Brunei: SSAFA: eRedbook - How to Register

What is eRedbook?

The eRedbook is simply an electronic version of your paper Red Book, but better! You can track their health and development records straight from your device.

📕Please download the eRedbook to register your pregnancy or child/ren. This electronic record will replace the paper redbook.

For further information about the eRedbook:

⬇️ see images below

🗣 speak to your SSAFA Midwife or Health Visitor at +673 322 4101 Ext 3781

💻 visit our website: e-Redbook | SSAFA

The eRedbook service, has been supported and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence.

Brunei: Use of Online Social Media

USE OF ONLINE SOCIAL MEDIA

1. All SP and family members are encouraged to use all appropriate security settings whilst using social media platforms of any kind. If people feel the need to post images or videos on social media platforms either open or closed, they are strongly encouraged to scrutinise the content for anything that could bring the Army or specifically BFB in to disrepute, either with audiences in the UK (professional or otherwise) or with local audiences.

2. Anyone found posting content that brings either BFB or the Army in to disrepute may have disciplinary or administrative action brought against them.

3. Please seek advice from your chains of command if you wish to seek advice on how best to protect yourself and your families online.

Op Belonging's Commonwealth Commemoration Parade in Southampton - Sat 28 Sep

Op Belonging's flagship event is now only a few days away! Multiple nations come together at this event to pay their respects to all those who gave their service. The Op Belonging Commonwealth Commemoration Parade is about remembering those who gave it all during the world wars and it's a festival that begins with a remembrance parade.​

Find out more on the website or the Facebook page!

Veterans Gateway Website to retire 30 September

The Veterans Gateway website will retire on 30 September.

Find guidance for veterans and their families: www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-support-for-veterans-and-their-families

Search for veteran support services: www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans

World Mental Health Day and Togetherall - Thu 10 Oct

Whatever you're going through, you're not alone. Let's support each other this #WorldMentalHealthDay.

The UK Armed Forces have FREE access to @togetherall and you can join at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

Brunei: DIO Helpdesk - Operating Hours and Information

 

DIO Helpdesk Telephone Operating Hours

Monday to Thursday        0730 to 12:30; 13:00 - 1630   

Friday                               0730 to 12:30; 13:00 - 1400   

CLOSED on Saturday and Sunday

• Occupants and building custodians are encouraged to email to bruneigar-dio-helpdesk@mod.gov.uk for all non-urgent faults. Please continue to report all emergency faults to your respective Duty Officers during out of hours and closure of Helpdesk.

• All fault reports are to be directed to either Ext. 3375 or 3224130.

• All fault report emails are to be directed to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk.

• All out of hours emergencies are to be directed to the Duty Officers as shown below.

a. RGR Duty Officer +673 833 0220

b. Garrison Duty Officer +673 833 0230

c. Duty Military Engineer +673 820 0853

For any urgent matter regarding Planned Preventative Maintenance or compliance, please contact

DIO Garrison Engineer 

DIO Compliance Manager

For routine fault, please contact

DIO Helpdesk contact:

Phone number - 3224130/ or Ext.3375

Email - BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk 

   DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk

Or  Duty Engineer (Out of hours only) can be contacted via the Duty Officer.

RGR Duty Officer - 833 0220

Garrison Duty Officer - 833 0230

Non-UK Nationals: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution

A news article was published recently on Gov.uk, highlighting that people dealing with the death of their partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement waived.​ The implementation date in the article is 9 Oct 24.

This update applies equally to the Armed Forces community including veterans: "Bereaved partners of members of HM Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans (discharged before 1 July 1997) may also benefit from this fee waiver.​"

To read the article in full, please go to: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Army HIVE's Non-UK National team can be contacted for further information via this email address: rc-pers-hive-nonuknat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Brunei: AWS Community Support - Morning Arts & Crafts Sessions - *next session* Thursday, 26th September 2024, 0830 - 1030 AM @ Mumong Community Centre

Please click on the image to enlarge.

Brunei: Sale or Gifting of Alcohol to Non-Entitled Personnel

SALE OR GIFTING OF ALCOHOL TO NON-ENTITLED PERSONNEL

1. All BFB entitled personnel are to be aware of the local and Syariah law’s in regard to alcohol (listed below). Under no circumstances are entitled BFB personnel to gift or sell alcohol to non-entitled personnel, there is zero tolerance and disciplinary will be taken against any entitled persons if they are found to be selling or gifting alcohol to non-entitled personnel.

