Friday 17 December 2021

SCiP Alliance - Connected Forces On-Line Community for 16-19 Year Olds From Military Families


Connected Forces Online Community. Are you 16-19 and have parents/carers who are Serving in the Armed Forces? You could join a new safe and supportive online community. See poster for details.​

Have you been affected by crime? Sign up to My Support Space, the free online resource from Victim Support


My Support Space is an online resource designed by the independent charity Victim Support to help you manage the impact that crime has had on you.

You can work through a series of interactive guides which address your specific needs. The guides are designed to be completed in your own time and at your own pace. You can save your progress and revisit where you left off at any time.

There's also information about where and how you can access further support, and the opportunity to register with SilverCloud, an online therapy system.

My Support Space is also available for those supporting someone after they’ve experienced crime or trauma, for example friends, family members, colleagues or neighbours.



Thursday 16 December 2021

Building Resilience with Military Families

 

Building Resilience with Military Families has been designed to support armed forces families to develop the skills, knowledge and strategies drawn from the science of resilience. The programme of six, 1 hour session is for parents to learn about the science behind emotional resilience. The programme builds session on session to walk you through how to build you own resilience and help you raise resilient children. The programme is facilitated as a virtual on-line course.

Fully funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Click the link below for dates and times of sessions:

https://bounceforward.com/building-resilience-with-military-famili/?

Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report 2021


The Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report 2021 was laid before Parliament on Tuesday 15th December and published on gov.uk:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/armed-forces-covenant-and-veterans-annual-report-2021


Wednesday 15 December 2021

Op COURAGE - The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

 

For an interactive version of this map, or just to enlarge it, please click the image above.

Tuesday 14 December 2021

Italy: AFF guidance on working remotely overseas


Many military spouses and partners face issues working overseas when accompanying Service Personnel on a tour. The Army Family Federation has raised these issues with the chain of command and the MOD during the year, and they will publish their Overseas Survey in January 2022. To read more about this, click here.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Afghanistan Veterans' Fund

 

The Afghanistan Veterans’ Fund aims to increase capacity in services and initiatives that offer supportive comradeship, engagement and wellbeing efforts for those in the Armed Forces community impacted by events in Afghanistan, and the wider veterans community.

The Office for Veterans Affairs has asked the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) to run programmes that will award grants to improve wellbeing, resilience and promote good mental health, responding to increased needs in veterans who have served in Afghanistan and other recent conflicts and the wider veterans community. The programme closes for applications on 17th Jan 2022 

Full details HERE

Friday 10 December 2021

CTP-Focus on resettlement

 

The latest employment opportunities, vocational training updates, event details and resettlement-related news for Service leavers at any stage of their transition from the military to civilian life. CTP-Focus on resettlement

Domestic Abuse - 16 Days of action

 

Tuesday 7 December 2021

Annington Challenge 2022

 

The Army is becoming a Tobacco Free Working Environment (TFWE)


By the end of 2022 the Army is becoming a Tobacco Free Working Environment (TFWE). The first phase of the programme launched in Oct 21 and will see all 1* and above HQs become TFWE by the end of this year. The next phase will see the main body of the Army become TFWE Jan – Mar 22. There are, of course, exemptions for married accommodation and SLA, but any family member going onto the Army estate will have to comply with this requirement. Please see the attached Q&As.

 

Updated MOD policy on Safeguarding

 

The policy regarding Safeguarding within the MOD has recently been updated. The latest version of JSP 364 can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-jsp-834

Monday 29 November 2021

Launch of new Military SPO business directory (spouses, partners & other halves!)



Are you looking to network, support or purchase from a Military spouse run business? The Milspo Business Directory makes it even easier with this just launched directory! www.findamilspo.co.uk

Thursday 25 November 2021

TogetherAll

 

Togetherall, (formerly Big White Wall), is available 24/7 and monitored by trained mental health professionals. A safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively and learn how to manage your mental health.

Within Togetherall, members are anonymous, so no one will know you’re using it unless you tell them. Most members report feeling better and more able to cope as a result of using the service and because it’s available 24/7, nearly 70% use Togetherall outside of normal working hours.

