Domestic Abuse: MOD Guidance on Where to Find Help

Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes

When things go wrong​

Pinnacle administer the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes. You may be entitled to compensation under one of DIO’s compensation schemes if you have experienced;

​Missed appointments

Incorrect Tradesperson

Failed move in

Total loss of heating/cooking facilities

Hotel subsistence

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date the issue occurred.

​More information is available HERE

Recruit for Spouses Career Academy: ACCESS Programme online information sessions Dec & Jan

What can ACCESS do for you …..Come and meet some of the JPMorgan team keen to understand your employment challenges and to talk about a new programme they hope will overcome some of these. 

ACCESS will create a platform alongside other key partners to provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies enabling you to overcome unique challenges and achieve career success in whatever you choose. 

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and ask as many questions as you want to the team to understand the programme and make sure it's right for you.  The specific programme details will be shared at this meeting.  We are running 3 sessions so hope you can fit one in your schedule!

14^th December 12.00-13.00pm zoom link https://jpmchase.zoom.us/j/98918277514

                        20.00-21.00pm zoom link https://jpmchase.zoom.us/j/94689325754

11^th January    12.00-13.00pm zoom link https://jpmchase.zoom.us/j/91982944111

ManKind Initiative ACORN Recovery Programme for male survivors of domestic abuse

Nitrous Oxide

Following a change to UK law, Nitrous Oxide (also known as laughing gas) has been classified as a Class C controlled drug. Further information is available at this link: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/.../media-fact-sheet.../

If you wish to report a crime, whether in the UK or overseas, you can contact the Service Police Crime Bureau on (+44) 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180.

DWP Conversational Platform

Conversational Platform is a new technology being introduced onto the Universal Credit telephony channel. From early December 2023 when customers call Universal Credit, their call may be routed through the new technology, whereby the DWP Virtual Agent will ask the customer why they are calling and will then tailor the response based on what the customer says.

DWP Conversational Platform

FAQ - Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy

Accommodation provided by MOD for ARAP Afghan Families

MOD bullying, harrassment and discrimination helpline

You can also access support by visiting the Workplace Wellbeing Platform at MOD | (workplacewellbeing.com)

AWS Community Support Annual Report Summary

NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast

Welcome to the NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast, a six part series aims to help you, the Armed Forces Community, access the NHS services available. Released every Wed on YouTube.

Exploring the Employment Experiences of Spouses/Partners of British Armed Forces Personnel

More information is available HERE​ or Click ​to access the Survey​.

Updated Tri-service accommodation regs (TSARs) JSP 464

The recently updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, (JSP 464) are available on .Gov at the following Link:

Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL))

The Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) SWAY now includes information on NEW Allowances. If you are being posted to one of the limited locations click this link to find out more: Widening Accommodation Entitlement (Limited Locations) Including NEW Allowances (office.com)

​Socials (incl link to Sway as above):
X.com “Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) now including NEW Allowances. Click the link below to find out more about WAE(LL)"
Facebook “Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) now including NEW Allowances. If you are being posted to one of the limited locations click the link below to find out more"

SSAFA Forcesline

 

International HIVE (iHIVE): Now Included in the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist

Did you know that contacting iHIVE is now listed in the 'key actions to be taken' on the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist?

For Service personnel and families moving overseas, the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist provides an initial list of personal and domestic factors to be considered pre-application for an overseas assignment, to determine the suitability of the overseas location, for the Service person and their immediate/close family.​​

For more information on this, or for any questions you may have on any location worldwide, contact iHIVE via RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk or +44 (0)7976 69 8527. 

You can also find ​the iHIVE Blog at: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/

SSAFA Community Connection Champions

Pinnacle Group SFA Winter Tips: Going Away for October Half Term

If you're going away over half term, why not leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbour so they can check on your home to reduce the risk of something going wrong?

​If any issues do arise, contact the Helpdesk on 0800 031 8628 or visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/​​

MOD Accommodation Team Furniture Research - Register interest

Updated HIVE locations map: UK + all Overseas Blogs

​                                                 Our map has been updated.

Forces Family Support: Are You Affected by A Loved One’s Harmful Use of Alcohol, Drugs or Gambling?

Education Advisory Team (UK) (EAT (UK)): Information on School Admissions for Service Families

The Education Advisory Team (UK) (EAT (UK)) is part of the MOD’s Defence Children Services. We are a tri-service organisation that provides information, advice and guidance on all educational matters in the UK.
We are providing advice to parents of children in Year 6 about how and when to apply for secondary school places for September 2024 in the UK.

Secondary School Places in England for September 2024

If you require a secondary school place in England for September 2024, the deadline for secondary school applications is 31st October 2023.

We would advise that you follow your local authority’s application process: information will be available on their website. You can also contact your local authority’s admission team if you have any questions or require support. Contact details should be available on the local authority website.

Each local authority will send out offers for secondary school places on 1st March 2024.

Domestic Abuse: MOD Guidance on Where to Find Help

MOD Accommodation Team: We want your views on the provision of furniture in Service Family Accommodation (SFA)!

https://sway.office.com/tCdlmd6MQrY01LBZ?ref=email

The MOD Accommodation Team are reviewing what items of furniture (for example, beds, settees, bookcases etc.) are provided to you in SFA and how furniture provision could be improved for you and Defence.  

