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Friday, 13 December 2024
HIVE Christmas closure
Naples Hive will be closed until the New Year
Enjoy the holidays!
The BLOG and content will be kept up to date and please message iHIVE if you have any urgent queries, otherwise I will reply to emails on my return.
Thursday, 12 December 2024
Little Troopers: Last Christmas Smiles boxes - applications now open to all military families
Each Little Troopers Christmas Smiles box is packed with helpful resources and activities from the charity, all related to being a military child, along with a special edition of their newspaper and Christmas treats and stocking fillers to raise a smile.
Togatherall: New Year - resources and peer support
Feeling uncertain about what’s ahead? You’re not alone. @Togetherall is here with free, anonymous peer support anytime you need it—24/7, all year round. There’s also a range of other self-help resources.
Connect with others who understand at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces
Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown Racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025
For a Christmas Gift with a difference pick up your tickets today!
Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025.
Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3rd Sector stands.
Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3rd Sector stands.
The Grand Military Gold Cup is an historic National Hunt steeplechase, run at Sandown Park and taking place in Jan each year. First run in 1841, the race is restricted to serving Military amateur riders and is the showcase event in a day of celebration of the Armed Forces.
Please see the poster for a discount code that reduces the ticket cost for the following:
- Serving Members of the Armed Forces
- Veterans
- Personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Link to book tickets is https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/grand-military-gold-cup-day/
British Gas Electrician Apprenticeship Vacancies
If you are looking for your next steps following a military career….
We're so much more than an energy company. We're a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn't rely on fossil fuels whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That's why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.
During your apprenticeship, you'll absorb the wisdom, grasp the skills, and earn the qualifications to emerge as a top-tier Electrical Engineer – a true household hero. Under the wing of our experienced Electricians, you'll soon learn how to deliver energy efficient solutions to our customers through installing, upgrading & maintaining electrical systems.
- Leicestershire
- Glasgow
- Hertfordshire
- Aberdeenshire
- Greater London
- Gloucestershire
- Essex
- Bridgend
- Northampton
- Derbyshire
- Staffordshire
The link to apply or more information is HERE
The Forces Employment Charity - Military Families & Young People Programme
The Forces Employment Charity Families Programme exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
The Longest Yarn - A Thread Through History
If you’re heading back to the U.K. in the next couple of months, don’t miss this gorgeous display in select locations. The Longest Yarn is an 80 metre 3D knitted/crocheted work depicting The Longest Day, 6th June 1944, in time for the 80th Anniversary.
The exhibition is coming to the following locations (please check individual websites for timings and further information):Tewkesbury Abbey - Sat 7 Dec-Thu 9 Jan
St Macartins, Enniskillen - Mon 13 Jan-Sat 8 Feb
Norwich University Memorial Library - Mon 10 Feb-Sat 1 Mar
Peterborough Cathedral - Mon 3 Mar-Tue 3 Apr
St Macartins, Enniskillen - Mon 13 Jan-Sat 8 Feb
Norwich University Memorial Library - Mon 10 Feb-Sat 1 Mar
Peterborough Cathedral - Mon 3 Mar-Tue 3 Apr
Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Are you planning to register for Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas funding in January 2025?
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What is Wraparound Childcare funding?The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, 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.
If you are assigned to a location within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision? WAC Overseas will be available to eligible families in these areas from 6 January 2025.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Central England
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 58 new Executive Officer opportunities open in locations across central England, from today to 23/12/24.Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Central England (Ref: 726) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.
Action for Happiness Calendar - December 2024
Please click the image to enlarge.
Our monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.
Click here to access the Action for Happiness Calendar.
Friday, 6 December 2024
Thursday, 5 December 2024
Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals
If you or your family hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, you will need to replace it by registering for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account, but you do not need to wait to be contacted to take action. If you or family members have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email, but you can still register for an account.
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
A BRP is proof of an individual’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, it can also be used to confirm an individual’s identity and right to any public services or benefits they may be entitled to whilst in the UK. Currently a Biometric Residence Permit is required by anyone who comes to the UK for:
UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account, but you do not need to wait to be contacted to take action. If you or family members have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email, but you can still register for an account.
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
A BRP is proof of an individual’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, it can also be used to confirm an individual’s identity and right to any public services or benefits they may be entitled to whilst in the UK. Currently a Biometric Residence Permit is required by anyone who comes to the UK for:
- longer than 6 months,
- extends their visa beyond 6 months,
- applies to Settle in the UK,
- transfers their visa to a new passport,
- or applies for certain Home Office travel documents.
