Civilian Housing: An update on the MOD Referral Scheme service

Last year, the services provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) were transferred to the Defence Transition Service (DTS), part of Defence Business Services (DBS), to deliver. This followed a review as part of the MOD’s ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’ to bring efficiency to the co-ordination and delivery of housing services.

The MOD Referral Scheme provided advice and guidance on accessing social housing and has now become part of the existing services provided by DTS and Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). This has been done to simplify and widen access and eligibility across serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

To refer someone for support or self-refer go to - Help for service leavers, service personnel and families from Defence Transition Services - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What is DTS?

The Defence Transition Services (DTS) team is the MOD’s tri-service focal point to provide service personnel and their dependants with civilian housing information for those wishing to move to civilian accommodation at any time in their career, and for those leaving service who require extra support with the transition to civilian life.

DTS, together with colleagues in the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) can provide advice and guidance to help individuals make informed choices on their civilian housing options as they transition out of the forces. For further information please visit: Information and guidance on civilian housing - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) Winter Newsletter

Please click the image above to read this newsletter online.

Brunei: Panaga Pharmacy Non-Prescription Medicines List

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Some over the counter and pharmacist only drugs can be purchased from PANAGA Pharmacy.

Brunei: PCMF Urgent Notice on Drug Recall

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Anyone issued with the mentioned medication from hospital or any other place, please bring the drug back to PCMF Brunei Pharmacy for destruction. Please make an appointment with a doctor, should you require any replacement.

Brunei: DIO - Collaborative Working Discussion

Collaborative Working Discussion

The following points were deliberated about during the recent collaborative working discussion:

All storerooms lights at the flats (H15 and J16) will be replaced for LED. This will prevent the lights in the stairway not working when there are issues with the lights in the storeroom. 

Removal of all Astro dishes on the BFB Estate.

Request for Flat window keys to go keyless. Occupants are constantly losing window keys and when the locks are replaced it is different make and model to the existing windows.

Request for the back doors at H15 flats to go keyless. This is to avoid the risk of occupants getting locked out on the balcony. 

Amah quarters cookers. DIO is not installing any new electric cookers in the Amah quarters. This will be the responsibility of the Occupant, he/she will need to get the electric cooker Portable Appliance Tested by the QM Dept and will need a sticker on the appliance before use.

Keys / access to vacant quarters during out of working hours for an Emergency. Another meeting required with presence of the GSM and WSM. 

Self Help. Under the conditions of the self-help application, if an occupant agrees to take responsibility of the project, it is their responsibility to remove it. Maintenance Team to liaise with the Estate Wardens if any requests are received from occupants for removal and disposal of a self-help task.

NW500. Any NW500 requests for the SFAs will require the approval from the Estate Wardens prior to any works being done to create a new column in the NW500 application for Estate Wardens.

Carbon monoxide batteries and insecticides can be requested through the GQMS. This is to reduce works raised to the contractors and will save reactive maintenance burden.

Bird nesting to liaise with Estate Wardens for greasing bird nesting areas.

DWP Conversational Platform

Please click the image above for further details.

Conversational Platform is a new technology being introduced onto the Universal Credit telephony channel. From early December 2023 when customers call Universal Credit, their call may be routed through the new technology, whereby the DWP Virtual Agent will ask the customer why they are calling and will then tailor the response based on what the customer says.

Veterans Housing - Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund

New major funding programme to support Veterans’ housing needs

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce a new, major grants programme supporting new builds and significant refurbishment, including extensions, of rental accommodation offering high quality support for Veterans with a housing need.

On behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, the Trust will award grants of £75K to £500K under the Major Capital Grants programme, across four rounds of funding, to projects that contribute to the aims of the Government’s ambition to reduce Veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.

Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund

The Major Capital Grants programme is the latest programme to launch under the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund. It is open to charities and registered social housing providers (registered social landlords in Scotland), with at least five years’ housing experience. To be eligible for this funding, you’ll need to show that most of your organisation’s work is with Veterans, or that you have extensive experience of working with Veterans.

Larger grants available

Larger grants of £500K to £1M are available for exceptional projects. These larger grants will be subject to additional eligibility criteria, including secured match funding of at least 30% at the time of application. Full details of this additional criteria are available on the Trust’s website.

