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Friday, 31 January 2025

Brunei: Saraswati Puja (Goddess Saraswati - Symbol of Wisdom) - Monday, 03rd February 2025, 1530 - 1630 hrs @ BFB Temple


SARASWATI PUJA (GODDESS SARASWATI – SYMBOL OF WISDOM) – 03rd FEBRURAY 2025

1. Event – BFB Temple service will take place to conduct Saraswati Puja on Monday 3 Feb 25.

2. Time – The puja will take place between 1530-1630hrs (be seated by 1525).

3. Request – All available SPs, Families and children from across the BFB garrison are encourage and warmly welcome to attend.

4. Sequence of Events:
  • Puja
  • Bhajan
  • Prabachan
  • Arati, Phool, Prasad & Tika
5. Significance of Saraswati Puja. As usual every Puja in Hindu culture/religious has its significance, the Saraswati Puja, which marks the first day of spring, falls in between January and February. In Nepal, it is mostly known as Saraswati Puja which means the day to worship Goddess Saraswati, the symbol of wisdom. Schools, children and musicians celebrate this blessed day very excitedly. In fact, in front of the Goddess, all of us are students, because we are always in the path of studying and learning. Throughout our life we face new changes and challenges where we never stop learning and becoming wiser. So we are not more than the mere pupils of that supreme power, thus, we all pray, sing and worship the symbol of wisdom observing the day as a good start or improvement for education with all skills.

Brunei: Closure of Regimental Accountant’s Office


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Thursday, 30 January 2025

Brunei: DIO(B)- Flood related damages/faults Reporting Portal

All BFB personnel if you have got any non-emergency fault / damages due to the flood then please report using the QR Code or link below:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/DIOBrunei1/FloodRelatedBFBEstateFaultReporting

Note: This is for DIO(B) to track flood related reports separately.

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.

Chit Chat HIVE Office is open Monday - Friday 0900 - 1300 hrs  

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

Mumong HIVE Office is open Monday - Thursday 0900 - 1300 hrs.

Friday - Closed (Working From Home)

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

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


The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE - 415

DWP Decision Maker

St Austell, Cornwall, Bryn, Wigan, Birkenhead, Middlesbrough, Glasgow and Falkirk

Job Description GFIE-415-Decision Maker

Closing date: 17 Feb 25

​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 
EOI Form (also see Guidance notes)  and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information about the role, please see: 'A Day in the Life of a Decision Maker'

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)

Military Women’s Health & Wellbeing Conference - 23/24 Apr 25

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The Centre for Military Women's Research (CMWR) at Anglia Ruskin University is holding its second conference in April themed around the health and wellbeing of women in the military community. The first day of this international conference includes a wide range of speakers and panel discussions on women's experiences during and after military service, ending with a drinks reception. The second day comprises a choice of four workshops on different aspects of the theme, concluding with a review and plenary.

Location: Anglia Ruskin University Campus, Cambridge UK

Date: 23/24 Apr 25

For Information (timings, schedule, sign-up etc)​: Use the link - https://www.centreformilitarywomensresearch.com/cmwr-conference-2025/

Defence Discount Service: Oakwood Solicitors

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Oakwood Solicitors, in collaboration with FrontFoot.Life, is proud to provide expert legal support tailored to the Armed Forces community. Offering a free initial consultation, their services include Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, employment law advice, and assistance with military injury and medical negligence claims. They currently have a special offer for Will writing at a reduced fee of £50. Find out more on the Defence Discount Service website: https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/​

Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Brunei: BFSWS - Monitor and Accompany your Children


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Online Wellbeing Sessions

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025

SSAFA Short Breaks 2025 - Applications are now open


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SSAFA Short Breaks are free, residential adventure breaks for Forces families who have a child with an additional need and/or disability, aged between 5 to 18 years. The break is for the whole immediate family to enjoy together.

Short Breaks in 2025:
  • 09 – 11 May at Calvert Trust, Lake District
  • 21 – 25 July at Calvert Trust, Lake District
  • 04 – 08 August at Calvert Trust, Exmoor
  • 27 - 31 October at Calvert Trust, Exmoor
Eligibility for SSAFA’s Short Breaks:
  • All children within the family must be between 5-18 years.
  • Children are dependents of a current Serving person or reservist.
  • One child attending must have an additional need and/or disability.
  • At least one parent must attend the break with their child/ren.
To apply for the break, please click the link: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/529B-HOK/ssafa-family-break-2025

Please note, Short Breaks are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to families who have not attended before or in the past 5 years. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the process early.

