Tips to help navigate this blog:
- TOP: Location Guide for Brunei; links to HIVE's Social Media, and a map of contact details for our worldwide network of information centres.
- LEFT COLUMN: Use the search engine; sign up to receive our weekly email updates, or find information by subject.
- RIGHT COLUMN: Contact HIVE with your specific query.
- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:

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.

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.

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

Please click the image to enlarge.

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

Please click the image to enlarge.

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


Please click the image to enlarge.

Online Wellbeing Sessions

Please click the image to enlarge. 

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

SSAFA Short Breaks 2025 - Applications are now open


Please click the image to enlarge.

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

Please click the image to enlarge.

Survey - Meeting the Need of the Armed Forces Community

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.
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below

BFB Christian Centre Weekly & Monthly Schedules.
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
BFB Garrison Gymnasium - Opening Times & Information.
Please click the link below
BFB Garrison Swimming Pool - Timings & Information.
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
https://bruneihive.blogspot.com/2023/08/brunei-admin-office-opening-hours.html

Regimental Accountant Office (RAO) - Operating Hours.
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below
Please click the link below

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.

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: Flood Preparation Information from DIO(B)




Please click the image to enlarge.

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.

Tuesday, 21 January 2025

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

Please click the image to enlarge.

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

Please click the image to enlarge.

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: AWS Community Support - Youth Club Transport Timings

Please click the image to enlarge.

Brunei: AWS Community Support - Contact details

Please click the image to enlarge.

New Defence survey for those in a Long Term Relationship


If you’re in a Long Term Relationship (LTR) with a Service person, Defence would like to hear your views and experiences about Service family life. 

Defence has launched a pilot survey to better understand the experiences of Long Term Relationship partners, including dual-serving partners, of serving personnel. This survey is anonymous and closes on Monday 3 February 2025.

Please note that this survey is open to the entire LTR population, and is separate to the LTR Overseas pilot scheme survey that is also currently ongoing.

What do you like about Service life? What can be improved?

Your feedback will help Defence to deliver the UK Armed Forces Families Strategy (2022-32), which drives policy and initiatives in areas such as family healthcare, education and accommodation.

Your feedback will also help Defence to develop eligibility for support, allowances, and accommodation to those in couple relationships. 

How to complete the survey 

This survey can be completed using a Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge web browser: https://www.tools.mod.uk/surveys-ltr/.

To access the survey, please enter your partner’s Service number as the ‘token’ or 'access code'. Please be assured that Service numbers are not linked to responses and is only needed as a security precaution. Dual serving couples will also need to enter their partner's Service number.

This survey will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete.

Every response counts

We want to hear from as many of you as possible, so we can make informed decisions that will have the most benefit for you, and the wider LTR community. Your responses will also be used to inform how we communicate with you in the future.

Rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets


From 14 to 20 January 2025, selected advance and off-peak fares will go on sale at up to 50% off for travel between 17 January and 31 March 2025.

As part of this year’s rail sale, thousands of popular routes across almost all UK train operators, including Transport for Wales and ScotRail, will be offering discounted tickets with journeys spreading the length and breadth of Great Britain.

Discounted rail ticket prices will apply to journeys made between 17 January and 31 March 2025 across Great Britain.

The sale is now live with tickets available through the Rail Delivery Group’s microsite or through individual train operators until 20 January.

For further information: Back and bigger than ever: rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets - GOV.UK

National Transition Event, Silverstone, 24 Feb 25


‘Bringing together a community of communities’: Registration now open for the National Transition Event at Silverstone on 24 Feb!

Now in its 6th year, the National Transition Event (NTE) brings together Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists, spouses & partners and family members to aid successful, sustainable transition & networking opportunities, recognising, demonstrating and celebrating the value of the Armed Forces. It uses the backdrop of the iconic GP racetrack to offer a unique event giving those attending a way to find out about careers and roles across different industry sectors while having a memorable day.

NEW for NTE25 is an invitation for 16–18-year-old Cadets to come along and hear about the opportunities open to them in the job market, apprenticeships and training.

This is the largest event of this kind in the UK and you are invited!

Within the five large Exhibitor Halls there will be exhibitors from sectors including Automotive, Renewable, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Professional Services, Construction, Engineering, Project Management, Cyber, Digital & AI, Facilities Management to name a few. In addition, there will be small business support, CV writing, interview techniques and LinkedIn advice; government and charity support services; a Family Zone and training & apprenticeship information.

