NHS England: Help us to ensure veterans receive the very best healthcare support in 2024

In 2019, NHS England commissioned the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to develop and introduce the Veteran Friendly Practice Accreditation scheme, a free support programme designed to help GP practices in England to deliver the best care and treatment to patients who have served in the UK Armed Forces. Since then, over 2,760 practices have signed up.

To help encourage more practices to sign up, the Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs are working together to increase awareness of veterans’ healthcare needs and any challenges that prevent people who’ve served in the Armed Forces from seeking help from their GP.

More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life

Personnel leaving the military are to receive more support for finding jobs in civilian life thanks to a new contract between the Ministry of Defence and Reed.

More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Military Coworking Network - Hub Expansion

The Military Coworking Network (MCN) is thrilled to announce a huge advancement in its mission to support military partners and spouses. Following a successful evaluation of the pilot project, the MCN - through partners the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) - has secured substantial funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund (AFCTF). This grant marks a turning point for the MCN, enabling us to transition from a pilot phase to a permanent and expanding fixture within the military community.

The AFCTF's generous support will facilitate the opening of at least three additional Military Coworking Hubs in 2024, further extending our reach and impact. These new hubs will embody the same spirit and objectives that have driven the success of our existing locations, offering a supportive and collaborative environment tailored to the unique needs of military spouses who want to create independent professional lives alongside military life.

Since its inception, the MCN has been dedicated to providing a space where military spouses and partners can pursue professional development, foster connections, and access vital resources. The expansion of the network is a testament to the positive outcomes and feedback received from our community during the pilot phase.

The new hubs will be strategically located in areas with a high concentration of military families and will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed internet, modern workspaces, and a range of professional development resources. They will also serve as community hubs, hosting events and workshops designed to empower and connect military partners.

"We are immensely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund for their belief in our vision and their investment in the future of the Military Coworking Network," said Megane Bambridge, Project Manager at the MCN. Linzi Jenkinson, the MCN's Hub Development and Liaison Lead, highlights that "This funding is not just an investment in physical spaces but in the people who form a significant part of the military community. We are excited that the network is growing and are looking forward to welcoming more members into our supportive MCN family."

The MCN looks forward to inviting military partners, their families, and base stakeholders to the official opening ceremonies of the new Coworking Hubs, which will be announced shortly. These events will be an opportunity to witness first-hand the vibrant community spirit and the tangible benefits that the Military Coworking Hubs bring to military families.

About the Military Coworking Network

The Military Coworking Network is an innovative initiative designed to support military families by providing collaborative workspaces and professional development resources. Established as a pilot project, it has quickly grown into a vital support network for spouses and partners of military personnel, offering them a platform to grow, connect, and thrive. With the expansion made possible by the AFCTF funding, and working closely with RAFA, the MCN continues to break new ground in empowering military partners and spouses.

iHIVE Poster

 

Blind Veterans UK - Volunteer with us

To find out more visit:- www.blindveterans.org.uk/volunteer

Mission Motorsport - The National Transition Event 2024, Silverstone on 4 Mar

The National Transition Event 2024

Monday 4th March 2024, 08:00 – 17:00 Hours

​Held at Silverstone, one of the UK's most iconic race tracks, the National Transition event is an event like no other. Whether you are just starting out on your resettlement journey, or are a seasoned veteran or military spouse, the National Transition Event is designed to give you a clear, objective understanding of the civilian world of work, leaving you empowered and confident as you seek out your next career. With ample opportunity to meet and network with employers actively recruiting from the Armed Forces community, get honest advice and guidance from veterans in industry, and access support from agencies and support services. In true Mission Motorsport style, there will of course be the chance to enjoy passenger laps around the British GP circuit in a range of supercars!

✅Employment opportunities, networking & transitional support

✅Access to a range of support including Vets UK, Defence Transition Services, DWP and a whole host of service charities and support agencies.

