Be money-wise: Tips when considering using a property finding and purchase management company

The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Team has been made aware of a “Property Finding and Purchase Management” service on the market that can tie personnel into aggressive contracts, with the unfortunate consequence that some have fallen off the T&Cs. They’ve ended up paying out money they can’t afford for a “product/service” that ultimately isn’t delivered. Some terms are not compatible with Forces’ life, and more importantly sometimes the services just aren’t necessary in the UK.

Unfortunately, when an individual takes out a commercial agreement independently the MOD isn’t in a position to take on that person’s case and engage in contractual disputes, so it’s important that personnel are financially astute in order to avoid these situations in the first place. In particularly the vulnerable, such as the young and those for whom English is not the first language.

Key things to remember:

1. Read T&Cs and seek advice if unsure before signing: Anyone signing a commercial contract really needs to read and understand all the terms and conditions. Seek support/advice if the information is too difficult to understand and never feel pressed into signing – that’s usually a red flag.

2. Be informed: do you need this service? Is it regulated? Useful signposting can be found here for house-buying: https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/estate-agent.

And the Covenant Team signposts people to the impartial and useful MoneyHelper org: Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

3. Check the credentials of a company: Pasting the AFC logo on a company’s website doesn’t automatically confer an alliance to the Armed Forces Community and its core values. Companies need to make profit at the end of the day, so be aware and do your checks on the community – don’t be sucked in by the marketing.

Transport Secretary declares zero tolerance for phone use behind the wheel

​I​t is now illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving under virtually any circumstance including:

• Taking photos or videos

• Scrolling through stored apps or playlists

•  Play stored mobile games

For more information, click here​.

PCMF: Bowel Cancer Awareness

Bowel cancer is also called colorectal cancer. It affects large bowel, which is made up of colon and rectum.

How common is Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer is fourth most common cancer in the UK and second biggest cancer killer.

1 in 15 men and 1 in 18 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is very treatable but the earlier if it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. People whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage have a much higher chance of successful treatment than those whose cancer has become more widespread.

· Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo

· A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit

· Unexplained weight loss

· Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

· A pain or lump in your tummy

Risk factors

We don’t know what causes bowel cancer, but we don know the that some factors increase your risk of getting disease.

· Aged over 50

· A strong family history of bowel cancer

· A history of non-cancerous growth(polyps) in your bowel

· Longstanding inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

· Type 2 diabetes

· An unhealthy lifestyle

Bowel Cancer Screening

Screening is a way of testing people to see if they show any early signs of cancer. Faecal Immunochemical test looks for hidden blood in poo.

PCMF offer screening service every two years to all men and women aged 60-74. You will receive two invitation letter within a month interval and one last telephone call for non-responders.

Brunei: Unit Move - Removals Collection & March out programme

Removal Service Overseas (RSO) Collection, March Out and 2nd Consignment Collection Programme 04 Apr – 30 Jun 22 has been released to all through their Coy Rep and CoC.

Key Points to note

- Early collection early delivery (8-10 weeks window).
- Max packing capacity – 3 to 4 SFAs per day from the IPS packing Company, and we are in COVID situation.
- In the case of quarantine or genuine unavailability of occupants – next SFA in seniority (on the program) will be brought forward by default.
- 2nd consignment collection date is 24-48 hrs advance to leaving SFA. Details of 2nd consignment is to confirm with Coy Reps.
- March out – 24 hrs to 2/3 days advance to leaving SFA.
- If you have left Storage in the UK, individual need to arrange the delivery in UK – Individually log in through Agility ac.
- TOR application – Individually through HMRC GOV Site, TOR No to provide UWC through Coy Rep. UWC to provide collectively to MCC before shipping RSO.

Should there be any issues or concern must come through UWC and IPS must be informed well in advance where possible.

