New MOD booklet: Benefits and support for Reserve families

Today, Defence launches a new booklet for Reservists, and their families, on the benefits and support available. This includes financial discounts, healthcare, and career support.

Did you know that of the 190,170 total serving military personnel in the British Armed Forces, 18% of them are Reservists? This means that the Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of Armed Forces personnel.

Reservists make a critical contribution in the Armed Forces and are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. Keep reading to find out more about what Reservists do, and how they make a positive impact in the Armed forces.

Do you know what support and benefits are available?

Today, Defence has published a new booklet outlining key benefits, services, and support for Reservists and their families. This includes:

• Healthcare, including mental health and welfare support.

• Information and support services.

• Military and financial discounts, childcare, and other family friendly policies.

• Career and employment support. For more information, read Defence’s recently published booklet on GOV.UK.

Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week – Understand Your Pension sessions, 9 to 13 Sept

Invest in your future – understand your pension.

Please note that some of the following links require a Defence Gateway and/or MODnet account

Join Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week (AFPAW) sessions from 9 to 13 September.

The Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) is one of the most generous UK Pension Schemes across both private and public sectors, reflecting the critical value of our Armed Forces in keeping us safe at home and stronger abroad.

The income provided by the AFPS in retirement is significant and you do not have to contribute any of your salary to it. A Sergeant who serves for 22 years could expect to receive a pension income of around £12,000. In comparison, to achieve a broadly similar income to your Armed Forces Pension – based on commercially available estimates and 2024 values – you would need to pay in the region of £300,000 into a private pension.

It is essential to understand the unique value of your Armed Forces Pension and retirement planning options. That’s why we’re encouraging you to invest in your future, by better understanding your pension this AFPAW – with a range of presentations, webinars, drop-in advice, online myth busting, tips, and factsheets, to help you plan and make informed choices.

AFPAW 2024 – What's on?

If you’re interested in finding out more, or have a question you would like to discuss, get involved with the following sessions throughout AFPAW:

• Armed Forces Pension Scheme 15 (AFPS 15) – 10 September, 12.30-13.30: Forces Pension Society webinar highlighting the primary features and benefits of the scheme, how you can add to your pension, and how to understand your Remediable Service Statement (RSS).

• Speak to a Pensions Expert – MOD Main Building, Pillared Hall (ground floor) 10-12 September, 11:00-14:00 each day: Ask the Armed Forces Pension Team any general questions you have about your pension. This drop-in service will be trialed in Main Building this year and, if successful, will be rolled out across the Defence estate during next year’s Pension Awareness Week.

Brunei: BFB Spouses Coffee Morning - Thursday, 29th August 2024, 0900 - 1300 hrs @ CCCC

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Please scan the QR Code or Click HERE for sign up NLT 27th August 2024. The date to register for the battalion coffee morning on 29th August, Thursday has been extended until today mid day.
Please, kindly request you all to attend this event.

Brunei: Pets in SFA Policy

References: 

A. Tri-Service Accommodation Regulation - JSP 464 

B. License to Occupy SFA

1. All dogs and cats kept in the SFA must be registered with the SSO Housing and Welfare Department. Obtain the prior written consent of the SFA sponsor’s local housing staff or station unit commander (as relevant to local instructions) before acquiring or bringing a pet into the SFA. 

2. The Head of Household must keep pets indoors and clean the quarter area, with the owner responsible for cleaning. It is strongly advised not to release your pet outdoors and let it roam around the estate. Pet owners must always take sensible safety precautions and be alert to risks that may affect their dogs and cats outside. Your dogs must be walked on leashes and keep your pet attended when outside to prevent them from being attacked by other animals. Be considerate and think of the health and safety of your pet, you, and the people surrounding it. 

3. All animals in the estate, if found without a collar, will be removed. You are required to have a collar fastened on your dogs and cats at all times with the Garrison Serial Registered No. on a metal identity disc stamped on it. 