✅Showcases sectors, skills & opportunities

✅The Troops' Track Day

✅Supported by the MoD and CTP, Service Leavers are eligible to claim travel expenses - please refer to JSP 534 - The Tri-Service Resettlement and Employment Support Manual - Part 2: Guidance

Whether you're a soldier, sailor, aviator, veteran, or military spouse, register to attend free of charge here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-transition-event-2024-tickets-776845344337?aff=oddtdtcreator

More detailed information about the event can be found here: https://www.nationaltransitionevent.com/

DWP Update: Third Cost of Living Payment – Help for Households

Millions of people on means-tested benefits will receive the third of 3 Cost of Living Payments, which taken together, could total up to £900 over this financial year 2023-2024.

The first 2023 payment of £301 was paid between 25 April and 17 May, the second payment of £300 was paid between 31 October and 19 November and the third payment of £299 will be paid between 6 and 22 February.

The payment is for people on a qualifying means-tested benefit, who were entitled to payment during the qualifying period 13 November to 12 December 2023, or a payment for an assessment period ending within the qualifying period. The qualifying benefits include: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, and tax credits: Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

The Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HMRC. It will be paid separately to benefit payments and the reference will appear in accounts with the account holder’s National Insurance number and 'DWP COL'.

For tax credit-only customers, the reference will appear in accounts as 'HMRC COLS', referencing Cost of Living Support.

To be eligible for this payment, you must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:

• Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended on or within the period 13 November to 12 December 2023.

• Income based JSA, income related ESA, Income Support, or Pension Credit, for any day in the period 13 November to 12 December 2023.

• For tax credit-only customers, they must have received a payment of tax credits any day in the period 13 November to 12 December 2023. Find out more about the range of government support with the cost of living at Help for Households.

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2024: Finalists Include Two HIVE Staff

Army HIVE are very proud to announce that two members of staff are finalists in the 2024 Celebrating Forces Families awards!

Jo Ratubuli works in Cyprus and is a finalist in the 'Away From Home' category, and Emma Passant is a finalist in the 'Family Volunteer of the Year' category.

To find out more about the Celebrating Forces Families awards, and to buy tickets for the Awards Night in April, please go to: https://www.celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk/​

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

XL Bully dogs in SFA

XL Bully dogs have been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence for anyone, including SFA residents, to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption. Further details on preparing for the ban can be found here.

Families living in SFA who own an XL Bully dog must re-submit a pet request form alongside a copy of their Certificate of Exemption to Pinnacle no later than 31 January 2024.

Afghan Relocation and Resettlement policy (ARAP)

The UK Government has made a commitment to resettle Afghan nationals who worked for, or alongside, the British Armed Forces in support of the UK's mission in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence owes a debt of gratitude to these Afghan nationals and their families and is therefore contributing to cross-Government efforts to house those who are eligible under the Afghan Relocation and Resettlement policy (ARAP) to the UK.

Currently, there are over 200 ARAP families living in Service Family Accommodation and it is expected that there will be many more moving into previously void SFA over the coming months and years.

For more information, please see the poster attached.

RFS Career Academy Online Course: Gaining Control of Your Finances, 29 Jan

Save the date! Join RFS Career Academy on January 29th from 10am-11am UK time for a financial guidance workshop hosted by Lester Brunt Wealth Management in collaboration with RFS! Exclusively designed for military spouses, this free session covers essential financial topics such as: Income Tracking, Effective Budgeting, Savings & Investments, Goal Setting, understanding & protecting your Credit Score, insights into Frauds & Scams, and guidance on creating a personalised Action Plan.

This is the first workshop in a three-part series that aims to help you equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the current financial landscapes and make informed decisions with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your financial literacy and secure your future.

Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey towards financial wellbeing - https://forms.office.com/e/Pr3SymTJ2

Your voice counts – AFCAS 2024

As we enter 2024, the opportunity to get involved in AFCAS is almost at its end. Don’t miss the chance to voice your thoughts.

Complete the annual survey to help Defence achieve its goal of improving the daily lives for members of the Armed Forces and their families. Every response counts.

Everyone can have their say, whether in the selected sample or not!

- If you have been selected to complete AFCAS, you will have been sent an email containing information on how to access the survey.

