Brunei: Important notice for all vehicle owners and drivers in BFB

*Important notice for all vehicle owners and drivers in BFB*

When someone else drives your car in Brunei, it's crucial to understand the legal implications to ensure compliance with the law and avoid penalties. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Valid Driving Licence is Mandatory:

•  Any person driving a vehicle in Brunei must possess a valid driving licence issued by the Land Transport Department.
• Brunei recognizes valid international driving licences and licences issued in other countries.
• Driving without a valid driving licence is a serious offense, carrying penalties of up to B2,000 fine for a first offense, and up to B4,000 fine and imprisonment for 6 months for subsequent offenses.

2. Mandatory Third-Party Insurance:

• It is illegal to use a motor vehicle on a road, or to permit another person to use it, unless there is a valid third-party motor insurance policy in force for that user.
• Third-party motor insurance covers death or bodily injury to any person arising out of the use of a motor vehicle on a road.
• Driving without mandatory third-party insurance is a serious offense, punishable by a fine of up to B$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months, and possible disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence.

3. Owner's Responsibility and Consent:

• The Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act (Chapter 90) clearly states that it is unlawful for any person to "cause or permit any other person to use on a road a motor vehicle unless there is in force in relation to the user of the motor vehicle by that person or that other person, as the case may be, such a policy of insurance." This implies that the owner has a responsibility to ensure that anyone driving their vehicle is properly insured.
• While not explicitly detailed as a separate offense for simply "loaning" a car, the act of "driving a vehicle without permission of the vehicle's owner" is an offense under the Road Traffic Act Chapter 68, carrying a penalty of a B$10,000 fine and imprisonment for 3 years. This highlights the importance of express consent.

4. Named Drivers on Insurance Policies:

• Insurance companies in Brunei allow for "Named Drivers" to be specifically listed on a car insurance policy. This is important because, typically, only drivers listed on the policy are covered in the event of an accident.
• It is possible to insure a car you don't own (non-owner car insurance), or be added as a named driver to the owner's policy.

5. General Driving Conduct:

• Regardless of who is driving, all drivers must adhere to Brunei's general driving regulations, including driving on the left side of the road, obeying speed limits, and refraining from reckless or dangerous driving.
• Offenses like "driving without due care and attention" or "without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road" carry penalties of imprisonment for 12 months and a fine of $5,000.

In summary

If someone else is driving your vehicle in Brunei:

• They must have a valid driving licence.
• The vehicle must be covered by valid third-party motor insurance, and the person driving should be named on the policy or have their own non-owner policy.
• They must have your express consent to drive the vehicle.
• All applicable traffic laws and regulations must be followed.

It's always advisable for vehicle owners to confirm that anyone they allow to drive their car meets these requirements to avoid potential legal repercussions

AQMS

Brunei: DIO(B) - Infrastructure Fault Reporting - Help Desk

INFRASTRUCTURE FAULT REPORTING - DIO(BRUNEI) HELP DESK

1. The DIO (B) Helpdesk opening hours are as follows:

    a. Monday to Thursday 07:30hrs to 16:30hrs

    b. Friday 07:30hrs to 13:30hrs

    c. Saturday to Sunday Closed

2. All fault reports are to be directed to either military extension no.3375 or civilian phone no.3224130.

3. Urgent and routine fault reports emails are to be directed to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk. This is to be used for Urgent and Routine repairs only.

Do NOT email faults that required emergency and very urgent call outs.

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

    a. RGR Duty Officer 006738 8330220

    b. Garrison Duty Officer 006738 8330230

Brunei: Legionella Awareness and Prevention

Legionella Awareness

Please click HERE or Scan the QR Code above.

Legionella  Prevention

Please click the images to enlarge.

Brunei: DIO - Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth

What is water flushing?

Water flushing is a method undertaken to prevent the build-up of conditions favourable to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria within hot and cold water systems. It does this by:
Introducing fresh cold water containing residual disinfectant
Exposing pipework to temperatures at which Legionella bacteria is discouraged
Dislodging biofilm through the simple act of running water

A water flushing regime should be designed so that it allows for the whole dead-leg (section of stagnant water) to be removed.

