Brunei: HIVE Coffee & Cake Drop-in - *next drop-in* Wednesday 31st January 2024, 1000 - 1200 @ Mumong HIVE Office

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Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card

An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.

It’s free to apply HERE.

You can currently only apply for a Veteran Card if you have a UK address. Veterans who do not have a UK address will be able to apply later this year.​​

NHS England - Help us to ensure Veterans receive the very best healthcare support in 2024

In 2019, NHS England commissioned the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to develop and introduce the Veteran Friendly Practice Accreditation scheme, a free support programme designed to help GP practices in England to deliver the best care and treatment to patients who have served in the UK Armed Forces. Since then, over 2,760 practices have signed up.

To help encourage more practices to sign up, the Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs are working together to increase awareness of veterans’ healthcare needs and any challenges that prevent people who’ve served in the Armed Forces from seeking help from their GP.

If you have served in the Armed Forces and live in England, we would be grateful if you could spare 10 minutes to fill in this online survey. If you are a veteran support organisation, please could you share the survey with your veteran members who live in England.

By filling in this survey, you are ensuring that your thoughts and experiences are more likely to be understood and acted upon. This will help to encourage more GP practices to sign up so they can help veterans get the best healthcare support.

Brunei: Panaga Outpost - Aspire Forum 2nd Launch Session - Monday, 29th January 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM @ Simpur Room, Panaga Club

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Please click HERE to register.

More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life

Personnel leaving the Military are to receive more support for finding jobs in civilian life thanks to a new contract between the Ministry of Defence and Reed.

• Number of professional training courses for soon-to-be veterans more than doubled.
• New Career Transition Partnership (CTP) with Reed in Partnership will continue the award-winning work supporting service leavers.
• Training in areas ranging from transport to cyber security will give service leavers the best opportunity of finding employment.

More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Military Coworking Network - Hub Expansion

The Military Coworking Network (MCN) is thrilled to announce a huge advancement in its mission to support military partners and spouses. Following a successful evaluation of the pilot project, the MCN - through partners the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) - has secured substantial funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund (AFCTF). This grant marks a turning point for the MCN, enabling us to transition from a pilot phase to a permanent and expanding fixture within the military community.

The AFCTF's generous support will facilitate the opening of at least three additional Military Coworking Hubs in 2024, further extending our reach and impact. These new hubs will embody the same spirit and objectives that have driven the success of our existing locations, offering a supportive and collaborative environment tailored to the unique needs of military spouses who want to create independent professional lives alongside military life.

Since its inception, the MCN has been dedicated to providing a space where military spouses and partners can pursue professional development, foster connections, and access vital resources. The expansion of the network is a testament to the positive outcomes and feedback received from our community during the pilot phase.

The new hubs will be strategically located in areas with a high concentration of military families and will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed internet, modern workspaces, and a range of professional development resources. They will also serve as community hubs, hosting events and workshops designed to empower and connect military partners.

"We are immensely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund for their belief in our vision and their investment in the future of the Military Coworking Network," said Megane Bambridge, Project Manager at the MCN. Linzi Jenkinson, the MCN's Hub Development and Liaison Lead, highlights that "This funding is not just an investment in physical spaces but in the people who form a significant part of the military community. We are excited that the network is growing and are looking forward to welcoming more members into our supportive MCN family."

The MCN looks forward to inviting military partners, their families, and base stakeholders to the official opening ceremonies of the new Coworking Hubs, which will be announced shortly. These events will be an opportunity to witness first-hand the vibrant community spirit and the tangible benefits that the Military Coworking Hubs bring to military families.

About the Military Coworking Network

The Military Coworking Network is an innovative initiative designed to support military families by providing collaborative workspaces and professional development resources. Established as a pilot project, it has quickly grown into a vital support network for spouses and partners of military personnel, offering them a platform to grow, connect, and thrive. With the expansion made possible by the AFCTF funding, and working closely with RAFA, the MCN continues to break new ground in empowering military partners and spouses.

Brunei: Mumong Community Centre Development Survey

Thank you to those who were able to attend the Mumong Town Hall on 7th December. The following areas were discussed:

- BFB has received a NAAFI grant to renovate the hall next to the Patio Bar. It was agreed that this is a useful space for children to play so the area will be divided in two, one part to be a relaxed coffee shop style area and the other with robust bean bags for children to use.

- While the renovation takes place, the hall next to the Patio Bar will be opened for children to use with parental oversight. The NAAFI staff is not responsible for the behaviour of those in the room and will call the Duty Officer if they deem it to be unsafe.

