Serve + Protect (Part Of Joining Forces)

SSAFA: Gurkha Services

SSAFA works collaboratively with other Gurkha specific organisations such as the Gurkha Welfare Trust, the Gurkha Brigade Association, the Army Welfare Service, Gurkha communities and others.

SSAFA's Gurkha services are available to all serving and veteran members of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and their families. SSAFA provides local volunteers with up to date information, awareness and translation services, to ensure the Gurkha community have the same support opportunities as any other member of the Armed Forces community.

SSAFA's Gurkha services are for people who have served in the Brigade of Gurkhas or are the immediate family of someone who served.

CLICK HERE to visit the website for further information

Rejoin The British Army

Are you interested in rejoining the British Army ?

If a former soldier wishes to rejoin the Army within 12 months of leaving, there are opportunities for fast track entry.

Even if you left under the Armed Forces Redundancy Scheme, were medically discharged or left for disciplinary reasons, rejoiners can apply to enlist up to their 57th birthday.

Phone the NRC Rejoiner Team for free on 0345 600 8080 (option 2 then ask for the Rejoiner Team).

You can also email: RG-NRCRegularRejoiners@mod.gov.uk

Find out more at HERE

The Armed Forces Compensation Guide

There are a number of compensation schemes administered by Veterans UK on behalf of the Ministry of Defence available to serving and former serving personnel who are injured as a result of their service in the Armed Forces. The scheme that applies to each individual will depend on when and where you served.

CLICK HERE for the updated guide

NHS: Talking To Children About Feelings

Some children find the transition of going back to school difficult after the festive period. If you're worried about a child, encouraging them to talk can be very helpful, whether you're a parent, grandparent, friend or teacher.

If you think a child you know has a problem, it can be hard to know how to start talking to them about it.

When there are problems at home, such as parents fighting, divorce or a death in the family, children can become withdrawn and upset.

Being able to talk to someone other than a parent is sometimes very helpful for children. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, teachers or even a counsellor can all offer support.

For further information please CLICK HERE

Details To Give When Calling The Out Of Hours Duty Nurse

Information for BFB personnel and dependants.

In the event of calling the out of hours duty nurse for advice or request to see a medical clinician you will be asked for the following details to assist in triaging your medical need:

Patients name

Who is making the call

Telephone number to be reached on

Date of birth and age

Reason for calling

This will follow with other relevant questions to assist in obtaining the information to allow appropriate advice to be given, to inform the duty doctor or recommendation to go to the hospital.

Please remember in the case of any life threatening emergencies 991 (ambulance) should be your first option.

Out of hours duty nurse number is 8330246.

Are You Eligible For Marriage Allowance?

Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1,250 of your Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner - if they earn more than you.

This reduces their tax by up to £250 in the tax year (6 April to 5 April the next year).

To benefit as a couple, you (as the lower earner) must normally have an income below your Personal Allowance - this is usually £12,500.

You can calculate how much tax you could save as a couple. You should call the Income Tax helpline instead if you receive other income such as dividends or savings.

You can backdate your claim to include any tax year since 5 April 2015 that you were eligible for Marriage Allowance.

Who can apply

You can benefit from Marriage Allowance if all the following apply:

- you’re married or in a civil partnership

- you do not pay income tax or your income is below your Personal Allowance (usually £12,500)

- your partner pays income tax at the basic rate, which usually means their income is between £12,501 and £50,000

Source: https://www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance

Volunteer With SSAFA

SSAFA's network of trained volunteers are at the heart of our work, providing practical and emotional support for serving personnel, veterans and military families across the UK and worldwide.

Last year, a team of over 5,000 volunteers completed 35,819 cases. Their hard work and outstanding commitment supporting the Armed Forces community enabled SSAFA to help over 82,000 people that SSAFA helped.

Why should you volunteer?

SSAFA volunteers love what they do. The sense of pride you get when you know you’ve helped someone get their independence and dignity back is extraordinary.

Through volunteering for SSAFA, you’ll have the chance to meet some truly inspiring people, with stories you’ll never forget. You’ll also gain new skills and experiences, but most importantly, you’ll make a difference in the lives of those who have dedicated their lives, often at great sacrifice, to protect and serve our country.

Read more