Brunei: BFB Garrison Gymnasium and Swimming Pool Opening Hours during Summer Stand Down - Saturday, 13th July to Sunday, 18th August 2024

Garrison Gymnasium / Swimming Pool

Garrison Gym Opening Summer Stand Down Period (13 July – 18 Aug 24)

• The garrison gym will open between 1000 – 1800 hrs daily.

• All eligible gym users must be gym inducted prior to use, if gym induction required contact duty PTI of the day between 1000-1200 hrs.

• Weekly Spouse class will postponed until return to normal duties.

• Must adhere to gym SOPs and duty PTI instructions, failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

Duty PTI : Only duty PTI is authorised to sign out keys from the guard room.

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Garrison Swim pool Opening Summer Stand Down Period (13 July – 18 Aug 24)

Please contact pool supervisor Abdul Wafi should you require further assistance.

Acclimatisation PT - As per JSP 375, Ch 41; acclimatisation to hot environment is mandated where this will take in the form of acclimatisation PT. CoC is responsible to for booking PT as required.

Ac Pt PT 19 Aug 24

Acc PT 03 Sep 24

Commander BFB has set the following guidelines for ease of understanding.

SE Asia - Visiting SE Asian countries doesn’t require to conduct Acclimatisation PT as the region is under subtropical climate condition, consider being in Brunei.

Nepal & Others - All SP returning from leave are to attend acclimatisation PT. “On a case-by-case basis those who can demonstrate that they have remained in areas with temperatures similar to Brunei for the duration of leave are to be recorded and their names will be held centrally as not being required to undergo the acclimatisation package.” CoC is responsible to make decision on the requirement and make appropriate booking for acclimatisation PT.

For any enquiries, please contact duty PTI at Ext 3246 or visit PTI office during opening hours.

Brunei: The Art of Living - YES! Youth Empowerment Seminar for ages 12 -17 years - Saturday, 17th - Tuesday, 20th August 2024

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Click HERE to Register.

Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2024 – the results are in

Please click here to read this document online

Alternatively you can find this information online at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tri-service-families-continuous-attitude-survey-2024

Research Participants Request - Service Spouses & Partners

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This research project is student-led; it is not being carried on behalf of the MOD nor is it endorsed by the MOD.

Brunei: The Brunei HIVE Blog - Common Questions & Answers

 

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Q. Sometimes forget to check the HIVE Blog. How can I sign up to receive alerts so I don't miss any new updates on the blog. 

A. Simply enter your email address by clicking the ‘Sign Up’ link, (top - left hand panel) complete the details and click ‘submit’, you will receive the weekly email summary directly to your inbox. or alternatively Click Here.

Q.There is a lot of information on the HIVE Blog, so I can’t find what I want very easily. Is there a quick way of finding specific information.

A. You can browse the list of posts in the ‘Blog Archive’ on the bottom left hand side of the homepage or click on a label heading on left hand panel.

Alternatively, you can use the Blog Search box. For example, if you wanted to find out about information on employment in the local area just type Job vacancy into the box and relevant posts will be displayed.

Q. I would like to put information on the blog such as an event I am organising. I have a poster and would like to upload it for the local community to see. 

A. Simply contact the HIVE by phone or email (details are on the right hand panel of the blog home page) and your poster or information will be uploaded for you - free of charge. 

If you have any ...........

contributions to the blog 

any event or activity you would like to see featured 

questions or queries regarding anything featured or 

questions about what is on in the local area 

Please contact: BruneiGar-SpSvcs-HIVE-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

or call 3223809/3332309

HIVE blogs are an MOD sponsored online presence, registered with and approved by MOD

(DMC). In accordance with the MOD Online Engagement Guidelines, HIVE blog content must be limited to unclassified information only which is relevant and useful to the local military community.

Brunei: Brunei - Mini maps - four main areas to explore in Bandar Seri Begawan

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To access the full Mini Guide to Bandar Seri Begawan CLICK HERE

Brunei: Brunei - Kampong Ayer Walking Trail

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Kampong Ayer is known as the 'Venice of the East'. Take a visit to this historical settlement in Bandar Seri Begawan which is still home to more than 9000 people. There are 30 villages connected via 30km of wooden walkways and so much to discover!

Click Here to access the full walking tour guide including maps and how to get there.

Brunei: Brunei - Sightseeing in Bandar

Are you looking for things to do in Bandar this weekend? The following is a short list of ideas of places to go and things to see...

1. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque 🕌 (A nice photo opportunity in the big photo frame 🖼 in field opposite)

2. River safari trip (Mark and Wann Safari Hunter: Whatsapp: +673 8168540) 🚣

3. Istana Nurul Iman (Sultans Palace)

4. Royal Regalia Museum (free. $0) 👑

5. Brunei Maritime museum 🛶 (around the corner from Kota Batu yacht club - a lovely place to eat by the river and free to access for Panaga Club Members. Take your Panaga pass 😉)

6. Technology museum 🏛 (next to the maritime museum - so probably worth doing together) Tel: +673 2244545

7. Kampong Ayer Museum 🎣 (on the water village)

8. Temburong 🎋

9. Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque 🕌

10. Gadong Shopping Centre 🛍. (Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, lots of shops, cinema etc)

11. Gadong Night Market 🥢🍢

12. Jerudong Park 🎢 Tel: +673 261 1777. Click HERE for Garrison rate.

13. Teraja Waterfalls (at the bottom of Labi road, past the police station & longhouse). 🌴

14. Ice skating. Aman hills. Tel: +673 2331447

15. Scuba Diving (oceanic quest or Poni divers). 🤿 Tel: +673277 1778

16. Serasa Yacht Club. The yacht club is next door to Nur Wanita. (Free access for Panaga Club Members. Take your Panaga pass 😉) Tel: +673 2772011

18. ‘Up’ Rock Climbing Centre 🧗‍♂️ (Just off from Gadong shopping centre so could tie in with a visit to get food) Tel: +673 2420359

19. Fun Blocks Soft Play (Same place as Up climbing centre - Gadong). Tel: +673 7246555😃

20. The Empire Hotel. (day trip or stay over) 🏨 Tel: +673 2418888

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust launches - Service women 'Seen & Heard' programme for 2024/25

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched Service women: Seen and Heard Programme under the Covenant Fund exciting three-year Funding Framework.

The Service women: Seen & Heard programme is now open for applications for one-year grants of up to £50,000 and two-year grants up to £100,000, for projects that aim to tackle issues enabling targeted support for serving women and giving access to support to which they can self-refer.

What is the Service women: Seen and Heard programme all about?

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘ensuring our Armed Forces communities are not disadvantaged’. This programme will enable serving women to make informed choices and access services that enhance their health and wellbeing and increase accessibility into activities and support, leading to significant improvements to Service women’s quality of life. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

The Service women: Seen and Heard programme will support projects which achieve all the following outcomes:

• Enabling Service Women to choose activities and or/ find advice that improves their wellbeing, whether preventatively or at times of crisis.
• Opening up choices for Service women who may not otherwise know where to seek help for issues which specifically affect them.

Organisations can either apply for a one-year grant of up to £50,000 or a two-year grant of up to £100,000.

Who can apply?

The Trust is inviting applications from registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and Armed Forces Units. Full eligibility details are available in our programme guidance document.

What type of projects are The Trust looking to support?

The Trust are interested in supporting innovative approaches or projects with strong user participation in the design process and are seeking applications from projects aimed at addressing the needs of serving women and the range of issues intensified from Service as well as those where support is less accessible compared to women in civilian life.

If you apply for a grant, you will need to show us how your project will help improve access to targeted support for Service women enabling them to make informed choices.  

The programme is now open for applications and the first closing date is 12 noon on 25 September 2024. You will receive a decision before end of November 2024.

Anna Wright, Chief Executive at the Trust said: "We've developed the ‘Service Women’s programme’ in response to community feedback, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of Service women within the Armed Forces community. This initiative provides targeted support, improving access to essential services and significantly enhancing the quality of life for these women, ultimately making a positive impact on the lives of our Armed Forces."

Find out more

Full details of this exciting new programme, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on each of the 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

Brunei: Regimental Accountant Office (RAO) - Operating Hours

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Brunei: RAO - Admin Office Opening Hours

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Brunei: ASU - Opening hours

Email: bruneigar-asu-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Tel: Mil 94193 / 3241 / 3279

 Civ 322 4101 Ext 3241 / 3279

Brunei: SSO Admin Service - Opening Hours

 

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Brunei: LPPO - Opening Hours

LPPO

Brunei: PCMF - PCMF and Dental Centre Opening Hours

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Brunei: PCMF Dispensary - Opening Hours

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Trust launches Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Hidden Voices programme for 2024/25

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched a further Covenant Fund programme under its exciting three-year Funding Framework.