Your Armed Forces Offer explained
The Defence Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of Service life, and the vital work our people do to keep us safe at home and strong abroad.Find out more about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support available to you: Discover My Benefits
Those with access to MODnet can also view the full article at:
Defnet: Your Armed Forces Offer explained (sharepoint.com)
Defence Connect: Your Armed Forces Offer explained | Defence Connect (mod.uk)
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Kent
The Department of Work and Pensions has 20 new Executive Officer work coach opportunities in Kent. These are now open for applications until 17th Dec 2024.Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Kent (Ref: 723) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
More information can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.
Togatherall: New Year - resources and peer support
There’s also a range of other self-help resources. Connect with others who understand at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces
Please donate blood and save a life this Christmas!
Facts and figures
- 1 in 4 of us will need a blood transfusion in our lives yet only 3% of those eligible give blood.
- In 2023, 1.44 million blood donations were made by 785,000 amazing individuals.
- The NHS needs 140,000 new first-time donors this year.
- Sickle cell is the UK's fastest-growing genetic disorder, and many patients require regular blood transfusions. For the best treatment, patients benefit from blood transfusions from donors of the same ethnicity.
- To ensure the donor base reflects the diversity of patients, the NHS needs 12,000 new donors of Black heritage this year.
- O negative is the universal blood type, crucial in emergencies or when a patient's blood type is unknown. Although only 8% of the population has O negative blood, it accounts for 15% of hospital orders.
- There are 25 permanent blood donation centres across the country, with the most appointments for donors in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, and London.
HM Government Money & Pensions Service - Money Helper: Credit unions and other alternatives to high-cost credit
This Money Helper (Money & Pensions Service) guide is for you if you need access to credit but you can’t use a mainstream lender and you don’t want to use a payday loan or other forms of high-cost credit.
When you read it, you’ll know:
- how credit unions work and how they can help you
- how to join a credit union
- what other sources of fair and affordable credit might be available to you.
Digital Veteran Card to make accessing support even easier for ex-service personnel
Families First newsletter - issue 21
Service Prosecuting Authority welcomes HMCPSI inspection report
To view more about the Service Prosecuting Authority, and additional information on this report, please go to: Service Prosecuting Authority - GOV.UK
The report can be read in full at this link: The Service Prosecuting Authority – HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate
Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand
The MOD’s Safeguarding Team have released a video providing advice for anyone in the Armed Forces community affected by domestic abuse.
See it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt6cvtmy6pY
You can also find more information here
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
RBLI Life Works - Employment Course for Families
Please click the image to enlarge.
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.
SFA Roadshow at Leuchars, 28th November
Please click the image to enlarge.
The next SFA Roadshow hosted by senior representatives from DIO and its suppliers, is taking place in Leuchars on 28 November at the Leuchars Community Centre, Tutor Road, KY16 0JW.
There will be two sessions 13:00-14:30 and 17:30–19:00. Families can sign up using this link, visiting https://forms.office.com/e/Jdbk6N9bWE or scanning the QR code on the poster.
Accommodation: Online e1132 password process change on 9th Dec 2024
Online e1132 password process change
The password process for the online e1132 system is changing on Monday 9 December 2024.To ensure your online details are kept as securely as possible, we are changing the way we record, store and provide users with their details (when requested).
All users of the online e1132 system will need to reset their own passwords the next time they login to the system. Once the reset is completed, the user's new chosen password will remain unchanged until the user chooses to change it. There is no deadline for users to change their password, the change is only triggered the next time they go to login into the e1132 system.
Before the change on Monday 9 December, we encourage users to log into their e1132 accounts to check that the email address linked to their account is valid.
Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025
Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025
Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3rd Sector stands.
The Grand Military Gold Cup is an historic National Hunt, steeplechase, run at Sandown Park and taking place in Jan each year. First run in 1841, the race is restricted to serving Military amateur riders and is the showcase event in a day of celebration of the Armed Forces.
Please see the poster for a discount code that reduces the ticket cost for the following:
- Serving Members of the Armed Forces
- Veterans
- Personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Togetherall: Holiday Season Support
This season can feel lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. @Togetherall offers a safe, supportive, anonymous community—free and available 24/7.
Army’s Guide for Care Leavers
The Directorate of Personnel in Army HQ have released a new Guide for Care Leavers, which will help both Care Leavers and their managers access the appropriate support.
