Grand Reopening - Ay Nik Thrift Shop!

 

Akrotiri Library videogame rental

 

Akrotiri Christmas Closure

 

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

Community Badminton - Akrotiri

 

Blind Veterans UK - December newsletter

Welcome to your Blind Veterans UK December update!

Season's greetings. As we prepare to celebrate with our veterans we reflect on what a fantastic year 2023 has been - all thanks to our supporters.

This update shares some of our favourite highlights from the year, illustrating how you make a difference to blind veterans and how Aldershot Hive can get involved in 2024.

Please click here to read more.

 

Defence People Communications: What support is there for Service families facing domestic abuse?

 Find out about the domestic abuse support available for Service families.

As part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, Defence is encouraging anyone affected by domestic abuse to ask for help and to be aware of the different ways to get support.

Armed forces families play a crucial role in Defence and should feel safe and supported. When it comes to domestic abuse, there are many support services available to them – both within Defence and at a local and national level.

To help more people get the help they need, it’s also important to understand what might be stopping them from seeking support.

There are multiple and very valid reasons as to why domestic abuse victims-survivors can be reluctant to ask for support, particularly in close knit Defence communities. Most victims-survivors live with their abuser, some aren’t aware that they are being abused, and others might fear the repercussions of seeking support. There are also many who don’t know about the support that exists.

Breaking down some of these barriers 

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender + people may face more barriers to getting support, including discrimination and fears about disclosing their sexuality. Galop is a national LGBT domestic abuse charity that offers confidential, emotional support and information.

Men might not reach out to support services as they might think it’s for women only, or they may worry that they won’t be taken seriously. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, and everyone in the Defence community will be supported and treated with respect.

Armed forces support exists on many levels

In a military context, there can be a perception that support services are only for the Service person and not the whole family. As explained below, many support services also help armed forces family members.

Service families can receive initial support and signposting from unit support staff, who understand the dynamics of abuse and have knowledge of local support services.

Specialist welfare support refers to the Army Welfare Service, Naval Service Family and People Support, and the RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service. These services are confidential and independent of the Chain of Command. For a list of services and contact details, visit GOV.UK.

These specialist welfare services provide a variety of support to Service personnel and their families, including making referrals to external specialist services. There is also support for those who recognise their behaviour is abusive and want to change.

Armed forces family members can report domestic abuse to Service Police. The Victim Witness Care Unit then provides support to victims-survivors of domestic abuse during their journey through the Service Justice System. To find out what happens when a report of domestic abuse is made to the Service Police, read the Service Police’s leaflet.

Not sure what support you need? 

The support services mentioned can help victims-survivors to find out what kind of support they need and can help with planning next steps.

A list of support services and contact details, inside and outside of Defence, can be found in the JSP 913: Whole Force Policy on Domestic Abuse.

These support services have skilled staff in place who understand the significant challenges that victims-survivors face in reaching out for support and the courage required to do this.

So, if you have any questions about the support options available within Defence or need further information, contact the MOD Safeguarding policy team: People-AFFS-Safeguarding-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Useful links:

·         Domestic abuse – how and where to get help

·         Domestic abuse support and guidance for the armed forces community

Domestic abuse support organisations and external charities

Tickets for Troops: Fundraising Prize Draw for Bruce Springsteen Concert Cardiff May 25

Tickets for Troops are organizing a special prize draw, where the prize is a pair of front pitch standing tickets to see the legendary Bruce Springsteen in concert at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on May 5th 2024. All funds raised in the draw will go towards building a new Tickets For Troops website. To enter the prize draw please go to this LINK