The Hidden Voices programme is now open for applications for grants of up £20,000 for projects that will provide accessible mental health and wellbeing services for under-represented serving Armed Forces personnel, Reservists, Veteran and families.

What is the Hidden Voices programme all about?

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘reducing isolation and loneliness for Armed Forces communities.’ This programme will enable and deliver accessible mental health and wellbeing support, as well as to identify known and unknown gaps in service provision. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

The Hidden Voices programme will support projects which achieve all the following outcomes:

• Build collaborative partnerships between Armed Forces organisations and specialist non- Armed Forces organisations.
• Identity and address known and unknown gaps in service provision.
• Provide accessible, preventative, and defined interventions.
• Increase knowledge and understanding with mainstream voluntary sector of the unique needs of the Armed Forces community.

Who can apply?

NHS England Guidance for Service Parents: Registering a child with an NHS GP and use of the NHS App

Registering a child with an NHS GP and use of the NHS APP

Registration

There are safeguarding aspects to registering children without a parent, but it is not a reason for refusal.

Ideally, an adult with parental responsibility should normally be registered at the practice with the child where the ID of the adult can be matched to the child’s birth certificate details.

However, one of the exemptions to this is where both parents serve in the armed forces and are registered with an armed forces GP.

Further information is available in the Primary Medical Services Policy and Guidance Manual Part B Chapter 4.12 – Registering Children.

In all cases (adult and children), a GP practice may only refuse to register individuals where it has reasonable grounds for doing so. Reasonable grounds may include, in the case of an application for permanent registration, that the patient does not live, or does not intend to live in, the contractor’s practice area or the outer boundary area. A GP surgery can also refuse to register a new patient because their practice is not taking on any new patients.

The ICB can also assign a new patient to a practice whose list is open.

The NHS APP

Togetherall: Self Compassion

Embrace the power of self-compassion

Dive into @Togetherall’s series of self-compassion tips and discover the support waiting for you on Togetherall. Because you deserve kindness, especially from yourself.

Join the Togetherall community today for FREE at https://togetherall.com/en-gb/mental-health-support-for-all-uk-armed-forces-veterans/

Serve & Protect Credit Union - Upcoming Webinars and 'Lunch & Learn' Sessions starting in Sept 24

From September, Serve & Protect Credit Union are launching 'Lunch and Learns' with the following topics:​

• Managing the Cost of Living
• Budgeting and Spending
• Boosting your Credit Score
• What Lenders are looking for​

The link to sign up for these, plus other webinars throughout July and August, is here: Webinars - Serve & Protect (serveandprotectcu.co.uk)

Don’t miss out on Wraparound Childcare in the new autumn term. Are you eligible to claim WAC funding?

Don’t miss out on Wraparound Childcare in the new autumn term. Are you eligible to claim WAC funding?

New awards provide educational support for Service children

New awards provide educational support for Service children

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced 21 new awards in the latest round of the Service Pupil Support Programme!

Worth £1.3 million, these projects are set to make a real difference to school-aged Service children across the UK - improving their educational pathways and helping to address the challenges they can face.

Supporting Service pupils across the UK

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund, the Service Pupil Support Programme supports projects which focus on pupils from currently serving families and support them along their educational pathways. The projects supported in this funding round address gaps in educational attainment, support Service pupils with additional needs, and support small cohorts of Service pupils within educational settings.

This year, the Trust has focused on supporting schools working in collaborative clusters of three or more to address the programme’s aims. Many funded projects centre on collaboration between schools to facilitate shared resources and good practice.

Targeted and bespoke support

A key theme through several funded projects is providing bespoke support and interventions which help meet the unique needs of Service pupils.

With an award of £77,753, Blackpool and The Fylde College’s project ‘Achieve Your Potential’ will bring together a consortium of Further Education colleges in Lancashire. The project will test the impact of providing personalised and targeted support on the retention, attainment and progression of Service children aged 16-18. Rosie Fearn, Director - The Lancashire Colleges, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this funding which will enable us to offer new and exciting opportunities to Service children in Further Education.

“Through ‘Achieve Your Potential’ we hope to demonstrate the impact that providing personalised and targeted support can have on helping Service children to succeed at college, achieve their potential and progress onto rewarding careers. Our findings will contribute to the wider evidence-base being developed by the SCiP Alliance Lancashire and North West Hub and help to inform future policy in Lancashire and beyond.”