  • A community where members are anonymous to each other, they can share how they are feeling and support each other
  • Access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Clinically managed with trained professionals available 24/7/365 to keep the community safe
  • Self-assessments and recommended resources
  • Creative tools to help express how you’re feeling
  • Wide range of self-guided courses to do at your own pace

Available for free to all serving personnel, veterans and their family members (aged 16+). Just visit www.Togetherall.com

Wednesday 24 November 2021

Italy: RSS Feeds EJSUNET notifications

To make sure that you don't miss out on all the ejsu.net notifications and updates, follow this link to set up the best app that will keep you up-to-date.

Get Safe Online

 

Flexible Working in the Armed Forces Podcast

 

Flexible Working in the Armed Forces, click the image to listen to the Podcast

Monday 22 November 2021

Italy: Changes for EU travel in 2022

Extracted from thelocal.it Photo: Philippe Lopez/AFP

Passport scans and €7 fee: What will change for EU travel in 2022

There are two changes coming up for travel in and out of the European Union that non-EU citizens such as Brits, Americans, Australians and Canadians need to be aware of.

Due to come into force next year, two new border systems to be put in place will mean a slight change to travel in and out of the EU and Schengen zone for many.

Because Brussels loves jargon both of these are known by acronyms – EES and ETIAS – and although they are two separate systems they are both expected to come into effect in 2022.

Here’s what they will change;

Friday 19 November 2021

MOD Drinkaware Campaign

 

Veteran Friendly GP Practice accreditation scheme

 

There are 2.2 million Armed Forces veterans in England. We are proud to support the RCGP’s Veteran Friendly GP Practice accreditation scheme, enabling practices to deliver the best possible care and treatment to patients who have served in the Armed Forces. It’s part of the health commitments enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant.

Veteran Friendly GP practices have a specially trained clinical lead for veterans’ health and support veteran patients to access dedicated health services. Nearly 1,100 practices are now Veteran Friendly accredited through the scheme run by the Royal College of General Practitioners in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement.

To find out more about the Veteran Friendly Practices accreditation scheme, visit www.rcgp.org.uk/veterans

The Ripple Pond

 

If you're looking after a physically or mentally injured serving person or a veteran, Ripple Pond is here to support YOU.

They'll connect you with a network of Forces families who have felt - or are still feeling - the exact way that you're feeling right now.

Please click HERE to find out more

Little Troopers - Can we reunite you?

Previously at Christmas we've loved reuniting some families, it was just beautiful so we thought we could do it all again! We want to help you make a homecoming memory that will last a lifetime.

We are looking for a few British Armed Forces families to be part of a special filming opportunity where we will reunite your family after a period of separation. You will be part of a memory to treasure, we will organise all logistics and you will be gifted an amazing day out.

You can have a look what we have done previously via this link

If you/your service person has been away overseas for a long period (over 10 weeks) and is due back in the UK between 4/5/6th December then we'd love to hear from you.

Please email info@littletroopers.net with the below info;

Service person details
Details of deployment
UK home location (for logistics)
Return date/time info
Names/ages of Little Troopers

We will then get in touch with you for next steps, thanks so much xx 


2022 changes to processing of Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA) and Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

The way applications and refunds for Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA) and Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) are processed is changing in 2022

The process of how to apply for ONA and UIFSM is changing in the new year. ONA and UIFSM budgets for all three Services and Civil Servants have historically been held by the Army. For ONA, Army Res in Andover has processed applications and payments. For UIFSM, Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS), then part of the Directorate Children and Young People (DCYP) screened applications and refunds were made using local arrangements (IMPREST).

Wednesday 17 November 2021

Turn2Us

 

Click on the picture to access the website of this charity, which supports people affected by financial insecurity.


Grief Works App Launched Today

 

The Charity for Civil Servants is now able to provide all civil servants, past and present, with access to Grief Works - an app that can help manage experiences of grief.


Click HERE to download the App​

MOD Drinkaware Campaign

 





Friday 12 November 2021

Domestic Abuse Help for Non-English Speakers

 

​On the 28 Oct 21, the Home Office added new translations of the guidance on how to get help on the Gov.uk Website. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse. Translations of the page have been added in Arabic, Bangla, Chinese, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Persian, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu and Welsh. The guidance covers how to recognise domestic abuse, get help and support and how to check whether someone has an abusive past.

