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: 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

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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/

Brunei: BFSWS - Monitor and Accompany your Children

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Online Wellbeing Sessions

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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.

• Application Guidance Webinar, Tuesday 8 April 2025 – 1:00-2:30pm

• An Introduction to Step into Health - Wednesday 12 February 2025 – 11:00am–12:00pm / Wednesday 2 April 2025 10:00-11:00am

​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

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

Brunei: 1 RGR Main Cook House Chinese Theme Lunch - Wednesday 29th January 2025, 1230 - 1330 hrs@ Main Cook House, Tuker Lines

Everyone is Welcome!

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.

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

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.

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.

Brunei: AWS Community Support - Youth Club Transport Timings

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Brunei: AWS Community Support - Contact details

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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.

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.​

Childcare Works Project Flyer.pdf

Childcare Works project overview.pdf

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.

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.

Service community discounts: Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings

As we welcome the new year, January provides the perfect opportunity to focus on your wellbeing and make yourself a priority.

From boosting your fitness, improving mental health, and focusing on nutrition, to spending quality time with loved ones, the discounts available as part of ‘Your Offer’ in Defence can help kickstart a positive and balanced year ahead.

Your discounts can be accessed from:

Never Such Innocence: Month of the Military Child - April 2025

Never Such Innocence will be offering a wide variety of activities for Month of the Military Child in April. Whether you are joining the 'Purple Up' day on 25 April, entering the poetry and art competition or singing Dandelions - there is something for everyone! Please visit their website to learn more or access their range of activities. www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

Victory Services Club (VSC) : Club Life Newsletter December 2024 Issue

Please click the link below to read this newsletter.

Club Life Newsletter - December 2024

Click here to visit the Victory Services Club website

Soldiers Arts Academy - free online workshops

The Soldiers' Arts Academy aims to provide a platform through which serving and veteran military personnel and their families can participate in the creative arts. Using their skills and experiences to create and engage audiences worldwide, the SAA strives to encourage excellence, engagement and inspiration in its members, as well as building a supportive and strong community.

Online workshops include art, signing, guitar lessons and poetry. All are free for military personnel, veterans and military families. Find out more at www.soldiersartsacademy.org

Join the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Team for two free webinars

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund are kicking off 2025 with two FREE webinars and they would love you to join them.

The first will focus on the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme, sharing key findings from the programme evaluation.

The second will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together programme, the next phase of the successful VPPP programme.

Join us on Tuesday 14 January, 1pm to 3pm to discover the insights and impact of the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme. Jointly funded by the Covenant Fund, NHS England and NHS Improvement, this programme supported pilot projects aimed at exploring better ways to support Veterans and their families when they are in an acute hospital setting: From data to impact: A webinar to show the outcomes of the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings programme : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Our second webinar of 2025 will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together Programme.

Building on the work of the successful Veterans’ People Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP), Thrive Together will step up support for vulnerable Veterans and their families across the UK, driving future sustainability. ​Want to learn more about Thrive Together? : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6 Jan 25

Are you ready to register?

Great news for Service families assigned to locations within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision. WAC Overseas is now available to eligible families in these areas from today (6 January 2025).

What is Wraparound Childcare funding?

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time (39 weeks), to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC in the UK.

WAC Overseas mirrors the WAC scheme in the UK, it is a reimbursement from Defence to Service personnel of up to 80% of the costs of before and after school childcare. Capped hourly rates apply and can be found in 2022DIN01-079-Defence Wraparound Childcare Allowance. The remaining 20% is claimed from HMRC via an active Tax-Free Childcare account. WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Togetherall: New Year Goals & Pressures

New year, new mindset - feeling the pressure? Transform stress into positive energy by setting small and achievable goals. Togetherall has your back with expert tips and a handy goal-setting tool to track your progress. Join the anonymous online community today for FREE at togetherall.com​ and kickstart your journey to better mental health.​

Reading Force: Celebrating 1,000 Members

Connect, Read and Enjoy

Reading Force and Book Clubs

Reading Force has been encouraging Forces families to choose and share books for fun, and as a way of staying connected with deployed parents and their wider families for over 10 years. Since March 2021, Reading Force has supported adults and children* with a UK Armed Forces connection through their fantastic book club offering. Everyone is welcome – avid readers, first-time book club members and anywhere in between! Book clubs help members to meet new people, build a strong sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.

“I found the recent book club completely invaluable to my wellbeing in recent months. It might seem odd that something so small could have such a large impact, but it did.”
Member of an online adult book club

Reading Force is looking for volunteer coordinators to set up book clubs* in military communities. You could be serving, a spouse/partner, a veteran or reservist, a Welfare Officer, Community Development Officer, Service Children’s Champion ...

Soldier Magazine: January 2025 Edition

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Click HERE to read the latest issue of Soldier Magazine - January 2025.

Financial Recognition and other restorative measures for LGBT veterans

For further information, please see the following links:

• LGBT veterans: Support and next steps – This GOV.UK page has centralised information and signposting for pre-2000 LGBT veterans and pre-1967 LGBT veterans. It also contains support services for veterans and families.
• Financial Recognition Scheme: GOV.UK page with information on how to apply, eligibility, scheme rules and FAQs.
• New GOV.UK page about the Qualification of Administration Discharge and Rank Restoration, including FAQs, guidance about eligibility and applications, and public policy.
• ​Pre-1967 veterans: GOV.UK page about restorative measures and FAQs.