SFA: Pinnacle Group working with DIO - here's how you can get in touch

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

Flexible Healthcare Resourcing (Staff Bank)

DIO: Pinnacle Proudly supporting Service Families

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

Brunei: ISB Adult Learning opportunities

Do you enjoy and have a passion for nurturing young children, supporting their early learning and providing play activities that enable them to explore and develop?

ISB CACHE Centre offers a range of fantastic courses for adults (16+) involved, or wanting to work in, early years education, childcare, and health and social care!

ISB CACHE Centre now offers short courses, monthly, to prepare you to become an Early Years educator to work with children and gain knowledge about child development. The short courses are for:

* Educators/Child carers who want to update and extend their knowledge and skills 

* Parents/carers who want to extend their knowledge to support children at home 

* Adults who are interested in exploring a career in childcare and education 

Discounts apply if you register and complete multiple short courses or book for groups (5+). If you complete an ISB short course and continue onto an ISB CACHE course, the full cost of the ISB short course is deducted from the CACHE course. 

Please scan the QR codes for information or to register.

If you would like to speak to a representative from the CACHE Centre, please email us at RAwuah@ac.isb.edu.bn or call +673 233 0608

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.

Brunei: List of Pet Clinics and Shops

Healthy Paws Animal Clinic offers services such as health checks, vaccinations, hospitalisation, preventive healthcare, home visits, grooming sessions and cat boarding. We also have a supply of food and medicine for your beloved pets.

Contact number: +673 333 5077

Location: 4033b Simpang 137, Kuala Belait KA1931

Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

                            Fri 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm 

                           Sun: Closed

https://www.facebook.com/HealthyPawsKB/

DZ Veterinary Clinic provides pet services such as vaccination, deworming, skin treatment, castration, small wound treatment and many more.  

Also sells pets products such as shampoo and collar.

Contact number: +673 266 3700

Location: Jln Sengkurong 'B'

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 9am to 5:30pm

https://www.facebook.com/dzvets

Hero Pet Shop

Hero Pet Shop

Contact number: +673 895 6549

Location: Pandan 5, 1314 Kuala Belait, Brunei

Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat: 09:00 am to 8:00 pm
                            Fri: 09:00 am to 11:45 am
                            Sun: 09:00 am to 06:30 pm

MAHA Veterinary Services

MAHA Veterinary Services

Provides: Clinic, Pet shop, Grooming

Product Range: Pet Food & Technology, Dog products, Cat products, Small animal products and Grooming products

Contact number: +673 233 2724 

Location: Spg 493 Jln, Brunei and Muara, Brunei

Please note that HIVE does not advertise for companies. This has been published only to inform the BFB Community about the available pet services. 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust ‘Force For Change’ programme awards over £500k

The Trust’s ‘Force For Change’ programme awards over £500k in fifth round of funding, as the total awarded reaches over £4million

The Trust is thrilled to announce the latest awards in the Trust’s Force for Change programme. Fifty-seven grants have been made, totalling just over £524,000. This means that the total awarded from the Covenant Fund, Force for Change programme, is a staggering £4million with a running total of 311 Force for Change grants awarded so far.

In this fifth round, grants were available of up to £10,000 for community projects. Each project had to show that they would reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces Communities. Programme applications were open to military units, charities, local authorities and schools. The overall aim of this funding, is to support post-Covid recovery in local Armed Forces communities.

“Get Out Get Fit and Have Fun”

Station Headquarters RAF Marham were awarded a £10,000 grant for their project ‘Fitastic MarFun’. This project will support service families to ‘get out get fit and have fun’. The funds are being spent on multi sports sessions for children and adults, as well as a bouncy castle. It will bring service families together with the hope, that these organised events, will enable the community to socialise more.

