FORCES EMPLOYMENT CHARITY LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE TO CELEBRATE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

The Forces Employment Charity will be marking the Month of the Military Child this April, with a brand new set of resources to help young people of those who Serve and have Served with their next career step.

The charity, which was founded in 1885, originally helped veterans find civilian employment and has since expanded its services to offer support to Military families. This has recently extended to offering employment support to Young people from military families, both serving and veteran within the M3 area, owing to its unique EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families Programme.

The team working in the EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families come from military families themselves and therefore understand the importance of supporting young people who face an ever-changing situation, from frequent moves, education gaps and separation from parents’ and social networks.

Through extra support in education, training and expanding the pool of employment choices and a caseworker, the programmes supports young people to plan a clearer future.
The charity also works with many young people from across the UK through its long-standing programme, Future Horizons. This programme helps early Service Leavers with the next stage of their civilian career, which often includes younger veterans aged between 16-25.

Future Accommodation Model Social Media Re-branding to Defence Accommodation Policy

New Service Pupil Support Programme - part of exciting new funding opportunity from the Armed Forces Families Fund

Join our Centrica Pathway

Scottish Veterans Residences vacancies in Edinburgh

Scottish Veterans Residences is a charity established in 1910 to support former members of the Armed Forces of all ages who are homeless, isolated or in need.

We provide high quality accommodation with dedicated support at our residences in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow. Each residence is a Registered Housing.

We currently have vacancies in Edinburgh.

Help for Households and Cost of Living Payments

Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Communicating Help for Households and Cost of Living Payments - Understanding Universal Credit​ Resources section.

Annington: Families Day Funding Applications

Applications for Annington's Families Day funding closes on 5 May. Please contact your nearest HIVE for further information and an application form.

Mankind: Acorn Recovery Programme for Male Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Defence Medical Services: SMS Medical and Dental Appointment Reminders

An SMS text message reminder service has been launched for patients registered at Defence Medical Services medical and dental practices. For more information please go to the My Healthcare Hub app on Defence Gateway​

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks

It’s almost impossible not to feel good when we’re walking outdoors – it’s a natural mood-booster! And the great news is we don’t need to walk far or fast to feel its effects on our health and wellbeing. Simply getting out is a tonic for our minds and bodies, and it can be sociable too.

Almost all of us can manage a stroll, and Ramblers Wellbeing Walks make it easier to start walking and stay active.​

​To find a local walk near you, please CLICK HERE​

Help HIVE to improve how we deliver the information that's important to you

To give your feedback please follow the link
https://forms.office.com/e/bBk43jTt7e

Are you missing out on claiming Wraparound Childcare funding?

Think you can’t claim Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

Is your partner in the Army / Navy / RAF ? Are you returning to work? You may be eligible to claim for up to 20 hours of before and after school care for eligible children aged 4 to 11 years old.

Check if you are eligible: RN Families - wraparound childcare | Royal Navy | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk) Army https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/army/army-families/families-wraparound-childcare] RAF Families - wraparound childcare | RAF | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

Looking for advice on how to save money on your energy bills?

here to visit the website for further detail on how energy saving actions and more can add up to big savings​

Armed Forces special stakeholder brief

 

Please CLICK HERE to read the full document. 

Op Courage - Specialist care for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families

 

Managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you're experiencing domestic abuse

The government is rolling out a new Emergency Alerts system and a test alert will be sent out on Sunday 23rd April.

The alerts will be used to let you know about emergency situations (like severe flooding) through your mobile phone. However, the alert will be accompanied by a loud sound even if your phone is on silent. If you live with an abusive partner this could alert them to any secret or secondary phones that you may have. Here's how you can turn alerts off, both on Android phones and on iPhones: Managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you're experiencing domestic abuse - YouTube



If you’re afraid of your partner call the free 24 hours a day National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or live chat with them Monday-Friday, 3-10pm by going to nationaldahelpline.org.uk

BFBS Appoints New CEO

 

Ben Chapman has been appointed as the new CEO of BFBS, the military charity and media organisation which provides TV, radio and other media services to the UK armed forces and defence sector.

He is a very experienced media executive, with a long career in audio and digital at the BBC before moving to Audible as Senior Director, Original Content. Among many senior roles, he was Head of Digital and Content Commissioning for BBC Sounds (BBC Radio and Music).

As editorial lead on the project he was in charge of digital activity in the Radio and Music division, including social media, for all the BBC’s national radio stations.

Ben succeeds Simon Bucks who has decided to leave the organisation after nearly eight years in the role. BFBS has just had its contract with the Ministry of Defence extended until 2026. Ben said: “BFBS has a deep history of creative and technological innovation, delivering UK culture, values, and trusted information to military personnel around the world. Helping them connect with family, friends, the wider military community, and UK audiences is vital as we all face a changing political world. The work done over the last seven years sees it in fantastic shape and I am looking forward to leading this important charity during its next phase.”

Ben will take up his new position with BFBS at the beginning of the summer. Simon Bucks said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead BFBS through a period of dramatic change, both in the media and military landscapes. During my period as CEO, we have confirmed our reputation as an innovative, forward-looking organisation.

“We have refreshed our branding, developed successful commercial arms, and made huge progress with digital transformation. All of this is thanks to our brilliant management and staff who are absolutely committed to serving the armed forces. I congratulate Ben on his appointment, and I am confident he will continue to build on the BFBS success story.”

The change of leadership comes as BFBS celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. General Chris Wilson, Chair of BFBS, added: “After almost eight highly successful years, I am delighted that Ben Chapman has accepted our invitation to take over from Simon Bucks as the next CEO of BFBS. He is a highly experienced media executive and ideally qualified to lead the organisation in a fast-moving media environment. I very much look forward to him joining our outstanding and highly dedicated team.”

Image: Ben Chapman, appointed new CEO of BFBS. Credit, Pennie Withers.

About BFBS

BFBS is a military charity and media organisation that entertains, informs, connects, and champions the UK Armed Forces.

We bring entertainment, news, sport and information services to the military, their families, and veterans worldwide. We spread happiness and keep people in touch, building morale among the military overseas – offering them a valuable connection to life back home, and a way to share experiences and build communities.

We are also the home of military content, championing the military by keeping their activities in the public eye on our Forces digital channels.

And our commercial services, which provide income for our charity, span training, digital and creative services and pioneering technology solutions that enable media and communication in the hardest to reach places.

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