The Forces Employment Charity - Military Families & Young People Programme

The Longest Yarn - A Thread Through History

The Longest Yarn is an 80 metre 3D knitted/crocheted work depicting The Longest Day, 6th June 1944, in time for the 80th Anniversary.

The exhibition is coming to the following locations (please check individual websites for timings and further information):

• Tewkesbury Abbey - Sat 7 Dec-Thu 9 Jan
• St Macartins, Enniskillen - Mon 13 Jan-Sat 8 Feb
• Norwich University Memorial Library - Mon 10 Feb-Sat 1 Mar
• Peterborough Cathedral - Mon 3 Mar-Tue 3 Apr​

Are you planning to register for Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas funding in January 2025?

There are two actions that must be completed before you register.

What is Wraparound Childcare funding?

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC.

If you are assigned to a location within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision? WAC Overseas will be available to eligible families in these areas from 6 January 2025. 

WAC Overseas mirrors the WAC scheme in the UK, it is a reimbursement from Defence to Service personnel of up to 80% of the costs of before and after school childcare. Capped hourly rates apply and can be found in 2022DIN01-079-Defence Wraparound Childcare Allowance. The remaining 20% is claimed from HMRC via an active Tax-Free Childcare account. WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day - Wed 11 Dec

You will be able to access colleagues from Pinnacle's Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams who will be on hand to provide you with information on a host of topics. They will also help to answer and resolve any queries and questions you may have.
You can also learn more about Pinnacle's free career and small business support for military families, veterans and communities.
Be part of Pinnacle's Virtual Outreach Day and connect with their representatives via Microsoft Teams. Book your slot by Friday 6th December at Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day

Victory Services Club (VSC) Club Life Newsletter - November 2024

Please click here to view the newsletter - Club Life Newsletter - November 2024

Cyprus Veterans Information Portal - Cyprus VIP

The Cyprus VIP Team are proud to present the Cyprus Veterans Information Portal - Many ,many, hrs of hard work have gone into this but so worth it. This is open to changes and additions.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566609405772

NHS 'Help Us, Help You' - Pharmacy First

Community pharmacies can offer treatment and when appropriate some prescription medicine, for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for earache (for those aged between 1 and 17), impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 - without the need for a GP appointment.
Available at the heart of local communities, community pharmacy teams have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need, with no appointment necessary and private consultations available. Community pharmacists will signpost patients to other local services where necessary.
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to help free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.
For more information, visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

Service Prosecuting Authority welcomes HMCPSI inspection report

“We hope this report will reassure the public, members of the Armed Forces, and the Defence community that the SPA is performing well and making a meaningful contribution to Service Justice” – Director of Service Prosecutions, Jonathan Rees KC reflects on the publication of an inspection report on the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA).​
To view more about the Service Prosecuting Authority, and additional information on this report, please go to: Service Prosecuting Authority - GOV.UK
The report can be read in full at this link: The Service Prosecuting Authority – HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate

Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand

 

Army's Guide for Care Leavers

The Directorate of Personnel in Army HQ have released a new Guide for Care Leavers, which will help both Care Leavers and their managers access the appropriate support. You can find it on the Pers Pol Conditions Defence Connect page at https://jive.defencegateway.mod.uk/docs/DOC-1150391

New Armed Forces Carer’s Passports are introduced

 

Carer’s passports are well established and widely used across many organisations throughout the UK, including the Civil Service, and have proven to be an invaluable resource for employees with caregiving responsibilities. They are now available for our Armed Forces.

GamCare: Way Forward Programme - online support for women affected by harmful gambling

Way Forward is GamCare's support group for all women affected by someone else’s gambling harm. Groups aim to provide a safe, supportive and confidential space for women to share their experiences, find comfort and empower one another.

Way Forward online sessions are semi-structured, running for 1.5 hours over six weeks. Groups are led by trained facilitators specialising in supporting women who are affected by gambling-related harms.

Each week will focus on the impact of different areas of gambling harm:

Session 1 – Getting to know each other.
Session 2 – Understanding gambling harm.
Session 3 – Taking care of yourself.
Session 4 – Dealing with guilt and shame / enabling behaviours.
Session 5 – Dealing with anger and resentment.
Session 6 – Having difficult conversations / expectations / acceptance.

