Major new grants now available to fund specialist care for homeless veterans

* Up to £8m of funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is now available to tackle veterans’ homelessness head on.

* Organisations are able to bid for up to £1.5 million, over 2 years, to provide wraparound support services for issues such as mental health.

* Funding will address the complex issues faced by some homeless veterans while making sure they have access to accommodation.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce the launch of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, which will award major grants to help veterans experiencing homelessness.

Under this new programme, the Trust will award grants on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) to projects that will provide specialist care in veterans’ accommodation.

The funding being announced today is expected to provide services for over 900 supported housing places across the UK, supporting veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Organisations are able to bid for up to £1.5 million, over 2 years, to fund wraparound support for issues such as mental health and employment.

By providing specialised support services, we can help address the complex issues faced by some veterans while making sure they have access to accommodation, and give them a greater chance of leading a stable, healthy life so that they don’t return to being homeless in future.

Who’s it for?

The Trust is encouraging charities, housing associations and registered social housing providers to apply for a 2-year grant. We will award a small number of significant grants under this programme. To be successful in your application, you’ll need to be able to clearly demonstrate:

* that you have considerable experience in providing support to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

* that your project is adaptable to the needs of veterans, including veterans with high, medium and low-level support needs

* that your project will deliver sustainable outcomes for the veterans accessing them, so that they don’t return to being homeless in future.

It is also vital that projects are collaborative - working with others to meet the needs of veterans. Finally, you will need to show how you would work with Op FORTITUDE - the Government’s new central referral pathway for homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer, said:

“No one, not least those who have served this country, should be homeless. That’s why we're providing up to £8m to fund tailored support for our veterans in hundreds of housing places across the country.

“Only by helping to address the complex issues faced by some veterans, can we end veterans’ homelessness."

Find out more

This exciting new programme is now accepting applications. The deadline to apply is 5pm on 22 May 2023.

Full details and useful resources to support your application are available on the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Strategy & Action Plan

The Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan has been published today, demonstrating Defence's commitment to reduce suicide in the Armed Forces and provide support to those affected by it.

The Strategy establishes eight focus areas: 

1. Understand high risk groups within the Armed Forces
2. Educate the Armed Forces about suicide and its prevention
3. Enable individual resilience and support personal needs
4. Enable safe military environments
5. Enhance organisational management of those at risk
6. Enable access to support for those at risk
7. Develop accessible postvention support
8. Improve organisational learning

To read the full Strategy and Action Plan, please click HERE​

Annington: Families Day Funding Applications

Applications for Annington's Families Day funding closes on 5 May. Please contact your nearest HIVE for further information and an application form.

Defence Medical Services: SMS Medical and Dental Appointment Reminders

An SMS text message reminder service has been launched for patients registered at Defence Medical Services medical and dental practices. For more information please go to the My Healthcare Hub app on Defence Gateway​

Personal Accident and Life Insurance Schemes for Personnel

Personal Accident and Life Insurance Schemes for Personnel

MOD is re-evaluating the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme and Life Insurance Scheme offer for personnel. A procurement exercise has been completed and we are pleased to announce that a new Broker, The Risk Factor, has been appointed. Initial discussions have taken place, and our priority is the continuation of appropriate cover for existing policyholders with as little disruption as possible.

As this is a new supplier, insurance products will no longer be branded as PAX. Existing PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme members should note that a replacement Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (providing similar benefits) will be introduced on 1 June 2023, for which they will need to apply if they wish to maintain Personal Accident Insurance cover. There will be no automatic transfer from PAX to the new provider.

There is no action for policyholders to take at this point. Once arrangements for how to join the new Insurance Scheme(s) have been finalised these details will be made available along with the new Scheme’s policy terms and conditions so individuals can make an informed choice based on their requirements (we expect this to be mid-May).

MOD personnel: please see 2023DIN01-023

Scottish Veterans Residences vacancies in Edinburgh

Scottish Veterans Residences is a charity established in 1910 to support former members of the Armed Forces of all ages who are homeless, isolated or in need.
We provide high quality accommodation with dedicated support at our residences in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow. Each residence is a Registered Housing.

We currently have vacancies in Edinburgh.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hbrsu0yIHU5GMm1R-aq-qLuDzfoyKScB/view?usp=share_link​

Join our Centrica Pathway

 

New Service Pupil Support Programme - part of exciting new funding opportunity from the Armed Forces Families Fund

Exciting new funding opportunity from the Armed Forces Families Fund

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce the launch of the new Service Pupil Support Programme – an MOD funded programme, part of the Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3).