- Once the coffee space is in place, NAAFI will open for coffee mornings. NAAFI is looking to expand the food on offer in Mumong as the renovation takes place.

- A request was made to extend the time that children are allowed in the bar area beyond 2100 hrs. A survey will be distributed to understand community views on this, with an extension to 2230 hrs proposed.

- A Mumong Social Committee will be convened to implement the renovation of the hall and to work with the NAAFI Manager to implement events in the Patio Bar like Quiz nights / Karaoke etc. If you are interested, please contact Mike Collins at mcollins@naafi.co.uk.

- The Patio Bar and adjacent hall are available for hire from the NAAFI for functions.

- The issue of poor lighting around the Mumong Community Centre was raised; lights are in place but not currently on and DIO will investigate.

- If you have any further suggestions or would like to get involved, please contact Naomi at Naomi.Ozanne100@mod.gov.uk or Mike at mcollins@naafi.co.uk.

Please scan the QR code above or click HERE to give us as much information as possible so that we can create a positive environment within the Mumong Community space.

New Accommodation Offer explained by the 'Savvy Squaddie'

The 'Savvy Squaddie' has released a YouTube video explaining the New Accommodation Offer in a comprehensive, informative and informal way. To watch the video on YouTube, please go to this link: Military Housing Revolution – The New Accommodation Offer - YouTube

Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Private Fostering

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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Reasons Not To Smack Your Children

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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Victim Safety Work

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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Promoting Your Child's Mental Health

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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS)

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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Keep Children Safe

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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Water Safety

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Brunei: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Leaving a child home alone?

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Brunei: BFBS TV, Radio & App

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2024: Finalists Include Two HIVE Staff

Army HIVE are very proud to announce that two members of staff are finalists in the 2024 Celebrating Forces Families awards!

Jo Ratabuli works in Cyprus and is a finalist in the 'Away From Home' category, and Emma Passant is a finalist in the 'Family Volunteer of the Year' category.

To find out more about the Celebrating Forces Families awards, and to buy tickets for the Awards Night in April, please go to: https://www.celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk/​

DWP Update: Third Cost of Living Payment – Help for Households

Millions of people on means-tested benefits will receive the third of 3 Cost of Living Payments, which taken together, could total up to £900 over this financial year 2023-2024.

The first 2023 payment of £301 was paid between 25 April and 17 May, the second payment of £300 was paid between 31 October and 19 November and the third payment of £299 will be paid between 6 and 22 February.

The payment is for people on a qualifying means-tested benefit, who were entitled to payment during the qualifying period 13 November to 12 December 2023, or a payment for an assessment period ending within the qualifying period. The qualifying benefits include: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, and tax credits: Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

The Cost of Living Payment will be paid automatically, meaning those eligible do not need to apply or contact DWP or HMRC. It will be paid separately to benefit payments and the reference will appear in accounts with the account holder’s National Insurance number and 'DWP COL'.

For tax credit-only customers, the reference will appear in accounts as 'HMRC COLS', referencing Cost of Living Support.

To be eligible for this payment, you must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:

• Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended on or within the period 13 November to 12 December 2023.

• Income based JSA, income related ESA, Income Support, or Pension Credit, for any day in the period 13 November to 12 December 2023.

• For tax credit-only customers, they must have received a payment of tax credits any day in the period 13 November to 12 December 2023. Find out more about the range of government support with the cost of living at Help for Households

New Accommodation Offer Update: Draft JSP Now Available

Whilst the New Accommodation Offer policy will not come into effect until 11 March 2024, the draft of the new JSP 464 'Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations' is being shared with Service personnel now so that they have access to detailed policy information to help inform any future accommodation decisions they may be making. The JSP will be re-issued as 'live' policy on 11 March 2024 to replace the current version of JSP 464.

Parts 1 to 8 of the draft JSP are available on Gov.uk. Parts 9 to 11 will cover Forces Help to Buy, the Combined Accommodation Assessment System for SFA and Four-Tier Grading for SLA – these are not being released now as the policy remains the same as under the current regulations. Part 12 will cover the complaints processes which will be published when the new policy comes into effect.

Link to Draft JSP: Draft tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - March 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Link to New Accommodation Offer SWAY: New Accommodation Offer Update release 19 Jan 2024 (cloud.microsoft)

International HIVE (iHIVE): Now Included in the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist

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Did you know that contacting iHIVE is now listed in the 'key actions to be taken' on the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist?