If you’re interested in registering or want to know more, please email womenspathwaysupport@gamcare.org.uk

This group is for women based in England and Wales. We also have a Way Forward group in Scotland and to register your interest in future sessions, please contact scotland@gamcare.org.uk.

If you need support now, the National Gambling Helpline gives confidential advice and support to anyone affected by gambling in England, Scotland and Wales. You can speak to us for free, 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, or online.​

Army Families Federation – Childcare Survey

AFF want to know about your experience of early years childcare.

“We want to understand how issues such as availability and cost affect your family, and how your experience varies by location, so we've launched a short survey that runs until 6 December".

Army Families' Experiences of 0-5 Childcare Survey

Army Families Federation (AFF) Immigration Survey

AFF would like to know more about the unique challenges non-UK Service personnel, veterans and their families face when it comes to immigration. Who did you contact for information and advice and why? Did you get everything you needed straight away, or did you find it difficult?

Following a project funded by the Royal British Legion and working in partnership with the Naval Families Federation (NFF) and the RAF Families Federation (RAFFF), AFF have designed a survey to find out who people turn to when they need immigration information or advice.

If you are not British by birth and you or a family member are serving or have previously served in the UK Armed Forces, we would love to hear from you! British Service personnel with non-UK family members can also fill in the survey. It should take less than five minutes to complete.

Please go to surveymonkey.com/r/Non-UK_Questionnaire​

Veterans Access to Healthcare Research Briefing

To access the full report, click here.​

Get ready for a Wraparound Childcare (WAC) expansion to some overseas locations. Coming spring term 2025

Are you assigned to a location within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision? WAC Overseas will be available to eligible families in these areas from 6 January 2025.

NHS England: 2024 Autumn/ Winter Armed Forces health stakeholder brief

To download the full brief, please click HERE -NHS England: 2024 Autumn/ Winter Armed Forces health stakeholder brief

The Impact of VAT changes on the Continuity of Education Allowance

Akrotiri: Volleyball

Please do check out the Volleyball club at Akrotiri station gym on Wednesday nights at 19.30 - 20.30.

Forces in Mind Trust Post-Service Employment Research Policy & Practice Summaries

New research and policy summaries focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners. These summaries form part of our commitment to ensuring evidence is at the heart of decision making for the benefit of ex-Service personnel and their families.
The summaries provide easy digestible access to up to date research evidence and an overview of current policy and service provision focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.
A robust methodology has been used to create these summaries meaning they are an accurate and trustworthy source of information which can used to inform and transform policy, practice, and future research priorities.
You can access the full summaries and two-page infographics here:

Research summary: https://www.fimt-rc.org/research/employment
Policy summary: https://www.fimt-rc.org/policy-and-practice/employment

Armed Forces in Policing Recruitment Event

Northamptonshire Police​ have planned the 2025 series of events called National Joining Forces – these are police recruitment events for all police organisations in England and Wales. They are designed to provide insight and understanding into police careers; the recruitment process and the structures in place to support candidates through the process. In particular the events highlights the qualities and skills veterans possess which are transferable into British policing.


​The events are advertised on Eventbrite and are as follows:

Tuesday 14th January 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042651928987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday 15th April 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042653363277?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday 15th July 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042654155647?aff=oddtdtcreator

​Friday 14th November 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042655198767?aff=oddtdtcreator

These events are being hosted by Northamptonshire Police as a national recruitment event - regardless of the police area you live in or may be interested in joining.

Travel to Refuge Scheme: Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse

Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes:

Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse.

Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.

For more information please visit: Travel to Refuge

Reminder: Set up your eVisa Account

You can now set up your eVisa account. An eVisa is an online record of a your immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply. It can be viewed by logging into the online ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service using your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

For more information on getting an eVisa, visit: ​​​www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa​

Flooding: DIO and Pinnacle have provided some handy information around flood proofing

For more information please click here

A reminder about electric heater safety in the home from DIO/Pinnacle

 

RAND Europe Research: Meeting the Needs of the RAF and RN/RM Family

RAND Europe is currently undertaking research to support the Royal Air Force (RAF) Benevolent Fund and Greenwich Hospital in understanding the current and future size, demographics and support needs of RAF and Royal Navy/Royal Marines (RN/RM) Service People, Veterans and Families.

