Forces Help To Buy Scheme - here to stay from 1st January 2023

From 1 January 2023, The Forces Help To Buy Scheme will become an enduring policy, ensuring its availability to all Service Personnel now and in the future.

The scheme enables Service Personnel to borrow up to 50% of their salary, up to a maximum of £25,000 interest free towards the purchase of a property.

Click here to find out more about the scheme and how to apply

Samaritans support for the military and Armed Forces Community

Samaritans works with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support Serving Personnel in the Armed Forces, Veterans and their families. This includes a Veterans app and an online chat facility for military community.

Find out more here

Wraparound Childcare - Update

For more information Click Here

EU Settlement Scheme Q&A

Click here for more information

HIVEmas: The 11th Day of HIVEmas, HIVE gives you... Daren our Area HIVE Manager Overseas!

 

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #16

 

What is domestic abuse? - Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

Forces Directory of boarding schools 2022

Armed Forces Directory of Boarding Schools

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #15

 What is domestic abuse? - Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

Brunei: PCMF Direct Access to Physiotherapy Christmas closure from 16th Dec - 9th Jan 2023

PCMF Direct access to Physio services will be closed for Christmas from 16th December and back open on 9th January.

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust awards over £2.5 million in first round of the Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust ‘Force for Change Programme’ awards over £280,000 in latest round of awards

 

12th June 2023: The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) Biennial Conference, London

 

The Outward Bound Trust - The Annington Challenge 2023

Are you aged 10-19, in a Service family and looking for an adventure for the summer 2023?

The Annington Challenge is an exciting initiative run in conjunction with The Outward Bound Trust.

Applications are now being accepted for 2023

​Full details can be found HERE​

The Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans based at the University of Chester are recruiting participants for their new study

The Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans based at the University of Chester are recruiting participants for their new study.

There is a shortfall in research regarding the UK Armed Forces and ethnic minority populations even though we are aware that such populations are higher users of veterans specific mental health services and are also overrepresented in the Service Complaints system.

Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) awarded a grant to the University of Chester’s Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans to conduct research into the experiences of black, Asian, and minority ethnic veterans and their families. The study will use questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups to understand the motivators behind why black and Asian communities choose to join the British Armed Forces, remain and ultimately their reasons for leaving.

We are currently looking for veterans from any ethnic minority to complete the short online questionnaire, which should take no longer than 10-15 minutes and can be accessed by clicking on the link below: 

https://survey.questionstar.com/688d0487

We are also looking to interview veterans with Indian sub-continent or West Indian heritage. This usually takes no longer than 60 minutes, it can be conducted via an online meeting platform, and those participants who are interviewed will receive a £30 Amazon.co.uk gift voucher.

As a long-term outcome we would like to see that such veterans and their families are better placed to access appropriate assistance if required, including specialist medical and mental health services, through better engagement and connectivity.

If anyone has any questions regarding the study please contact the research team at veterans@chester.ac.uk 

You can also find more information about us on our website here.

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #14

 

What is domestic abuse? - Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #13

What is domestic abuse? - Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #12

What is domestic abuse? - Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

Brunei: BFB Quarterly Newsletter - Edition 1

British Forces Brunei Quarterly Newsletter December 2022.

To read the full Newsletter Click here.

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - #11

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - #10

Brunei: Are you looking to complete your IELTS/B1 Language course here in Brunei?

 

B1 Language course, or International English Language Test (IELTS) is a requirement for Naturalisation.

If you are looking to complete this test whilst posted here in Brunei, CfBT Education Services Sdn Bhd in Bandar Seri Begawan provide this service. 

CfBT Education Service, Unit 8, Block C, Level 1-2, Kiarong Complex, Lebuhraya Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Gadong, BE1318. 

Tel: +673 2451905

Email: exams@cfbt.org

www.cfbt.org

The test provider needs a minimum of 6 people to enrol on the course before they will schedule a test date. 

If you need support to ensure there are 6 people applying to do the course at the same time whilst posted here in Brunei, please contact the HIVE at BruneiGar-SpSvcs-HIVE-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk with your name and contact details. 