Ensuring your project meets the needs of Veterans

To receive funding from the Major Capital Grants programme, you’ll need to clearly show that your project:

* is needed and is an effective way of supporting Veterans at risk

* was developed with Veterans

* doesn’t duplicate existing provision, but rather fills a gap in support for Veterans

* will support longer-term change, providing a wider impact for Veterans that will last beyond the life of your grant.

Sonia Howe, Director Policy & Comms at the Trust said: “This is an exciting opportunity for organisations to access a significant grant to build new homes that can have positive, tangible impact upon Veterans in need. Projects could focus on either transitional or permanent housing, including Veteran care homes. We’re expecting some big ideas and some truly life changing proposals.”

What’s available?

There will be four rounds of funding under the programme and decisions will be made via a two-step process.

The Trust is accepting Expressions of Interest for round 1 now. The closing date for applications is 3 January 2024. Those successful at Expression of Interest stage will be invited to submit a second stage, full application.

About the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is delivering the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. The Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund supports

projects that contribute to the wider aim of ending veterans’ homelessness by providing affordable and viable homes for veterans.

Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said:

“I’m committed to ending Veteran rough sleeping this year. This is why we're launching the second tranche of the £20m capital housing programme, with applicants now able to bid for up to £1 million to support Veterans’ housing needs.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations to showcase how we can transform the lives of Veterans across the UK and I encourage all those eligible to apply.”

Find out more

Full details of this fantastic new programme, including the timetable for applications to each of the rounds, are available on the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

FAQ - Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy

FAQ's for Service Personnel regarding ARAP persons living in SFA 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund

The Major Capital Grants programme is the latest programme to launch under the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund.

More information is available HERE. 

Accommodation provided by MOD for ARAP Afghan Families

Please click the letters below for further details:

Accommodation provided by MOD for ARAP Afghan families

Attached ARAP letter for Service families March 2023

Little Troopers - Christmas Smiles for Service Children

 

Mental Health First Aid England

As part of MHFA England®’s mission to train one in ten people in mental health knowledge, awareness, and skills, we are supporting several key awareness moments throughout Autumn 2023.

These also give you an opportunity to either get involved, share on your social media, or learn more.

10 September - World Suicide Prevention Day

10 October - World Mental Health Day

October - UK Black History Month

28 November - #techtimeouttuesday

Please Click HERE to visit the Mental Health First Aid website, where you will find more resources to help your overall mental health.

NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast

Welcome to the NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast, a six-part series aims to help you, the Armed Forces Community, access the NHS services available.

This podcast is released on YouTube every Wednesday.

Exploring the Employment Experiences of Spouses/Partners of British Armed Forces Personnel

More information is available HERE​ or CLICK ​to access the Survey ​ ​

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2024: Nominations Open

Please CLICK HERE for more information.

Brunei: Metal skips in SFA areas

Please be informed that due to issues that caused significant problems in the past, we are unable to place metal skips in the SFA areas. 

However, please note that there is a skip located inside Tuker Lines by the Boat Section, which can be seen as you drive to the Garrison Education Centre. Bulky items from the SFAs can be placed in that designated metal skip.

As for other regular waste, starting from January 24 onwards, a new contractor will be responsible for handling this task.

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) now including NEW Allowances

The Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) SWAY now includes information on NEW Allowances.

If you are being posted to one of the limited locations, click this link to find out more: Widening Accommodation Entitlement (Limited Locations) Including NEW Allowances (office.com)

Updated Tri-service accommodation regs (TSARs) JSP 464

The recently updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, (JSP 464) are available on .Gov at the following Link:

Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Brunei: Disturbance Expense

DISTURBANCE EXPENSE

1. SP departing Brunei are to ensure that they are aware of their entitlement to Disturbance Expense prior to entering the details of a claim on to JPA. SME advice can be gained through your Coy MPAs. 

2. The individuals arriving in theatre should be aware of the regulations surrounding Disturbance Allowances and report to your Coy MPAs should you believe you have erroneously entered a claim in to JPA at the earliest point. 

