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.​

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

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

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

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

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.

Pinnacle Service Families Virtual Outreach Weds 2nd October

 

Next week, Wednesday 2nd October, you have the opportunity to speak to colleagues from our Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams.

​To book your slot by 29th September, visit​: https://t.co/KRfteEY6uX​

AGAI 50 and and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support - Updated and Re-published

Both AGAI 50 and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support have been republished. The AGAI may be found here, while the Guide is available on both the Personal Services SharePoint site and Defence Connect. The SharePoint site also contains copies of the unit letters featured in the AGAI and Guide and a version of the PowerPoint presentation for annual briefings.
​Please note that these links are only accessible via MODnet/Defence Gateway. Please contact HIVE if assistance is required.

Overseas Local Needs Analysis

 

Service families, have your say!

On behalf of the Defence Safeguarding Partnership Board (DSPB), DCS are undertaking a Local Needs Analysis to help us to better understand the needs, wants, and wishes of children, young people, families, and individuals overseas. The form should take no longer than 7 minutes to complete and can help to shape the future of social care, family support and personal support for all of our population overseas.

You can complete the form here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: News Update

 News Updates 

Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals

Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals



If you or your family hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, you will need to replace it by registering for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.



UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account, but you do not need to wait to be contacted to take action. If you or family members have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email, but you can still register for an account.



What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

A BRP is proof of an individual’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, it can also be used to confirm an individual’s identity and right to any public services or benefits they may be entitled to whilst in the UK. Currently a Biometric Residence Permit is required by anyone who comes to the UK for:

* longer than 6 months,

* extends their visa beyond 6 months,

* applies to Settle in the UK,

* transfers their visa to a new passport,

* or applies for certain Home Office travel documents.

What should I do If I have a BRP?

Those with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will need to replace it by setting up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This will provide the holder with a digital visa (eVisa) based on the most recent grant of leave to be in the UK that an individual has. Once transferred to the eVisa all details will be accessible by the Department of Work and Pensions, Local Authorities, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, Border Force, the NHS and Rail, Air and Sea commercial carriers at any such times that they require it.



Those with a BRP should continue to carry it when travelling internationally until it expires.



What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital version of what was previously a BRP, a wet-ink stamp or a vignette in a passport. The eVisa will enable the holder, government departments and some third-party organisations such as the Department of Work and Pensions, Local Authorities, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, Border Force, the National Health Service and Rail, Sea and Air carriers to view the holder’s immigration status and associated conditions.



I am currently serving as a Non-UK national, am I affected?

At the moment, non-UK service personnel are ‘Exempt from Immigration Control’ whilst serving and do not need a BRP. However, it is likely that at some point in the future exempt statuses will also be required to hold an eVisa, and if you apply to Settle in the UK on discharge (Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK) will also require an eVisa. For now, Non-UK Service Personnel do not need to take any action for themselves. As and when this changes more information will be available.

My family holds a BRP, what do they need to do?

If a family member has a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, they will need to register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. They should do this before their BRP expires.



My family has Settled status/Indefinite Leave to Remain in/Enter the UK, what do they need to do?



If a family member has Settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK (ILE)) and they have a wet-ink stamp or a vignette in their passport, then it’s recommended that they follow the following steps:

1. Make a No Time Limit Application [https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp] to replace the wet-ink stamp/vignette in their passport with a BRP.

2. Upon receipt of BRP, register for a UKVI account and move to an eVisa.



However, No Time Limit Applications can only be submitted in the UK. If they are overseas, they will still be able to enter the UK from the 01 January 2025 even if they have not registered for a UKVI account as Rail, Sea and Air carriers will be able to check their status automatically.



What should I do once I/family have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account?



Once you or your family members have registered for a UKVI account it is important to check that all travel document information is up-to-date for each account holder.



Further information



Details about the eVisas system and how to register can be found by visiting GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa]

Help your child’s school to access Service Pupil Premium funding

Help your child’s school to access Service Pupil Premium funding

Help your child’s school to qualify for the Service Pupil Premium by informing them of your Service status by 3 October 2024.

