS Radio, BFPO 786

Army

Please see below for various documents on deployment, or visit the Army Welfare Support website http://www.army.mod.uk/welfare-support/welfare-support.aspx

The MOD has prepared guides to help you during the time that your soldier is away on an operational deployment. A guide alone will never replace the vital part that your family and friends can play in supporting you through what may be a difficult and at times lonely period. Remember that welfare support, in one form or another, can extend to everyone; spouse, civil partner, partner, mother, father, son or daughter, you all have someone to turn to and a list of useful phone numbers can be found in the guides.

The guides are available at http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/PersonnelPublications/Welfare/DeploymentInformationForFamilies.htm

Of particular interest to us in Cyprus are:

• A guide for the families of deployed Regular Army personnel PDF [1.5 MB]
• A guide for parents and carers - Supporting Children, Young People and Families during periods of Deployment PDF [7.4 MB]

RAF

Various documents and information can be found at the RAF Community - Deployment Toolkit:
 http://www.rafcom.co.uk/information/index_toolkit.cfm

RN

The aim of the RN Community Deployment Toolkit, is to provide families with basic information that is designed to help make a deployment as successful and as stress free as possible:
http://www.rncom.mod.uk/Family_Wellbeing/Deployment_Toolkit/Deployment_Index.aspx