The water should be purged long enough for circulating or freshwater to be drawn from the outlet - indicating that all stagnant water has been expelled.

Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth.

· Water flushing needs to be conducted once a week for any low use water outlets. These consist of outlets within empty quarters/buildings or low use facilities that have water outlets within them.

· Water flushing takes a minimum of 5 minutes for cold and/or hot water outlets.

· Water outlets consist of anything that produces water – kitchen/bathroom/basin/garden taps, showers, hoses etc.

· Building Custodians are required to keep a record of what outlets have been flushed and when, to prove that flushing has been conducted.

Water Flushing record log.

The table below is an example flushing record log:

Please click on the image to enlarge.

Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) 2025 Results

The results from the armed forces continuous attitude survey (AFCAS) 2025 have been published and are available here.

Brunei: Bingo - Friday, 30th May 1900hrs @ Patio Bar

Brunei: BFB Fishing Club

BFB Fishing Club

BFB Fishing Club is welcoming new members from across all BFB, all abilities welcome, lessons given by request, kit hire available for FREE!

If you are interested, please contact the POC - SSgt John "Lee" Jacob, 1 RGR LAD at John.jacob877@mod.gov.uk and on Signal at 830 5712.

Serve + Protect Credit Union’s latest podcast about managing debt successfully

There are lots of times when borrowing money can be useful. However, managing your debt can sometimes become overwhelming.

The latest podcast episode from Serve and Protect Credit Union is full of useful information on managing your debt effectively and the support available if you are struggling.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/qtL02Yl2lV0?si=DJmTfo-KNo-G5euF

MOD staff benefit update: new fixed-rate savings account available from Serve + Protect Credit Union

A new issue of the fixed-rate savings account from Seve and Protect Credit Union is available from 1st to 26th June 2025.

This is available to you as part of the financial wellbeing benefits we offer through our partnership with them.

• 4% AER fixed for 12 months

• No fees or charges

This is just for your awareness - not a recommendation. Please review the details and decide if it’s right for you.

https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-fixed-saver

Terms and eligibility criteria apply

Help RBLI Lifeworks better understand the needs of the Army Forces Community – please complete their short online questionnaire

RBLI is exploring how to best deliver its Lifeworks Families courses to meet the unique needs of our Armed Forces Community.

Your input is essential in helping us shape our employment skills training to be as effective and accessible as possible - https://forms.office.com/e/779uzXUBj0

Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Its courses equip families with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces. https://rbli.co.uk/what-we-do/lifeworks/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting Partners Programme reopens for applications, closing date: 12pm on 23rd July 2025

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is pleased to announce that the Supporting Partners programme under the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

Please click here to read all about the programme online

Brunei: Temporary Operating Hours for BN Post Room - Reduced Workforce

TEMPORARY OPERATING HOURS FOR BN POST ROOM - REDUCED WORKFORCE (REVISED)

1. 21171430 Cpl Pradeep Gurung (Post NCO) will be on leave from 26 May to 01 June 2025. As a result, the operating hours of the Battalion Post Room located in Tuker Lines for the period from 26 May to 30 May 2025 are shown below:

Day Opening Hours

Monday 14:00hrs to 15:30hrs

Tuesday 14:00hrs to 15:30hrs

Wednesday 14:00hrs to 15:30hrs

Thursday 14:00hrs to 15:30hrs

Friday 09:30hrs to 10:30hrs

2. Normal operating hours will resume on Monday 02nd June 2025.

Brunei: Temporary power shutdown on Thursday, 29th May 2025

Due to this maintenance activity by BSP (Brunei Shell Petroleum Electrical Department), there will be a temporary power shutdown required.

Please find the updated schedule below:

Date: 29th May 2025 (Thursday)

Time (Approx): 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs

Affected Areas: 

H16 HBS Bldg – 32C/D/E/F/H, Bldg 75.

