Brunei: Brunei HIVE Notice - Christmas Stand Down

Brunei HIVE Notice - Christmas Stand Down

Chit Chat HIVE office will be closed from Monday 18th December 2023 to Friday 5th January 2024.

Chit Chat HIVE office will resume on Monday 08th January 2024.

Mumong HIVE office will be closed from Monday 25th December 2023 to Tuesday 2nd January 2024.
Mumong HIVE office will resume on Wednesday 03rd January 2024.

BRUNEIGAR-SpSvcs-HIVE-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Emails will not be actioned until our return.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Please contact your Unit Welfare Team for urgent matters.

DWP Payment Dates and Christmas Planning

Payment dates, opening hours, and how to contact the DWP over the festive period can be found below:

Payment dates

How and when your benefits will be paid: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid(link is external)

Opening hours

Christmas and New Year opening: https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus/christmas-and-new-year-opening(link is external)

How to contact us

Contact Jobcentre Plus: https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus(link is external)

Contact the Pension Service: https://www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service(link is external)

Secretary of State's Christmas message to UK Armed Forces Families

Please click the images to enlarge

Alternatively, please click HERE to read this letter online.

Shop smart, not shark, this Christmas

Christmas can be a very challenging time and people may find they have to borrow money to keep up with gifts, parties and food.

The Stop Loan Sharks team want ​to share the most common red flags for people to look out for to help them avoid loan sharks, and what things organisations can look out for when dealing with clients.

We want people to shop smart, not shark this Christmas.

Find out more about Stop Loan Sharks here​

The Ripple Pond Newsletter

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Togetherall: Self Care Ideas for the Winter

Check out @Togetherall’s simple self-care gems to help pick you up a little. Ready for more support? Togetherall is an anonymous online community to support your mental health, join today for FREE ​ HERE ​

Brunei: NAAFI Christmas & New Year Opening times 2023/2024

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The Annington Challenge - applications now open for 10-19 year olds from Military families

Are you aged 10-19, in a Service family and looking for an adventure next Summer?

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

Since 2012, it has offered military youngsters, regardless of their parent’s rank, the chance to experience their very own Outward Bound adventure at one of Outward Bound's inspiring locations in the Lake District, Snowdonia or the Scottish Highlands.

The courses are an amazing opportunity to discover spectacular new places with new friends and develop a host of new skills whilst experiencing real challenge and adventure.

Applications are now open for Summer 2024 - click here to apply or to find out more information!​

HIVE Social Media over Christmas

Please click the links below to access the Social Media pages:

• Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Instagram

Royal Mail Home Click & Drop Home Collection Service

With Parcel Collect, Royal Mail pick up your parcels from your home, safe place or work, they will even bring your labels too.

You can also put all your orders from your online stores into your Click & Drop account and get your packages out the door in no time.​

Please click HERE to watch the video on YouTube.

Office for Veterans' Affairs Consultation Closes on 4 Jan 24.

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) launched a consultation on 26 Oct ​​to gather evidence on the experience of Armed Forces Veterans.

If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, visit GOV.UK​ for further information and details of how to respond to the survey before it closes on 4 January 2024.

Brunei: Planned minor works at X1 - Patio and Swimming pool area (Updated)

Planned minor works at X1- Patio and Swimming pool area.

As per proposal, DIO(B) Contractor will start work at X1 – Patio and Swimming pool area as per schedule below. 

16th Dec – 24th Dec 2023 (PROCEED)

Work description; To modify the existing timber fence to gate and proposed location just beside the shower or changing area.

Location: Swimming Pool

Time: 0800hrs to 1500hrs

26th Dec 2023 – 7th Jan 2024 (CANCELLED)

Work description; To extend the existing worktop and counter.

Time: 0800hrs to 1500hrs

Please refrain from entering the construction site at all times. The work is minimal but as a result of the work, surrounding occupants will experience construction related noise during working hours. The swimming pool will NOT be closed.

Please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk in the first instance for any issue relating to the proposed work.

DIO(B) thanks you for your consideration in this matter.

