This snapshot, taken on 10/07/2006, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Branches |
| Cyprus |
| Latest News |
| Moving to Cyprus |
|
AFF Cyprus Branch Office Email: cyprus@aff.org.uk
|
|
AFF Cyprus Our office hours are: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 1.00pm (Cyprus is two hours ahead of British time) Our team includes:
You can contact our Co-ordinators through the Branch Office, or through their local HIVEs:
Watch out for news from AFF in
Click on the links to download a pdf version of the factsheet which you can print off on your printer, or contact AFF Cyprus or AFF Central Office on 01980 615525 to order your copy via mail. Click on the links to visit these useful sites:
Accompanied Overseas Questionnaire Results-2003
AFF worldwide have been looking into the effects overseas postings have on families. For many who marry into the Army it can be a very exciting prospect having the opportunity to see many parts of the world. Indeed it can often be seen as one of the best perks of Army Life. Certainly, I am sure the prospect of this exciting lifestyle passes through most girls minds before they consider marrying a soldier. Is it as fantastic as we imagine? Do we have as much fun as those wives portrayed in Soldier, Soldier. AFF worldwide have been asking families of Soldiers what their real thoughts are about postings abroad. What are the things that we can expect to look forward to in particular postings, and what are the draw backs of certain places. The results of the survey will help AFF identify the priorities of service families who are serving in Following a disappointing response to an earlier survey about Housing, AFF Cyprus decided that it would, where possible present the questionnaires personally to as many spouses as possible. We recruited the help of all the AFF staff and Volunteers who approached people in a variety of settings. The AFF coordinators and volunteers approached people in the HIVEs, outside the NAAFI, at the crèches, and in coffee mornings. The Senior Administrator visited a random selection of people in their married quarters, questionnaires were also left in key places around Garrisons and Stations. In all we received 100 responses to the survey: -
Advantages of Living in Climate The main advantage that people consider in a posting to Quality Family Life 46% of families have enjoyed a better quality of family life since posted to Financial 36% found that with the addition of LOA, their financial circumstances are greatly improved. 12% particularly mention the low cost of driving in Social Life 58% have found that their social life and the increased opportunity for sports and leisure is a great advantage. There were many people who referred to the eating out experience as being a great advantage especially those who were enjoying the Cypriot hospitality where children are encouraged to dine out with families. There were also many references to the excellent water sports facilities. 43% of people are enjoying the Cypriot experience. The whole experience of living in a different country and learning about different cultures is something that families are enjoying. Only 4% felt they were not enjoying the experience and they had difficulty accepting the different lifestyle. 3% were enjoying learning a different language, yet 5% found the language barrier awkward. Education 25% of Families feel that the Education Provided in Duty Free 20% of families commented on the excellent opportunity they had to purchase Duty Free Goods such as cars. Youth Services / Childcare 14% felt that Youth services and facilities for their youngsters were excellent however this is offset by 22% of people complaining about the lack of childcare facilities. It appears that it very much depends on the age of the children and the type of service that is required. The lack of crèches was a definite ongoing concern with many of the responses received. Disadvantages of a Flights to An overwhelming 71% of families mentioned that the cost of returning to the Housing 57% of Families were unhappy about the standard of housing in 10% commented on their unhappiness with having to live with service furniture and they felt that the personal allowance for transporting their personal belongings was not enough. Employment and income 53% were disappointed about the lack of opportunities for Employment in
Financial 12% felt that even with the LOA they were still financially worse off than they were in the Shopping 46% of families are dissatisfied by the shopping facilities in Childcare 22% of people were not happy about the lack of childcare available. There were many comments about the lack of crèche facilities particularly in the afternoons when many of the sporting activities take place. Isolation 11% of spouses were finding the location of the camps very isolating. AFF was also interested in what emphasis we place on certain factors in terms of importance, the survey revealed the following points in order of importance: -
It should be noted in context that many families with older children in need of higher education have either already chosen boarding school, or six form colleges due to the lack of facilities available in Most importantly although many people do consider all of the above when making a decision to accompany their husbands on a posting, 35% of respondents stated that although all the above were important they would accompany their serving soldier anywhere. It appears that spouses of soldiers are as committed to the Army as the soldiers themselves. This was of course a survey taken in As can be seen from the survey there are many things to consider when coming to Cyprus, everything in Cyprus is not perfect, however if people have a greater understanding of what to expect, then they will be making a more informed and empowered decision. The findings of this survey and information gathered are to be published on the AFF website.
|