H16 -Bldg 2C
H16 - PCMF

Brunei: Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) team Visit - Wednesday, 28th May 2025, 1200 - 1345 hrs @ CCCC

The AFPS Team, UK MPs and OF4s from Army Stratcen will pay an official visit to the British Forces Brunei (BFB). This is part of their routine visits to Defence locations to help their understanding of the Army and Defence. 

BFB families/spouses will have an opportunity to meet and greet the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) team.

Only applicable to those families who provided their names via QR Code, please be arrive at 1145 hrs.

Brunei: Compassionate Card

Please click the image to enlarge.

COMPASSIONATE CARD

BLUF. A card with complete and comprehensive information on the welfare support and contact numbers of welfare centres across Nepal is now available. Most importantly, it is written in Nepali for everyone's convenience, which is applicable to all Nepali-origin SPs serving in the British Army.

Brunei: Baiduri Bank Loans and Accounts - Bruneian Law

 BAIDURI BANK LOANS AND ACCOUNTS – BRUNEIAN LAW

1.           A small number of recent Baiduri Bank default cases with Garrison customers have been reported to Comd BFB. Customers are failing to adhere to their bank loan requirements, resulting in default on their loans.

2.           To avoid reputational damage, the bank has reached out with an information and process campaign to ensure Service Personnel (SP) understand the banking repercussions of failing to abide by written agreements for both bank accounts and loans taken with the bank.

3.           SP are reminded of the UK/Bruneian Exchange of Notes (Treaty Series No: 31 (1984)), updated 16 February 2015 which state:

Observance of the law of Negara Brunei Darussalam:

It shall be the duty of the British Forces in Negara Brunei Darussalam, civilian component, authorised service organisations and the members thereof and dependants to respect the law of Negara Brunei Darussalam and to abstain from any activity inconsistent with the spirit of this Agreement and, in particular, from any political activity in Negara Brunei Darussalam.  It is the duty of the United Kingdom Service authorities to take measures to acquaint all personnel and civilians to whom this Agreement related of the duty referred to in this sub-paragraph.

4.         Baiduri Bank makes clear the agreement outlining Loan applications which are originally calculated based on the individual’s monthly balance received within the Baiduri bank account which should not be changed whilst the loan period is ‘live’.

5.         It is known that a small number of our soldiers have defaulted on their loans and, immediately upon receiving their loan, transferred their JPA allotment to an alternative bank to apply for a further loan.  To avoid potential reputational damage and repercussions for the SP in question, Loan holders should maintain their agreed level of banking split-pay transfers whilst the loan is ongoing.  Should the SPs financial situation change, direct liaison with the bank Manager is strongly suggested.

6.         The bank has agreed to enhance the formal employer/employee agreement letter between the bank account holder and BFB, outlining a need to maintain their current JPA split salary to Baiduri Bank for the durations of their loan.  A copy of this letter will be held by HR Staffs.  A failure to comply with banking agreements would contravene the Banking regulations within Brunei, cause reputational damage to BFB Garrison community and result in the individual defaulting on their initial agreement with the bank.  A default on the individual’s loan may also result in the case being transferred to their courts of Brunei Darussalam in extreme cases.

For further enquiries, please contact the RAO department.

Brunei: PCMF - Brush DJ: The free, award-winning app that makes brushing your teeth fun!

A free NHS approved App aimed at encouraging children with their brushing. There is a visual 2 minute timer and children can customise the colour and choice of music. There is also a section for appointment reminders and reminders to change toothbrush or toothbrush heads. And a section with age specific dental information.

Further information can be found on their website - https://www.brushdj.com/

RBLI Lifeworks Families – new remote courses now available

Lifeworks Families Remote courses will run on the following dates:

Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th May

Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th June

Monday 28th - Thursday 31st July

• Lifeworks Families courses are available to those in the UK and overseas.
• Lifeworks families courses are available to spouses, partners, school-leaving age (and above) children and extended/blended family members.
• Lifeworks Families courses are available to serving and veteran family members.

To view the Lifeworks Families leaflet, please click here.

Lifeworks Families (LWF) is an employability skills course that aims to help you find the right job for you, and having found it, to be able to get it! 

