Brunei: BFBS Feedback - Wednesday, 1st May 2024, 1530 -1630 hrs @ CCCC Cafe Area

Please come and share your thoughts and observations on BFBS! 

Take part in an informal chat about BFBS services in Brunei!

This will give BFBS a chance to understand which services people enjoy, how they access them and what they think of them.

Brunei: BFB Temple Service - Sansari Mai Puja - Saturday, 11th May 2024, 0830 hrs @ Tuker Lines (in the vicinity of the War Memorial Wall, Education Centre)

SANSARI MAI PUJA – SAT 11 MAY 2024

BLUF. As per the Brigade of Gurkhas Religious Festivals FOE 2024/25, the SANSARI MAI PUJA falls on Sat 11 May 24. 

All BFB Service personnel are welcome to attend the service.

Scheme of Manoeuvre:

• Puja (worship) ceremony
• Hawan
• Prabachan
• Aarati, Tika, and Prasad

Timing: Puja commences at 0830hrs (please be seated by 0825hrs).

Dress: Smart Casual (Shirt / Chinos).

Location: The service will be taking place at Tuker Lines (in the vicinity of the War Memorial Wall, Education Centre).

Significance: Sansari Mai Puja is specially arranged as a community prayer to divine nature, who is believed to be the process of this earth. Communities select a solitude place, if possible, near the river or in a forest or at least under a tree, and the celebration starts with the erecting of seven stones as the image of Goddess mother. We do not use the temple idol for the celebration because we believe that all matter is a manifestation of God and God is omnipresent. Holding various singing, dancing, playing, and ritual praying in a traditional way, the joyful festival concludes with the hope of desired rainfall, good harvest, and being free from seasonal diseases in the coming year.

Brunei: Monkey Encounter - Dos and Don'ts

Long-tailed macaques are globally endangered, so we try to do our part to protect them whilst they are still a healthy population in Brunei. Having attended a briefing from Jane Goodall Institute of Singapore, their recommendation to a safe co-existence with monkeys are as follows:

• Bin cages or temporarily have a makeshift bungee rope around the lid to deter monkeys from having access to the bins. They will eventually exclude the patio bar/pool etc as part of their route due to the lack of food source.

• Where there are females and baby monkeys around, stay 1-2M away from them and make light clapping noises to make sure they are constantly aware of your presence. Loud noises usually startles them which will alter their behaviour towards you.

• Avoid eye contact or interacting with monkeys such as taking selfies, imitating their facial expressions and/or smiling at them. It causes them to alter their behaviour towards humans and resulting in ‘horror’ stories.

• Keep all your belongings in closed bags and close to you. Avoid using plastic bags if you can. If they do take any of your personal items, don’t bother chasing because they will drop the items (unless it is food).

• Never ever feed monkeys (refer to Point 1).

• Use your height to your advantage. Due to their social hierarchy status, the monkeys will usually move away from you if you follow the above steps correctly. If a monkey is on the roof or high up above your head, there is a very low percentage (almost zero) that they will jump on you because their ‘status’ is higher than you. Refer to point 2 and 3.

Brunei: Monkey Guarding - Dos & Don'ts when you encounter a monkey

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Brunei: BFB Stray Animals

BFB STRAY ANIMALS

1. BFB personnel, incl LECs, UKBCs and Spouses, have been actively feeding stray animals within BFB estates.This needs to stop immediately
because:

a. By feeding stray animals you are encouraging them to breed uncontrollably which can increase its population at an alarming rate and
when it gets too overwhelming to feed, the strays will starve even worse thus causes further malnourishment and diseases will spread between each other, and possibly to humans.

b. Uneaten leftovers attracts flies and, in some cases, maggots, all ideal vectors for diseases.

c. Stray animals leave excreta where they are known to congregate because what goes in must eventually come out. This is no trifling matter for other BFB personnel who have to endure the odour.

d. Stray animals have caused damage to valuable equipment and buildings eg helicopter engines, store rooms, roofs and many small spaces where it is difficult to determine the extent of damage that may have been
done.

2. Do not feed stray animals just because you want to have the ‘feel-good, warm fuzzy feeling’ inside - it doesn’t end well for the stray animals. If you want to be do-gooders, you must then carry out your good deeds through (i.e. adopting AND neutering) without leaving others to deal with the aftermath. The bottom line is that humans and stray animals coalesce is part of living in Brunei but do not be part of the problem.

Brunei: BFB Library Stock Recall

All loaned books and toys are to be returned to the library.

