Tips to help navigate this blog:
- TOP: Location Guide for Brunei; links to HIVE's Social Media, and a map of contact details for our worldwide network of information centres.
- LEFT COLUMN: Use the search engine; sign up to receive our weekly email updates, or find information by subject.
- RIGHT COLUMN: Contact HIVE with your specific query.
- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:

Friday, 13 December 2024

Togatherall: New Year - resources and peer support

Please click the image to enlarge.

Feeling uncertain about what’s ahead? You’re not alone. @Togetherall is here with free, anonymous peer support anytime you need it—24/7, all year round. There’s also a range of other self-help resources. Connect with others who understand at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

Wednesday, 11 December 2024

Little Troopers: Last Christmas Smiles boxes - applications now open to all military families




Little Troopers now have just 100 Christmas Smiles boxes left (out of 2,500!) and they really want to get these out to little troopers before Christmas. The last postal date is next Wednesday, so applications are now opened up to all military families.

Here's the link to apply (deadline for applications is 5pm on Fri 13th Dec): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X6Y259D

​Each Little Troopers Christmas Smiles box is packed with helpful resources and activities from the charity, all related to being a military child, along with a special edition of their newspaper and Christmas treats and stocking fillers to raise a smile.

Brunei: RMP - Rise in Burglaries and Thefts


Urgent – Rise in Burglaries and Thefts

Increase in Burglaries and Thefts in Mumong


There have recently been several incidents of criminal activity within the Mumong Area. All members of BFB are reminded that such matters should be reported to the RMP, Civilian Police and Duty Officer as soon as possible. Delays in reporting incidents to the Police will hinder appropriate measures taken against further criminal activity.

We are urging all residents of BFB to be vigilant and take extra precautions to secure their homes and belongings. Please remember to:

  • Secure all windows, doors, vehicles, and outbuildings.
  • Do not leave any belongings insecure.
  • Consider installing CCTV or Ring Doorbell.
  • Avoid posting about holidays or when you’ll be away from home on social media.
  • Look out for each other and report any suspicious activity.
If you have any CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage that may be relevant to recent incidents, please contact the RMP. 

If you feel you or someone else are in immediate danger or need support right away, always call 993 if in Brunei.

RMP Det Brunei:

Office hours only: +673 322 4101 Ext 3767

Duty Mobile: +673 833 0252

Royal Brunei Police Force:

Kuala Belait: +673 333 4324 / 333 2333 (X1, X2, Jurassic Park)

Panaga: +673 322 2955 / 322 7333 (G15, H15, H16, J16)

Duty Officers:

Garrison: +673 833 0230

1 RGR: +673 833 0220

Vacant Property Survey:

The vacant property survey allows the RMP to identify those properties that will be vacant during leave periods more effectively and to trigger more frequent security patrols.

Access the link or QR code below.https://forms.office.com/e/Pbxfn5F5Jg

Brunei: Evening Arts & Crafts Sessions - *next session* Thursday, 12th December 2024, 19.30 - 21.30 hrs @ Mumong Arts & Craft Room, Mumong Community Centre

Please click the image to enlarge.

For any enquiries and to Book Slot, please send a WhatsApp message to Jess - +447939985533.


The room attached to the arts and crafts room has been cleared out and tidied and made into a welcoming space for children to play during the arts and crafts sessions so parents who want to come along and bring their children are welcome.

EVERYONE is WELCOME!

Brunei: PCMF Reduced Hours Christmas Stand Down Period

PCMF REDUCED CLINICAL HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS LEAVE PERIOD.

Please click the image to enlarge.

PCMF and Dental Centre NOTICE - Christmas Stand Down

1. PCMF AND Dental Centre will be offering reduced functioning during Christmas Stand down. From 23rd December 2024 to 06th January 2025, 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 2024 and on 01st January 2025. 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 06 January 2025.

Brunei: Temporary Closure of BFB Gymnasium, Tuker Lines


TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BFB GYMNASIUM, TUKER LINES


1. The BFB gymnasium will be CLOSED for the period from 09 to 23 December 2024 for two separate serials as shown below. Both with different disruptions and access to training.

a. The Sports hall and Functional area will be CLOSED to set up for the Junior Ranks Christmas Dinner from 09 to 11 December 2024 (Note: The CV Suite will still be accessible during this period).

b. The entire gymnasium will be CLOSED from 12 to 23 December 2024 for works to begin on the functional area, the gymnasium will essentially become a building site and due to required ground works the equipment used will pose a significant risk to hearing. To that end to protect the users
gymnasium must be closed.

c. Additional training area such as Med Lines gymnasium will have a temporary uplift in PTE. We will also place Non-impact CV equipment into the Squash court to provide another temporary training space.