Brunei: BFB Welfare Christmas Stand down

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Brunei: PCMF AND DENTAL CENTRE NOTICE - CHRISTMAS STAND DOWN

 PCMF and Dental Centre NOTICE - Christmas Stand Down

1. PCMF AND Dental Centre will be offering reduced functioning during Christmas Stand down. From 22nd December 2023 to 07th January 2024, all routine appointments will be available from 08:00 hrs to 12:30 hrs only. After 12:30 hrs for any emergency cases only, Duty Nurse is contactable on duty mobile phone no.+673 8330246.

2. PCMF will be CLOSED on 25th to 26th December 2023 and on 01st January 2024. For any emergency cases, Duty Nurse is contactable on duty mobile phone no.+673 8330246 throughout the stand down period.

3. Normal operating hours will resume on Monday 08 January 2024.

Brunei: SSO Department Christmas Stand Down

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Brunei: Education Centre Christmas Stand Down - Opening Hours

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Brunei: Closure of Accommodation Services Unit (ASU)

ASU will be CLOSED during the holiday season on the 25th December 2023, 26th December 2023 and 01st January 2024.

Brunei: BFB Garrison Gymnasium and Swimming Pool Opening Timetable During Christmas Stand Down, 16th December 2023 – 7th January 2024

BFB Garrison Gymnasium and Swimming Pool 

Opening Timetable During Christmas Stand Down: 

16 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

1. Gymnasium. 1 RGR Gym will remain open during leave period under the supervision of duty PTI. The gym will be closed on 24th (Christmas Eve), 25th (Christmas Day), 31st ( New Year Eve) December and 1st January (New Year Day). Dependent circuit class will be ceased during this period. For gym induction and gym booking arrangement please see duty PTI in person during opening hours. Normal service will resume from 8th January 24. The opening timetable is as follows;

Every day: 1000- 1700 hrs

Closed: 24th, 25th, 31st Dec 23 and 1st Jan 24.

2. Garrison Swimming Pool. Swimming pool will remain open during the leave period under the supervision of pool supervisor and nominated duty lifeguard. The pool will be closed on 24th (Christmas Eve), 25th (Christmas Day), 31st (New Year Eve) December and 1st January (New Year Day). Normal service will resume from 8th January 24. The opening timetable is as follows;

Mon – Fri : 0630 – 0730 hrs (lane swim)

1200 – 1330 hrs (lane swim)

1500 – 1800 hrs (mixed swim)

Sat & Sun : 1500 – 1800 hrs (mixed swim)

Closed: 24th, 25th, 31st Dec 23and 1st Jan 24.

Brunei: BFB Library - Christmas Opening Days

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Update

Child Benefit update and childcare support

Child Benefit customers can now view and update their bank account details quickly and easily using the HMRC app or report changes that affect their Child Benefit on GOV.UK, to make sure their payments go to the right place. 

In the app, customers can go to the Child Benefit section and select ‘Change bank details’.  

Using the new online service, customers’ bank details can be viewed and updated instantly with no need to contact HMRC. Payments that are due within 3 days will be credited to the customer’s previously listed account. 

There are two steps to using the HMRC app for the first time. Once set up, customers can log in in future using a pin, fingerprint or with facial recognition -depending on what their device supports: 

1. Download the free HMRC app from the App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android 

2. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the app settings – customers will be asked to sign into their account and can sign in or register on the same sign in page if they have not used HMRC’s online services before.    

The Government is also expanding childcare support to all working families in the UK for children under 17 years old. It is part of the biggest ever investment in childcare in England and will be fully in place by September 2025. The expansion is to help working parents juggle their job with being a parent.

Find out about the available options by going to Childcare Choices.

Working parents claiming Universal Credit or about to start work can visit Universal Credit and childcare or contact their work coach for more information.

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements over Christmas and New Year

Our office opening hours are different over Christmas and New Year.

To make sure people receive their payments on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

Third 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment dates announced

On 13 December, the Government announced that millions of UK households will shortly get a Cost of Living Payment of £299. This payment will be made to eligible claimants on means tested benefits between Tuesday 6 February and Thursday 22 February.