A focus on literacy and numeracy

Pencoed Primary School were awarded £40,000 to support the development of speech and language, literacy and numeracy, and transition across a cluster of schools In South Wales.

Alice Brennan, Additional Learning Needs Coordinator, said: “We were beyond thrilled to receive this grant, it has literally made our year!

“Our program is designed to support our Forces children with their language skills, both expressive and receptive, and also to support their transition into primary or secondary school, or their basic literacy and numeracy skills, depending on need.”

The project will employ a speech and language therapist to assess children and create bespoke support plans for their learning. The speech and language therapist will also work alongside teaching and support staff, providing valuable training, and will develop videos to support parents with their children’s needs at home.

Alice explains, “Basic literacy and numeracy skills support will be delivered by a learning support assistant, who will now be able to work more often with our Forces children, helping to strengthen the learning and build more confidence.

“For transition support, the comprehensive school will be using a support worker to enhance the children's transition experiences by providing a more personalised approach. This may involve working individually or in small groups with children who are moving school.”

Supporting those with additional needs

A cluster of five schools in Moray, Scotland, lead by St Gerardine School, were awarded £79,728 to build on their existing success working with Service children who have additional support needs, especially where there are barriers to learning and/or transitioning into school.

This funding will allow the schools to continue and improve upon a suite of highly focused academic interventions which help identify and target gaps in learning and wellbeing. Service children identified as having Additional Support Needs will be supported a team of Pupil Support Assistants, either in small groups or one to one, ensuring their specific needs are addressed. This means Service children (especially those new to school) have an increased sense of belonging and feel their needs are met, ultimately raising their confidence and educational attainment in the longer term.

Sonia Howe, Director of Policy and Communications at the Trust, said: “We are delighted to see clusters of schools and colleges working collaboratively to address the unique needs of Service children, enabling them to reach their full potential. These awards will have a positive impact on the futures of our Service children around the UK.”

Find out more

For a full list of all awardees from the Service Pupil Support Programme, check out the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Background information

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is a charity and an MOD sponsored 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

Brunei: PCMF: Please return all issued equipment if no longer in use

The PCMF kindly requests all issued equipment please be returned as soon as possible if no longer in use. This includes crutches, wheelchairs, rehab equipment, BP monitors etc.

These can be presented to reception, or you can call us at 833 0246 if you would like to request an extension.

The Whispering Winds - Commemorative event for military connected parents who have experienced pregnancy, baby and child loss

Dandelion Military Families are proud to present The Whispering Winds. A commemorative installation and garden of reflection for military connected parents who have experienced pregnancy, baby and child loss.

Reservations are now open for the individual windmill markers that will form part of The Whispering Wind Commemorative Installation and Garden of Remembrance at Beckett House, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 (9-15th Oct).​

To reserve a windmill, please email dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com and complete the registration form received.

For more information, please see the booklet at this link

Forces Defence Discount Service

Defence Discount Service provides discounts both online and on the high street for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community.

CLICK HERE to register

WHO QUALIFIES?

Serving Armed Forces

Reserve Forces

Spouses/Partners of serving personnel

HM Armed Forces Veterans (ex serving)

MoD Civil Servants

Bereaved Family Members

War/Service Widow(er)s

Cadet Forces (over 16)

NATO Personnel in the UK

Togetherall: Summer Support

Feeling lonely or overwhelmed this summer? You're not alone.

Togetherall is here to help you stay connected and supported in a safe, anonymous, and compassionate community. Discover new ways to connect and find comfort in knowing that others are going through the same challenges. Prioritise your mental well-being this summer.​

Sign up today at https://togetherall.com/en-gb/mental-health-support-for-all-uk-armed-forces-veterans/

Brunei: Videos and Pictures of Istana Pantai on Social Media Prohibited

VIDEOS AND PICTURES OF ISTANA PANTAI ON SOCIAL MEDIA -
PROHIBITED

1. Members of Bruneian Ministry of Defence have expressed concerns over
SPs and families posting photos and videos of private functions in Istana Pantai on social media. Since, Istana Pantai is associated with HM Sultan of Brunei, It holds significant importance to Bruneians. It is known to be one of the official resident for HM Sultan of Brunei. Governmental officials are very sensitive and cautious about SPs and family posting videos of functions and parties on social media.

2. It is important to be respectful and considerate of local customs and
population when using Istana Pantai for private events. All HoD are to brief their SPs NOT to take or post videos of private events on social media and obtain permission from Bn Media Officer prior posting anything. If this continues, we will lose the privilege to use this facility for private events and BHQ will not hesitate to ban the facility if seen as jeopardising our relationship with Brunei Government.