2. Early communication with the gymnasium to guide what equipment users would like would be greatly appreciate and where possible suggestions will be accommodated. Any queries regarding this matter should be directed to SSgt (SSI) Alex Ward RAPTCI.

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Brunei: Reminder for Fire Safety Over the Festive Period


Please click the images to enlarge.

Brunei: Important Notice from the SSO Department


Due to Christmas Stand down all personnel are reminded to submit request for supporting letters, authorisation for the permission of relatives to reside in SFA, visa, visa extension, amah, pets etc to the SSO department by Tuesday, 10th December 2024 for SO2 Welfare & GSO’s signature. 

Normal service will resume from Monday, 06th January 2025.

Are you planning to register for Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas funding in January 2025?


What is Wraparound Childcare funding?

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC.

If you are assigned to a location within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision? WAC Overseas will be available to eligible families in these areas from 6 January 2025.

Friday, 6 December 2024

Brunei: NAAFI - Live Music with 7th Fret - Saturday, 07th December 2024, 7:30 PM @ Chautari

Please click the image to enlarge.

Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day - Wed 11 Dec

Please click the image to enlarge.

You will be able to access colleagues from Pinnacle's Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams who will be on hand to provide you with information on a host of topics. They will also help to answer and resolve any queries and questions you may have.

You can also learn more about Pinnacle's free career and small business support for military families, veterans and communities.

Be part of Pinnacle's Virtual Outreach Day and connect with their representatives via Microsoft Teams. Book your slot by Friday 6th December at Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day

Thursday, 5 December 2024

Brunei: Local Needs Analysis - Complete by Friday, 6th December 2024 (it will take only 10 mins)



LOCAL NEEDS ANALYSIS


All commanders, SPs, welfare services, UKBCs and families/spouse are highly encouraged to complete Local Needs Analysis using the link or the QR Code below, by Fri 6 Dec 24 (it will take only 10 mins). This is your opportunity to develop family support service that will meet the needs of the family here in Brunei. Your response will shape how the family support is delivered in the future here in Brunei.

Only Families/Spouse are to use this link and QR code.


All Commanders, SPs, Welfare services and UKBCs are to use this link and QR code.

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

Your Armed Forces Offer explained


The Defence Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of Service life, and the vital work our people do to keep us safe at home and strong abroad.

​​Find out more about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support available to you: Discover My Benefits

Those with access to MODnet can also view the full article at:

Defnet: Your Armed Forces Offer explained (sharepoint.com)

Defence Connect: Your Armed Forces Offer explained | Defence Connect (mod.uk)

HM Government Money & Pensions Service - Money Helper: Credit unions and other alternatives to high-cost credit


This Money Helper (Money & Pensions Service) ​​guide is for you if you need access to credit but you can’t use a mainstream lender and you don’t want to use a payday loan or other forms of high-cost credit. When you read it, you’ll know:

  • how credit unions work and how they can help you
  • how to join a credit union
  • what other sources of fair and affordable credit might be available to you.​
To view this guide please click HERE

More information can be found on the Money Helper website at https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit

For the Service community, there are three MOD-endorsed credit unions - see https://www.joiningforcescu.co.uk/​

Digital Veteran Card to make accessing support even easier for ex-service personnel


New Digital Veteran Card to make sure former service personnel can prove their Veteran status as easily as possible, enabling smoother access to often essential support. Click here for further information.

AFCAS 2025 – Share your voice, shape your future


The Armed Forces Continuous Attitudes Survey (AFCAS) 2025 has reached its midway point and has been open for 11 weeks. This means there’s still time to complete the survey.   

This survey is a safe space for you to share your thoughts and experiences on areas that matter the most to you, such as working and living conditions, and family life. 

How can I complete AFCAS?

To find out if you’re in the sample to take part in AFCAS 2025, and to access the survey, visit our online tool. If you are not part of this year’s sample, the tool will give you the option to complete a shorter survey. You’ll be asked to enter your Service number, which is case sensitive, and can use your personal or MODNET device. Please be assured that both surveys are confidential.

How can AFCAS benefit me? 

