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Weekly blog email updates: please note that this service has had to be temporarily suspended with effect from the week beginning 29th Jan 2024 whilst we move to a new system. The update will still be provided here on the blog and will re-start by email as soon as possible.

If you’re not already on our subscriber list and would like to receive a weekly summary of the main blog posts for your location (or as many locations as you wish across the HIVE’s worldwide network) please sign up using this link

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Friday 19 August 2022

Wraparound Childcare Update

Please post the attached onto all platforms with this text in support:

As part of modernising our support for Service families, Defence is rolling out Wraparound childcare funding across the UK from Autumn 2022.

Service families can now visit Discover my Benefits to check if they can claim up to 20 hours per week of before and after school childcare funding during term time [insert pointing finger] [insert https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/army/army-families/families-wraparound-childcare

With his wife Karen, Officer Dan describes the benefit that the Wraparound childcare scheme has had for them. “When I've come home from being away, I felt under quite a bit of pressure, thinking about what was coming the next week. [WAC] has helped to both develop Karen's career and take a little bit of pressure off us. I think it will go quite far towards persuading people to join, especially if joining with a young family."​

WAC Update

New Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline Number

The Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline Number changed on 15th August. The New number is 0800 014 2381 (UK), + 44 330 008 5942 (outside UK).

HIVE Enquiries

Thursday 18 August 2022

Suicide Bereavement UK Armed Forces Suicide Bereavement Study

RBLI Life Works Website is Now Live

RBLI Life Works Website is Now Live

We are proud to announce the new Life Works website is now LIVE!

If you’re a veteran or immediate family of currently serving military personnel and looking for employment support, it’s now even easier to access our award-winning programme.

The new website contains updated features including a course calendar for easily finding a Lifeworks programme in your area, booking a course and contacting our dedicated team for further information. You will also have the opportunity to gain access to the Lifeworks Hub; a unique area of the website created to help you on your job search with a list of our employment partners, veteran friendly job opportunities and a range of useful material for additional support. Visit the new Lifeworks website today: https://wearelifeworks.org.uk/

Tuesday 16 August 2022

NHS Healthy Start

DIO: Updates on accommodation contracts

Updates on Accommodation contracts

For updates on the Accommodation contracts, please go to Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)where you can subscribe for update notifications

Missed Appointments in the North and Central Regions

Unfortunately, a number of missed appointments were experienced by families earlier this week in Amey’s North and Central regions. This was a result of a server security certificate expiring on 7 August which meant appointments did not transfer from Amey’s scheduling system to its operatives’ hand-held devices from 7-9 August.

When the problem became apparent, Amey’s Regional Service Centre staff intervened to schedule engineers by telephone to attend the planned appointments. Where appointments are confirmed to have been missed, Amey’s Regional Service Centre will issue an apology, re-book appointments and proactively issue compensation..

Safety Notice Regarding Checking Window Restrictors in SFA

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.

Gas and Electrical Statutory and Mandatory Inspections

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 and thereby to keep you and your family safe from harm.

Tuesday 9 August 2022

GamCare: Changing your relationship with gambling

 GamCare has designed these resources to assist anyone who has recognised that gambling may be an issue for them. If you have arrived at this realisation and have made the decision that you would like to change your relationship with gambling, the following workbook is designed to help you, working at your own pace.

Gambling problems can have many impacts for an individual, their family and their friends. If at any time you would like additional support from the GamCare team, you can contact us over the phone on Freephone 0808 8020 133​

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/self-help/self-help-resources/​

Free online employment course for ex-Forces partners' and their adult children over 18

 



Date of course: 5th-9th Sept. This is a pilot course, offered for free in liaison with JointForces ISS and aims to help you re-set your existing skills for the journey ahead in civilian life. Aimed at ex-Forces partners' and their adult children over 18.​ Closing date to apply is 22nd Aug. See alsohttps://janejamesconsultancy.com/military-reboot/

Friday 5 August 2022

Education and Training Services - Life After the Army: When is the right time to prepare


This webinar will cover the process that SP follow to exit the Army and how they can maximise their transition with the educational opportunities on offer. Aimed at all reg SP even if you aren’t planning to leave yet.

Wednesday 3 August 2022

FAMCAS Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2022 - results

The 2022 Tri-Service results from the annual families Continuous Attitude Survey have been released.  Please click HERE to view the results. 

Tuesday 2 August 2022

CILOCT rebate - update




 

NHS Dental Care Updates



Patients across the country will soon benefit from improved access to dental care under changes recently announced by NHS England. New reforms include more dental therapists who will be able to accept patients for NHS treatments, freeing up dentists' time for urgent and complex cases. Further details can be found on the NHS England website.

In the meantime, the Forces Families Federations have a list of recommendations to help you find an NHS dentist.

You may also be able to find new local options on the Dental Choices website.