Exempt are only books required for study towards iGCSE, A-Level, AS-Level or other official exams or degrees. There is a returns box outside the library for out of opening hours returns.

Returning books and toys will help the library be able to issue out loans again in the future.

We thank everyone in the community for your patience and support.

For any questions, please send an email to: bfblibrary@gmail.com.

Brunei: SSAFA - E Redbook Feedback Day - Tuesday, 30th April 2024, 1100 - 1230 @ CCCC Cafe Area

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Brunei: SSAFA - BFB Infant Feeding Survey

If you have a baby within BFB we would value your feedback in relation to feeding choices and support.

The survey will be open until Wednesday,1st May 2024.

Click HERE for link or Scan the QR Code below.

Brunei: BFSWS - What are the Signs of Domestic Abuse?

Does Your Partner…..

Isolate you from friends and family?

Deprive you of food or heating?

Monitor your time?

check up on what you do online?

Take control over aspects of your everyday life, telling you where you can go, who you can see, what you can wear and when you can sleep?

Stop you from getting medical help or support?

Repeatedly put you down, such as saying you’re worthless?

Humiliate or degrade you?

Control your money and access to your home?

Make threats or intimidate you?

Has physically abused you?

You are not alone…..

In the year ending, an estimated 2.1 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in the England and wales (by the end of March 2023) 751,000 men and 1.4 million women, and risks increase when a woman is pregnant. Over 105,000 children live in homes where there is high risks domestic abuse according to the ‘Safelives UK’. If domestic abuse is something that affects you there is help available.  

How we Can Help…..

If you are worried about your immediate safety and / or that of your children, please call the RMP on 8330251

Royal Military Police (non-emergency)

Tel: 3224101 Ext: 3767

AWS Personal Support Service

SSgt Jady Minhas

Email: Javaid.Minhas294@mod.gov.uk,  Tel: 3224101. Ext:3300

BFSWS-Overseas Brunei Team

During office hours

Neil Whatley
Email: neilwhatley@forcessocialwork.com, Tel: 3224101. Ext: 3371, 8330224

For out of hours Duty Phone: 0044 (0) 808 168 3111

BFSWS (O) Email: Crt.bfsws@coreassests.com

Other Sources of Information……..

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

www.womensaid.org.uk

www.mankind.org.uk/

Brunei: Did you know....there are TWO HIVE offices in BFB....

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Did you know there are TWO HiVE Offices in BFB?

Chit Chat Community Centre office is located a few doors down from the post office and is run by Mrs Rajina Rai.  

The Mumong Community Centre office is run by Mrs Ashtrid Leahy and is located on the Mumong SFA patch, just off the main car park near the playpark and Mumong Patio Club. 

Offices are open Mon-Fri 0900-1300. 

Pop in to see us and browse our literature, we're here to help!

Lincoln University Research Survey for Military Families with Neurodiverse Children

University of Lincoln are running a tri-Service survey for military families who have neurodiverse children (both diagnosed and not diagnosed). They want to know what support families are receiving, and what support they don't have but that would be helpful.

Researchers hope to have a large response to enable them to move forward with establishing services to support families in the future.

The survey is linked HERE, which starts with the full information sheet. The survey is entirely voluntary and anonymous.

DWP Civil Service Job Vacancies in Wales

DWP are looking to fill Executive Officer roles in DWP, Work and Health Decision Making Directorate. These are key roles for people who have a positive attitude, a desire for public service and want to make a difference to people’s lives.

We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate they have the right influencing and communicating skills to be responsive to the needs of a diverse group of customers, an ability to understand complex information and can make the right decision at the right time.

Please click here to view further details online

Brunei: Army Families Federation (AFF) Individual Q&A session with AFF Overseas Manager - Wednesday, 24th April 2024, 14:00 - 17:00 @ CCCC, Conference Room

Due to the RBA flight cancellation, the AFF Overseas Manager has kindly offered an Individual Q&A session.

Individual Q&A session with AFF Overseas Manager - Wednesday, 24th April 2024, 14:00 - 17:00 @ CCCC, Conference Room

Please consider going if you have any questions or concerns about immigration, passports, ILR, employment, allowances, childcare, schooling, etc. 

AFF may be able to help you or direct you to someone who can!

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ARMY FAMILIES FEDERATION (AFF) Ask AFF Roadshow – British Forces Brunei & British Loan Service Personnel and families at RBAF.