2. Syariah Penal Code Order 2013.

a. Intoxicating Drinks.

(1) 104 (6) Any non-Muslim who sells, advertises, serves, offers, gives as a present or exhibits any liquor or intoxicating drink to a Muslim is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $8,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.

b. Penalty For Sale Etc. Of Intoxicating Liquor.

(1) 151. Any person who sells or offers for sale, or permits to be sold or offered for sale, or has in his possession for sale any intoxicating liquor otherwise than in accordance with a licence to sell by retail issued under section 78 shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.

3. Summary.

The sale of alcohol is illegal and anybody selling alcohol without a licence is guilty of an offence that will result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years or both.

Brunei: Discipline - Muslim Customs in Brunei

DISCIPLINE - MUSLIM CUSTOMS IN BRUNEI 

1. It is against the law of Brunei to: 

a. Give alcoholic beverages to Muslims. 

b. Have sexual intimacy or any other relations with a married or unmarried Muslim woman. 

c. Gamble in public. 

2. If any service person is in contravention of these specific laws of Brunei, he/she will automatically have disciplinary proceedings taken against him/her irrespective of whether the Brunei Government demands his deportation or not.

Brunei: Re-sale of Entitled Tax-Free Items

RE-SALE OF ENTITLED TAX FREE ITEMS

The re-sale of items purchased from the NAAFI retail facility to the local population is strictly prohibited under the Exchange of Notes, between the UK Gov and HM the Sultan. BFB personnel are entitled to tax free goods for their sole consumption or use, this does not extend outside of BFB personnel. Those found selling goods purchased from the NAAFI retail facility will be classed as profiteering from the sale of tax free goods and evading revenue payments. This is not to happen. Disciplinary action may be taken against those found knowingly doing this.

ALCOHOL

1. As a special concession, the sale of the duty free alcohol to a member of the British Armed Forces is permitted in Brunei. Alcohol is to be purchased by entitled personnel only and is for consumption on camp in Messes and authorised Clubs or at home (SFA).

2. It is not for exchange or resale to individuals outside of BFB entitled
personnel. Such actions will only jeopardise the current position and lead to the withdrawal of the privilege entirely. Furthermore, any entitled person found contravening these orders will have their right to purchase alcohol revoked and will face formal disciplinary action.

3. The consumption of alcohol in public places is offensive to local Muslims and has led to a crackdown by local customs officials. Those found in possession of alcohol in local restaurants are in contravention of Garrison Standing Orders and will face formal disciplinary action.

4. Only entitled personnel are allowed to access the bulk (alcohol) store within the NAAFI complex. ID cards showing entitlement to purchase alcohol are to be shown to NAAFI staff. Personnel who cannot produce a valid ID card on request will not be served alcohol. Those failing to show their ID cards will be asked to leave the facility.

Celebrating the exam success of our Defence Children Services schools

Proud GCSE students at St John’s School

Mr Richard Sproson (Head Teacher) and Myles at King Richard School (GCSE student)

Defence Children Services (DCS) schools, which support Service children in education and care, are pleased to share the recent exam success of their pupils.

Defence Children Services schools, which are attended by children while their parents are stationed overseas, have some great news to share…

St John’s School and King Richard School in Cyprus are proud to announce the Summer 2024 exam success of their secondary school pupils. These results represent the dedication, resilience, and hard work of students and staff alike.

Applauding the A Level and BTEC results 

The results for both schools demonstrate improvements for Year 13 students, made up of 17 and 18 year olds. This year, the average A Level grade for both schools is a grade C. While this has been maintained by King Richard School, it is an improvement for St John’s School, which scored an average D grade in 2023.

Similarly, the outcome for Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) students at both schools has increased from last year and is above the average English national score for 2024.

All students at these schools have been successful in securing a place in their further educational choices, with 98% of students getting their first choices.

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Fun Themed Yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation for kids.

Interactive adventures which build strength, balance, and confidence - and get kids into yoga and mindfulness early!

Please click on the links below for more info:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uIZ2KOZZeQDQo_Gsi_qbQ

https://www.facebook.com/cosmickidsyoga/

Stream all the videos ad-free via the app too: https://app.cosmickids.com

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme dedicated to supporting specific communities of Veterans

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are proud to introduce the Fulfilling Futures Programme, part of our ongoing rollout of Covenant Fund programme launches.