For more information, please visit the SSAFA Short Breaks website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/military-families/short-breaks-and-holidays-for-service-families

Research Participants Sought - Survey of British Military Parents


Challenges, support mechanisms and coping strategies of parents in the British armed forces.

Who is doing this research? The research will be conducted by Lt Col Jess Beck, a student on the Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and will be supervised by Dr Ellen Hallams, School of Security Studies Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, King’s College London. 

What is the research about? The study will examine the challenges, advantages and disadvantages of being a parent in the British military, and the coping strategies which are used by military parents. It aims to understand what additional support and flexibility is required to enable a military career to be maintained, and where there are current shortfalls. 

Am I eligible to participate? You are eligible to participate in the study if you are a Regular member of the British military, have one or more children, and are aged over 18. 

NHS Step into Health: Upcoming Webinars


NHS Step into Health are pleased to share that their next Application Guidance Webinar, and Introduction to Step into Health webinar registration links are now live.

​A reminder also that NHS England are also hosting a series of Introduction to Allied Health Profession webinars. You can find out more including dates, and how to register here.

Aurora New Dawn Domestic Abuse Survey - Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces community

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Survey - Meeting the Need of the Armed Forces Community

Recruit For Spouses January newsletter


Please click here to read this latest newsletter online

DIO - Upcoming roadshows at Stafford, Cosford and Brize Norton


Monday, 27 January 2025

Brunei: BFB Departments Opening Times in One Page

Opening Times

BFPO - Post Office Opening Times.
Please click the link below
https://bruneihive.blogspot.com/2023/05/brunei-bfpo-post-office-opening-times.html

SSO Admin Service - Opening Hours.
Please click the link below
https://bruneihive.blogspot.com/2023/06/brunei-new-sso-admin-service-and.html

PCMF - PCMF and Dental Centre Opening Hours.
Please click the link below
https://bruneihive.blogspot.com/2024/06/brunei-pcmf-pcmf-and-dental-centre.html

PCMF Dispensary Opening Hours.
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BFB Christian Centre Weekly & Monthly Schedules.
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BFB Garrison Gymnasium - Opening Times & Information.
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BFB Garrison Swimming Pool - Timings & Information.
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https://bruneihive.blogspot.com/2023/08/brunei-admin-office-opening-hours.html

Regimental Accountant Office (RAO) - Operating Hours.
Please click the link below
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Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas


Serving personnel and families are entitled to claim Universal Credit, regardless of their location. This means families stationed overseas can submit claims in the same way as those in the UK.

Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas - GOV.UK

 

Brunei: NAAFI - Chinese New Year Buffet - Wednesday 29th January 2025 @ Chautari

Thursday, 23 January 2025

Brunei: Supplement - USE


SUPPLEMENT - USE

The Armed Forces policy on Supplement use is set out in 2012DIN01-124 dated Jun 12. Simply put, you don’t need them but if you are going to use supplements ensure that they are safe to use and will not cause you to fail CDT by only using supplements that have been screened by HFL Sports Science and are listed on their website www.informed-sport.com.

Sports/Fitness Supplements. No Service person is to recommend, supply or advertise any supplement which does not appear on the Informed Sport Website (www.informed-sport.com). The advertising of supplement not on the Informed Sports Website is not to be permitted on any military establishments.

Brunei: Drone Flying


DRONE FLYING


Flying of any remotely operated aerial vehicle or unmanned aerial system, commonly known as drones, including ‘toy’ remote control systems is strictly controlled in Brunei.

If anyone requires to operate a drone whilst in Brunei, permission must be sought prior to any flight. You must allow 6-8 weeks for the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) to process the request. Anyone found operating drones without written permission from the DCA may be subject to disciplinary action. For further details please contact SO3 ES on ext no.3373.

Brunei: Dance & Acro - Hornbill After-School Clubs


Dance & Acro after-school clubs are now being offered by me at Hornbill School for FS1 to Year 3 starting February.