Specifically supporting Service pupils aged 4-18 years, this programme will focus on those pupils from currently serving families and will support them along their educational pathways.

Who’s it for?

Schools, academies sixth form colleges, Further Education colleges and local authorities can apply. The Trust has set up a dedicated programme page on their website featuring full eligibility details.

The programme will award grants of £5,000 to £80,000 to one-year, stand-alone, projects that meet one of three priorities.

* Closing the gap in attainment between Service and non-Service pupils, using data led evidence.

* Addressing the needs of Service pupils with additional needs through early identification and intervention using a collaborative and coordinated approach.

* Identifying and addressing the needs of small cohorts of Service pupils within educational settings.

The Trust anticipates that most grants awarded will be around £40,000 or less, and successful applications will need to clearly show good value for money.

Supporting Service pupils across the UK

Sonia Howe, Director of Policy and Communications at the Trust, said: “This programme offers opportunities to access funding for both schools who have large numbers of Service pupils on role, and also those with small numbers. By working together as clusters of schools, those Service pupils based in less military heavy areas can also benefit.”

The application deadline is 5pm on 31 May 2023. 

For more details on the programme and to apply click here

Find out more

Did you know there are also three more programmes coming soon under the Armed Forces Families Fund? The Trust has partnered with the MOD to deliver each programme, with launch dates on the way.

To stay up-to-date with the latest news, awards and opportunities from the AF3 programmes, sign up to the Trust’s dedicated AF3 specific newsletter today.

Background information:

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is a charity and an MOD sponsored Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) that manages the grant programmes funded by the Covenant Fund. They also run wider funding programmes that support the Armed Forces community.

The Trust makes grants that have an impact on the lives of Armed Forces communities, including serving personnel, Armed Forces families, veterans, and their families. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. All the grants that we award support the values of the Covenant. For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, visit the Covenant website www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk 

People can register for specific updates on the Armed Forces Families Fund via this link

About the Armed Forces Families Fund

The Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3) was launched in September 2022 and amalgamated existing education-focused funds, under one umbrella, broadening their scope in support of the delivery of the AF Families Strategy in its entirety, through the AF3 programmes.

The MOD partnered with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to administer the MOD Education Support Fund (ESF) within the AF3 programme; along with two new programmes to support Armed Forces families, the Early Years programme for pre school aged Service children, and specialist grants to support

The following grants have been awarded under the Armed Forces Families Fund in 2022/23

Early Years programme: 18 grants totalling £903,546

Supporting Partners programme: 12 grants totalling £483,144

Education Support Fund: 54 grants totalling £2,045,593

An additional grant of £119,647 for a project supporting Armed Forces families based overseas to have access to better electronic child health records

Staying Safe Around Stray Dogs

(Information taken From Panaga Club Website - this information is for guidance only)

Month of the Military Child - Wear PURPLE on 28 April

Brunei: BFB - H15 Communal Areas

Around H15 area found several faults that need raising:

1. Blocked drain causing water pooling (Tile 1 & 2).

2. ATAP (No. 12 & 13) wooden diagonal bracing rotting / damaged. Requires replacement and repair (Tile 3 & 4).

Location: H15 Communal area

Source: Contractor initiated

POC: SSgt Fong

Brunei: PIPAL TREE NEPAL REFORESTATION PROJECT - Donation Appeal

I am sure you must have heard / seen on social media of Nepal reforestation project, which is being led by Lt Col (Retd) Philip Holmes. A remarkable project indeed.

The Pipal Tree’s donation appeal has gone live from noon on the 20th April, UK time and it only runs for a week – ends on Wed 26 Apr 23! The appeal will allow Pipal Tree team to set up two memorial forests in Dhanusha District - one for Bhanbhagta VC and the other for Tulbahadur VC.

Pipal Tree’s open-ended Mission is the protection and upliftment of the most vulnerable people in Madhesh Province, southeast Nepal, with a particular focus on children from the lowest castes and marginalised ethnic groups, women and girls, the natural environment and disaster relief. This is a long term reforestation project to help alleviate poverty by converting exhausted and over-grazed land into productive arable land. PSA; a summary of the Pipal Tree Project in Nepal.

Grateful, if you could please cascade this down to your members who may find the Pipal Tree Project of interest and may wish to donate. Dhanyabadh.

Future Accommodation Model Social Media Re-branding to Defence Accommodation Policy

FORCES EMPLOYMENT CHARITY LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE TO CELEBRATE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

Facebook + Instagram

April is the Month of the Military Child and this year @ForcesEmploymentCharity have created a whole suite of resources tailored to help those with little to no work experience!