Brunei: Istana Pantai - Welfare House by the Beach...Open for bookings

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To book, please scan the QR code above or click HERE.

Brunei: RMP - Reporting Crime and Wrongdoing

Reporting crime and wrongdoing

If you or someone else are in immediate danger or you need support right away, always call 993 if in Brunei (or 999 if in the UK).

If you wish to report a crime committed by a person or persons subject to Service law/discipline, and wish to remain anonymous, this can now be reported through the charity Crimestoppers.

How to contact Crimestoppers

If you are serving abroad, you must use the online information form to contact Crimestoppers – this will ensure your anonymity.

You can contact Crimestoppers by:

• calling 0800 555 111 at any time of day or night – if in the UK only 
• completing the information form on the Crimestoppers website – the form is completely secure and designed to protect your anonymity.

How to contact the Service Police 

To report a crime or speak to the Service Police, whether in the UK or overseas, you can call:

• Service Police Crime Bureau – 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180 
• Service Police confidential crime line – 0800 085 0685 
• RMP Detachment Brunei - +673 8330252

You can also raise a report through your Chain of Command or attend or call a local Service Police station: the Service Police Crime Bureau can provide details.

Call it out

Visit the Call it out hub for more information about what you can do if you see or experience a crime, or if you need support or advice – including information on our Victim Witness Care Unit.

Army Cadet Summer Magazine 2024

Army Cadets Summer Magazine is here.

In this issue we’re celebrating exped season with features that’ll have you ready for whatever your detachment or contingent commander has in store for you. With plenty of awesome stories covering DofE, Navigation, Sports and Music, there is something for everyone!

#Andysmanclub

Brunei: Fire Safety Advice

Fire Safety Advice

• Check your smoke alarms. They can give you the vital time needed to escape in a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly (‘press to test’) and never remove the batteries or cover up the detectors.

• Don’t overload sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket and don’t join extension leads together (‘daisy chaining’). Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, e.g. freezers.

• Check your tree lights. Check your tree lights conform to British Standards (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use. Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house.

• Always use an RCD (residual current device) for outdoor electrical decorations and equipment. If outdoor decorations are permitted, this safety device can save lives by instantly cutting the power if there is a fault, and can be found in any DIY store. RCDs also have a test function; test them before first use and periodically thereafter.

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Use proper holders for candles, keep them out of the reach of children and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper.

• Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high-risk area. Many of us enjoy a drink over the festive season but be sure to avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.

• Put your cigarette out, right out. If you smoke, make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.

• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire you should get out, stay out and call 995.

Brunei: Prohibited Electrical Item

Reminder to BFB SLA and SFA Occupants

Please DO NOT USE the multi-way wall plug adaptor, as shown in the pictures below. This has very high risk of electric fire and electricity related H&S issues.

If the occupants in SLA require adaptor for their non-UK plug electrical appliances, they must have PAT tested adaptor that complies with the equivalent UK specification such as BS8546 and BS1363.

DIO(B) is happy to convert the non-UK plug to UK three pin plug by cutting and reinstalling the three pin UK plug. This is only if the occupants are happy with the process as this may void the appliance’s warranty.

The pictures below were obtained from one of the BFB estate recently.

For any questions, please contact DIO phone number: 3224130 Ext. 3375 or email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk

Brunei: Fire Safety regarding e-bikes and e-scooters! Stay safe!

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Brunei: Fire Safety - Electrical Fire Safety Campaign

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The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Covenant Fund programme focusing on prevention of Veteran suicide

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched the third in its series of new Covenant Fund programmes for 2024/25.

The Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme will award one-year grants up to £50,000 and two-year grants up to £100,000, for projects which draw upon the key findings from their One Is Too Many programme, and will enable systemic change and long-term, sustainable impact in supporting Armed Forces Veterans with poor mental health, their families, and those who are caring for or supporting them.

Brunei: Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Please click HERE to access Tourism of Sri Lanka.

Visa Information. Click HERE.

Sri Lanka Travel Advice - Gov.UK

Brunei: Malaysia - Miri Crocodile Farm

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Looking for a day out? Just across the border in Miri, you'll find Miri Crocodile Farm. Monkey's Sun Bears, Birds of Prey, Snakes and Crocodile feeding....

Please Click here for further details.