MONDAY (ACRO - Acrobatic Arts Syllabus)

2:00-3:00pm: Junior Jumpers (Year 1 & 2)

3:15-3:45pm: Tiny Tumblers (FS1 & FS2)

3:45-4:45pm: Pre-Teen Acro (Year 3 & 4)

WEDNESDAY (HIP-HOP - UDO Academy Syllabus)

2:00-3:00pm: Level 1 (Year 1 & 2)

3:15-4:00pm: Hip-Hop Tots (FS1 & FS2)

4:00-5:00pm: Level 2 (Year 3 & 4)

THURSDAY (BALLET - Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus)

2:00-3:00pm: Primary Ballet (Year 2)

3:15-4:00pm: Pre-Primary Ballet (Year 1)

4:00-5:00pm: Grade 1 (Year 3)

A Club Offer letter with additional details has been sent from the school to parents by e-mail where you may sign up for clubs via the link provided.

The sign up deadline is on Wednesday, 29th January.

For any further enquiries regarding after-school clubs, please contact hornbill.office@modschools.org

Brunei: The Art of Living - Art Excel for ages 7 - 12 Years - Sunday 26th - Wednesday 29th January 2025 @ Pelangi Hall, Panaga Club


Sunday - 26th January - 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Monday - 27th January - 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday - 28th January - 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday - 29th January - 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please register HERE.

For further information, please contact:
Swati : +673 7411423
Varsha: +673 8363075

The above meditation CSE cost is BND150.

Pinnacle Group: Free Coaching & Mentoring


Do you have links to the military community? Pinnacle Group's Social Value team deliver employability, money management and business mentoring programmes which are free to SP, Veterans, Reservists, and their Spouses / Partners and their families.

So whether you are looking to change your job or find yourself out of work we can support you to get that next role via our employability programmes and if you are someone looking to start a business or maybe you are a Veteran or Spouse / Partner with an Existing Business looking for support to grow your income and profits, we have business mentoring programmes where experienced Business Mentors will support you all the way.

For more information please visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/families-first/family-and-community-support/ or email psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk​

Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards


Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce over £3.3 million has been awarded in the latest series of grants made under the Covenant Fund.

The Trust has supported a total of 34 fantastic projects across four different Covenant Fund programmes, all set to make significant improvements for Armed Forces communities across the UK.
  • Service Women: Seen & Heard has awarded over £700K to eight projects tackling the underlying issues unique to serving women, providing improved access to support for their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
  • Free From Fear has awarded just over £700K to five projects addressing domestic abuse through preventative measures or providing support routes for survivors in Armed Forces communities.
  • Serving Families: On the Move has awarded just over £1M to 11 projects helping to improve the quality of life for Service families impacted by relocation.
  • Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide has awarded just over £860K to 10 projects enabling systemic change and long-term, sustainable impact, building on the findings from the One is Too Many programme.
Trust CEO, Anna Wright, said: “These grants respond to some of the most complex issues and experiences facing different groups in the Armed Forces community, and the learning from these projects will underpin and inform future approaches. Our three-year framework for our grant making was all about reflecting the priorities and ways of working which came through so strongly from individuals, families, organisations and experts who took part in the consultation and research work – and it's wonderful to see funding now flowing out to projects across the country as a result."

The Covenant Fund three-year framework

Developed through learning from previous Covenant programmes, the findings of a comprehensive consultation the Trust conducted in 2023, and broader research, including an in-depth literature review, our current three-year Covenant Funding framework offers programmes that support the delivery of the Nation's Covenant promise to our Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families.

The framework is built around themes of improving quality of life; ensuring that Armed Forces communities are not disadvantaged; supporting those in need of special consideration and understanding complex needs and identifying solutions.

The Trust is delighted to announce this latest series of awards, which are the first grants made under these new Covenant Fund programmes.

Empowering Servicewomen

The Trust has allocated over £700,000 through the Service Women: Seen & Heard programme to eight projects focused on providing targeted support for serving women, while enhancing access to specialist support pathways that allow for self-referral.

These projects are designed to empower Service women to make informed decisions and enable access to resources that improve their health and wellbeing, both preventatively and in response to specific needs. This includes therapeutic support for Service women who have experienced trauma; a programme of support for women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, post-natal depression and domestic abuse; activities to address loneliness and isolation and strengthen mental resilience; and the development of an online wellbeing network.

​Addressing domestic abuse

Free From Fear aims to address domestic abuse within Armed Forces communities through preventative measures and support routes for survivors.

Five projects have received a share of just over £700,000 with the aim of making it easier for victims and survivors to both report abuse and access the support and advice they need. This includes partnering with statutory services, raising awareness of this issue and providing specialist support to the military community.

