Applying For A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

An EHIC lets you get state healthcare in EEA countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

Travelling to Europe from 1 January 2021

Your EHIC might not be valid from 1 January 2021. Buy travel insurance that comes with healthcare cover before you travel.

For more information please click HERE

EU Citizens - Families And Immigration Issues

Click on these links for information:

https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

https://www.maramaalliance.com/

MOD Reserve, Rejoiner and Wider Opportunities

The MOD’s new, free digital service for an easy way to discover Reserve, Rejoiner and wider opportunities across the Armed Forces and stay connected with Defence.

Please CLICK HERE for further information

The British Army Breastfeeding Network Facebook Page

The Army Parents’ Network yesterday launched a new sub network - The British Army Breastfeeding Network.

The new network aims to support servicewomen breastfeeding, pregnant servicewomen aiming to breastfeed, and also supports spouses who are breastfeeding or aiming to breastfeed.

Although the title says “army”, all three services are more than welcome to join.

CLICK HERE for the Facebook page

MOD Service Personnel - Cohabitation Rules For Those In A Long-Term Relationship

The MOD’s policy on cohabitation in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) has changed.

If you have served for four or more years and can demonstrate that you are in a Long-Term Relationship (LTR), then you will be eligible to apply to cohabit with your partner in surplus SFA, where it’s available.

Soldiers eligible to cohabit won’t hold entitlement to SFA and so, if there is no surplus SFA at their place of work (i.e. within 50 miles of their posting location), they won’t be able to access SFA or Substitute SFA (a hiring).


Soldiers with PStatCat2 – primary parental responsibility – can also apply in accordance with this policy.

What is cohabitation?

The MOD defines cohabitation as a soldier living with their partner, who is not their legal spouse or civil partner, in an LTR.

What is classed as a long-term relationship (LTR)?

The MOD has a list of criteria defining an established LTR. You will need to be able to provide enough evidence of your established relationship of 12 months or more. This time frame was set by the Service People Policy Group (SPPG).

To read AFF's FAQ's on the new rules, CLICK HERE

Royal British Legion Women's Section - President's Award Scheme

The women’s section of the Royal British Legion offers two separate bursaries for eligible beneficiaries: Educational Scholarships and Educational Grants.

Educational Scholarships
Educational Scholarships of up to £1,500 are available to the dependants of current and former Service personnel*. Dependant children applying for this scholarship must be 21 or under. Funding can only be considered for a first degree. No funding can be considered for Postgraduate or overseas studies.

Up to £1,500 may be awarded to beneficiaries and is usually granted towards the cost of university accommodation

Educational Grants

Educational grants of up to £500 are available to current and former service personnel, child dependants and spouses/partners* wishing to complete educational courses or re-training schemes. No funding can be considered for Postgraduate or overseas studies.

Up to £500 can be awarded towards costs associated with completing your course such as books, equipment, travel, and uniform. A grant towards course costs may be considered exceptionally by the Committee.

Click HERE for full details

Army Welfare Service - Domestic Abuse Guidance

Turn2Us - Armed Forces

Armed Forces (Serving / Veteran)

If you are a serving member of the armed forces or a veteran, there may be benefits, grants or other financial support available to you and your family.

Click here for further information on the support available.

Action Fraud: How To Shop Safely Online

Read more here

Find Your Feet: Transition Tips For Parents of Year 6 to Year 7 Pupils

If your child is transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 or going through a significant change in their lives, these top 10 tips might be useful for you. Going through change can be scary or challenging for children and young people, but sometimes it's just the small things, like showing interest in your child's hobbies, that can make a difference.

CLICK HERE to read more

Advice For Parents And Primary School Children Moving To Secondary School

Moving from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time of life, but for many children it can also be a daunting prospect.

A new, much bigger school can offer greater independence, such as the first smart phone, and a world of opportunity.

However it also means new teachers, new subjects and potentially a whole new set of friends.

Starting Secondary School, a new campaign from BBC Bitesize aimed at 10-12 year olds, their teachers and parents, will shine a light on the great potential of starting afresh in secondary school and also offer practical advice and emotional support to help take the stress out of taking the next big step.

Click the link to access some resources that offer some advice for parents and primary school children who will be moving into secondary school and highlighting this transition.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/transitioning-to-secondary-school/zkc9pg8

AFF - Childcare Survey Results

In total 84% of families said they are facing considerable challenges because their soldier can’t help out regularly. Added to this, cost is a significant barrier to using paid childcare.

Take a look at the results of the survey here.

Shout: Text Service For Anyone In Crisis

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Shout is powered by a team of volunteers, who are at the heart of the service. We take people from crisis to calm every single day.

Shout exists in the US as ‘Crisis Text Line’, but this is the first time the tried and tested technology has come to the UK.

The anonymised data we collate gives us unique insights into mental health trends to help improve people’s lives.

https://www.giveusashout.org/

Unit Guide To Supporting Non UK Nationals v7.6

Click on image above

to access the full guide

Life Goes Online: Science Centre Activities Online

Click here for Life Goes Online

If you're missing your regular visit to Life Science Centre (we're missing you!), check out the activities below to see some familiar faces from our team demonstrating fun and educational activities you can try at home. And please feel free to chat with us on social media @scienceatlife, even if it's just to say hello!

The Princes Trust: Education And Resources

Please CLICK HERE for some of the Prince's Trust most helpful online resources from their Achieve and Mosaic programmes for teachers, tutors and parents to deliver and share with young people.

Need Help Making A Universal Credit Claim - Citizens Advice Help To Claim Service

Do you or someone you know need support to make a Universal Credit claim? The citizens advice offer free, confidential, independent telephone and webchat advice:

Phone them : 0800 144 8444

Chat to them at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim

Naval Families Federation (NFF) Gains an Immigration Advisor

The NFF are pleased to announce they are now regulated by the OISC to give qualified and timely immigration advice to Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their family members and other supporting agencies

Click HERE for full details and to view video clip

New Government Scheme - Cycling and Walking

Further information can be found HERE

What Is The Joint Service Housing Advice Office?