4. Occupants caught keeping unregistered pets and feeding stray dogs and cats will be dealt with first by the CoC and then by HQ BFB as required. 

5. At the end of your license, the house must be fumigated and the carpets cleaned before you move out. Proof of the fumigation and cleaning receipt must be provided to the Housing Estate Warden. 

6. Your collaborative responsibility is highly anticipated. All inquiries on this matter should be addressed to the SO2 G1 Welfare/Garrison Support Officer and BFB Health Safety Advisor.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: free Sept Webinars and their latest Podcast

 

📢 Free financial webinars this September from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!

🛒 Managing the Cost of Living

👤 Domestic Violence - The Financial Impact

✍️ Budgeting & Spending

📝 Understanding Wills and LPAs

🚀 Boost Your Credit Score

🔍 What Lenders Look For

🔗 Register: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars

Episode 5 of the Smile and Save Podcast is here, brought to you by Serve and Protect’s Jon who shares learnings from his almost 37 years’ experience in the RAF. Discover some tips and things to think about when transitioning to civilian life.🎧 

🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/ET8BMaOHmeE?si=l1UuQPM-FZ_yZhg5

Covenant Fund programming 2024/25 – 'lunch & learn' webinar, 9 Sept

Want to learn more about the newly launched Covenant Fund programmes? Join the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust on 9 September for the full lowdown on all new Covenant Fund programmes currently open for application. This free webinar will provide:* 

* An overview of our new funding framework

* A breakdown of all new programmes

* A chance to meet the Trust team working on these programmes.

* A Q&A session where you’ll have the chance to get your questions answered.

You can register to attend via the link below: Covenant Fund programming 2024/25 - a lunch & learn event :Covenant Fund programming 2024/25 - a lunch & learn event : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Brunei: Closure of Regimental Accountant’s Office

Closure Of Regimental Accountant’s Office

1. The Regimental Accountant’s Office will be CLOSED from 29 to 30 Aug 2024 for Service Charitable Funds monthly closedown procedures.

2. Normal operating hours will RESUME on Monday 02 Sept from 08:00 to 12:30hrs.

The Whispering Wind installation for those who have experience pregnancy, baby or child loss

Reservations for windmills for our Whispering Wind event in October (9th-15th Oct 2024 at the Defence Academy of the UK at Shrivenham), are still open, but not for long.

So if you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss, and would like to honour their child's memory through our event, please send them our way. Reservation forms can be requested via DM or emailing dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com

Windmills are free of charge to families, will be personalised and sent out to families once our Baby Loss Awareness Week event has come to a close.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages about their loved ones so far, your strength continues to amaze us and we feel honoured you have chosen to share their memory with us for this event. ​

Brunei: NAAFI - Bingo Night - Friday, 23rd August 2024, 2000 hrs @ Patio Bar

Brunei: Treetops Community Survey

A survey to give us a better understanding of what families in the community feel would most suit their need of childcare requirements, for children aged 0-5. There are only four questions on the survey and would take no more than a few minutes for families to give feedback. 

The deadline for the surveys is to be completed is Friday, 30th August 2024, and they are anonymous.

Please Click HERE to complete the survey.

Based overseas with young children? Find out if you can benefit from an expansion to funded childcare

From September 2024 eligible families assigned overseas will have access to funded childcare hours for their children aged from 9 months old.

Defence have expanded the childcare offer for families assigned overseas with 9 months – 4-year-old children, to match the entitlement in England.

Early Years funded childcare overseas

To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time.

From September 2024 additional funded hours are available for eligible working families during term time. Find out if you are eligible for 15 hours a week for children aged 9 months to 3 years, or 30 hours a week for children aged 3 to 4 years.

For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).

When can parents assigned overseas access the funded childcare hours?