Based on feedback from the Trust’s consultation findings, this programme has been designed to fund projects to improve the quality of life for Veterans who have experienced significant, negative impact which is evidenced to be related to their experience during Service.

What is the Fulfilling Futures 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 new programme will focus on supporting Veterans who have faced significant and evident challenges during their Service, which has created barriers or compromised their ability to have a fulfilling Service experience. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

Brunei: LOA – Employment Conditions Aboard (ECA) Sep 24 - Cost of Living Survey - Closing date: 22nd Sept 2024

Your participation in the cost of living survey is crucial in advocating for an increase in the Living Overseas Allowance (LOA) for Brunei. By sharing your experiences and providing detailed information about your daily expenses and financial challenges, you will directly contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the economic conditions faced by those stationed abroad. This data is essential in making a compelling case for adjustments to the LOA, ensuring that it accurately reflects the cost of living and supports your well-being. Your input can lead to significant improvements, so please take a moment to complete the survey and help shape a more supportive financial framework for all service personnel.

Who: All BFB personnel are encourage to complete this Survey.

What: LOA – Employment Conditions Aboard (ECA) Sep 24 Cost of Living Survey.

When: Complete the survey by COP Sunday, 22 Sep 24.

Why: This is your opportunity to have your say which may influence the Allowances Team, AF Remuneration on how an increase or decrease in LOA will affect you and your family.

Where: Local Overseas Allowance - Employment Conditions Aboard September 2024 Survey (sharepoint.com). More details at this link

How: Using your mobile phone via Expat COL Questionnaire (alchemer.eu)

For more information, please contact

Sergeant Valentine Mumba
Email: valentine.mumba100@mod.gov.uk

AGAI 50 and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support - Updated and Re-published

Please click the image to enlarge.

Both AGAI 50 and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support have been republished. The AGAI may be found here, while the Guide is available on both the Personal Services SharePoint site and Defence Connect. The SharePoint site also contains copies of the unit letters featured in the AGAI and Guide and a version of the PowerPoint presentation for annual briefings.

​Please note that these links are only accessible via MODnet/Defence Gateway. Please contact HIVE if assistance is required.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: News Update

Please see below for new updates on how you can catch up on the recent Covenant Fund Webinar if you missed it, and also their launch of three new Covenant Fund programmes - read on for the full details on Supporting Serving Families Overseas, Family Focus and Fulfilling Futures.

Missed our recent Covenant Fund webinar? You can now catch up on our website... Find out all about our new programmes and our new funding framework, plus an in-depth Q&A session where attendees had the chance to put their questions to the Trust team.

Covenant Fund programming 2024/2025 

Lunch and Learn Webinars

Supporting Serving Families Overseas is dedicated to recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by partners, young people and children posted overseas. 

With grants between £3,000 and £20,000 available, we aim to support projects that enhance emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections and overall family dynamics.

Supporting Serving Families Overseas Programme

The Family Focus programme is designed to support family members who care for serving personnel and Veterans who are wounded, injured or sick by improving access to support and building resilience to those with a caring role. 

Grants of between £50,000 and £100,000 to fund projects that address their needs beyond their roles as carers and consider the wellbeing of the whole family unit, enhancing quality of life.

Family Focus Programme 2024/25

Fulfilling Futures will focus on supporting Veterans who have faced significant and evident challenges during their Service, which has created barriers or compromised their ability to have a fulfilling Service experience. 

Organisations can either apply for a project lasting 12-18 months for grants between £50,000 and £100,000 or projects lasting three to four years for grants up to £300,000.

Fulfilling Futures

You can find full details of all programmes currently accepting applications on our current programmes page.

Help your child’s school to access Service Pupil Premium funding

Help your child’s school to qualify for the Service Pupil Premium by informing them of your Service status by 3 October 2024.

State schools, academies and free schools in England, which have children of Service families in the school years from Reception to Year 11, can receive Service Pupil Premium (SPP) funding. 

The Department for Education (DfE) provides extra funding – £340 per pupil – to help schools to support Service children. It is for the school to decide how the money is spent, but support is often provided through pastoral support and can help to mitigate the impact of family mobility or parental deployment. The funding can be used for individual pupils or added to larger support projects.