The annual AFCAS survey is a useful way for Defence to hear your views and experiences about life in the Armed Forces. Your feedback will help to shape Defence policy and initiatives, in areas such as training, support, and to improve daily aspects of Service life. 

For information about last year’s results, read the full report on GOV.UK.

Your voice is important 

The more people we hear from, the more evidence Defence will have to better understand your challenges and make decisions that benefit you and your family.  

Help us understand where to prioritise making further changes, tell us what is working well for you and what could be better.

Complete AFCAS 2025. 

Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Brunei: Temporary Closure of SSO Department and Welfare Offices - Wednesday, 04th December 2024, 13:30hrs - 16:00hrs


TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SSO DEPARTMENT AND WELFARE OFFICES


SSO team including welfare team will be out of office on Wednesday 04 December 2024 from 13:30hrs to 16:00hrs for a Team Building Event. They will be contactable on their mobile phone in case of emergency.

Monday, 2 December 2024

Brunei: eVisas - Guidance for Service Family Members


eVisas - Guidance for Service Family Members

1. If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, you will need to register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. You should do this before your BRP expires.

2. If you have Settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK (ILE)) and have a wet-ink stamp or a vignette in your passport, we recommend you make a No Time Limit Application https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp to replace that with a BRP. Once you have your BRP, you can then register for a UKVI account.

3. No Time Limit Applications can only be submitted in the UK. If you are overseas, you will still be able to enter the UK from the 01 January 2025 even if you have not registered for a UKVI account as Rail, Sea and Air carriers will be able to check your status automatically.

4. Through your eVisa, you will be able to view your immigration status and associated conditions. This status information is already accessible to other government departments and third party organisations such as the Department of Work and Pensions, Local Authorities, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, Border Force, the National Health Service and Rail, Sea and Air carriers.

5. UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account. If you have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email but you can still register for an account.

6. You can register for a UKVI account either inside or outside the UK, and you do not need to wait to be contacted by UKVI.

7. Once you have registered for a UKVI account it is important to check that your travel document information is up-to-date.

8. Details about eVisas system and how to register can be found here: Online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

9. You should continue to carry your BRP with you when you travel internationally until it expires.

Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals


Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals

If you or your family hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, you will need to replace it by registering for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account, but you do not need to wait to be contacted to take action. If you or family members have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email, but you can still register for an account.

What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

A BRP is proof of an individual’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, it can also be used to confirm an individual’s identity and right to any public services or benefits they may be entitled to whilst in the UK. Currently a Biometric Residence Permit is required by anyone who comes to the UK for:
  • longer than 6 months,
  • extends their visa beyond 6 months,
  • applies to Settle in the UK,
  • transfers their visa to a new passport,
  • or applies for certain Home Office travel documents.

Brunei: Relative Visit Visa Cancellation

 

SP (Sponsor) must cancel visitor’s Brunei Visa prior to their departure from Brunei.

If sponsor is not in Brunei during 
visitor’s Brunei Visa cancellation, then the following procedure must be followed.

Please click HERE for application form.

Please contact all enquiries through to 1RGR UWO Team.

Brunei: Provision of UK Visas at Public Expense


PROVISION OF UK VISAS AT PUBLIC EXPENSE

1. When serving overseas, eligible family members require a UK Limited Leave to Enter visa/visa issued under Appendix Armed Forces to enable entry into the UK to support routine travel and enable emergency activity such as medical, welfare and compassionate travel. If an eligible family members requires a UK visa to be renewed while they continue to be resident overseas at public expense, then the cost of UK visa renewal can be reimbursed at public expense. Admissible expenses include:

a. Costs of visa renewal whilst on an overseas assignment. If eligible for ILE/settlement visa and wish to apply for this instead, the cost of the limited leave visa may be put towards the cost of the ILE/settlement visa.

b. Travel to nearest Biometric testing facility including Biometric fee.

c. Return travel to the UK to collect the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), this includes necessary travel for one parent to accompany a child. Collection of BRP is to be via the closest available post office collection site to the UK port of entry, unless making local arrangements with family for travel and subsistence proves more economical.

d. A maximum of 1-night’s subsistence for the family members. Travel and subsistence support in pursuit of visas is to be undertaken via the most economical and cost-effective route.