Resources include:

👉 a weekly 101 series that will cover job basics (such as writing a CV and a cover letter) 👉 interviews and insights from people who grew up in military families - staff and celebrities including Dame Joanna Lumley and Johnnie Boden 👉 a chat with a client on the EM3 Veterans and Families Programme discussing the benefits of the programme for 16 - 24 year olds

 Head to https://www.forcesemployment.org.uk/news/101-series-motmc/ to find out more!

📸 Gemma Levine

 #MOTMC #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #MilitaryFamilies #EM3Forces

------

The Forces Employment Charity will be marking the Month of the Military Child this April, with a brand new set of resources to help young people of those who Serve and have Served with their next career step.

The charity, which was founded in 1885, originally helped veterans find civilian employment and has since expanded its services to offer support to Military families. This has recently extended to offering employment support to Young people from military families, both serving and veteran within the M3 area, owing to its unique EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families Programme.

The team working in the EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families come from military families themselves and therefore understand the importance of supporting young people who face an ever-changing situation, from frequent moves, education gaps and separation from parents’ and social networks.

Through extra support in education, training and expanding the pool of employment choices and a caseworker, the programmes supports young people to plan a clearer future.

The charity also works with many young people from across the UK through its long-standing programme, Future Horizons. This programme helps early Service Leavers with the next stage of their civilian career, which often includes younger veterans aged between 16-25.

Resources created for the Month of the Military Child will be specifically tailored to help those with little to no work experience of the civilian world, including a starter 101 series which will cover all the basics job seekers may need to get started, such as:

* How to write a CV

* How and where to look for jobs

* How to write a cover letter

* How to manage your first interview

The charity is also planning a social media takeover, which will include insights from people who grew up in Military families, speaking about their experiences, how they have shaped their careers, plus any advice they have to offer others from a similar background.

Joanne McLeod, EM3 Armed Forces and Families Programme Manager at Forces Employment Charity, says: “As a Military spouse, I understand the unique challenges that affect Forces families. From frequent house moves, to needing to fit in and make friends quickly, there can be a lot to manage. This can be particularly challenging for service children, who are moving schools, skipping parts of the curriculum and leaving behind their social networks. However, living in such unique circumstances also equips the Military community with an incredible skill set that can set them apart from other job seekers.”

Dame Joanna Lumley is supporting the initiative. Speaking about the impact being a Military child has had on her own career, she says: “Like many Military children, I went away to boarding school at a very young age. It meant I had to be able to find my feet pretty quickly and find ways to be able to relate to lots of different types of people. I never realised at the time how much those experiences would come to help me in my career!”

Joanne McLeod adds, “Our role at the Forces Employment Charity is to help people recognise those skills and find the best possible way to present themselves to employers, to maximise their chances of success. This is especially important for those just starting out, such as Military young people and/ or Early Service Leavers. I am delighted that we are able to offer a new and specialist set of resources to support this group in celebration of the Month of the Military Child.”

The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Its team of dedicated Advisors can help job seekers develop their employability to present candidates to employers in the best possible way. That can involve advice on what to apply for, how to find work and develop a good CV, interview skills, training, etc. For more information visit: www.forcesemployment.org.uk

Serve and Protect Credit Union launches its first ever fixed-rate savings account!

Serve and Protect Credit Union launches its first ever fixed-rate savings account!

Serve and Protect Credit Union has launched an exciting new product, called the Fixed Saver.

This is the first time in the credit union’s history that a fixed-rate savings account has been offered to members. The Fixed Saver provides returns of up to 3.50% AER, with terms available for 6 or 12 months. The longer you save, the more interest you can earn.

The Fixed Saver will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and will be available for a limited period, with the closing date to open an account being Thursday, 27 April 2023. However, this could be withdrawn earlier.

Some of the key features for the Fixed Saver include:

- Fixed terms available for 6 or 12 months

- Invest between £500 and £5,000

- Earn between 3.04% and 3.50% AER

- Savings protected by the FSCS up to £85,000

To learn more about the Fixed Saver, visit: https://www.serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver

Serve and Protect continues to provide a wide range of support for savers, including:

- Regular Saver o Save monthly from £10 per month

- Flexi Saver o Deposit lump sums up to £40,000

- Junior Saver o Save for your children or grandchildren

- PrizeSaver o Deposit £1-£200 to enter a monthly draw to win £5,000

To view the range of savings accounts offered by Serve and Protect Credit Union, visit:

https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save

Swansea University Armed Forces Gambling survey: closing date extension to 8th May

For most people gambling is a fun activity. Gambling offers excitement, a way to socialise, or to escape from the routine worries or stress we all experience. However, some people experience harms related to gambling. This survey is designed to help us find out about those harms, and gauge how aware people working within the Armed Forces are when it comes to seeking help when it is needed.