We want to find out: 

Your experience of furnishing SFA 

What furniture provision you may want and need in the future 

Your participation in our research provides a key opportunity for you to shape future furniture provision for the entire Armed Forces!  

Help stop young people falling victims to loan sharks

Credit Union Grime Video - You Tube

Recent research has shown that a higher proportion of people in the 18 to 24 year old age bracket are at particular risk of being targeted by loan sharks in the current climate. More young people are having financial services or products refused by mainstream banks and many are being forced to borrow from friends and family to make ends meet.

With this in mind, Stop Loan Sharks want to highlight the services offered by credit unions, producing a new grime music video in conjunction with Find Your Credit Union and Nourish Social in the hope that it will appeal to young people and show them that other options that are available. Click the image above to watch the video online.

Service Personnel can also utilise the Joining Forces Credit Unions, supported by the MOD to make saving simple and loans more affordable to the Armed Forces community.

Charlie Charlie One - for Service Personnel and Veterans battling Cancer

Cancer is indiscriminate and does not differentiate; age, gender, ethnicity, background, and status are irrelevant. But those seeking our support, regardless of their rank, are united by military service, common values, and, of course, their cancer diagnosis. 

While established as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in August 2021, we seek to support individuals throughout the United Kingdom.

Visit the website at Charlie Charlie One - Cancer Support

Make yourself heard - 999 calls in the UK when you can't speak

If you’re in an emergency situation and need police help, but can’t speak, Make Yourself Heard and let the 999 operator know your call is genuine.​

Online LifeSkills

You are invited to an ONLINE LifeSkills morning hosted by 55 AEC Gp.

A team from the UK will be delivering the sessions focusing on lifeskills, managing finances, housing, armed forces compensation scheme, education and funding.

Anyone interested in attending the sessions can apply using the links/codes on the poster; the MSTeams link will be emailed out on Mon 23 Oct to all those who have applied.

Reading Force Volunteer Coordinators needed for Bookclubs

Stand Out & Show Up - Young Minds

For Fundraising Pack please click here: fundraising pack corporate helloyellow

Wraparound childcare (WAC): Q&A session for all Service families

In response to feedback received from families, the next Wraparound Childcare (WAC) families Q&A session will be an evening session on Tue 26 September 18.30-19.30 hrs via MS Teams.

If you have a question about WAC, join the call and ask the WAC team. Alternatively you can send you queries to the WAC mailbox
PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

If you don’t have access to MS Teams, you can join meeting by dialling in. The meeting details are listed below.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 323 338 569 105
Passcode: JAqaTX

Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only)
+44 20 3443 8728 conference ID 583 708 630#​

Wraparound Childcare (WAC): Did you know?

Togetherall Groups – free access for the UK Military Community.

@Togetherall’s groups feature allows members to connect, share and support each other in smaller spaces, on topics that matter to them. For example, Meet the Community, Gratitude Diaries, Work-Life Balance and more.

Togetherall is FREE to anyone in the UK Military, Veterans & Family members aged 16+

Visit togethe​rall.com to join today

Combat Stress: How we can help

Please follow the link below for more information on Combat Stress and how they may be able to help you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g5BRPw3JWOmwdA67rLOMSr5U9SrYhNUW/view?usp=drive_link

www.combatstress.org.uk​

UK Health Security Agency - Around 1 in 8 New Students Unprotected Against Meningitis

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and leading meningitis charities are urging students to make sure they have been vaccinated against meningitis and other diseases before the start of the academic year.​​​​. Find out more HERE​

Samaritans Veterans app

The Samaritans Veterans app​ provides UK military Service Leavers and Veterans with emotional health and wellbeing information, guidance and resources. Samaritans Veterans is designed to give you the tools to identify and navigate the emotional health challenges that can be experienced when transitioning out of the military and in your life beyond the Forces.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call us free on 116 123 (within the UK or Ireland) or email us at jo@samaritans.org. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, we won’t judge you or tell you what to do. We’re here to listen so you don’t have to face it alone. www.samaritans.org.​

Tom Harrison House Liverpool - Female Veterans Project

National Careers Service - help with your exam results

Whether you got the grades you expected or not, there are lots of options available to you.

Find out how you can get the jump on your next steps with the National Careers Service

NHS MMR Vaccine

Parents and carers of children are being reminded of the importance of routine vaccinations, with hundreds of thousands of texts, emails and letters being sent from this week encouraging families to book their child in for an MMR vaccine.

The NHS is contacting parents and carers of around 740,000 children aged between one and six who have not yet had one or both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, encouraging them to make an appointment with their child's GP practice.

One in ten children are not currently up to date with their MMR vaccinations – despite general practices continuing to offer routine immunisations.

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious illnesses that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. Complications from these diseases can be potentially life changing.

Children need two doses of the safe and effective MMR vaccine, with the first dose given around the child's first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old. Both doses are needed to ensure full and lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

The NHS has also sent out over 1.5 million invitations to parents of two to three years olds to get their flu vaccination ahead of winter. Where possible, children can receive their MMR catch up vaccine at the same time as their flu vaccine.

Parents and carers can find out more about the different vaccines their child should have and when by visiting www.nhs.uk and searching for 'NHS vaccinations and when to have them'.

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)​

Armed Forces Pay Award - Non-UK National Personnel