1. Overview. The next Ask AFF roadshow will take place in British Forces Brunei over the period 15 April – 20 April 24.

2. Ask AFF roadshows are for key engagement on common issues and those specific to the area/region. These are focused on, Service personnel, families and delivered by bespoke AFF specialists.

3. Aim. The aims of this visit are to:

a. Update HQ BFB and local Chain of Command of AFF’s future support to the Army Family.

b. Engage directly with families & serving personnel, provide specialist advice and gather evidence.

c. Strengthen links with key on island stakeholders at Unit, Station and HQ BFB Level. Also other welfare delivery organisations ( HIVE, SSAFA, AWS, Community Services etc.) to enhance our virtual support links to the wider Army Family living and working in BFB.

d. To promote AFF 23 Concept.

e. To visit families assigned on Defence Engagement – RBAF Loan Service; British Defence Staff in Bandar.

4. AFF Visit Party:

Esther Thomas, Overseas Manager

Virtual Support via AFF Specialists back in the UK:

- Katherine Houlston, Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist
- Lucy Ritchie, Employment & Training Specialist
- Claire Hallam, Money & Allowances Specialist
- Cat Calder, Housing Specialist
- Anna Hutchinson, Education & Childcare Specialist
- Karen Ross, Health & Additional Needs Specialist

Army Families Federation (AFF) Overseas Team

What is AFF?

AFF Website

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Funding to Support Military Spouses and Partners

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce that they have awarded over £790,000 under the Supporting Partners programme, to improve support for Service partners and spouses and celebrate the skills and experiences they bring to the workplace.

In the latest round of grants, 13 projects have received funding across the UK and overseas. The projects aim to improve understanding of Service partners and spouses; addressing their needs and the challenges they encounter as their family transitions to civilian life.

New collaboration between Service Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers

Service Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers have teamed up to help further protect Defence people and assets.

Joining all UK police forces and law enforcement agencies, Service Police will now also benefit from access to information reported 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers.

The new partnership provides:

• A data sharing agreement – which means that any information reported to Crimestoppers on crime committed by a person or persons subject to Service law, is shared directly with the Defence Force Intelligence Bureau for allocation to the appropriate Service Police department.

• ​A Service Police Integrity Phone Line – for Service Police to report concerns about a colleague's behaviour. This reflects the bespoke Crimestoppers Police Integrity Phone Lines introduced for other UK police forces in recent years – including the Ministry of Defence Police.​

Please click here to read more about this announcement.

Stress Awareness Month - Togetherall

Struggling with stress?

@Togetherall have got your back.

This #StressAwarenessMonth, unlock the power of these 4 stress-busting tips.

You can also join the Togetherall community and get support from likeminded individuals at togetherall.com.

Army Carers – Supporting Serving Personnel with Caring Responsibilities

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Tickets For Troops

You are eligible to apply for tickets through Tickets for Troops if:

• You are a serving member of HM Armed Forces
• Have been medically discharged from the Forces since the commencement of military action in Afghanistan in 2001
• You have been awarded a medical pension by the Ministry of Defence and discharged after 2001
• You are the next of kin to a service person who has died as a result of their service

Serving members include both Regulars and Reserves, membership is not open to Cadet Forces, Officer Cadets nor MOD Civil Servants.

Serving members must have a valid MoD 90 (Service ID Card) and Service ID number to register and use the tickets available on this site. Those who have been medically discharged must enter the Service ID Number issued to them whilst serving in the HM Forces.

You will be required to verify that you are eligible to use Ticket For Troops. ​​

To sign up or to see the latest events, please visit www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk​

Last chance to take the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS)

You have one week to complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey - don’t miss out!

This year’s Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) – which is open for a sample of civil partners/spouses of regular serving personnel – closes on Monday 22 April 2024.

With the deadline fast approaching, there’s no time like the present to check the online eligibility tool to see if you can take part, and then go on to complete the survey. These work best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Where the survey and eligibility tool ask for a token/access code, please enter your partner’s Service number. This is for security reasons only; all responses are anonymous.

Why your voice matters

FamCAS is a safe space for you to tell Defence about your personal experiences of Service family life, including what’s working well and any challenges you face. Hearing from you will help Defence to make informed decisions about what changes to prioritise to better meet your and your family’s needs. For example, in areas such as childcare, children’s education, accommodation and healthcare.

To see what families have said in previous surveys, visit GOV.UK.