Brunei: How to prevent blocked drains in your SFA

The Housing team in Brunei have kindly provided a reminder of 'How to prevent blocked drains' Extracted from www.hometree.co.uk

Blocked drains are no fun at all. They’re inconvenient, often smell bad and if left untreated may cause chronic problems to your home’s plumbing system. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to prevent your house drainage system from clogging up. Here we’ll talk you through some of the main causes of blocked pipes and the steps you can take to keep your drains in tip-top condition.
Use sink strainers

Sink strainers are small metal, mesh or silicone sieves that can be placed over plugholes to protect your drains. The idea is that they only let water pass through, preventing larger items from entering your drainage system and blocking it up.

It’s a good idea to use sink strainers or drain covers (as they’re sometimes known) in both your kitchen and bathroom sinks. They’ll catch food waste in your kitchen and things like hair, bath salts and beauty product residue in your bathroom – all things that could potentially clog up your drains.

If you are wondering how to prevent hair blocking shower drains, we’d also suggest using drain covers here too. Hair is one of the main culprits for blocked bath drains and showers. It tends to bind together, with the oils from other soap and beauty products, creating a blockage that water simply can’t shift. Having a drain cover in place will save you having to pull it out of your plug every time you take a shower – a task no one wants to do!

Sink strainers need to be removed and cleaned regularly to remain effective. They come in a range of sizes, so if you’re looking to buy new ones, make sure you measure your plugs first.
Don’t pour oil or grease down your drains

Oil and grease are both enemies of your drains. Pouring them down your kitchen sink is a sure-fire way to get your house drainage system clogged. Remember just because they slip easily down the plughole, it doesn’t mean they aren’t doing expensive damage far beyond it.

Whilst your drain is capable of handling liquids like water and milk without any problems, cooking oil and grease are a whole other story. These products tend to set within pipes, creating a solid blockage that can be difficult to remove. Other food and soap debris then get stuck behind them, creating an even bigger problem.

Even if you’re lucky to escape blockages in your household plumbing system, oil and grease can cause issues further along the line. Many underground sewers get blocked up this way, which can end up causing problems and inconveniences for a whole neighbourhood.
Be careful what you flush down the toilet

Toilet drainage systems can handle human waste and toilet paper just fine but flushing away other products can quickly lead to a blockage. We’re talking baby wipes and things like sanitary towels, which are much thicker and do not break down in the same way toilet paper does. It’s best to dispose of these in a bin to avoid blocked pipes and drains.

If you’re still having problems with blocked toilets and drains, you may need to consider the type of toilet paper you’re using. Toilet paper blocking drains isn’t a common issue, however, the more luxury multi-ply sheets have been known to do it. If you’ve got to use it, try to use less of it at one time to prevent blockages.

SSAFA Food Corner - Healthy Lunchboxes

Royal British Legion - Network for Carers Virtual Taster Sessions

Are you a carer in the Armed Forces community? Network for Carers has been set up for carers like you! 

Find out more at a virtual taster session which are running from 28 March. The taster sessions offer you the chance to meet other carers, develop friendships and support one another. 

Join today https://bit.ly/3ICGsvb

Brunei: Mould prevention in SFA

In hot, humid climates mould build up can start to form very quickly. This guide shows how to prevent excess build up. A short reminder: 

1. Do not turn off the AC or AC temperature.
2. Set it to 22 degrees Celsius.
3. Mould is inevitable in Brunei but it can be controlled.
4. Occupants are responsible to control.
5. Negative consequence is health issues – concerning kids with asthma and skin eczema due to mould.

Brunei: Amah Agents

For anyone looking for an Amah agent other than Alvin or Teras Maju, these are the contacts that HIVE Brunei currently has:

1. Elizabeth Chiew: +673 875 7689 / +673 893 0363 / [shecea8@gmail.com](mailto:shecea8@gmail.com)

2. Nor Agency: +673 872 3102

3. Teras Maju: +673 880 3264 / www.terasmajuagency.com

Company Shop Group

Company Shop Group is the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products. 

Click here to find out how to apply for membership or find out more.

Are you Non-UK National? Sign up to take part in this research group

 

EU Settlement Scheme: Family Members of Qualifying British Citizens Serving in UK Armed Forces

Although the deadline for most people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was 30 June 2021, family members of a qualifying British citizen serving in UK Armed Forces might still be able to apply to the Scheme if they are accompanying the SP on a posting within an EU or EEA member state, or Switzerland. To do so:

• The SP must have been on assignment for more than 3 months by 31 December 2020.