Link to Survey is here:

​SAGE - Scoping the Accessibility of Safer Gambling Information in the United Kingdom Armed Forces (qualtrics.com)

Civilian Housing Briefs online April-July 2023

To register, click this link: Information and guidance on civilian housing - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Never such innocence - creative art & poetry competition

In partnership with the MOD, Never such Innocence are welcoming poetry and art entries from service and civilian children 6-18 years old from the UK.

 A total of 15 pieces will be chosen to be displayed at a special location! All entrants will receive a personalised certificate of participation. 

Competition runs from 1-30 April, 2023. Winners will be announced by 15 May, 2023. The theme this year is Friends Near and Far.

All competition details can be found here: https://www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

Refuge Video: Managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you're experiencing domestic abuse

Refuge, the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK, have produced a video to guide victims of domestic abuse on managing the Government's Emergency Alerts Test on Sun 23 Apr to ensure they stay safe: 

Managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you'r​​e experiencing domestic abuse - YouTube

Brunei: SSAFA French Breakfast - This event has been POSTPONED until the 25th of April

 

Women into Employment: The Conference – Monday 5 June, 10:00 – 1730. Hosted by J.P. Morgan, London

https://officersassociation.force.com/jobseekers/s/lt-event?id=aFe3z000000PGuPCAW

Join the Forces Employment Charity as they bring together career experts and military-friendly employers to share the latest career insights, job opportunities and advice to help you maximise your skills and experience in today's job market.

The day is chaired by Sky News Anchor Kimberly Leonard, so book your place and:

- Discover what future-forward employers like Centrica, National Cyber Force, J.P. Morgan, Barclays and Sky want from their future employees, and why they are committed to recruiting women from the Armed Forces community.

- Hear from business leaders, employment experts and inspirational women who have successfully transitioned from military to civilian employment.

- Learn how to overcome challenges and grasp the opportunities available when looking to swap military life for civilian employment.

National employers will attend to showcase their current job opportunities and provide recruitment and job application advice. Throughout the day, there will be time for online networking and questions and a chance to get a professional head-shot for your LinkedIn profile.


​Your 5 Reasons to attend:

- Gain practical, useable advice on finding & securing your next role
- Develop a better understanding of civilian employers and what they're looking for from new hires
- Realise the potential of networking and how to do it well
- Get a free professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile
- Be inspired and motivated to take that next step

Brunei: Reminder of Ramadhan rules

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks

It’s almost impossible not to feel good when we’re walking outdoors – it’s a natural mood-booster! And the great news is we don’t need to walk far or fast to feel its effects on our health and wellbeing. Simply getting out is a tonic for our minds and bodies, and it can be sociable too.

Almost all of us can manage a stroll, and Ramblers Wellbeing Walks make it easier to start walking and stay active.​

​To find a local walk near you, please CLICK HERE

Brunei: Month of the Military Child Activities - April 2023

Brunei: BFB Quarterly Newsletter - Edition 2

Click here to access the latest edition of BFB's Quarterly Newsletter

 

Are you missing out on claiming Wraparound Childcare funding?

Wraparound Childcare (WAC)

There are eligible families that have not yet registered for Wraparound Childcare (WAC). Are you missing out on this funding?

Check if you are eligible:

RN Families - wraparound childcare | Royal Navy | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

Army https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/army/army-families/families-wraparound-childcare] RAF Families - wraparound childcare |

RAF | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

Or:

Think you can’t claim Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

Is your partner in the Army / Navy / RAF ? Are you returning to work? You may be eligible to claim for up to 20 hours of before and after school care for eligible children aged 4 to 11 years old.

Check if you are eligible:

RN Families - wraparound childcare | Royal Navy | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

 

Army https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/army/army-families/families-wraparound-childcare]

 

RAF Families - wraparound childcare | RAF | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

Or:

Think you can’t claim Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

Are you a Service person in PSTAT Cat 3,4 or 5? You may be eligible to claim up to 20 hours of before and after school care for eligible children aged 4 to 11 years old.

Check if you are eligible: 

RN Families - wraparound childcare | Royal Navy | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

Army https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/army/army-families/families-wraparound-childcare]

RAF Families - wraparound childcare | RAF | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

Or:

Think you can’t claim Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

Are you a Service Person and do you commute weekly to and from your family home? You may be eligible to claim up to 20 hours of before and after school care for eligible children aged 4 to 11 years old. 

