Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

For all platforms please ('UK specific' lable for overseas blogs) - and yes, we're sharing the discount code openly...we've been asked to and the discount is available for a wide number of the relevant participants.

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3rd Sector stands.

The Grand Military Gold Cup is an historic National Hunt steeplechase, run at Sandown Park and taking place in Jan each year. First run in 1841, the race is restricted to serving Military amateur riders and is the showcase event in a day of celebration of the Armed Forces.

Please see the poster for a discount code that reduces the ticket cost for the following:
Serving Members of the Armed Forces

Veterans
Personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Link to book tickets is https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/grand-military-gold-cup-day/

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​

British Gas Electrician Apprenticeship Vacancies

We're so much more than an energy company. We're a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn't rely on fossil fuels whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That's why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

During your apprenticeship, you'll absorb the wisdom, grasp the skills, and earn the qualifications to emerge as a top-tier Electrical Engineer – a true household hero. Under the wing of our experienced Electricians, you'll soon learn how to deliver energy efficient solutions to our customers through installing, upgrading & maintaining electrical systems.

• Leicestershire
• Glasgow
• Hertfordshire
• Aberdeenshire
• Greater London
• Gloucestershire
• Essex
• Bridgend
• Northampton
• Derbyshire
• Staffordshire

The link to apply or more information is HERE

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.

Quest Magazine December Edition

Click on the image to read the latest online edition.

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

 

Accommodation: Online e1132 password process change on 9th Dec 2024

Online e1132 password process change

The password process for the online e1132 system is changing on Monday 9 December 2024.

To ensure your online details are kept as securely as possible, we are changing the way we record, store and provide users with their details (when requested).

All users of the online e1132 system will need to reset their own passwords the next time they login to the system. Once the reset is completed, the user's new chosen password will remain unchanged until the user chooses to change it. There is no deadline for users to change their password, the change is only triggered the next time they go to login into the e1132 system.

Before the change on Monday 9 December, we encourage users to log into their e1132 accounts to check that the email address linked to their account is valid

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3rd Sector stands.

The Grand Military Gold Cup is an historic National Hunt steeplechase, run at Sandown Park and taking place in Jan each year. First run in 1841, the race is restricted to serving Military amateur riders and is the showcase event in a day of celebration of the Armed Forces.

Please see the poster for a discount code that reduces the ticket cost for the following:
Serving Members of the Armed Forces

Veterans
Personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Link to book tickets is https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/grand-military-gold-cup-day/

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

Empowering You Workshop, Glasgow 27th-29th Jan 2025

Empowering You is brought to you by the Forces Employment Charity, from Monday, 27 January, to Wednesday, 29 January 2025.
This is a hybrid three-day employability and confidence-building workshop with in-person components hosted in Glasgow.
It is for military women, spouses, and partners, including those who are separated, divorced, or bereaved. Please note military spouses and partners of any gender may attend.

Hear about local job opportunities and get a free one-to-one mentoring sessions with a corporate mentor!

Your top 5 reasons to attend:

1. Receive a free one-to-one mentoring session with a corporate mentor

2. Join us in person in Glasgow, where Barclays will host our sessions

3. Hear from employers about pathways into employment and regional job opportunities

4. Understand the value that your transferrable skills can bring to employers

5. Expert sessions delivered by our Families Employment Advisors

Learn about our previous Empowering You workshop

📆 27.01.25 - 29.01.25 📍 Glasgow, Scotland 📌 Days 1 and 3 will be virtual 🎟️ Register now: https://loom.ly/gpIJwbo

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.

Bounce Forward - Anxiety Unravelled online course starts 14 Jan

Registration is now open for the next Anxiety Unravelled course for military parents and carers, funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

This the 3rd of three courses being delivered in response to what military parents told us they need, both for themselves and for their children. There are more than 100,000 children with parents actively serving in the British Armed Forces, and the number of children seeking support for mental health problem is rising.

Wellbeing of the adults impacts children, if adult wellbeing is poor, then it can pass on through to their children. Children are often the forgotten service members with limited research into the impact they feel, so they are often left to struggle alone. This course helps parents to understand and recognise how best to develop resilience in their children.

​Places are FREE of charge, and there are 500 funded places. Register at this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DjhF8eEjRwuVRveN0cSPmw​

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.

Civvy Street - Nov 2024 Edition

Click here to view the full magazine - Civvy Street November Edition

Easy Resettlement Magazine - Autumn 2024 Edition

 Click here to view the full magazine - Resettlement Magazine

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

Families First newsletter - issue 20

Read here - Families First Newsletter

To read this issue (and previous issues) online: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to build sustainable and resilient support networks for Veterans

Quest Magazine November Edition

Quest November Edition

Akrotiri: Volleyball

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

Military Mortgage Advice Webinars: November to Jan

If you would like to book a place, please visit https://www.militarymortgageadvice.co.uk/webinars​

Stem Cell Donation: Sign up to save a life!

Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.

Stem cell transplants are used to treat blood cancers like leukaemia, aplastic anaemia as well as other diseases of the immune system. Chemotherapy can help in some cases, but for many people a stem cell transplant is the only chance of a cure.

30,000 new donors are needed in the UK each year to find matches for the steadily rising number of stem cell transplants taking place in the UK every year. Stem cells are found in the bone marrow – a soft, spongy tissue at the centre of certain bones – and can produce all essential blood cells, including red and white cells and platelets (which stop bleeding).

Give blood and save a life 

Sign up today

AWS Community Support Annual Report 2024

 The Army Welfare service is proud to present the AWS Community Support Annual Report for 2024.  

This Report outlines some of the key achievements delivered and challenges faced by our team over the past year. It provides an overview of key areas of work, statistical information and also looks forward to the year ahead.  It demonstrates the breadth and depth of the impact that the Community Support team have.

AWS Community Support Annual Report 2024

Strategic Plan Annual Report

The Army Welfare service is proud to present the AWS Community Support Annual Report for 2024.

This Report outlines some of the key achievements delivered and challenges faced by our team over the past year. It provides an overview of key areas of work, statistical information and also looks forward to the year ahead. It demonstrates the breadth and depth of the impact that the Community Support team have.​

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

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £380K awarded to enhance Early Years provision for Service families

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) have awarded funding worth over £380,000 to a further 12 fantastic projects supporting Service children in the latest round of the Early Years programme!

These projects are set to help enhance early childhood education and childcare to better support the unique needs and challenges of young children from Armed Forces families.