We do this by firstly evaluating our situation, and then how to plan to get after our goals. This leads into what we need to do, and why we need to follow certain ‘rules,’ as well as how to make all that work to increase the chances we get what we want. 

We cover so much more than how to write a CV, including a 5-course programme leading directly to nationally recognised qualifications. The 4 days are designed to work together as a whole rather than as individual sessions. Our qualifications package will provide you with a grounding in one of three career areas and provide a framework for your 12-month ‘Forward Assist’ period following the course. 

On the course we will talk about:

• Day 1 – Assess where you are right now and create an action plan to improve your situation. We look at how recruitment works and begin to develop a ‘skills library.’
• Day 2 – Why you must have a CV a certain way, including what you DON’T put in, creating that CV and tailoring it. You will also be introduced to, and complete some of, a qualifications package which is part of your course.
• Day 3 - Covering letters; completing applications; starting to formulate your thinking to tell people about yourself; tricky interview questions. 
• Day 4 – Interview technique and types of interview, preparing yourself and your thinking; a mock interview skills and where to get further support.

Many topics we cover might easily be called ‘Life Skills’ and there is certainly some that you can use for other situations, and even to help and support those around you.

Brunei: COMD BFB DIRECTION ON THE BFPO SERVICE

The use of the British Forces Post Office by SP across the globe is a huge privilege. Changes in the UK’s trading and customs regulations over recent years have created uncertainty around what constitutes acceptable fair use of the system. 

Here in Brunei, we have a very limited capacity per week to send consignments via BFPO, and recent inspections have shown that up to half of this allocation has been used for dried goods. This has drawn attention at BFPO HQ, where similar patterns in other regions have triggered intervention from HMRC and resulted in permanent reduced allowances and referral to the Customs Compliance Team. I want to avoid that happening here. Particularly over the unit move, we must protect and prioritise access to the BFPO service, something that remains a privilege, not a right. 

In line with guidance from BFPO HQ, I have temporarily suspended the consignment of dried goods via BFPO 11 to prevent excessive gifting and avoid triggering customs scrutiny. I recognise that sending gifts is a valued tradition in our community, but until the move is complete, I ask that you consider more appropriate alternatives to safeguard the system for all.

Defence Update: Your Offer – recognising your service

What Defence is doing to improve Service life and information on support and opportunities for you and your family.

The substantial range of benefits and allowances available in your Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of military life and individual needs, at home and abroad.

Pay is the most well-recognised aspect of the Offer, but the breadth and complexity of everything that’s included within the Armed Forces employee package means it can be difficult to navigate and understand.

Brunei: Cinelink Screening: Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy - Friday, 23 May 2025, 1930 - 2130hrs @ Paradise Chalchitra, Mumong Community Centre

Brunei: Request for Feedback Garrison PRI Shop Survey

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the services and offerings of the Garrison PRI shop, we respectfully request your participation in a brief survey. Your feedback will play a vital role in identifying areas of improvement and ensuring the shop continues to meet the needs of all personnel.

Please take a few moments to complete the survey via the link.

Your time and input are greatly appreciated.

Brunei: SSAFA - Bright Beginnings Partnership with Treetops and Hornbill School - Tuesday, 20th May 2025, 1600 - 1700 hrs @ Treetops Nursery

Please click the image to enlarge.

Support is always available

Click here for PDF file. 

Brunei: RMP - Want to report stray dogs? Dial the national number '123'

Due to an increase in reporting of aggressive stary animals namely involving the X1 & X2 SFA estates. Engagement with Local Police and Government Ministries has been sought.

1. Reports can be submitted by dialling the national number on 123
2. During office hours, contact the Municipal Authority Section, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) on 2223225 ext. 215 or 302
3. In an emergency, all members of BFB are reminded to call 993

BFB personnel, incl LECs, UKBCs and Spouses, are reminded not to feed stray animals, nor house them as the potential risks far outweigh the feel-good factor.