Guidance for Schools Admissions 2022


Please find below links to two letters from CEAS, providing advice to parents about the admission process for applying for primary school places in the U.K for September 2022

Applying for a school place with the local Authority you currently live in:
Primary School Places (reception) in England for September 2022

Applying for a school place with the local Authority you will be living in at school starting date:
UK Primary School Places (reception) in England for September 2022

Wednesday 10 November 2021

Italy: New Highway rules including e-scooter clampdown and bigger fines for phone-using drivers

                                                        Extracted from thelocal.it Photo by Vincenzo PINTO/AFP

Italy's updated Highway Code comes in on Wednesday 10t November 2021, with fines for people using devices while driving and tougher rules for e-scooters. Here's what changes for everyone using Italy's roads.

Cars, motorbikes, pedestrians and e-scooters are all affected in the update to the Highway Code, confirmed by the government’s latest Infrastructure Decree and effective immediately from November 10th.

HIVE Supports your Issues and Concerns

Tuesday 9 November 2021

New policy for Elective Home Education Overseas


The new policy for Elective Home Education Overseas is now live and should be accessed by Armed Forces personnel on the MOD's DIN Library. The DIN replaces Ministry of Defence (MOD) policy contained in JSP 342: Education of Service Children and Young People (Version 4.0, Chapter 4, Paras 50-57, dated Sep 2019).


The DIN is supported by the  Parental Guide and these documents aim to provide comprehensive direction and guidance for all personnel who are either considering or delivering elective home education to their children overseas.



Friday 5 November 2021

Italy: Restaurant discount


Da Nonna Carla offers a 10% discount to all NATO and DOD ID card holders.
Just show your card to the waiter before asking for the bill.
The discount is valid Mondays to Fridays and does not apply at weekends.

Restaurant details: Via Campana, 220 Pozzuoli
Tel: 081 6129961 - 3336951640 Giorgio - 3313572457 Raffaele.
 

Wednesday 3 November 2021

Samaritans Veterans App

Samaritans Veterans is a free app that can provide you with emotional support after your career in the Armed Forces. Visit this page for more information.

Tuesday 2 November 2021

RBL Reflections on a Decade of the Nation’s Promise - The Armed Forces Covenant

Join us for an online discussion around some of the key themes raised in the latest report by the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland, which examines the impact of the Armed Forces Covenant on public policy and wellbeing outcomes over the past decade, and considers what's next for the Covenant in the years ahead. www.rblarmedforcescovenant.com

Thursday 28 October 2021

Samaritans launches app to support UK military veterans' mental health


Samaritans new veterans app aims to help manage the emotional challenges of leaving the military.​

Full details: www.samaritans.org/news/samaritans-launches-app-to-support-uk-military-veterans-mental-health/

Accommodation

 


Click on the picture to watch the video.


Tuesday 26 October 2021

Covid Vaccination - Factsheet

 


Click on the image to access the interactive poster.



Guide for Parents of LGBT+ Children

 


​This guide has been created by MOD LGBT+ Allies to provide support and guidance to parents of LGBT+ children. We hope this guide will not only help those parents of LGBT+ Children and anyone going through a similar situation or interested in this area, but raise awareness to everyone who reads this guide. It is crucial to remember that coming out is never a one-time event and that our LGBT+ colleagues may have to face this often daunting experience many times in both their personal and work life
To access the guide click here​.

Friday 22 October 2021

Reading Force


Halloween book giveaway for serving, ex-serving, and veteran Forces families!

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson (2+), Winnie and Wilbur The Haunted House by Valerie Thomas (3+), Spooky Winnie by Laura Owen (6+), There's a Werewolf in My Tent by Pamela Butchart (8+), Charlie Bone and the Wilderness Wolf by Jenny Nimmo (10+), Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe (10+).

ONE entry per family.

Winners will be picked out of a hat.

Please send your children's names, ages, full postal address (including BFPO), service connection, to info@readingforce.org.uk by midnight on Sunday 24th October WITH THE TITLE OF THE BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN in the subject heading (please note entries without a title in the subject heading can not be included).

Good luck!​

Charge in lieu of Council Tax rates 2021/22


 2021/22 CONTRIBUTIONS IN LIEU OF COUNCIL TAX (CILOCT) 


Daily rates of CILOCT are revised as follows and will be backdated to 1 April 2021: 

 

CILOCT – SERVICE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION (SFA) 

 


CILOCT – SINGLE LIVING ACCOMMODATION (SLA)