Other ways to share your views

If you haven’t been included in this year’s sample to complete FamCAS, and would like to share your views, please take this short survey. This survey is also anonymous and will be analysed as part of FamCAS.

If you have any questions about this year's FamCAS, email: Analysis-Surveys-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk.

BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by VINCI Facilities - Thu 25 Apr

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Hosted by VINCI at the London Stadium and attended by 40 of our key industry employers, this is an excellent platform to explore the sector further, discuss transferable skills and UK-wide opportunities. Please note this is not limited to London as all employers have a national presence and as such are recruiting for all skillsets nationally.

Please note that all in the military community are welcome to attend, including Veterans, Reservists, Service Leavers and spouses.

Reserve your spot at BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by VINCI Facilities Tickets, Thu 25 Apr 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

Stress Awareness Month - Togetherall

Ready to conquer stress and worry?

This #StressAwarenessMonth, take charge of your mental well-being with @Togetherall's self-help course 'Managing Stress & Worry'.

Join the empowering community and equip yourself with the tools to thrive. Let's turn stress into strength, together join today at togetherall.com.

Stress Awareness Month - support for Army Personnel

 

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Stress Awareness Week and Debt

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Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

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Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £3M to support systemic change in Armed Forces communities

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded almost £3 million to nine transformative projects in this year’s round of the Covenant Fund Transformational Grants programme.

Continuing the trend from last year’s awards, the Trust has selected projects which aim to deliver systemic change within the Armed Forces community in a variety of different ways.

Each of the funded projects has a different focus, from supporting older Veterans, to tackling stigma amongst female Veterans. Mental health and wellbeing outcomes are an important element of many of the projects, though the ways of taking on these challenges vary from sports to e-learning, and training to inclusive programmes of activity and new and improved ways of delivering services.

School Admissions: Which primary/ secondary school will my child attend?

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Please click HERE to read this full document online.

Talent In The Ranks - Artist Development Programme for the Armed Forces community

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To view this document online, please click HERE.

Brunei: Brunei Supermarkets Store Opening & Closure on the First Day of Hari Raya on Thursday, 11th April 2024

All Milimewah branches are open as usual during Hari Raya.

For questions, please contact Milimewah at 3336933 or 3227716.

Supasave will be closed on the first day of Hari Raya on Thursday, 11th April 2024. Business operations will resume as usual on Friday, 12th April 2024.

For any questions, please contact Supasave at 3224638.

Soon Lee Mega Mart will be closed on the first day of Hari Raya on Thursday, 11th April 2024. Business operations will resume as usual on Friday, 12th April 2024.

For any questions, please contact Soon Lee at 3227661 or 8929230.

Igniting Futures – Careers and Entrepreneurship for Young People.

As part of Month of the Military Child, we’re pleased to launch Igniting Futures – Careers and Entrepreneurship for Young People.

If you’re 18-24 years old and part of a military family, why not work with one of our experienced career mentors to build your confidence and plan your working future?

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/wVG450RaVlA or contact the social value team at psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk

Life as a Dandelion - Month of the Military Child Competition

Calling at poets and artists!

We look forward to seeing your entries into our Month of the Military Child Competition!
This year’s theme is: Life as a Dandelion.
Entries are welcome from tri-service children 6 to 18 years old!

Month of the Military Child — Never Such Innocence​

Serve and Protect's new Cash ISA

Introducing Serve and Protect Credit Union's new Fixed Cash ISA account! 💼💰

The account offers a guaranteed tax-free return of 4% AER for the 2024/25 tax year so it could be a great opportunity for you to grow your savings.

​Click HERE to learn more. 

Brunei: A reminder to re-fuel before the Hari Raya holidays

A reminder that over the Hari Raya local holidays (11th April to 13th April) many fuel stations across Brunei will be closed. 

Please consider filling your vehicle up TODAY 10th April to avoid any inconvenience. 

Brunei: Brunei Shell Retail Stations Business Hours during Hari Raya Celebrations

For further information, please visit BSM's Instagram page. 

The public may also contact BSM's call centre at 2244739. 

Brunei: DIO - Boiler Ignition Tutorial

Due to the interruption of the gas supply, there are numerous ongoing issues with the gas boiler ignition turned off (hot water boiler not working). 

For occupants to perform self help by igniting the boiler themselves , please see the tutorial videos below:

Video 1

Video 2

Each video is for a specific boiler, please find whichever video is relevant to you.

For any questions, please call DIO(B) Helpdesk at Ext 3375 or 3224130.