Check if you are eligible: Army, RAF, Navy or Marines

Brunei: Nepali New Year 2080 Celebrations - 14th April 1800-2200, Tuker Lines

What – Nepali New Year 2080 celebration with BFB local artist.

When – 1800 -2200 hrs on Friday 14 Apr 23.

Where – MT Park, Tuker Lines, Seria, Brunei.

Who – All Service personnel within BFB, their dependents and BFB community.

Why - Mark the Nepali New Year 2080 as a signature event in a greater scale. Exploit the Day as an opportunity to build relationship and share Nepalese culture with the members of BFB and BFB community.

X-Forces: Self employment courses for families of current SP, veterans, and families of veterans

New Documentary Hearts and Minds: A Very British Tactic Now on Forces News YouTube

New Documentary Hearts and Minds: A Very British Tactic Now on Forces News YouTube

In this new documentary, Forces News takes an in-depth look at the unique tactic of 'Hearts and Minds', 20 years after it was used by the British Army during the Iraq War.

British military commanders and soldiers on the ground in Iraq used the term when working with local people. Hearts and Minds: A Very British Tactic looks at the origin of the approach, how it was applied in Iraq and asks if it is still relevant today by talking to key military players.

In a rare TV interview, Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb, the British commander in 2003, says hearts and minds “underpins everything I ever did in uniform".

He was Director of Special Forces and played a key role in the development of counterinsurgency in Iraq.

General Lord Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009, explains why winning hearts and minds was so important.

“A counterinsurgency campaign is always going to be about the people. That's why war is in any sense a human activity. It's amongst the people."

The documentary also hears from former soldier and leading war studies academic, Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, on what it was like going into Iraqi homes and schools as troops on the ground put the idea into practice.

The film also explores the impact latterly of the deteriorating security situation.

Colonel Tim Collins, who famously gave a rousing eve-of-invasion speech to his soldiers, compares hearts and minds to taking a course of antibiotics.

“You have to stay and grip it until the problem has gone away and that's quite a long time. If you stop half-way through, withdraw to barracks, you have no control of what's happening."

The documentary Hearts and Minds: A Very British Tactic is available to watch on Forces News YouTube channel now. https://www.youtube.com/@forces_news

Separation and divorce guide for military personnel spouses and partners

To view the Guide, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/separation-and-divorce-guide-for-military-personnel-spouses-and-partners​

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)

Veterans UK - Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Online Claim

A new online Armed Forces compensation service has gone live. Veterans UK, part of Defence Business Services (DBS), has launched a new online claim service to help people to access injury and illness compensation more easily. Veterans UK is responsible for administering compensation and pensions schemes for both serving personnel, veterans and their families. The new service is part of our commitment to modernising the services we provide to the Defence community and is the first step in the digitalisation of DBS’s Compensation Schemes. Before launching the service, the Veterans Modernisation Team had to successfully complete a Cabinet Office Beta Assessment and provide evidence to show they had met a 14-point service standard.

How will the new online service help customers?

* Although the paper claim form can still be used if customers prefer, the online service has been developed entirely using a ‘user needs’ approach, identifying what users want and need and providing a digital solution. It has the following added benefits for customers:

* The online form takes less time to complete in comparison to the paper form

* The online form is more intuitive, meaning it only asks questions relevant to the individuals claim and is based on previous questions

* Individuals can submit multiple claims on one application

* There is an option to save progress and take a break

* It allows individuals easily upload supporting documents relevant to their claim

The online form can be accessed via any internet device, including a smartphone.

For more information on the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, please click HERE

To use the online AFCS claim form, please click HERE

For advice on, or assistance with, an AFCS claim please contact Veterans UK

To read the launch announcement in full click on this link: AFCS ONLINE.

ASDIC - Association of Service Drop-In Centres

The Association of Service Drop-In Centres (ASDIC) represents and links veterans’ Drop-Ins across the country. ​​Sometimes called Hubs or Centres, Drop-Ins offer a variety of welfare and mental health support, together with comradeship and a sense of well-being, to the ex-military community and their families, and ASDIC helps them to enhance the service they can provide and make them more accessible.​

Click here to find your nearest drop-in centre

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

Only those of us who have experienced this terrible tragedy can truly understand. None of us need to suffer alone, together we can help each other.

Click here for support https://uksobs.org/​

Delivery of the Annual Army Non-UK National Awareness Brief