•  The family relationship must have formed before the UK’s exit from the EU at 23:00 GMT (midnight CET) on 31 January 2020 and fall into one of the following categories:

o Spouses/civil partners (including where the marriage/civil partnership took place after 31 January 2020 but they can demonstrate they were in a durable partnership before that date).

o Durable partners (that is unmarried partners who have lived together in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years or where there is other significant evidence of the durable relationship).

o Children under the age of 21 of a qualifying British citizen or of their spouse or civil partner, including those born or adopted after 31 January 2020. Children over the age of 21 can also qualify if they can demonstrate dependency.

o Dependent parents of a qualifying British citizen or of their spouse or civil partner.

Click here to access the Guidance which sets out eligibility criteria and how and when to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. It also provides details of the correct immigration route for EU national partners and dependents who are not eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Brunei: Publication Of British Forces Brunei Standing Orders

PUBLICATION OF BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI STANDING ORDERS

ATTACHEMENTS:

1) PRIVATE VEHICLE OWNERSHIP AND USE

2) UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR BY CIVILIANS/DEPENDENTS POLICY 

3) ORDERS ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIPT 

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ

Colouring Heroes - FREE downloadable topical colouring sheets

An ever changing collection of FREE downloadable and topical colouring sheets. Browse each section, and simply select the sheets to download here: Colouring Heroes

The Queens Platinum Jubilee has a great selection of Bunting sheets and images to get in the street party spirit! 

Brunei: RBA Flight Schedule - March to June 2022

ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES FLIGHT SCHEDULE TO & FROM LONDON 

BWN - LHR

24 Mar

9 Apr

30 Apr

7 Jun

14 Jun

21 Jun

28 Jun

LHR - BWN

25 Mar

10 Apr

1 May

8 Jun

15 Jun

22 Jun

29 Jun

Brunei: Jerudong International School Brunei Darussalam

Posted to Wales? Gov.Wales - Welcome to Wales for serving Armed Forces personnel and families

The Welsh Government Welcome to Wales guide for Serving Armed Forces Personnel & their families has been published to the Welsh Government website. 

To view the document in full please follow the link below:

Support for serving Armed Forces personnel and their families | GOV.WALES

Virtual International Colloquium

The Australasian Services Care Network and the Open Door: Veteran Transition, Integration and Wellbeing Centre along with our partners extend an Invitation for you to join them for the launch of the “Virtual International Colloquium on Military Sexual and Other Forms of Abuse”. 

This Colloquium seeks to explore the issue of Military Sexual and Other Forms of Abuse and its impact on Military Service Members, Veterans and their immediate Family across the 5 Eyes Countries. 

The issue of Military Sexual and Other Forms of Abuse is not exclusively directed at a particular gender, those of different sexual orientation or any other group within the Military. It impacts people of all genders, orientations and backgrounds and for many it has lifelong consequences. 

The aim of this conversation is to shine a light on the issue and to share what we know about it and evidence informed responses and interventions to address the issue and support those affected by it.

Click here for more info. 

Joining Forces Credit Union

Click here to access the JoiningForces CU Flyer.

To find out more visit www.joiningforcescu.co.uk

Brunei: Jerundong International School

 

Brunei: International School Brunei

 

NHS Food Scanner App

Scan, swipe, swap!

Just scan the barcodes of your family's favourite foods, swipe to see the healthier options available, and make a swap next time you shop!

Get the NHS Food Scanner app

Download the free app and start finding healthier swaps today.​

Re-importing goods to the UK (post EU Exit)

Below is a useful link shared by HMRC that should aid those personnel experiencing issues with transporting goods bak to the UK. For further guidance and support all pers should be directed to the HMRC helpline (all details available at website).

Pay less import duty and VAT when re-importing goods to the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

SSAFA Volunteer Roles

​

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is seeking dynamic and enthusiastic individuals to join their team and help support the local Armed Forces community.

Local Armed Forces charity calls out for multiple volunteer roles - Cobseo​