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

UNIVERSAL INFANT FREE SCHOOL MEALS (UIFSM)

1. Service children and children of entitled MOD civilians in schools overseas aged 4, 5 and 6 (FS 2, Year 1 and Year 2 or equivalent) are entitled to a Universal Infant Free School Meal. In schools without facilities to provide meals, a refund of £2.41 per meal can be claimed. This is in line with government funding allocated to schools in England. As year groups differ overseas, the date of birth of a child is used to confirm eligibility. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check they are eligible to claim by carefully reading the relevant 2023DIN01-071.

2. Prior to making a refund claim via JPA i-Expense, applicants must submit  Annex A to UIFSM DIN and proof of attendance to SO3 Coord for approval. On receipt of approval, applicants are to submit a JPA i-Expenses claim for each term for a refund of UIFSM. Guide on how to submit a claim via JPA i-Expense can be found at the link. Eligible MOD Civilians, without access to JPA, should submit claims to their overseas administration for reimbursement.

3. Claimants can only claim for days that a child has attended school; proof of termly attendance can be obtained from Hornbill School on request. Claims are to be submitted on JPA for payment for each term and within 90 days of the date on which proof of termly attendance received. Applicants must retain all documentation linked to their UIFSM claim for auditing purposes.

Tri-Service Military Youth Voice survey for 8-17 year olds - closes Saturday, 31st August 2024

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The Tri-Service Youth Voice Steering Group would like to give children and young people the opportunity to tell us about their experiences of living in a Forces family, and ask them how they think that experience might be improved.

It’s really important that we reach as many children and young people as possible and so would like to ask for your help with this. Please share the survey with as many people as you can and ask them to support the service children and young people they know and/or work with. The survey is open to anyone aged 8-17 who lives, or has lived in a family that includes a serving person. The QR code and attached flyer can be shared electronically, and printed off.

The results of the Survey will help the Youth Voice Steering Group focus their priorities, inform professionals, policy makers and help improve the experience of children and young people living in service families.

The survey expires Saturday, 31st August 2024. Click HERE to access the survey.

Defence Children Services (DCS): Potential Delays for Education Advisory Team (UK) Responses

Defence Children Services (DCS) have advised that there may be a delay in responses to enquiries, guidance requests and casework due to current staff shortages. A letter has been provided which explains further, and gives details on potential timelines for service delivery. To read the letter please click HERE.

For further information on DCS and EAT(UK) please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-children-services-dcs

The Duke of York's Royal Military School Celebrates GCSE Results Academic Awards and Sport Scholarships

Students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School are celebrating outstanding success in their GCSE examinations, with exceptional progress and achievements across the board. With 70% of students achieving 9-5 at GCSE. This year, many students have been awarded highly competitive academic, rugby, and sports scholarships into the Sixth Form, in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication to sport.

Principal Alex Foreman said, "I’m so proud of the staff and students’ accomplishments. Whilst academic achievement is at the heart of what we do, our unique environment allows Dukies to immerse themselves wholeheartedly in a breadth of activities beyond the classroom, developing great character, immense confidence and a diverse set life skills needed to take on life’s challenges. As a result, Dukies’ achievement across all aspects of school remains exceptional. Our Sixth Form university-style accommodation and facilities help prepare our students for their next steps. I look forward to welcoming our Dukies back in September, along with many new Dukies who join us.”

FREE Prosthetics & Orthotics Career Event

This free event is open to anyone 14+ from anywhere in England.

A Level and BTEC successes at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Students at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School are celebrating success at A Level, with well over half of all of grades being A* - B, BTEC with an average of Distinction*, and 85% achieving A* - C grades.

Soldier Magazine: Army HIVE Article 'Stuck on Camp'

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The August edition of Soldier Magazine features an article on HIVE's support to those staying behind on camp, either on 'rear party' or due to choosing to remain on camp for personal reasons. The article gives signposts and some suggestions to hopefully assist those in this situation, should they be needed.

To view the August edition, please click HERE, the HIVE article is on page ​28.

To find your nearest HIVE for more information or support, please go to  www.army.mod.uk/hives or find us on Facebook, X or Instagram.