We are recruiting participants!

Autumn updates from Recruit For Spouses

Please click here​ to read the Autumn edition of The RFS Digest.

Further information has also been released regarding the launch of RFS's Foreign & Commonwealth programme, which is now open for applications. Updates can be found here

Introductory Flight Scholarship (IFS) and Junior Rank and Officer Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JROPSS) 2025 - applications invited from RAF Personnel

The following opportunity may be of interest to RAF staff within Tri-Service locations both UK-wide and worldwide

Applications from RAF Junior Ranks (JR) and Junior Officers (JO) are now invited for the IFS and JROPSS 2025. Generously funded by the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT), and delivered through selected RAF Flying Schools, the JROPSS is open to JR (Cpl and below) JO (Flt Lt and below) from the RAF Regular and RAF Reserve Services.

​Further details can be found here​

Full eligibility requirements and terms can be found at www.RAFSA.co.uk

Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are missing out on Pension Credit, and it is worth, on average, £3,900 per year, providing additional benefits such as help with Council Tax and Housing Benefit and a free TV licence for those over 75.

In addition to Pension Credit, those who qualify could also receive Winter Fuel Payment and other support like help with housing costs, help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months, (ticking the backdating box on the claim form). This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024.

To note, Pension Credit can also provide extra support for heating costs such as The Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments​.

Checking entitlement is easy with this on-line calculator: Pension Credit calculator - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

NDNA Childcare Works supported employment programme - starts next week!

 

Are you a spouse/ partner of a serving military personnel or a reservist?

Are you interested in career in childcare but don't know where to start?

Then the Childcare Works project could be for you.

Act quick as the project starts on 22nd October and there are only a couple of spaces left!

Contact Lesley.williams@ndna.org.uk or call on 07718 803652.

Please click here to read more about this project online

Serve and Protect Webinar: Understanding Wills & Lasting Power of Attorney's

​

Monday, November 4 ⋅ 12:00 – 12:30

Want to gain a better understanding of setting up a Will and LPA? In this free webinar by the team at Serve and Protect Credit Union, we'll help you understand the importance of having a will in place which is vital to ensure that your money, property and possessions are distributed exactly how you wish after your death and that your loved ones are properly cared for. Also looking at setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney which allows you to appoint people you trust to make decisions about financial affairs and health and care, if you are unable to due to injury, accident or illness

We look forward to you joining us. Book your place today! 👇 completely free

Webinars - Serve & Protect (serveandprotectcu.co.uk)

Veterans ID Card accepted as Polling ID

The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections.

More information can be found here

Defence Children Services: New information on school admissions and education support to Service families

Defence Children Services and Education Advisory Team (UK) have released some new information for Service families. This includes guidance about key dates related to school admissions which are coming up; the first of these is October 31st for families who have a child due to start secondary school in September 2025. There are also leaflets explaining the support available from EAT (UK) and the Overseas Education and Supportability Team (OEST):​

Letter for families

Top Tips Information sheet with some FAQ

EAT(UK) leaflet

OEST leaflet

​DCS also has a new website with comprehensive information for Service families: www.dcs.school

Army Health Promotion: New Leaflet - An Individual's Guide to Mental Fitness

 

Launch of New British Forces Cyprus Community Website

HQBFC are pleased to announce the formal launch of the new British Forces Cyprus Website:

Welcome to British Forces Cyprus - The central point for all information on living and working in British Forces Cyprus.

​This open source website will provide a one-stop shop for service personnel, UK based civilians and their families to access useful information about being assigned to Cyprus alongside key information for living in Cyprus. HIVE and the HIVE location guides for BFC are to be added soon.

It is an iterative project that will continue to develop and improve over time and will seek to replace what is a high volume of individual unit SharePoint sites, unofficial social media groups and old fashioned paper arrival packs.

The website will significantly improve the information available to personnel and their families, accessible in a way that modern communications demands, enabling the whole family to understand what they need to know to consider an assignment in Cyprus or what they practically need to do once assigned here.

You will find the link within the BFC Sites list on the BFC SharePoint Home page and under BFC Key Information.

