DDS - Top savings on holidays and days out

 

Defence Discount Service has a handy article on the top discounts for holidays and day outs.

Click here​ to read the article.

SFA Window Safety Restrictors

The safety of families living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Substitute Service Families Accommodation (SSFA) is a top priority. With warmer weather meaning more windows will be open in homes, we would like to remind families to check that all window safety catches/restrictors are working correctly.

If restrictors are not working or windows can be opened more than 100mm when restrictors are engaged, then please report the fault to the National Service Centre immediately on 0800 031 8628 to ensure a repair is carried out. If you live in SSFA, please contact Mears on 0800 032 4547.

Please note that window restrictors must not be disengaged for any reason where children or vulnerable members of your household are at risk from falling.

For more advice about preventing accidents in your home visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust website.​

Statutory and Mandatory Inspections - SFA

It is a legal requirement to undertake gas and electrical safety checks in your home to reduce the potential for a carbon monoxide incident or an electrical fire, to ensure your home is kept safe and compliant and to keep you and your family safe from harm.


If your property is due a gas or electrical check the National Service Centre (NSC) will contact you via email to arrange a suitable time for the check to take place. It is extremely important that you reply to an email to confirm the appointment date and time is suitable. Pinnacle can change the appointment time if it is unsuitable.


In addition, it is important that you allow the Regional Accommodation Maintenance Services contractors (VIVO or Amey) access to your home to carry out these vital safety checks.

Armed Forces Education Trust

 

The Armed Forces Education Trust provide educational grants so Service Children don't miss out, whether individually or as a collective within a school setting.
If parents or schools wish to get in touch with, or to enquire about a grant visit the website - www.armedforceseducation.org​ for more information

Claiming Universal Credit from overseas

Personnel serving overseas (and dependents) are eligible to continue claiming Universal Creit as if they are in the UK. The DWP website is due to be updated soon to reflect this.

There is currently a software blip over the acceptance of BFPO numbers, so until that is resolved, all personnel are to temporarily use the following address for claims (which includes the RAF Northolt post-code): Address – name or unit/Address - operation/BFPO Number, HA4 6NG.

This information is now in DIN 22DIN01-050 ‘Universal Credit - BFPO location claim process, address format’. Once the permanent software fix is in place (when all BFPO addresses will be recognised on Universal Credit software) JSP 770 will be updated to reflect that the required address for Universal Credit claims whilst overseas is the relevant BFPO address.

Quest Magazine Scan to read On Line

 

Defence Child Bereavement Network

 

National Careers Service

 

JSHAO: Civilian Housing Options Briefs in June and July

 

Parental mental Health

Parental mental Health

Parental Mental Health week

Supporting Civilian Spouses and Partners into Employment

Parental mental Health

How postnatal depression can affect your baby

If you are worried or think you may be suffering from postnatal depression speak to your SSAFA Health Visitor, GP, Welfare or Padre.  #parentalmentalhealth

Parental mental Health

What are the signs and symptoms?

If you are worried or think you may be suffering from postnatal depression speak to your SSAFA Health Visitor, GP, Welfare or Padre. #parentalmentalhealth

Parental mental Health

Triggers of postnatal depression

The cause of postnatal depression is unclear, it can be the result of a combination of factors:

If you are worried or think you may be suffering from postnatal depression speak to your SSAFA Health Visitor, GP, Welfare or Padre.  #parentalmentalhealth

Parental Mental Health week

What is postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression is a type of depression some women experience after giving birth.

Mood changes, irritability and episodes of tearfulness are common after giving birth, often known as baby blues, which affect 50% of new mothers and lasts 5 to 10 days.

If you are worried or think you may be suffering from postnatal depression speak to your SSAFA Health Visitor, GP, Welfare or Padre. #parentalmentalhealth

Do fathers experience postnatal depression?

Depression can also be experienced by fathers following the birth of their child.

First time fathers are particularly prone to depression.

The risk is higher in fathers who are young or who have strained relationships with their partners.

If the mother is depressed the risk of depression in fathers is higher.

If you are worried or think you may be suffering from postnatal depression speak to your SSAFA Health Visitor, GP, Welfare or Padre. #parentalmentalhealth

Prescription Charges

More information on the new prescription charges in BFC can be found at this link: https://www.sbaadministration.org/.../Prescription...

Connected Forces - Survey

Two new programmes launched from the Covenant Fund

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is delighted to announce New Covenant Fund Programmes for 2022/23​:

The popular Force for Change programme has now reopened for applications.

The Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme has also now opened.  This programme will award grants of up to £100,000 over a period of up to three years.

www.covenantfund.org.uk/2022/04/29/new-covenant-fund-programmes-for-2022-23

EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families Programme