Cyprus Veterans Information Portal - Cyprus VIP

03/03/2026

Veterans Information Portal – Community Message

A lot of us in this group have made Cyprus our home - myself (Alison), Sarah and Sandi included - just like so many of you who follow and support this page. That’s why the recent attack on RAF Akrotiri and the general rise in tension across the island feels and is close to home for all of us.

It’s completely normal to feel unsettled or on edge right now. Many of you have service backgrounds, families to think about, or memories that get stirred up when things like this happen.
No one has to sit with that alone.

We are here if you need a chat, a bit of grounding, or signposting to support. And we will keep sharing clear, reliable information as it comes in so everyone can stay informed without the noise.

This is a time for the community to pull together, look out for each other, and keep calm heads.
Cyprus is our home, and we face things better when we stay connected.

Please messenger us directly if we can help or if you feel there is a post that needs sharing.

VIP Team.

03/03/2026

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity statement on the attack on RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. Forcesline can be accessed from Cyprus on 800 91065

25/02/2026

Our very own VE veteran Harold Fenwick is turning 103 soon. Sarah Geddes is collecting in any birthday cards, letters, drawings, messages of gratitude etc for his 103rd birthday.

A simple card from you, your children, your school, your club or your unit could mean the world to a man who once stood for all of us.

Check out the poster here for more details and please share…

24/02/2026

Save the date and book early please 🙏

Save the date and book early!! Limited seating available so please don’t leave it to late 💪💪

23/02/2026

This is open to all so we have been asked to share by a veteran involved in the organising.
Please register. 7 March 2026 @ 13:00

16/02/2026

An overdue VIP shout-out to one of the most courageous and hardworking women we know.

On 6 February 2018, our founding member Sarah Geddes became a veteran and she hasn’t stopped moving since. Despite constant migraines, a brain injury, and the joys of the menopause, she continues to show up with grit, humour, and heart. And right beside her is Red, supporting her, steady and proud, watching this whirlwind give everything she has to the causes they both believe in.

Sarah continues to pour her energy into the veteran community, and her achievements over the last eight years are nothing short of extraordinary.
To name just a few:
• ABF Cyprus Chair and tireless veterans’ advocate
• Cyprus Veterans Information Portal (Cyprus VIP) – founding member and driving force
• SSAFA Cyprus – support, events, and community outreach
• Riding for the Disabled Association – RDA Cyprus
• Soldiering On Awards finalist
• Veterans Awards Lifetime Achievement finalist
• Recognition from PTSD Resolution for her commitment to supporting Cyprus veterans
• Lead organiser of the recent Epi Resettlement Conference

With Red at her side and that unstoppable fire in her belly, the next eight years are going to be something special. We can’t wait to see what she does next.

Sarah and the VIP team remain here for any veteran or family member who needs support whether it’s guidance, information, a listening ear, or help navigating the challenges that come with service and life beyond it just reach out. Have a great week.

16/01/2026

Hi Everyone.
Sarah Geddes is taking bookings for this event until 22 January.
If you’re interested please reach out. Information below.

17/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all veterans and their families across Cyprus. May this Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and cherished moments, and may the New Year 2026 bring strength, health, and happiness.

This past year has been our first running on-island, and we’ve seen firsthand both the resilience and the challenges within our community. We know that loneliness can be a reality for many, especially during the festive season. That’s why we encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate what you have, and to reach out to others in your local community. A simple check-in, a shared meal, or a kind word can make all the difference.

Together, we can build stronger bonds and ensure that no veteran or family feels left behind.

✨ From all of us at the Cyprus Veterans Information Portal team - thank you for being part of this journey. Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year! ✨

10/12/2025

10/12/2025

Yesterday we had the pleasure of joining the P3A Aphrodite Seminar.

The Consul of BHC Nicosia, Chloe Holden LLB, delivered an insightful talk on BHC consular advice and support, including updates on ETIAS & EES.

This was followed by St John Coombs MBE, Chairman of CIFSA/CRPG, who provided a detailed analysis of the UK Budget 2025 and its implications for Cyprus taxation.

It was a well‑attended and highly informative event.
For more information about the P3A, please visit their website: https://paphos3rdage.org/

Thank you to all who came along,
VIP Team.

02/12/2025

Yesterday marked a full year since we launched the Cyprus Veterans Information Portal.
It’s been an incredible first year -
thanks to all of you!

We’re still learning every day, and we’re truly grateful for the support and encouragement we’ve received.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve responded to a wide range of queries:

• We’ve offered direct advice where we could.
• We’ve worked closely with our brilliant partner organisations where appropriate.
• We’ve signposted to the right support teams, both in Cyprus and the UK.
• And when specialist help was needed, we referred cases to SSAFA Cyprus Veterans, who took them into their confidential process.

Here’s to building on this even more over the next 12 months!