Brunei: Discipline - DRINK DRIVING

DISCIPLINE - DRINK DRIVING

1. Driving Whilst Under The Influence of Alcohol Or Drugs.

a. It is a Standing Orders (SO) offence in 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A Motor vehicle is defined as any mechanically propelled vehicle, including motorcycles.

b. All military personnel subject to service Law who is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol whilst in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle shall be required to provide the Service Police with a roadside breath sample.

c. Should the roadside breath sample indicate that the driver is over the proscribed alcohol limit, they will be arrested by the Service Police and they may be asked to provide a secondary sample (Blood or Urine) for laboratory analysis.

d. Anyone who is subject to service law and caught driving or in charge of a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol will be committing an offence contrary to the Armed Forces Act 2006 and will face disciplinary action.

2. Drink Drive Alcohol Limits under UK Law

a. 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath

b. 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood

c. 107 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine

3. Failure Or Refusal To Provide A Drink Drive Sample To The Service Police.

a. It is a Standing Orders (SO) offence in 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles for all military personnel to fail or refuse to provide a drink drive sample to the Service Police when requested to do so.

b. Any military personnel who fails or refuses to provide a drink drive sample to the Service Police when required to do so will be committing an offence contrary to the Armed Forces Act 2006 and will be arrested and immediately referred for charge to Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles and will face disciplinary action.

4. Driving Under The Influence Of Drink/Drugs Within A Service Establishment Breath Tests.

a. Where a Service Police Officer in Uniform has reasonable cause to suspect:

(1) That a person to whom this order applies is driving or is attempting to drive or in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle within the confines of a Service Establishment with alcohol in his/her body; or

(2) That person has been driving or is attempting to drive or in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle with alcohol in his/her body the Service Police Officer may (subject to) require that person to provide a specimen of breath for a roadside breath test.

b. If an accident involving a vehicle occurs within the confines of a Service Establishment, a service Police Officer in uniform who has reasonable cause to believe that a person was driving or attempting to drive or was in charge of the vehicle at the time of the accident may.

5. Failure Or Refusal To Provide A Drink Drive Sample To The Service Police.

a. A person to whom these Orders apply and who is required to provide a specimen of breath is to provide the specimen as directed by the Service Police. Any person who without reasonable excuse fails to provide the specimen as directed will breach this order.

b. If arrested by the Service Police, a person to whom these Orders apply shall accompany the Service Police to a Service Police Station or Medical Centre for the purpose of providing specimens of breath for analysis or a specimen of blood or urine for a laboratory test if:

(1) As a result of a breath test the Service Police Officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the proportion of alcohol in that person’s body, exceeds the prescribed limit: or

(2) That person has failed to provide a specimen of breath for a breath test when required to do so in pursuance of Paras 2 and 3 above, and the Service Police Officer has reasonable cause to suspect that he/she has alcohol in his/her body.

(3) But a person shall not be required to attend when he/she is a patient at a Hospital or Medical Centre.

(4) Any person who without reasonable excuse fails to attend at a Service Police Station when required to do so under this paragraph commits a breach of this Order.

Any enquiries, please contact RMP.

Ext: 3767

Mob: +673 8330252

Gov.uk News Update: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare

Government announces £1.8 million investment to transform NHS care for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Armed forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the government has announced as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.

The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, doctors and NHS nurses will work with regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services.

To read this news announcement in full please go to: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare. 

(SFA) Communications Update 13 May 25: Business from Home - update

Applications to run a Business from Home in your Service Family Accommodation (SFA) were paused in January 2025, to allow a review of the policy and associated processes to take place.

This review has now been completed, and DIO is able to confirm that the processing of applications to run a Business from Home has resumed with immediate effect. The existing guidance and application form for running a Business from Home is available here.

DIO is working with Pinnacle to finalise some adjustments to the application process, form and policy. Once these changes are finalised, the policy will be updated and shared on the Pinnacle website in the near future.