Service parents are encouraged to inform schools of their Service status ahead of the autumn census deadline of 3 October 2024. You can do this by talking to the headteacher or school administration staff. Without this information, schools will miss out on this additional funding.

Brunei: Use of BFPO to Operate A Business

USE OF BFPO TO OPERATE A BUSINESS

1. Customers who are operating a business overseas for personal gain, are NOT authorised to use the BFPO facilities to forward or receive mail items connected with that business. The MOD pays for the transportation of mail to and from overseas by air or surface means. To allow customers to use the BFPO to operate a business for personal gain would constitute an abuse of public funds.

2. Individuals, who are authorised or choose to operate businesses overseas, are advised to use local civilian post offices to receive or send goods connected with their business, whereby full international rates of postage will be paid.

3. Should a violation of this Guidance & Direction be suspected, the Chain of Command will be notified and disciplinary action may be taken against offenders.

Brunei: BFB Welfare Dongles

BFB Welfare Dongles

Available at UWC office, primarily issued for New arrival families and Welfare purpose.

Email: Gurung, Sailendra Cpl (1RGR-UWC-JNCO) Sailendra.Gurung939@mod.gov.uk

Contact No: 3224111 Ext 3273.

Internet Data – Self Top Up.

HIVE 40th anniversary local events - Catterick Garrison

To celebrate HIVE’s 40th Anniversary, events are taking place across the UK and overseas to mark four decades of support to the Service community.

This event took place in Catterick in July.

​For information on Army HIVE events in other locations, please follow our Blog and social media, or contact your nearest HIVE to find out more.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme to support serving families overseas

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched Supporting Serving Families Overseas Programme under the Covenant Fund exciting three-year Funding Framework.

The Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme is now open for applications for grants of between £3,000 and £20,000, for projects that aim to assist serving families stationed at overseas bases and defence locations, focusing on addressing and recognising wellbeing issues faced by partners, children and young people during overseas posting.

What is the Supporting Serving Families Overseas 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 family- focused programme will support serving families overseas by addressing their needs, including emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections, and overall family dynamics. The aim is to better assist those deployed overseas alongside their Service personnel. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - new Trust funding programme to support family members of Serving Personnel and Veterans who are wounded, sick or injured

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are proud to introduce the Family Focus Programme, part of our ongoing rollout of Covenant Fund programme launches.

Based on feedback from the Trust’s consultation findings, this programme has been designed to fund projects that explore and pilot solutions for family members-both collectively and as individuals- of wounded, injured, and sick, serving personnel and Veterans.

What is the Family Focus programme all about?

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘supporting those in need of special consideration.’ This programme is dedicated to supporting family members who care for serving personnel and Veterans who are wounded, injured or sick. It aims to address their needs beyond their roles as carers and consider the wellbeing of the whole family unit, enhancing quality of life. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

The Family Focus programme will support projects which achieve one or more of the following outcomes:  

The Business Launch Accelerator Course from the Milspo® Network: Empowering Military Spouses to Thrive

The life of a military spouse and partner is full of unique challenges – from frequent moves to deployments and unpredictable schedules. But amidst these challenges, a desire to build a business and pursue financial independence often burns brightly. The Milspo® Network recognises this and has created the solution: The Business Launch Accelerator Course.

This comprehensive 8-week online programme is specifically designed for military spouses, partners, and other-halves eager to start and grow a business.

Why choose The Business Launch Accelerator Course?

Brunei: PCMF - Sick Parade Timing

New Sick Parade Timing commencing from 16th September 2024

Effective from 16 September 2024, the PCMF timing for sick parade will change to 0845hrs.

This applies to all service personnel who are unfit for work and need to be seen that day.

Patients can book into slots at this time by calling the PCMF at ext 3226. Lines will be open from 0730hrs.

Pre-existing conditions of more than 48 hrs can book to see a health care professional for a routine appointment by either calling reception or submitting an e-consult.

For out of hours emergencies (between 1630 and 0730), please contact the PCMF Duty Nurse at 833 0246.

Reading Force Book Clubs

Reading Force is tri service, and we welcome Veterans/Reservists and their families as well as ex-service families (due to separation, divorce or bereavement).

We are looking for volunteers to run a book club with our support. My role is to share ideas on how to run a book club and help you to choose suitable books from our available titles. We have a great selection of books available, and we will send out 3 books to each member from this list. These books are free of charge for each book club member to keep.