2. When serving overseas, eligible family members require a UK visa to enable entry into the UK (to support routine travel and enable emergency activity such as medical, welfare and compassionate travel). However, first-time UK Limited Leave to Enter visas for eligible family members are not to be publicly funded (Less Gurkha SP who are covered by local policy). Applications for first-time UK LLE visas for eligible family members, where the SP has married or entered into a civil partnership with a non-UK national while serving overseas, are to be funded at private expense. This is in line with first-time applications from country of origin to join the SP serving in the UK or transiting via the UK to where the SP is serving. All costs associated with obtaining a first-time UK visa are to be met at private expense.

Brunei: VISA and Immigration Information


1 RGR FAMILIES VISA AND IMMIGRATION INFORMATION


All 1 RGR accompanied Service Personnel are to complete the mandatory form scanning the QR Code below with accurate information of their families Visa and Immigration status.

Please Scan the QR Code or alternatively Click the Link: https://forms.office.com/e/RVuHABd9vr

Brunei: Do you have a visa or consular issue? Please follow the correct procedure....


CONSULAR AND VISA ISSUES

All consular and visa applications relating to SPs’ service in Brunei are processed through the Garrison RAO Dept, with the RAWO as the Garrison lead. All applications, and any issues arising from them, must be processed through the RAO Dept to ensure that the CoC can manage applications on their behalf.

Applications from BFB are processed by either the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or direct through the Home Office. The British High Commission in Brunei do not process any visa or consular applications and are not able to assist SP with them. SP must not email the BHC in Brunei direct but should direct any issues to the RAWO, who will then engage with outside agencies to expedite applications or resolve issues where necessary.

Please email all enquiries through to 1RGR RAWO: diwash.rai141@mod.gov.uk

Brunei: NAAFI - Confectionery Shopping Night - Monday, 02nd December 2024, 1930 - 2100 hrs

Friday, 29 November 2024

Brunei: Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) - ECO Festival - Sunday, 1st December 2024, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM @ BSRC



Please Follow FEL.BN for Updates






Swimming Class


For Both Kids and Adults

BSRC Swimming Class is back with our Instructor Salmah!
If you are looking to perfect your strokes or just have some fun in the pool? Our swimming lessons are just what you need!

For more information, please contact our BSRC front desk or call at 7403000. 

Brunei Shell Recreation Club
bsrcbrunei


No need for long-term commitments – seize the opportunity now with our flexible and affordable *Day Pass! *Term & Conditions apply.

Please contact or visit BSRC Admin Office to purchase your Day Pass from 7:30am to 4:30pm (Monday-Friday) or from 4:30-10.00pm, weekend and public holiday from Sports Complex.

Call now for inquiries at 7403000/ 3373499
.

Brunei Shell Recreation Club
bsrcbrunei

NHS 'Help Us, Help You' - Pharmacy First


Community pharmacies can offer treatment and when appropriate some prescription medicine, for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.

Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for earache (for those aged between 1 and 17), impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 - without the need for a GP appointment.

Available at the heart of local communities, community pharmacy teams have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need, with no appointment necessary and private consultations available. Community pharmacists will signpost patients to other local services where necessary.

By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to help free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.

For more information, visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

Service Prosecuting Authority welcomes HMCPSI inspection report


“We hope this report will reassure the public, members of the Armed Forces, and the Defence community that the SPA is performing well and making a meaningful contribution to Service Justice” – Director of Service Prosecutions, Jonathan Rees KC reflects on the publication of an inspection report on the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA).​

To view more about the Service Prosecuting Authority, and additional information on this report, please go to: Service Prosecuting Authority - GOV.UK

Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand


Domestic abuse - help is at hand poster

Thursday, 28 November 2024

Brunei: AWS Community Support - BFB Christmas Celebration - Friday, 29th November 2024, 1500 - 1700 hrs @ CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.
  • Meet Santa and get a present.
  • Goody bag
  • Children's Games
  • Craft Activity
  • Gingerbread Decorating
Please be informed that we have reached maximum capacity on the hall for our Family Christmas Event on Friday 29 November and CLOSED the booking system on MS Forms.


For any queries, please send an email to AWS at: BRUNEIGAR-SpSvcs-AWS-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Brunei: BFB Garrison Splash Tots Zone - Fridays, * CANCELLED next session* 29th November 2024, 0930 - 1030 hrs @ BFB Garrison Pool

NOTICE - 
Due to swimming pool closures, the upcoming Splash Tots Zone is CANCELLED unless the pool reopens in time. 

Please click the image to enlarge.

Pay as you go. B$5 per entry.

Booking is required due to limited spaces.

Click here to REGISTER - November