- If you aren’t in the sample, you can still make your voice heard by completing the shorter survey.

- Don’t miss your chance to tell Defence what is going well and where we can improve.

- The valuable feedback you provide will go a long way in supporting the lives of our serving personnel and their families.

- Completing the AFCAS Survey allows a safe space for you to share your thoughts and opinions on what you feel most positively about as well as what you feel needs changing.

New guidance for school governors and trustees on supporting Service children

To help schools and trusts to better understand the educational related challenges that Service children may face, and to help them thrive in education, the National Governance Association (NGA) has issued new guidance for school governing boards and trustees. The NGA created this guidance in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence – who provide statutory guidance for schools on the Armed Forces Covenant Duty – and the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance.

The guidance:

* Outlines the education-related disadvantages that can arise for Service children and the potential impact of parental deployment, separation and family mobility.

* Explains the role of governing boards in allocating school funding to meet the needs of Service children and has questions for boards to ask and consider. 

* Explores how the SCiP Alliance’s Thriving Lives Toolkit can be used as a self-assessment tool by schools to monitor and improve their practice and support for Service children.

* References the Armed Forces Covenant Duty, and which education functions of a school are in scope. If you are a Service parent who sits on a school governing board or trust, read and share this new guidance with the board.

Point of contact: Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding - Education Policy Team People-affs-education-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

NHS care for the Armed Forces community, January 2024 Update

NHS care for the Armed Forces community, January 2024

The NHS is responsible for providing all hospital and most community services for serving personnel (except for mental health, general practice and rehabilitation services). The NHS also provides nearly all community, general practice and hospital services for the families of serving personnel, reservists and veterans. Included as part of this are the following dedicated services and initiatives to support the Armed Forces community.

Defence Medical Welfare Services

 

Easier registration and claims process for Wraparound Childcare (WAC)

From 19 February 2024 the way that personnel register and claim WAC funding is changing. The process will be fully integrated within JPA and will be much simpler to use.

​· Personnel that are currently registered will receive an email from the WAC team explaining what this means for them.

· Personnel that haven't yet registered but may be eligible should note that registrations will freeze from 31 January 2024 until the switch over on 19 February 2024.

· Personnel that register between 19 February and 31 March 2024 will be able to backdate their registration to 1 February 2024, subject to eligibility.

Where can you find further information?

· Read the FAQs or visit the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect.

· Visit the Discover My Benefits webpage or contact the HIVE, and Army Families Federation information sites.

· Look out for more updates, on defnet and Defence Connect.

· If you have any further questions you can email the WAC team at PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Op RESTORE

 

Op RESTORE is the new name for the Veterans Trauma Network.

Please click here to read this leaflet online

To visit the Op RESTORE website, please click here

For more information on health services for Veterans, click here

Updates to Early Years Provision

The government is expanding early years and childcare government funding to working families from April 2024 which will enable working families of two year old children to access up to 15 hours of government funded early years education a week (based on 38 weeks). This will be expanded from September 2024 for working families of children after they have turned nine months and then from September 2025 this will be expanded to 30 hours. For more information and parents to check their eligibility visit: Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

There will also be an expansion of wraparound childcare ​places in settings from September for families who need it with children from Reception Year to Year 6. This plan is aimed at families who need wraparound provision from 8 am – 6pm term time only should have access to it within their local community.

There is also government start up grant funding available currently to encourage people to become registered childminders. The website where applications can be made for the start up grant can be found here: Apply for a childminder start-up grant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Minimum Income Requirement - incremental approach to new threshold amount

You may have seen reference to the announcement from the Home Office that the planned increase to the MIR to £38,700 will happen incrementally, with a figure of £29,000 applicable from Spring 2024. The Home Office have released a Factsheet that explains more. Among other things, this advises that under the new provisions there will no longer be a separate child element.

Defence continues to liaise with the Home Office in order to understand how this will impact Service Personnel (Officers and Soldiers) and their families, and further information will be provided once more details are known.


[link for the factsheet is: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fact-sheet-on-net-migration-measures-further-detail ]​