State schools, academies and free schools in England, which have children of Service families in the school years from Reception to Year 11, can receive Service Pupil Premium (SPP) funding. The Department for Education (DfE) provides extra funding – £340 per pupil – to help schools to support Service children. It is for the school to decide how the money is spent, but support is often provided through pastoral support and can help to mitigate the impact of family mobility or parental deployment. The funding can be used for individual pupils or added to larger support projects.

Service parents are encouraged to inform schools of their Service status ahead of the autumn census deadline of 3 October 2024. You can do this by talking to the headteacher or school administration staff. Without this information, schools will miss out on this additional funding.



Who is eligible for the SPP?

Pupils from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for SPP for their schools if they meet the criteria below:

* One of their parents is serving in the regular Armed Forces (including pupils with a parent who is on full commitment as part of the Full-Time Reserve Service)

* One of their parents died whilst serving in the armed forces and the pupil receives a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pensions Scheme

* They have been registered as a ‘Service child’ on a school census in the past six years under the DfE’s Ever 6 Service child measure

* One of their parents is in the Armed Forces of another nation and is stationed in England

Useful information and resources

For more information about the Service Pupil Premium, including its purpose and what it’s used for, visit GOV.UK.

Link to poster

To find out about the financial and emotional support and services available for you and your family, visit the Discover my Benefits website.

Ayios Nikolaos HIVE Uniform Swap Shop

 Struggling to find school uniform? 

Have uniform that has been outgrown? 

Ayios Nikolaos HIVE has a uniform swap shop! Bring along your donations, or pop in and look through the rails to see if we have what you need. 

Open every weekday 8-1. 

Dhekelia School Uniform Swap Shop

 Struggling to find school uniform? 

Have uniform tht has been outgrown? 

Dhekelia Hive has a uniform swap shop! Bring along your donations, or pop in and look through the rails to see if we have what you need. 

Open every weekday 8-1. 

The Business Launch Accelerator Course from the Milspo® Network: Empowering Military Spouses to Thrive

The life of a military spouse and partner is full of unique challenges – from frequent moves to deployments and unpredictable schedules. But amidst these challenges, a desire to build a business and pursue financial independence often burns brightly. The Milspo® Network recognises this and has created the solution: The Business Launch Accelerator Course.

This comprehensive 8-week online programme is specifically designed for military spouses, partners, and other-halves eager to start and grow a business.

Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools

In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families. 

Co-ordinated School Admissions (England)

What is co-ordinated admissions?

 
This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).

Applications for school places at these points are run on a national co-ordinated scheme. All admission authorities work to the same dates and timescales which are set in the School Admissions Code.

For more information click here

Wraparound Childcare – families Q&A session with the WAC team 17th Sept

 Do you have a WAC question? Ask the WAC team.

Have you registered for WAC but still have questions? Are you eligible but haven’t yet registered? Are you unsure of the registration and claims process?

The WAC team are here to answer your questions.

Tuesday 17 September 13:00-14:00

Book your space now, complete the MS Form to receive a link to the Q&A session Family Q&A with the Wraparound Childcare Team (office.com) 

What is this Q&A session for?

This session is the latest in a series of Q&As that have been held since WAC became available to eligible Service families and will aim to answer any queries that families currently have.

Where to find further information

Service personnel can access FAQs and more information on the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect

Families can find more information and FAQS on the Discover My Benefits Army, RAF, Navy or Marines webpage (www), or the HIVEs, RN FPS and Families Federations information sites.

The Whispering Wind installation for those who have experience pregnancy, baby or child loss

Reservations for windmills for our Whispering Wind event in October (9th-15th Oct 2024 at the Defence Academy of the UK at Shrivenham), are still open, but not for long.

So if you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss, and would like to honour their child's memory through our event, please send them our way. Reservation forms can be requested via DM or emailing dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com

Windmills are free of charge to families, will be personalised and sent out to families once our Baby Loss Awareness Week event has come to a close.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages about their loved ones so far, your strength continues to amaze us and we feel honoured you have chosen to share their memory with us for this event. ​

Togetherall: Behind the Smile

Togetherall:Behind the Smile