This is the third of three payments over the financial year totalling up to £900.

Customers will receive the payments automatically. They do not need to contact DWP or do anything to receive the payment.

If a household becomes retrospectively entitled to a Cost of Living Payment or someone believes they are entitled but do not receive one, they can report this on GOV.UK from the 23 February.

Read more information about the Cost of Living Payments on GOV.UK.

We have produced a Cost Of Living Payment video, which can be shared on your social channels.

Read the full press release.

Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report 2023

Please click HERE to read this report online.

Brunei: Chautari Closure - Tuesday Evening, 19th December 2023

 Chautari will be closed on the evening of Tuesday, 19th December 2023.

British Army - Headspace

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Please click HERE to get started.

BFBS Newsletter Dec 2023

As Christmas approaches, we’d like to share some of the ways we've supported and championed the armed forces community in the last six months.

Highlights include our media partnership for the inaugural LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, our stand at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) at Excel – where we showcased our services and forged new relationships – and our livestreaming of even more of your forces sport.  

In this newsletter, we’ve got top picks from Forces News, updates from our Live Events team, plus our revamp of the ‘Pecking Order' by BFBS Creative. And we’re really pleased to share the festive fun we’ve got in store on BFBS TV and Radio.

Please click HERE to view this newsletter online.

Brunei: Water supply disruption for JKR supplied areas

Please be informed there will be water disruption as of today, 11th December to fix water leak within the supply network at H15/J16. It was a fastball notification from the supplier (JKR). The current volume of water at H15/J16 water tank should last for the next 24 hrs. After that, there will be no water supply unless the leak is fixed on time. The warning issued is the disruption may last up to 7 days.

Please inform all and be prepared for this disruption, especially H15/J16 areas. Attached flyer also indicates the location of blue tanks where you can go and fill in your water cans.

BSP supplied areas (G16/part H16/G15) should be ok. 

For any issues, please contact DIO at Ext 3375.

Brunei: Location of Blue Tanks Provided by JKR at H15 & J16 Flats

Please click the image to enlarge.

For any issues, please contact DIO at Ext 3375.

Brunei: Shower facilities - Water Shortage Issue in H15 and J16

 

New Accommodation Offer: Updated Sway Now Available

Updated communications have now been released on the New Accommodation Offer. To view the new information please go to this SWAY​

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Armed Forces Families Fund supports 13 projects in latest round of awards

The Early Years programme has awarded over £354,000 to 10 projects which will enhance early childhood education and childcare settings of young children from Armed Forces families.

The Research Grants programme has awarded over £169,000 to three projects that will develop a stronger understanding of complex educational or welfare issues affecting Armed Forces families – and propose solutions.

What is the Armed Forces Families Fund?

The AF3 supports projects that meet the aims of the Armed Forces Families Strategy. The Fund was launched in September 2022 and amalgamated existing education-focused funds, under one umbrella.

The MOD partnered with the Trust to administer the AF3: Early Years and Research Grants programmes, as well as the Service Pupil Support programme and the Supporting Partners programme.

The Early Years programme

Projects funded under this programme will help Service families and children to access good quality, early childhood education and childcare provision. This includes through improved outdoor facilities, increased capacity, and training aimed at providing a better understanding of the unique needs of Service families through holistic, Service family centric provision and resources.

The projects funded include a mix of outdoor learning, support for children with SEND, and training for staff.

Chestnut House Day Nursery received £7,920 for their project, ‘Forest Schools’. The project will promote the holistic development of Service children through staff training. It will improve outdoor provision and facilitate the delivery of first-class outdoor activities.

YMCA Brunel Group were awarded £80,000 for their ‘YMCA Little Ducklings Military Project’ which will provide high quality training for staff around a range of subjects to facilitate holistic, Service family provision and understanding.

A full list of the projects supported can be found on the Trust’s website.