Under the changes, those operating a Business from Home can expect to receive better and clearer communication from a named Housing Officer who can help answer their specific housing related queries.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business

“Research tells us that military personnel are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as non-military civilians. A culture of self-sufficiency and not admitting ‘weakness’ still exists, which is a potential barrier to accessing support.” Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS

Those working on the frontline with vulnerable veterans know this challenge all too well. It’s why the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) has made this a key priority in their Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme (EVPS), awarding over £1.5 million to 18 projects that are driving real change in veteran suicide prevention.

PAPYRUS is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Speaking about their EPVS funded bespoke training project, Ged explains: “Veterans may not want to engage with civilian mental health services as they feel it won’t cater for their military experiences.

“We know alienation from civilian life is a large driver of suicide ideation and no veteran deserves to be alone with thoughts of taking their own life.”

Over the next two years, PAPYRUS will offer bespoke CPD accredited suicide prevention training to those working with and supporting veterans. Delivered in partnership with veteran charities, resettlement centres, COBSEO members and veteran families, the training will equip participants with skills to identify warning signs, intervene effectively, and reduce stigma around mental health and suicide among veterans.

Ged continues: “Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and through this training for those who work with and support veterans we will be spreading greater awareness and ultimately help to prevent the tragic loss of veteran’s lives.”

Safe community spaces to promote mental wellbeing

Taking a different approach, a UK-wide veterans’ sheds project from UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is providing safe, welcoming spaces in local communities where veterans can come together to connect, create and converse. Research gathered by the UKMSA Health and Wellbeing Survey 2023 suggests 39% of Shed Leaders believe their Shed may have prevented at least one member from taking their life.

UKMSA Shed communities reduce feelings of isolation, promote mental and physical wellbeing, and provide enormous benefits not only to those directly involved, but also the wider community. Many veterans already participate at men’s Sheds nationwide and have shared stories of how Sheds have changed their lives for the better. With their EPVS award, UKMSA will recruit a dedicated Armed Forces Lead into its existing Shed Development Team to focus on maximising the benefits of Sheds for veterans and those leaving the armed forces.

UKMSA will work with partners, including the Royal British Legion, a volunteer network and the wider community to seed new Sheds and introduce an Armed Forces Accreditation Scheme to better support the military community in existing Sheds across the UK.

Amy Robinson, UKMSA's Head of Operations and a RAF veteran said: “Men’s Sheds have long been a source of community and support for veterans, and we are proud to now be able to provide support specifically focussed on the armed forces community. This funding allows us to better inform, signpost and guide groups in the creation of new Sheds and welcoming spaces for veterans, reservists, and current military personnel soon to leave the armed forces. We know it will save lives.”

A network of collaborative support across the UK

These are just two of the 18 projects across the UK supported through EPVS earlier this year. Ranging from peer mentor training in Wales, to an adventure-based therapy programme in Northern Ireland, from specialist housing and financial support in Scotland to a holistic wellbeing project that will use football as a catalyst in the North East of England, there is a wide range of work underway.

EVPS was developed in direct response to findings from the Trust’s successful One is Too Many (OITM) programme which aimed to reduce suicide risks within vulnerable veterans in a co-ordinated and targeted way. OITM successfully improved mental health and wellbeing in veterans, with lifesaving implications. But there is always more that can be done.

The programme evaluation highlighted three key areas which needed focus;

• addressing mental health wellbeing, help-seeking and stigma within the Armed Forces community,
• supporting staff and volunteers who work with vulnerable beneficiaries,
• addressing the needs of under-represented groups.

EPVS was designed to meet all three of these needs.

Working together to make a difference

Collaboration is central to this programme, widening the potential reach and benefits of each project. The Trust are building connections between funded projects at round tables across the UK. These valuable events provide an opportunity for projects to connect, alongside Thrive Together leads, to understand what’s happening in their region, talk about their plans, and share best practice and resources. The first of these has already taken place, bringing together Northumberland County Council, UK Men’s Sheds Association, and DMWS (Thrive Together Lead for North East and Yorkshire) to discuss the veteran landscape in their region and ways to enhance future collaboration. More are planned across the UK in the coming months.

EPVS programme lead Steven Inman said: “The high number of applications we received shows just how much awareness there is of this issue and how many organisations across the country are ready to take action.