Three reasons to attend:

1. The UK’s largest Armed Forces community event of its kind – feel welcome and have your valuable skills understood

2. Over 200 exhibitors wanting to share their knowledge and insight into the world of work – including meeting many veterans, reservists & family members working in industry

3. The Troops’ Track Day– run by Mission Motorsport on the GP Circuit To Register for free simply click this Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-national-transition-event-2025-tickets-1086959307549?aff=oddtdtcreator

A) Social media suggested posts:

Calling all members of the Armed Forces community. The National Transition Event returns to Silverstone on 24 Feb. To register for free, hit this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-national-transition-event-2025-tickets-1086959307549?aff=oddtdtcreator

#NTE25

NDNA's Childcare employment programme


National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) have received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust's Supporting Partners programme to support partners of serving military personnel or reservists, who might be interested in joining our 16-week paid childcare supported employment programme, starting w/c 24th February. We're initially looking to recruit from those living in North Yorkshire however, we can consider applicants from other areas.​

Little Troopers launches All Together family reconnection weekends


The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, has launched a series of free family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality-time together.

Funded by Team Forces, the four Little Troopers weekends invite young people and their parents to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection where they’ll be encouraged to put down their phones, meet people, do new things and spend quality time together.

Open to families with up to four siblings aged 9 and over, the weekends will be packed with adventurous activities including coasteering, raft building, kayaking, mega SUPing and coastal bushcraft, as well as time to relax on the beach, watching the sunset with a hot chocolate.

With a mix of child-only and parent-and-child time, the itinerary has been organised so that the small number of five to six families attending will have an enjoyable break and make memories to last a lifetime.

The dates for the Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends in 2025 are:
  • Friday 13th June to Sunday 15th June 2025, New Forest, Hampshire.
  • Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July, Brenscombe, Wareham, Dorset.
  • Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September, Portland, Dorset.
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, comments: “Our new parent family reconnection weekends are particularly aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment. Easing periods of separation and helping military children to connect with their parents has always been a core part of the support offered by Little Troopers, so we’re really excited to be launching these new weekends and helping families to carve out special time together. These events form part of our broader ‘All Together’ programme which is all about bringing together young people from across the military community to benefit from spending time with others who have shared similar life experiences.”

Each weekend will run from Friday to Sunday and is free of charge. Families can bring one or both parents and up to four children aged 9-18. Families will be given their own private bedroom.

The Little Troopers 2025 All Together reconnection weekends have been made possible thanks to funding from Team Forces.

For more information about Little Troopers All Together and to learn more about the charity’s work supporting military children, visit www.littletroopers.net

Barclays - Military Spousal Founders Programme


Military Spousal Founders Programme:

For military spouses with dreams of starting or growing a business.
Are you part of the armed forces community with plans to become a business founder? Barclays Military Spousal Founders Programme is designed just for you.

What is the Barclays Military Spousal Founders Programme?

Barclays have partnered with Eagle Labs Academy to run this specially designed programme for military spouses who want to start and grow a business. Continuing our ongoing commitment to the armed forces covenant, the programme aims to assist spousal business owners establish a foundation to be successful in starting their own business.

Eagle Labs Academy is a digital learning platform that helps founders start and scale their business at their own pace.

For more information and to apply please click HERE.

MOD Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP)


The Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP) is a partnership between the MOD and 19 English local authorities that have committed to work together to improve the experience and outcomes of children of UK Armed Forces families. The local authority membership of MODLAP represent those authority areas with the highest numbers of service children in England.

Full information can be found HERE.

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Naval Families Federation Newsletter - December 2024



Homeport is The Naval Families Federation’s magazine published quarterly for Royal Naval and Royal Marines families throughout the world.

Homeport covers the work NFF has done to speak up for Naval Service families, official updates of policies that affect our audience, the latest activities within the Naval Service, advice and columns written for serving families and much more.

Its subscription is free of charge, delivered straight to your door and it can also be viewed online. If you would like to obtain a copy, please follow the link below. If you would like to be considered for our front cover, e-mail your photo to editor@nff.org.uk.

Click here for more info.

Please click here to read Newsletter.