The NHS urgently needs you to give blood this summer

The NHS has issued an urgent call for serving military and veterans across England to come forward and give blood due to critically low stocks, which have dropped to unprecedented levels.

There is a particular need for donors with O Negative blood types, as well as donors of Black heritage to help treat patients with sickle cell.

Veterans who already know their blood type, particularly those with the life-saving O negative blood type, are urged to book now.

Aurora New Dawn & Mankind: Domestic Abuse Recovery Programmes

As part of MOD's partnership with Aurora New Dawn, they are running a sexual violence recovery programme and an Athena domestic abuse programme for female Army and RN personnel and family members. 

Find out more at Aurora Abuse in the Armed Forces | Support Service | Aurora New Dawn (aurorand.org.uk)​ Course details, including how to register, are in the documents at these links:

Sexual Violence Recovery Programme

Athena Domestic Abuse Course​

​ManKind have received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to run their ACORN Recovery Course for male personnel, family members and veterans. 

Details, including how to register, are on the poster above (please click image to enlarge). 

More information on Mankind is at: https://mankind.org.uk/​

HIVE's 40th Anniversary Celebrations

This year, HIVE is celebrating its 40th Anniversary, and marking four decades of supporting the Service community. HIVE has come a long way since the first location in Hohne, Germany, was opened in 1984.

To start off the celebrations, a 40th Anniversary Launch Event was held in June at MOD Main Building in London. Army HIVE, RAF HIVE and Royal Navy Family & People Support (formerly RN HIVE) hosted guests from across the MOD and external stakeholders.

Head of Army HIVE, Nikki Peterson, gave a speech on the HIVE journey and said:

“I have had the pleasure of working for HIVE for almost 20 years and been involved longer as a customer during my time in service and as an Army spouse.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment across Surrey and Sussex

As the UKs largest public service department, DWP are responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy, transacting around £212 billion in payments each year, operating out of more than 800 locations with over 90,000 employees.

Recruitment is now taking place for the following with a closing date of 27 Aug 24.

Locations:

Bexhill, Bognor, Brighton Queen Square, Camberley, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne, Epsom, Guildford, Hastings, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Lewes Medwyn House, Littlehampton, Newhaven, Redhill, Staines, Weybridge, Woking, Worthing

Role: Work Coach

Number of roles: 75

For more information and to apply, please click HERE​

The value of UK military service; exploring perspectives from the Ex-Forces

It is often stated that the majority of personnel transition well post-Service, but there is limited evidence and understanding of those experiences and how Serving in the military may have added value to and benefitted post-Service life.

The purpose of this study is to build evidence about the impact of military Service that focuses on the 'normative' experience rather than on the challenges and difficulties.

For information about the study itself, including a link to the recruitment survey, visit https://www.fimt-rc.org/research/ongoing-research/outcomes-study-the-value-of-uk-military-service-exploring-perspectives-from-the-ex-forces

Brunei: BFB New Arrivals Induction Brief - *Next Date* Friday, 23rd August 2024, 0900 - 1230 hrs @ Main Hall, Chit Chat Community Centre

For all the New Arrivals in British Forces Brunei, please attend the Mandatory Induction Brief on Friday, 23rd August 2024 at Chit Chat Community Centre.

The session will run from 0900 - 1230 hrs. (be seated by 0855 hrs)

Tea and coffee will be provided.

Brunei: BFSWS - Understanding Your Child's Behaviour Course - Starting from Monday 2nd September – 3rd October 2024. Every Monday & Thursday, 9 - 1030 AM @ BFSWS Office, CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.

For any queries, please contact 

Rachana Niraula at 322 4101 Ext 3285 / 

email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

Or Anita Collins at Ext 3371/ 

email at anita.collins@forcessocialwork.com

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

SFA Townhall Events

Summer Safety Campaign - window restrictors

With the warmer weather and children off for the school holidays, it’s imperative you and your family stay safe this summer by following the current safety guidance on window restrictors.