“It’s absolutely fantastic we have won this grant for RAF Marham, (or should that be Fitastic!). Our families are really feeling the effect of the COVID lockdown preventing any groups clubs or activities taking place especially as there was a long deployment of personnel being away for nine months. The funding will enable the community to benefit from organised sporting sessions and some family fun days to run throughout the summer months, bringing people together and to provide opportunities for new arrivals to make friends.” Jocelyne Newman Community Development Officer

The programme, Force for Change, supports the idea that small amounts of funding can help deliver nimble and focused local projects to Armed Forces communities. These small grants, to support services, projects and activities that are used by Armed Forces communities, but which are struggling because of the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing in Veterans In Scotland, Walking with The Wounded was awarded £10,000 for their project ‘The MEDALS Programme’

The MEDALS programme (Mindfulness Education, Developing Active Lifestyles Sports) is for veterans in Scotland, that will combine a mixture of mindfulness, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and sport participation. This project hopes to positively influence veterans’ mental wellbeing, by providing an opportunity to gain a great sense of achievement.

“This funding is fantastic news for the veterans that we support in Scotland. It will provide them with the opportunity to engage in activities that are proven to improve mental health and wellbeing as well as prompting physical health and creativity.” William Cairns, our Scottish Veterans Project Manager

Empowering Older Veterans

Developed by Sharks Community Trust, ‘Active Sharks’ is a new programme focused on empowering older veterans living in the most deprived areas of North Manchester. The project ‘Active Sharks’ awarded £9,950 help those veterans come together and participate in a weekly two-hour session entailing positive activities that will improve physical health and promote social togetherness between peers. Vicky Irwin, Community Development Manager at Sharks Community Trust had this to say about the funding…

“We’re incredibly excited and grateful to receive funding from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to be able to support our ‘Active Sharks’ project. We are proud of all the work that our staff do with veterans in the region, this fund will enable us to work with more veterans and their families who need our support.”

‘Force for Change’ will open again in the Spring

The aim of Force for Change programme is to empower Armed Forces communities to become more engaged in their local area. It also aims to provide opportunities for isolated members of the Armed Forces community to take part in activities that improve general wellbeing. The next round of funding for the Force for Change programme opens spring 2022.

Find out more

To read more on this story, visit our website https://covenantfund.org.uk/2022/03/07/force-for-change-programme-2022/ 

To view the full list of grants visit https://covenantfund.org.uk/force-for-change-awarded-grants/ 

To learn more about the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, visit the Trust’s website at www.covenantfund.org.uk

Looking for your nearest NHS dentist? Dental Choices can help...

Dental Choices is a website designed to make it easier for you to find and register with an NHS dentist.

Dental Choices aims to provide reliable information about dentistry to help you make informed decisions about your oral health and oral health care.

Search now to find an NHS dentist near you accepting new patients in England.

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.

Travelling To EU - Apply For A Free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.

To find out more and to apply. click HERE

GHIC and EHIC does not replace travel insurance.You will still need to obtain travel insurance prior travelling.

Brunei: Online Vehicle Monitoring System (VMS) For Malaysia Via Miri Border Crossing

Royal Malaysian Customs Sungai Tujoh Branch Office implemented a new online Vehicle Monitoring System (VMS) in 2019. 

Please visit www.customssg7.my to register online. 

Below is the instruction of the online registration process. Click image to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Armed Forces Communication Focus Groups

We need your help – research opportunity for non-serving partners!

We are running two focus groups (one on Tuesday 15th and one on Tuesday 22nd March) to understand communication between Defence and non-serving partners of those in the military. This research is important and will help to shape how Defence communicate with families and to deliver their family strategy in the best way possible.

We would like to hear from any of our non-serving partners to understand the best channels of communication in which to engage with this audience.

The focus groups will last an hour each and will take place 6:30pm – 7:30pm on Tuesday 15th March or Tuesday 22nd March via Zoom.

Here is the link to the recruitment survey

https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90430931/Armed-Forces-communication-focus-groups

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.​

Armed Forces healthcare briefing and latest updates on COVID-19

This monthly brief is intended to keep you up to date on the provision of NHS services for the Armed Forces community, as well as latest information and guidance relating to COVID-19.

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​