If you would like to book a place, please visit https://www.militarymortgageadvice.co.uk/webinars
Thursday, 31 October 2024
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
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.
Monday, 28 October 2024
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.
Thursday, 24 October 2024
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
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
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.
Friday, 18 October 2024
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
Thursday, 17 October 2024
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
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 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.
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
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
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.
Tuesday, 15 October 2024
Defence Children Services: New information on school admissions and education support to Service families
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
Thursday, 10 October 2024
Launch of New British Forces Cyprus Community Website
HQBFC are pleased to announce the formal launch of the new British Forces Cyprus Website:
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:
Wednesday, 9 October 2024
World Mental Health Day - 10th October: Defence Relaunch of HeadFIT for 2024
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
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
Protecting Grey Matter - Mental Health support
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Wales
The following work coach vacancy (45 jobs available) is open from 03/10/2024 to 17/10/24
Civil Service Jobs link:
Job Centre Work Coach - Universal Credit Job centre Work Coach (Executive Officer) - Wales (Ref: 715)
More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.
Samaritans Walk 50 miles with your dog in November
We know that life can sometimes be incredibly tough. Thanks to the dedication of more than 20,000 volunteers, Samaritans can be there for anyone, whatever they are going through and whenever they are struggling to cope.
Visit the website to sign up - https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/events-and-fundraising/walk/walk-50-miles-with-your-dog-in-november/
To find out more about Samaritans support to the Armed Forces community, please go to In the military and Armed Forces Community | How we can help (samaritans.org)
The Poppy Factory: Supporting veterans and families towards employment
For more information, please see the links below for veterans and family members:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eeDZH_s06PGb5tQV9jDWQVWXEwOd18z3/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VgqbArySMyZYZNA2sD4Y3yRQmV9rElw5/view?usp=drive_link
https://www.poppyfactory.org/are-you-looking-for-work/
https://www.poppyfactory.org/families/
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
The autumn edition of Army&You magazine is out now!
There is an article on page 56 covering HIVE's 40th Anniversary.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Apply now for the AF3: Supporting Partners programme
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.
Monday, 7 October 2024
Tuesday, 1 October 2024
AFCAS 2025 is open – make your voice count!
The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) is open!
The annual Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) gives Service personnel the chance to share your views on working conditions, living conditions, and day-to-day Service and family life. Take part in AFCAS and tell us how to better understand your needs in the areas below:
* Service life
* Accommodation
* Catering and retail
* Deployments
* Allowances and pensions
* Service complaints/Service Complaints Ombudsman
* Armed Forces Covenant
* Factors influencing intentions to stay/leave the Armed Forces
* Defence Estate, e.g., training facilities, opportunities for sport and much more
Who can complete AFCAS, and how?
If you are a Service person who has been invited to take part in this year’s survey, you will receive an email with information on how to complete the survey. Your Service number – which is case sensitive – is the token you need to enter. Please be assured that your responses will be confidential.
Every response counts…
The more people we hear from, the better able we are to improve your Service and family life. Your voice matters. To view previous AFCAS results, visit GOV.UK.
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
10th Oct: World Mental Health Day and Togetherall
Whatever you're going through, you're not alone. Let's support each other this #WorldMentalHealthDay.
The UK Armed Forces have FREE access to @togetherall and you can join at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces
The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, is celebrating ten years of its ‘Little Trooper of the Month’ award scheme
The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, is celebrating ten years of its ‘Little Trooper of the Month’ award scheme.
Established in 2014 to recognise children of our British Armed Forces the charity has awarded medals to 120 children who have been especially brave and resilient in the face of adversity.
The Little Troopers winners are all children who have parents serving in the forces and understand first-hand how challenging life can be growing up with a serving parent. Many of the youngsters have experienced long periods of separation from their serving parent due to deployments and military exercises, as well as frequent house and school moves, on top of other challenging life circumstances at home.
Previous winners have included eight-year-old Rubi Smith from Scotland, who has permanent hearing loss in one ear and has amazed her family by continuing to compete in singing competitions; as well as three-year-old Austin Porter from Chippenham who copes with daily pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and has undergone surgery on several occasions while his Dad has been deployed overseas multiple times.
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, comments: “Our Little Trooper of the Month scheme is so special. It encapsulates what our charity is about - recognising the unique circumstances that many military children face and helping these children to feel included and celebrated, especially during difficult times. There are so many incredible young people out there in our forces community, from carers to fundraisers and children who have been diagnosed with challenging health conditions. Awarding these children with their own medal helps them to realise that they are amazing ‘little troopers’ and they should feel very proud of themselves.”
You can nominate a child for the Little Trooper of the Month award here: www.littletroopers.net/trooper-of-the-month
The Little Trooper of the Month Award scheme has been given a boost for this academic year in the form of new sponsorship from global technology business, Thales. The sponsorship has enabled Little Troopers to increase the value of the gift voucher that each winner receives to £100 alongside their special Little Troopers medal.
Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces. Through its resources and initiatives, the charity connects with thousands of military children each year, as well as running special projects such as the Little Troopers All Together deployment club and Little Troopers at School programme. For more information visit www.littletroopers.net
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