We understand that it can get very warm, and you may want to open windows wide to let in a cool breeze, but there is a risk of children or vulnerable adults falling from open windows and being injured if restrictors are not engaged.

It is important to check whether your window restrictors are operating correctly. Please contact Pinnacle immediately on 0800 031 8628 if your restrictors are not working or your windows can be opened more than 100mm when restrictors are engaged.

Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Togetherall: What support is available to the Service community?

You might be asking “What is @Togetherall?"

Let us shed light on it. Imagine an anonymous, caring community that's accessible 24/7, no matter where you are, with an array of tools & materials to elevate your well-being. Ready to embark on this journey? Togetherall is FREE for all UK military serving and veteran personnel and their families.

Join today and discover more at https://togetherall.com/en-gb/mental-health-support-for-all-uk-armed-forces-veterans/

Trust launches Armed Forces Covenant Fund domestic abuse programme for 2024/25

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) has launched a specialist and targeted funding programme to support people who have been affected by domestic abuse within the serving Armed Forces community.

The Free from Fear programme will award a small number of targeted grants to projects that can show how they will reduce the impact of, or support initiatives that will have a long-term effect in the prevention of, domestic abuse within serving Armed Forces communities.

Applications will need to give clear evidence of the need for their project and why they are confident that their approach will lead to sustainable long-term changes that will remain after the end of their project delivery.

What will this programme focus on?

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 address both emerging and current challenges within Armed Forces communities, aiming to remove barriers and provide clear pathways for people who have been affected by domestic abuse to access effective support.  The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.  

The Free from Fear programme will support projects which achieve one or more of the following outcomes: 

Army Experience 24: 4-day taster events hosted by your Army for 18–49-year-olds at venues across the UK

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in the British Army?

Would you like a free taster of Army life, but without the commitment?​

If so, Army Experience 24 is your unmissable opportunity to be a part of what we do, and find out where you could fit in.

For further information please go to the Army Experience 24 webpage, and to see venues across the UK and register interest or book a place, see: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-army-experience-72800882733

Mission Motorsport - July Newsletter

Mission Motorsport - July Newsletter

Also available online at: www.missionmotorsport.org/news/2024/8/4/july-newsletter

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE-331

DWP Service Delivery Support Officer, St Albans

Closing date: 23 Aug 2024

Job Description

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed expression of interest form and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Serve and Protect Credit Union launch latest Fixed Saver, offering a guaranteed return of 5% AER

Are you looking to earn a guaranteed return on your savings? Serve and Protect Credit Union have launched their latest fixed-rate savings account.

​​Serve and Protect Credit Union (formerly Police Credit Union) are a not-for-profit organisation designed to help people in the police, prison, military, fire, and health services save money for their financial future.

• Their Fixed Saver account allows you to deposit from £1,000 up to £10,000, with a guaranteed return of 5% AER over a term of 12 months.
• Your savings with Serve and Protect Credit Union are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, covering you up to £85,000.*

By opening a Fixed Saver, you not only earn a competitive return on your savings, but you also play a vital role in providing affordable loans to those who serve and protect the nation.

Don't miss out on this exclusive offer!

It's available on a first-come-first-served basis, so act fast. The product is available throughout August 2024 and just requires you to complete a simple application online.

Please Note: If you are not already a member of Serve and Protect, you can still apply, but you will have to do so by the 29th of August 2024.

To apply or learn more about the Fixed Saver, visit: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver

BFBS: July Update

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To view the update in full, please go to: BFBS Update July 2024 | About BFBS​

Recruiting now: Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS)

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Brunei: Families Day 230 Sqn welcomes BFB - Friday, 18th October 2024, 1300 - 1630 @ Medicina Lines

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Please scan the QR Code or Click HERE for sign up.

Brunei: SSAFA - Antenatal Sessions Survey

We want EVERYONE's opinion!

We need you to help improve our class provision so we can address the issues that matter most to you – what would you want to learn if you were having a baby?

Please scan the QR code above or click HERE to answer the survey.