The Research Grants programme

The three projects funded under the Research Grants Programme will look at:

• the impact of parental deployment

• Service children's educational transitions

• the effects of Service life on children with SEND

The University of Chester received £59,894 for their project, ‘Service children’s transitions in education’. The project will investigate the educational risks and benefits associated with Service children’s transitions.

Professor Alan Finnegan, Principal Investigator, said: “As an Armed Forces Community research team, we are extremely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for funding this incredibly important study. Most importantly, the research will provide a vehicle to clearly show to Service families that the best education for their children is of paramount importance. This study

provides an opportunity for Service parents and children to shape and inform future policy, in both the short and long term, to help Service children reach their full potential.”

Increased understanding of the challenges Service children face

Sonia Howe, Director Policy and Comms at the Trust said: “We’re pleased to be able to support three fantastic projects through the Research programme – each focusing on a different area of work and each standing to make huge inroads into the understanding we have around how Service life affects Service children and their families.”

Find out more

For a full list of all awardees from both these programmes, check out the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk.

The second round of the Early Years programme is still accepting applications. Applications should be submitted via the Trust’s website by 12 January 2024.

Brunei: Reflection Garden Project

Awareness of SP and families around H15 areas and BFB sitewide.

What: Reflection Garden. This is a DIO Stewardship funded programme under native tree conservation initiatives and DIO has fully supported this. This will provide a naturally shaded area under the native and imported tree species grows up fully in 4-5yeras time. This area also included a hard concrete footpath around with a scattered effect of solar street lighting in order to allow SP and the families to walk/with baby push trolley around in a safe manner during the evening/night period. Future plan will include a couple of ATAP, a central Choutara and stepping stones to explore through woodland in the future.

Where: This will be created within the empty land parcel in between H15 Flats and CCCC next to play park.

When: The plan is to start the project on site from 18 Dec and DIO will try to minimise the disruption where possible, especially machinery movement. This will go all the way to mid Feb.

DIO PoC: Mr Shenton is DIO PoC. Please contact him if you have any concern or issue

Future look of Reflection garden

Brunei: BFB Quarterly Newsletter - Edition 4

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British Forces Brunei Quarterly Newsletter - Edition 4

To read the full Newsletter Click HERE.

Brunei: The Brunei HIVE Blog - Common Questions & Answers

Brunei HIVE Blog Q & A

 

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Q. Sometimes forget to check the HIVE Blog. How can I sign up to receive alerts so I don't miss any new updates on the blog. 

A. Simply enter your email address by clicking the ‘Sign Up’ link, (top - left hand panel) complete the details and click ‘submit’, you will receive the weekly email summary directly to your inbox. or alternatively Click Here.

Q.There is a lot of information on the HIVE Blog, so I can’t find what I want very easily. Is there a quick way of finding specific information.

A. You can browse the list of posts in the ‘Blog Archive’ on the bottom left hand side of the homepage or click on a label heading on left hand panel.

Alternatively, you can use the Blog Search box. For example, if you wanted to find out about information on employment in the local area just type Job vacancy into the box and relevant posts will be displayed.

Q. I would like to put information on the blog such as an event I am organising. I have a poster and would like to upload it for the local community to see. 

A. Simply contact the HIVE by phone or email (details are on the right hand panel of the blog home page) and your poster or information will be uploaded for you - free of charge. 

If you have any ...........

contributions to the blog 

any event or activity you would like to see featured 

questions or queries regarding anything featured or 

questions about what is on in the local area 

Please contact: BruneiGar-SpSvcs-HIVE-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

or call 3223809/3332309

HIVE blogs are an MOD sponsored online presence, registered with and approved by MOD

(DMC). In accordance with the MOD Online Engagement Guidelines, HIVE blog content must be limited to unclassified information only which is relevant and useful to the local military community.

The Ripple Pond - November Newsletter

Click here to read November newsletter online

Brunei: SSAFA - Sunbirds Bumps and Babies' Club - Baby's First Christmas Party, Tuesday 12th December 2023, 1100 - 1200 hrs @ Health Visitors Department

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British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Business Support Officer Vacancy

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Please scan the QR Code or click HERE for more information.