Improving quality of life for those impacted by relocation

Serving Families: On the Move aims to improve the quality of life for Service families who are impacted by relocation as a direct result of Service life. The Trust are delighted to have awarded over £1 million to 11 fantastic projects which cover a wide variety of support including a relocation support hub providing access to essential resources; a book club for military partners/spouses to provide connection through shared reading; and bringing families with young children together in outdoor spaces to build friendships through play and nature exploration.

Supporting vulnerable Veterans and those who care for them

The first round of the Embedding Prevention of Veterans Suicide programme has awarded just over £860,000 to 10 projects across the UK which will work to enable systemic change and create long-term, sustainable impact in Veteran suicide prevention. Incorporating key finding from the Trust's 'One is Too Many programme, these funded projects will improve support for those working with vulnerable Veterans and will address mental health, help-seeking and stigma within the Armed Forces community.

Projects include peer mentor training in Wales; specialist housing and financial support in Scotland; and a UK-wide Veterans' sheds project with a focus on connecting, creating and conversing.

Find out more

For a full list of all awardees from this round of the Hidden Voices programme, visit the Trust's website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on each of these 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

SSAFA FANDF Conference Save the Date


Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference

Save the Date: Mon 02 June 2025

Website: ssafa.org.uk/fandf

Email: CS.ANDA@ssafa.org.uk

Facebook Page: ForcesANDF

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Brunei: BFB Library - Opening Hours and Contact Information

Opening Hours and Contact Information



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BFB Library is located at the Chit Chat Community Centre.

Come and check out our new stock and meet our new Library Supervisor!

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

Brunei: Flood Preparation Information from DIO(B)




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Please click the link for Flood Preparation Information from DIO(B).

Missing / damaged flood boards. If any of the flood board is missing / damaged, then please report it to DIO(B) using the following QR Code:


If anyone experiences serious isolated flooding, or need urgent assistance, you are to call the 

Garrison Duty Officer on 8746656 
or 
RIB Duty Officer on 8736236.

Brunei: SSAFA - Well Baby Clinic - Every Tuesday, 9 - 11 AM @ Health Visiting Department, PCMF

Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Brunei: Malaysia - Miri Imperial Hotel - Garrison discounted rates 2025

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Brunei: Malaysia - Miri Grand Palace Hotel - Garrison discounted rates 2025

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Linkedin Essentials Workshop 23rd January


LinkedIn Essentials with Lincoln Coutts

Whether you are just getting started or have had a LinkedIn profile for years, Lincoln Coutts will guide you through the platform’s essential tips and tricks.

Join us on 23 January 2025 for one or both online sessions to strengthen your understanding of the platform and ensure you use LinkedIn to its full potential.

This workshop is open to veterans, Service leavers, reservists and military family members. Click HERE for more information and to register.

Friday, 17 January 2025

Brunei: SSO Support Pack - a complete guide for BFB families and those newly assigned to Brunei


SUPPORT SERVICE ORGANISATION (SSO) Support Pack

Support Service Organisation (SSO) Brunei has produced this complete resource pack to support BFB families and newly assigned service personnel and families moving to Brunei. The pack covers...

SFA information on entitlement, availability, CAAS bandings, type & the application process
Pets in SFA information & your obligations
March in and out information
Amah Process and your obligations
Rules and processes regarding visitors staying at your SFA

Plus much more! 

Click HERE to access the full resources pack. (NB. If viewing from MODNet, links may not be accessible, try a standalone computer/smartphone)

Visitor Visit Application Form - Visa Required

Visitor Visit Application Form - NO Visa Required

SSO main function is to:

Support the Accommodation of all new incoming service persons/families assigned to Brunei.

Assist in providing arrival information and administration support to the service person to help prepare for a move to Brunei in order to assist with a smooth transition.

SFA allocation - availability, entitlement and priority. 

On receipt of an assignment order to BFB, SSO Housing Clerk is the key contact to provide you with the arrival packs and administrative forms.

Housing Clerk

Email: BruneiGarSpSvcsHousingClk@mod.gov.uk

Civ Tel: +673 3224101 Ext 3253

Civ Fax: +673 3223423

Housing Rental Clerk


Email: BruneiGarSpSvcsHousingRentClk@mod.gov.uk

Civ Tel: +673 3224101 Ext 3208

The HIVE Information Support Officers (HISOs) are available to help if you require any further information: BruneiGarSpSvcsHIVEMailbox@mod.gov.