Stage 2, through the Autumn Term, will be continuing to develop the generic information such as what information is needed for when families depart Cyprus and working with the Stations to enhance their information pages.

If you have any specific questions or wish to propose content please email our British Forces Cyprus Community Information Website email:

BFC-HQ-CmntyWebManager@mod.gov.uk

World Mental Health Day - 10th October: Defence Relaunch of HeadFIT for 2024

HeadFIT is an externally accessible website, developed by Defence to assist our people in developing a proactive approach to mental fitness. It provides techniques and methods to manage your mental resilience, enhance your mood, and improve your confidence. 

For further information please go to: HeadFIT - Success, it's all in your head

Headspace App: Free Enrolment for Army Personnel and MOD Civilian Staff

Please use your mod.gov.uk email address to sign up before downloading the App. Link to enrol: Headspace for Work

Ministry of Defence Civil Service Bulk Recruitment: Army Administrative Officer Vacancies Nationwide

Whether you are starting out in your career, or you already have an administrative background and are looking for a change, MOD Administrative Officer roles are an opportunity to join the Civil Service and deliver outputs for the benefit of the Army and Defence.

The MOD is recruiting for a variety of exciting Administrative Officer roles throughout all areas of the Army in locations across the UK. You will have the opportunity to work directly with military colleagues to enable key outputs and can take advantage of training and development opportunities available to enhance your skills and career pathway in the Civil Service.

A total of 34 job vacancies are open for applications until 17 Oct.

To find out more, and to apply, please go to the Civil Service Jobs website (job reference 364057): Army - Administrative Officers - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Protecting Grey Matter - Mental Health support

 

For more information on any of the resources within this poster, please contact your nearest HIVE or use the 'contact Army HIVE' facility on the right hand side menu of this Blog.

Research Participants Request: Study into the effects of Impostor Phenomenon in Military Veterans

Imposter Phenomenon, commonly known as Imposter Syndrome, is a widely reported but hugely misunderstood mental health condition that affects the majority of the population and is suspected to affect Veterans in transition to civilian life, perhaps more than other groups; stopping veterans from integrating back into society and limiting their success in their new employment.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we are studying Impostor Phenomenon and UK Veterans, and what might be done to limit its effects.

If you are a veteran, and you could spare a few minutes, please click on the link below to complete the online survey, and help us understand more about how to improve services and support for those in transition: https://mmu.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9YMwSZetUtQ5v3U

Additionally, if you would be interested in a short interview to talk about how impostor phenomenon may have affected you as a veteran, please click on this link below to confidentially submit your details: https://mmu.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5u0zvRjXphc1Nu6

This link is also available in the questionnaire.

Thank you for your time, and I hope that together we can make a real difference to our veteran community.

#impostorsyndrome 

https://mmu.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9YMwSZetUtQ5v3U

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fq1pB2Rk780w-N3L4LijJ559mEdZ-pL3/view?usp=drive_link

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Apply now for the AF3: Supporting Partners programme

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) are delighted to announce that the Supporting Partners programme is now accepting applications!

Charities, CICs, Armed Forces units and bases, and universities and colleges are invited to apply for grants of between £10,000 and £60,000 for projects which provide support for partners and spouses of serving personnel to reduce the challenges that Service life can sometimes present.

Veterans Gateway Website to retire 30 September

The Veterans Gateway website will retire on 30 September.

Find guidance for veterans and their families: www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-support-for-veterans-and-their-families

Search for veteran support services: www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans

10th Oct: World Mental Health Day and Togetherall

Whatever you're going through, you're not alone. Let's support each other this #WorldMentalHealthDay.

The UK Armed Forces have FREE access to @togetherall and you can join at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

Non-UK Nationals: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution

A news article was published recently on Gov.uk, highlighting that people dealing with the death of their partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement waived.​ The implementation date in the article is 9 Oct 24.

This update applies equally to the Armed Forces community including veterans: "Bereaved partners of members of HM Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans (discharged before 1 July 1997) may also benefit from this fee waiver.​"

To read the article in full, please go to: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Army HIVE's Non-UK National team can be contacted for further information via this email address: rc-pers-hive-nonuknat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

 

The following work coach vacancy (30 posts) is open from 24/9/24 to 8/10/24

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job centre Work Coach - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (Ref: 708) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

​More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.