HIVE will happily collate names and confirm back to you all when 6 people have registered interest. 

Military partners working remotely overseas for a UK-based company - latest advice from MOD

 

The MOD have issued guidance for those military partners living overseas and working for UK companies. Read the full article here

Brunei: RESIDENT TO PLACE OF DUTY (RTPD) SERVICE – CHRISTMAS STAND DOWN

RESIDENT TO PLACE OF DUTY (RTPD) SERVICE – CHRISTMAS STAND DOWN

1. The RTPD service will not be provide during Christmas stand down period from 12 December 2022.

2. Normal RTPD service will resume from Monday 09 January 2023.

WAC - MILITARY FAMILIES BENEFITTING FROM £3,400 OF CHILDCARE SUPPORT

To read the full Click here 

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - #9

Primary School Admissions for 2023 - UK

The Education Advisory Team UK (EAT UK) is part of the MOD’s Defence Children Services (DCS). We are a tri-service organisation that provides information, advice and guidance on all educational matters in the UK.We are providing advice to parents about the admission process for applying for primary school places in the U.K for September 2023.

To read click here.

Primary School Admissions 2023 - Overseas

The Education Advisory Team UK (EAT UK) is part of the MOD’s Defence Children Services (DCS). We are a tri-service organisation that provides information, advice and guidance on all educational matters in the UK.We are providing advice to parents about the admission process for applying for primary school places in the U.K for September 2023.

To read click here

NHS Step-by-step guide for Service Leavers

Find information and support to help you move from military healthcare to civilian healthcare after leaving the armed forces.

Leaving the armed forces can be a daunting process to undertake. Understanding what options you have and what actions you can take will help make your transition from military healthcare to civilian healthcare as smooth as possible.

Step-by-step guide for service leavers - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Warm Welcome Spaces

There are over 3000 registered organisations that have opened or are opening up free, warm, welcoming spaces for the public over this winter across the UK.

Warm Welcome Spaces come in all different shapes and sizes, from a homework club in a local church on a Tuesday, to over an over 65s community centre drop-in on a Wednesday and library co-working desk open all weekend. People just need to enter their postcode and their requirements to find the right space for them.

​www.warmwelcome.uk/#find-a-space​

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - #8

The Gurkha Museum Lecture and Curry Lunch - The Savage Wars of Peace 17th February 2023

Armchair Battlefield Tour – The Savage Wars of Peace.

The war in the Far East ended abruptly, violently and chaotically following the nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While the Imperial Japanese Army had been defeated in Burma and was losing the war in the Pacific, her army in Malaya, Hong Kong, French Indo-China, the Netherlands East Indies, Manchuria and Siam was undefeated. Many of these countries saw the end of the war as their chance for independence and Gurkha, Indian and British troops became responsible for restoring colonial rule and became locked into open combat. The Allies’ most pressing task was recovering their prisoners of wars and civilian internees knowing little about their condition or locations in camps across South East Asia, China and Japan. Japan’s sudden surrender created a seismic resetting of the political and social order in the Far East as power vacuums were exploited for political gain and rapid decisions were made with consequences which reverberate today.

The lecture will be delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Mike Tickner who is a serving officer with a long term interest in the British Army in India and particularly the Far East campaigns. He regularly gives talks to military and civilian groups, clubs and museums, has led battlefield studies and writes the occasional article.

The Armchair Battlefield Tour is followed by a two-course curry lunch.

For full details and to purchase tickets click here.

The Gurkha Museum Burns Night 2023 - 25th January 2023 1800 hrs

Burns Night at The Gurkha Museum returns for a second year.

Gurkhas have a long history and affiliation with Scotland and Scottish Regiments. From the storming at the Heights of Dargai, where the Gurkhas and the Gordon Highlanders fought together on the North West Frontier to Brigadier General Bruce’s famous visit to the Isle of Skye, the bonds that exist between Gurkhas and Scottish Regiments are clear.