“While we could not fund every initiative, we’re encouraging all those who applied to stay connected with the Thrive Together programme. By working together, we can find lasting solutions to this complex and important challenge.”

Find out more

For a full list of all awardees from the Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme, visit the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on 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. 

Brunei: A Fresh Look For NAAFI in Brunei

NAAFI has recently completed refurbishments across our facilities in Brunei, which are now providing UK Armed Forces personnel with modern and comfortable environments to relax and thrive.

Here are some key highlights:

• Over £500,000 invested
• Generated by retail and hospitality surpluses
• New look Families Shop and Chautari Restaurant

Read the full story here.

Brunei: Temporary Closure of Parking next to Education Centre until 19 May 2025

Due to the ongoing infrastructure work in vicinity of Education Centre and gymnasium, the car park next to the Education Centre will be temporarily closed with immediate effect from today until 19 May 2025 in order to allow the machinery to access into the site.

Brunei: PCMF - Mental Health Awareness Week 12-18 May 2025

“Mental health is a basic human right.”

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes.

5 steps to Mental Wellbeing

1. Connect with other people.
2. Be physically active.
3. Learn new skills.
4. Give to others.
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

If you think you have any issue with mental health, please contact PCMF where we provide free, strictly confidential services and direct you to appropriate individual who will be able to help you. PCMF telephone civilian no- 3224893 Military- 3226

Mental health awareness week theme for 2025: Community.

Visit: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-days/mental-health-awareness-week/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced their Free from Fear Programme is once again accepting applications for funding.

In 2024/25 the Trust awarded over £1M to seven major projects under their Free from Fear programme which seeks to address and prevent domestic abuse within serving armed forces communities.

The programme is seeking applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.

• Effective measures are delivered to prevent incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities and these address emerging and current challenges.
• Clear routes are provided which enable victim-survivors from armed forces communities to access effective support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
• Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.

Grants of £75,000 to £150,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.

Why is the Trust running this programme for a second year?

Domestic abuse happens in all cultures and social groups. Research by Kings College London (KCL), jointly funded by the MOD, found increased prevalence of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) in armed forces communities compared to the general population.

Collectively, the projects supported under Free from Fear last year cover many aspects of much needed support and awareness of this issue. From a UK-wide helpline, work to spot the early signs of abuse, development of training programmes, addressing behaviour change, developing support networks for victim-survivors, and ultimately creating and maintaining strong links within communities, the military and beyond.

What’s new for 2025/26?

This year, the Trust has widened eligibility to apply for this funding, and is now accepting applications from:

• registered charities and CICs with recent, relevant experience in the field of domestic abuse
• local authorities
• NHS bodies
• Armed forces units/bases.

Full eligibility guidance is available on their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Chief Executive of the Trust, Anna Wright said: “In the light of the success of the Free from Fear Programme last year, it feels right that we seek to make further impact in support of those living with or in fear of domestic abuse. We’ve widened our eligibility this year to include NHS bodies and local authorities and look forward to receiving a rich portfolio of potential work to target this issue.”

Find out more

The Trust’s Free from Fear programme page has full details about this important programme, including how to apply. You can also read about the projects awarded funding under this programme last year.

Application deadline is 2 July 2025.

Are you on the mailing list?

Did you know the Trust have a newsletter? Get the latest updates and news straight to your inbox via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Little Troopers reunites military families in first-of-its-kind family reconnection weekend

Credit to Paul Brewer Photography

Military families were reunited this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, kicked off the first of their “All Together” family reconnection weekends.

In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.

The charity hosted its first weekend this week in Portland, Dorset, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the Portland Outdoor Centre in Castletown.

Families arrived on Friday (2nd May), kicking off the weekend by spending time together over a beautiful sunset on the beach and drinking hot chocolates.

On the second day, families got to try out coasteering at Portland Bill, exploring the shoreline by swimming, jumping, scrambling and climbing the rocks and cliffs, and learning coastal bushcraft and cooking fish on the fire. Families headed home on Sunday 4th May after giving kayaking, rafting and stand-up paddleboarding a go.