I can help with questions to ask at the book club meetings, how to keep your book club going after the three free books from Reading Force and much more. Email: nicola@readingforce.org.uk  

See attached links to our website which will give you some more information.

https://www.readingforce.org.uk/online-book-clubs-supported-by-reading-force/

https://www.readingforce.org.uk/book-club-suggested-titles/

World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 Sep - Army Resources

We all have a role to play in suicide prevention.

​If someone you care about doesn't seem like themselves, check in and let them know you are there to support.

Starting a conversation can mean so much and that conversation can start 'with a brew'.

Click for the Army Ask For Help webpage​.

Brunei: Mumong HIVE - Book Exchange Lending Library

Thank you for all your kind donations of books, magazines, puzzles and games!

As you can see, we've gathered quite the collection of brilliant books across many age groups for you to borrow as you please.

This is a free book exchange lending library, no need to sign up, just feel free to leave one and take one, or simply pop in to see what's available to loan. It's an ideal resource for those whose belongings are still in transit. 

There's still space for some more book donations - particularly adult books, so please do get in touch at: BruneiGar-SpSvcs-HIVE-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk to arrange a pick-up or drop off or alternatively drop off at both HIVE offices from Monday - Friday 0900 - 1300 hrs. 

We also stock the Reading Force Children's Scrapbooks at both Mumong & Chit Chat HIVE offices, please do pop in to collect your copy! 

Service families, help us to better understand the needs, wants, and wishes of children, young people, families, and individuals overseas

Service families, have your say!

Defence Children Services (DCS) has responsibility for the functions, in support of service families related to education and care, previously undertaken by Defence Children and Young People (DCYP). DCS provides a single focus for all issues related to Service children and young people, providing high-quality education at 22 schools and settings in locations around the world. DCS also directly supports Service families, providing advice on a wide range of educational, safeguarding and social care matters both overseas and in the UK.

On behalf of the Defence Safeguarding Partnership Board (DSPB), DCS are undertaking a Local Needs Analysis to inform the future delivery of social work, family support and personal support for all children, young people, families and individuals whilst both assigned and accompanying on overseas postings.

The existing social work and personal family support is provided through a contracted provision by British Forces Social Work Services (BFSWS) who seek to replicate UK (English) “statutory type social care support”. The DSPB wish to consider alternative delivery models to focus on early intervention, prevention and family/individual support, still ensuring the safety and protection of our most vulnerable individuals.

To help DCS consider what the support service needs to look like, we need the help of those who we seek to support. By completing the Local Needs Analysis Feedback Form, which should take no longer than 7 minutes, you can help to shape the future of social care, family support and personal support for you, your family and any entitled individuals overseas.

Please submit your forms by Friday 4th October 2024.

NHS Step into Health: Upcoming Webinars

Through Step into Health, members of the Armed Forces community can connect to NHS organisations to set up training opportunities, clinical and general work placements, insight days and receive application support. The programme provides a dedicated pathway into a career in the NHS. 

To find out more about Step into Health, please visit: https://www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk/

Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools

​In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families. 

The British Army recognises the unique circumstances faced by our serving personnel and that frequent mobility can disrupt children’s education. The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps by providing the children of serving personnel with a stable education that wouldn’t otherwise be available in the state-maintained school sector. The Army are working closely with the Army Families Federation (AFF) to better understand the full impact of the removal of the VAT exemption on independent schools from 1 January 2025.

Recognising not only CEA claimants but many other Service families who depend on private schools to provide stability to their children whilst they meet the day to day demands of Service life, and those who may consider this in the future, this survey is designed to provide all SP with the opportunity to submit their views on the matter.

The survey should take no more than 4 minutes to complete.

SP and Families are warmly encouraged to complete this short poll which can be found here: School Fees Poll (mod.uk)​​ . The survey closes at midnight on Monday 23 September 2024.

Co-ordinated School Admissions (England)

Please click on the image to enlarge.

What is co-ordinated admissions?

This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).

To access the School Admission Top Tips please click here.

To access the School Admissions Code please click here.

HIVE 40th Anniversary Local Events: Wales Hub

To celebrate HIVE’s 40th Anniversary, events are taking place across the UK and overseas to mark four decades of support to the Service community.

This event took place in St Athan in July.

​For information on Army HIVE events in other locations, please follow our Blog and social media, or contact your nearest HIVE to find out more.