This Burns Night,we will celebrate this relationship, as well as the great poet Robert Burns, with a fantastic Burns Night celebration in The Gurkha Museum in Winchester.

With a drink on arrival guests will tour the Museum and be given a chance to view some of our collection items associated with Scotland and learn about the deep historic links between Gurkhas and Scottish Regiments.

In our exquisite McDonald Gallery, guests will then be treated to a fabulous three course Scottish themed dinner, with a Nepalese twist. Let’s not forget the obligatory tot of whisky, which is also included in the ticket price!

Tickets are priced at £60.00 (£50.00 before 30th November 2022) and will also include half a bottle of wine or a bottle of Kukri beer, per person with dinner.

So get your kilt on, a night of bag pipes and whisky awaits.

Dress code: Black Ties or Suit (jacket and tie).

Ladies Equivalent. Tartan is optional but encouraged!

For full details and to purchase tickets Click here

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - #7

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - #6

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum - FANDF - Conference 2023

Universal Credit

Guides relating to Univeral Credit are available at the link below

Easy read: Universal Credit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)​

Blue Light Card - Fuel Savings

All SP and families are eligable for a Blue Light Card which amongst other offers, provides access to the discount available via ESSO for fuel:

See Link for further details

FREE ESSO CARD™ FOR BLUE LIGHT CARD MEMBERS

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #5

The 2nd Day of HIVEmas brings you Andrea in Colchester

 

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #4

 

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #3

Pinnacle Service Families - Customer Contact

Instead of emailing hello@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk customers can now go directly to the department they need to contact. 

Brunei: Men's Health - Prostate Cancer Awareness

 

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #2

 

Women's Aid: 16 Myths about Domestic Violence - Myth #1

Brunei: Owners must register their dogs - next registration starts March 2023

Dog owners in Brunei must register their pets. The next registration year starts in March 2023. 

The ministry states that this applies to dogs aged three months and above. The licence can be obtained at the payment counters of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department, Kuala Belait and Seri Municipal Department, and Tutong Municipal Department.

The counter will be open from 8am to noon and 1.30pm to 3pm Monday to Thursday and from 7.45am to 10am on Saturday.

Under Section 4, Chapter 60 of the Dogs Act, it is an offence to own an unregistered canine pet. If found guilty, the owner will be charged a BND250 fine or face 14 days of imprisonment for the first offence, and a BND500 fine or one month’s imprisonment for the second and subsequent offences.

The MoHA said registered dogs should have a tag around the neck at all times. However, when the department run out of tags/discs, the issued letter along with proof of payment of $1BND should suffice. Failure to comply will result in a BND250 fine or one month imprisonment under Section 5(1), Chapter 60 of the Dogs Act.

Dog owners shall hold full responsibility for their pets and should keep the dogs in a home compound either in a cage or on a leash.

For more information click here.

Forces Employment Charity

Nick is our new Dependant and Veteran caseworker at Forces Employment Charity for the EM3 programme. He'll be at Aldershot Health and Wellbeing event on Tuesday 29th Nov, come along and find out how Nick help your child with their career choices!

​If you can't make it head to www.forcesemployment.org.uk/EM3 for info about the programme and how you and your child can sign up.

The Link may not work on Modnet, please send to a private email address. 

The New Armed Forces Covenant Duty

The Covenant Duty will come into force on 22 November 2022. The Duty is supported by Statutory Guidance to help in-scope bodies understand what is required of them under the new Covenant Duty.

What is the new Armed Forces Covenant Duty?

The new Covenant Duty is a legal obligation on certain public bodies to ‘have due regard’ to the principles of the Covenant, and requires decisions about the development and delivery of certain services to be made with conscious consideration of the needs of the Armed Forces community.

Who does the new Duty affect?

The new legal obligation impacts organisations that are responsible for delivering principally statutory functions in healthcare, education, and housing services. The Armed Forces community will be affected as beneficiaries of the new Duty.

Please click here to find out more 

Brunei: Drone Regulations & Safety 2022