3. General error themes for DE entry in to JPA are: 

a. Personnel moving from SLA to SLA and claiming Child Element. There are very few circumstances that would create an entitlement to Child Element when the SP is moving from SLA to SLA on assignment/internal move. The majority of those audited resulted in recovery of the Child Element. 

b. Personnel moving less than 50 miles and claiming Child Element. There will clearly be some circumstances that will create such an entitlement, but the individual must meet the requirements of the regulations and the child(ren) must move school as a direct result of the family move. In the majority of those audited, the child(ren) did not move school and recovery action has been instigated for the Child Element of those claims. 

c. Personnel claiming for Child Element for children that are in (CEA) Boarding Schools. There is no regulatory authority for SP to claim Child Element of DE for children for whom they are receiving CEA; this includes initial entry of children into boarding school that is coincidental with a SP’s assignment. Around half of this batch resulted in recovery of the Child Element, the remainder of the batch simply required the correct child details to be entered onto JPA.

2024 Civilian Housing Briefs from Defence Transition Services

The links listed in the image above can be found below:

Information and guidance on civilian housing - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Help for service leavers, service personnel and families from Defence Transition Services - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Brunei: PCRF - Please return loaned physio equipment to the PCRF

If anyone has been loaned a cryocuff (see above picture & poster) please return it as soon as possible to the PCRF. We only have one cryocuff left to issue to our patients and we regularly use this kit as part of the rehabilitation process.

Additionally, any other equipment borrowed for use over a period, please can we have this back too? Many thanks!

Army Families Federation (AFF) Overseas Team

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Are you a veteran? Share your views now!

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) have launched a new consultation 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. The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) have launched a new consultation 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: Mumong Splash Pool Update

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The installation of solar lights within the splash pool area have just been completed following the request for lighting provision at the Mumong splash pool and also as part of Comd BFB’s sustainability drive.

Brunei: How to listen to BFBS Gurkha Radio around the world

How to listen to BFBS Gurkha Radio

In the UK on AM 

1134 KHz in Abingdon, Bramcote, Bulford, Catterick and Sandhurst

1278KHz in Perham Down, Shorncliffe and Stafford

1287KHz in Aldershot, Brecon, Gloucester Imjin, Hullavington, Maidstone and Warminster

In the UK on FM 

105.4 MHz in Shorncliffe 

90.8 MHz in Dover 

101.5 MHz in Blandford 

101.4 MHz in Leconfield

In the UK on DAB 

Search for BFBS in Aldershot, Basingstoke, Salisbury Plain and Warminster 

On FM in Brunei 

89.5MHz in Seria 

92MHz in Sittang Camp, Tutong 

On FM in Nepal 

Kathmandu: At certain times only on 105.7MHz 

Dharan: 107.5 MHz 

On FM in the Falkland Islands 

106.0 MHz on Mount Alice, Mount Byron and Mount Kent

96 MHz at MPC (Mount Pleasant Complex)

On FM in Belize

98.3 MHz at BATSUB, Price Barracks

And available online at bfbs.com, via the BFBS radio app, MiPlayer and also via DTH (satellite) and DTT in other UK forces locations worldwide and on all Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. 

In Nepal, also available via Dish Home set top boxes.

Long Term Relationships to benefit from Widening Accommodation Entitlement

On 19 September 2023, Minister for Defence People, Veterans, and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison, announced the Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) at eight selected sites across the UK and Northern Ireland.

• RMB Norton Manor
• RNAS Yeovilton
• Leuchars Station
• JHC FS Aldergrove
• Palace Barracks Holywood
• Thiepval Barracks Lisburn
• RAF Cosford
• RAF Shawbury

This is a first step in meeting the commitment made in the Defence Accommodation Strategy (2022) to allocate accommodation to personnel in Established Long Term Relationships LTR(E) on the same basis as those who are cohabiting or married.

Free nationwide rail travel for veterans and serving personnel attending services of remembrance

Military personnel and veterans attending services of remembrance will be able to travel to and from the events by train for free next month.

The offer will benefit people travelling to and from services anywhere in Britain on Remembrance Sunday on 12 November.

And veterans and serving personnel attending the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph can travel to any London terminal for free on Saturday 11 November or on the day itself – and be able to return home for free afterwards.

To find out more click HERE