For Service personnel and families moving overseas, the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist provides an initial list of personal and domestic factors to be considered pre-application for an overseas assignment, to determine the suitability of the overseas location, for the Service person and their immediate/close family.​​

For more information on this, or for any questions you may have on any location worldwide, contact iHIVE via RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk or Skype +443001676864. You can also find ​the iHIVE Blog at: https://internationalHIVE.blogspot.com/

Blind Veterans UK - Volunteer with us

Please click HERE for more information.

Launch of Tri-Service Reserves Continuous Attitude Survey, ResCAS 2024: Take Part Now!

The 2024 Reserves Continuous Attitudes Survey (ResCAS24) is now open for completion until Tuesday April 2nd, 2024.

Please click HERE to find out more.

ManKind Initiative ACORN Recovery Programme for male survivors of domestic abuse

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ManKind are now accepting referrals for their next Armed Forces ACORN Recovery Programme course due to start early 2024.ACORN is a 9-week online course that is delivered via Zoom for 90 minutes each week for male survivors of domestic abuse. The course is designed to help men recover from their experiences, understand the impact upon their children and work towards healthy and respectful relationships in the future.

Each course can take ten men and is free for them to attend because it is funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for men who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces or veterans.

If you think you might benefit from this course, please self-refer using the forms below or contact ManKind for more information - click here to visit their website.

• ACORN Armed Forces referral pathway
• Acorn referral form
• DASH & SOAG template - MKI version
• ManKind Armed Forces leaflet

Soldiering On Awards 2024: Nominations Open Today

The Soldiering On Awards recognise, honour and celebrate outstanding achievements of individuals and groups in the Armed Forces community. Nominations are now open and will close on 2 April 24.

Finalists in each category will be announced in Jun 24, followed by a Celebration Reception at the House of Lords in July and an Awards Night in Oct 24.

For further information and to nominate, please go to Soldiering On Awards 2024 Awards Categories - Soldiering On Awards

Your voice counts – AFCAS 2024

As we enter 2024, the opportunity to get involved in AFCAS is almost at its end. Don’t miss the chance to voice your thoughts.

Complete the annual survey to help Defence achieve its goal of improving the daily lives for members of the Armed Forces and their families. Every response counts.

Everyone can have their say, whether in the selected sample or not!

- If you have been selected to complete AFCAS, you will have been sent an email containing information on how to access the survey.

- If you aren’t in the sample, you can still make your voice heard by completing the shorter survey.

- Don’t miss your chance to tell Defence what is going well and where we can improve.

- The valuable feedback you provide will go a long way in supporting the lives of our serving personnel and their families.

- Completing the AFCAS Survey allows a safe space for you to share your thoughts and opinions on what you feel most positively about as well as what you feel needs changing.

For more information, search 'AFCAS24' on defnet or Defence Gateway.

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update: Cold Weather Alert

A cold weather alert has been issued for parts of the UK next week, with colder temperatures expected and the potential for snow.

DIO and our suppliers have provisions in place to ensure we are prepared to provide the right level of support for families.

There are also steps families can take if they are experiencing issues with their boiler or heating during the colder weather. Please check out Pinnacle's boiler and heating guide for more information.

If families are still having problems with their boiler or heating system, please contact Pinnacle National Call Centre on 0800 031 8628​

Brunei: Garrison Thrift Shop - seeking new volunteers

BFB Garrison Thrift Shop is a volunteer run charity shop that supports the local community, helping you and helping others in need. The funds raised are regularly donated to local causes and projects.  

The Thrift Shop sells pre-loved clothing, footwear, homeware, books, toys and baby equipment and much more at affordable prices. 

Opening Hours*

Mon:    1000-1200* & 1600-1800

Weds:  1500-1700

Fri:       0930-1200

Sat:     1000-1300

*Subject to volunteer availability

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Thrift Shop Volunteer team, please email garrisonthriftshop@gmail.com

New guidance for school governors and trustees on supporting Service children

To help schools and trusts to better understand the educational related challenges that Service children may face, and to help them thrive in education, the National Governance Association (NGA) has issued new guidance for school governing boards and trustees. The NGA created this guidance in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence – who provide statutory guidance for schools on the Armed Forces Covenant Duty – and the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance.

The guidance:

Outlines the education-related disadvantages that can arise for Service children and the potential impact of parental deployment, separation and family mobility.

Explains the role of governing boards in allocating school funding to meet the needs of Service children and has questions for boards to ask and consider.

Explores how the SCiP Alliance’s Thriving Lives Toolkit can be used as a self-assessment tool by schools to monitor and improve their practice and support for Service children.