Louise Fetigan, Founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our new family reconnection weekends are aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment, to help ease periods of separation and help children to connect with their parents. Our Dorset weekend went brilliantly. It was so lovely to see families getting stuck in with all the activities and it was a real joy to see everyone laughing and enjoying some special time together. Military families are generally quite active families, so we felt the weekend really played to these families’ strengths and interests and we hope it will help them to have bonded with one another, whether they’re facing the difficulties of an impending deployment, missing a parent who is away, or welcoming a parent home as they settle back in.”

The Little Troopers weekends invite between six and eight families, with one or both parents and up to four siblings aged nine to 18, to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection, where they are encouraged to put down their phones, meet new people and make memories. Each weekend runs from Friday to Sunday at no cost to the families.

The dates and locations for the next three 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.  

The events form part of the charity’s broader ‘All Together’ programme which brings together young people from across the military community to benefit from spending time with others who have shared similar life experiences. For more information about Little Troopers All Together and to learn more about the charity’s work supporting military children, visit www.littletroopers.net. 

Gov.uk News Update: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network

Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system announced 5 May, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

To read the news update in full, please go to: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network. 

National Stop Loan Sharks week 2025 – 19 to 25 May

It can take time – sometimes months, even years – for someone to reach out for help with a loan shark debt.

Stop Loan Sharks figures show some borrowers waited for around four years before seeking support. But it’s worth it when they do.

These are real words from borrowers who took that brave first step and reached out to Stop Loan Sharks for help:

“It feels like a massive weight has been lifted.”

“You just understand and haven’t been judgemental.”

“After reporting you came back really quickly which put my mind at rest.”

“The person on the hotline created an immediate bond with me. I feel so much better.”

The Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7. No call centres. No scripts. Just real people who care.

Call in confidence on 0300 555 2222
Text or WhatsApp on 07860 022116
Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk where you will find a reporting form and a Live Chat option, available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Frontfoot Jobs: Engineering job opportunities open nationwide

Frontfoot Jobs are pleased to announce that they now have engineering job opportunities open nationwide.

Please visit their website for more details: https://www.frontfoot.life/jobs and any questions please get in touch with admin@frontfoot.jobs.

Brunei: DIO - Planned renovation works at W2 – 60

As part of our agreed renovation programme, DIO(B) Contractor will start work at W2/60 for three months from next week. Please refrain from entering the construction site at all times. As a result of the work, surrounding occupants will experience construction related noise during working hours. Please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk in the first instance for any issue relating to the proposed work. DIO(B) thanks you for your consideration in this matter.

Mon – Fri: 0800 – 1700

Sat: 1000 – 1700

Start date: 15 May 2025

Target completion date: 18 Aug 2025

DIO(B) Helpdesk 

Phone: Ext.3375 or 3224130 or 

Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrgBruHelpdesk@mod.uk 

Brunei: Temporary closure of PRI shop and Imprest Account Office

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRI SHOP 

The PRI shop located in Tuker Lines will be temporarily CLOSED with effective from Tuesday 20 May 2025 and remain non-operational until the completion of unit’s relocation to the UK. 

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF IMPREST ACCOUNT OFFICE 

The BFB Imprest Account Office (FSA Office) will be CLOSED on 8 May 2025 and REOPEN from 22 May 2025.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations UK-wide - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

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

GFIE 433 – HMRC Field Collections Team - Debt Collector (Multiple Locations)

30 posts in England, Wales (Bilingual required), Scotland and Northern Ireland

Closing Date: 4 Jun 2025

Job Description

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

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

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

Brunei: Temporary power shutdown in Mumong X2 Officer Quarters 1-34 on Tuesday 20 May 2025

Due to this maintenance activity by DES KB (Government Electrical Department), there will be a temporary power shutdown required.

Please find the updated schedule below:

Date: 20 May 2025 (Tuesday)
Time (Approx.): 0815 hrs to 1500 hrs
Affected Areas: Mumong X2 Officer Quarters 1-34