References the Armed Forces Covenant Duty, and which education functions of a school are in scope. If you are a Service parent who sits on a school governing board or trust, read and share this new guidance with the board.

Point of contact: Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding - Education Policy Team People-affs-education-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Defence Medical Welfare Services

Please click the image to enlarge or visit the DMWS website here.

NHS care for the Armed Forces community, January 2024 Update

Please click the image above to read this update online.

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

After serving in the Armed Forces, some people find it hard to adjust to civvy street. If you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is here to help.

Op COURAGE is an NHS service in England that’s been developed with people who’ve served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill-health. Every member of staff within the service is either from the Armed Forces or has experience of working with the military community. In partnership with Armed Forces charities and NHS services, the staff at Op COURAGE provide specialist care, support and treatment for those due to leave the military, reservists and those who’ve served. Since its launch in 2017, the service has helped nearly 30,000 veterans.

What does Op COURAGE offer?

Op COURAGE provides a range of specialist support and treatment, depending on the needs of the individual – there’s no ‘one size fits all’. This might include helping you to recognise and treat early signs of mental ill health, as well as providing care and support for more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma.

In addition, the service provides support and treatment for a range of addictions, such as alcohol and drug misuse and gambling, and can refer you to other NHS services if needed. Op COURAGE also works with charities and local organisations to provide support for your wider health and wellbeing needs, which may include help with housing, relationships, finances and employment.

We know that when someone is unwell it may affect the rest of the family, so Op COURAGE can support them access help and care too.

Who can Op COURAGE help?

Op COURAGE supports UK Armed Forces veterans living in England, as long as they have served a minimum of one full day, and regardless of how long ago they left the military.

Op COURAGE also provides support to serving personnel due to leave the Armed Forces and reservists.

How do you access Op COURAGE?

You can contact Op COURAGE directly to make an appointment or ask someone else, such as a family member, friend, charity or health professional to make it for you. You can also ask your GP to refer you, but you don’t have to go through your GP to get an appointment. For details of your local service, visit nhs.uk/opcourage

Building Heroes: Jan Newsletter and 10th Anniversary

Please click here to read January Newsletter online.

SSAFA Short Breaks 2024 - Applications are now open

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Please click here to find out more.

Easier registration and claims process for Wraparound Childcare (WAC)

From 19 February 2024 the way that personnel register and claim WAC funding is changing. The process will be fully integrated within JPA and will be much simpler to use.

• Personnel that are currently registered will receive an email from the WAC team explaining what this means for them.

• Personnel that haven't yet registered but may be eligible should note that registrations will freeze from 31 January 2024 until the switch over on 19 February 2024.

• Personnel that register between 19 February and 31 March 2024 will be able to backdate their registration to 1 February 2024, subject to eligibility.

Where can you find further information?

• Read the FAQs or visit the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect

• Visit the Discover My Benefits webpage or contact the HIVE, and Army Families Federation information sites.

• Look out for more updates, on defnet and Defence Connect.

• If you have any further questions you can email the WAC team at PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Op RESTORE

Op RESTORE is the new name for the Veterans Trauma Network.

Please click here to read this leaflet online

To visit the Op RESTORE website, please click here

For more information on health services for Veterans, click here

Updates to Early Years Provision

The government is expanding early years and childcare government funding to working families from April 2024 which will enable working families of two year old children to access up to 15 hours of government funded early years education a week (based on 38 weeks). This will be expanded from September 2024 for working families of children after they have turned nine months and then from September 2025 this will be expanded to 30 hours. For more information and parents to check their eligibility visit: Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

There will also be an expansion of wraparound childcare ​places in settings from September for families who need it with children from Reception Year to Year 6. This plan is aimed at families who need wraparound provision from 8 am – 6pm term time only should have access to it within their local community.

There is also government start up grant funding available currently to encourage people to become registered childminders. The website where applications can be made for the start up grant can be found here: Apply for a childminder start-up grant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Minimum Income Requirement - Incremental approach to new threshold amount

You may have seen reference to the announcement from the Home Office that the planned increase to the MIR to £38,700 will happen incrementally, with a figure of £29,000 applicable from Spring 2024. The Home Office have released a Factsheet that explains more. Among other things, this advises that under the new provisions there will no longer be a separate child element.

Defence continues to liaise with the Home Office in order to understand how this will impact Service Personnel (Officers and Soldiers) and their families, and further information will be provided once more details are known.

Coping at Christmas

Please click the links below for direct web access:

• MIND​
• Shout
• Samaritans
• Young Minds
• CALM
• PAPYRUS