You can find it on the Pers Pol Conditions Defence Connect page at https://jive.defencegateway.mod.uk/docs/DOC-1150391
New Armed Forces Carer’s Passports are introduced
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Carer’s passports are well established and widely used across many organisations throughout the UK, including the Civil Service, and have proven to be an invaluable resource for employees with caregiving responsibilities. They are now available for our Armed Forces.
It can be especially hard to balance a career in the Armed Forces alongside caring responsibilities, but the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is dedicated to support those who do.
Introducing the Armed Forces Carer’s Passport
The MOD has launched the Armed Forces Carer’s Passport, a practical and effective tool to help carers in managing their responsibilities. The passport ensures that when carers move between roles or experience a change in manager, they do not have to renegotiate the necessary arrangements from scratch. By documenting required flexibilities, the passport provides continuity and support, reducing unnecessary disruptions for both the carer and the MOD.
The passport acknowledges that operational needs will always remain the priority. However, it ensures that the carer’s circumstances are formally considered, fostering an environment where personnel feel empowered to discuss their care-giving challenges, how these might impact their work responsibilities and feel supported in their dual roles by promoting openness and mutual understanding.
Get Ready for Defence Discount Service’s biggest Black Friday Sale! 🖤
DDS are thrilled to announce that Defence Discount Service's Black Friday sale is here, and it's bigger than ever! With early access deals, exclusive daily offers, and discounts from over 150+ top brands, this is the perfect chance to save on everything you love – and just in time for Christmas!
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
GamCare: Way Forward Programme - online support for women affected by harmful gambling
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Way Forward is GamCare's support group for all women affected by someone else’s gambling harm. Groups aim to provide a safe, supportive and confidential space for women to share their experiences, find comfort and empower one another.
Way Forward online sessions are semi-structured, running for 1.5 hours over six weeks. Groups are led by trained facilitators specialising in supporting women who are affected by gambling-related harms.
Each week will focus on the impact of different areas of gambling harm:
- Session 1 – Getting to know each other.
- Session 2 – Understanding gambling harm.
- Session 3 – Taking care of yourself.
- Session 4 – Dealing with guilt and shame / enabling behaviours.
- Session 5 – Dealing with anger and resentment.
- Session 6 – Having difficult conversations / expectations / acceptance.
If you’re interested in registering or want to know more, please email womenspathwaysupport@gamcare.org.uk
This group is for women based in England and Wales. We also have a Way Forward group in Scotland and to register your interest in future sessions, please contact scotland@gamcare.org.uk.
If you need support now, the National Gambling Helpline gives confidential advice and support to anyone affected by gambling in England, Scotland and Wales. You can speak to us for free, 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, or online.
Army Families Federation – Childcare Survey
“We want to understand how issues such as availability and cost affect your family, and how your experience varies by location, so we've launched a short survey that runs until 6 December".
Army Families' Experiences of 0-5 Childcare Survey
Army Families' Experiences of 0-5 Childcare Survey
JCCC Virtual Contact Card - Download it today!
As much as we never hope to need it, the JCCC (Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre) Card is one to have to hand in an Emergency. And it is now available in digital format.
Once you have downloaded the JCCC Virtual Contact Card in your contacts and edited it to include your Service Number, you can then save and share it with family so they have the information they need should they have to contact JCCC.
Scan the QR code above or visit JCCC to download the card.
Army Families Federation (AFF) Immigration Survey
Get ready for a Wraparound Childcare (WAC) expansion to some overseas locations
View the poster details here.
What is Wraparound Childcare funding?
The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, 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.
Temporary registration and claims process for WAC Overseas.
What is Wraparound Childcare funding?
The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, 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.
Temporary registration and claims process for WAC Overseas.
The Impact of VAT changes on the Continuity of Education Allowance
For families claiming the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) this is likely to increase private school fees.
To minimise the impact of this change, the Secretary of State has directed that the CEA rate cap will be uprated, to ensure it continues to pay up to 90% of school fees for eligible claimants.
What does this mean for CEA claimants?
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
Families Serving Overseas - University Applications UK Resident Status
The legistlation regarding applications for University for those who are serving overseas can be found which refers to the law regarding the status of any dependent accompanying their Serving parent overseas who should be treated as a UK resident can be found within the link below.
For any further education questions please contact your nearest HIVE who will be able to assist.
The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 (legislation.gov.uk)
Dad Pad
What is the DadPad?
It’s the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.
Why do you need it?
As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad can help by giving you the knowledge and practical skills that you need. The resource will support you and your partner to give your baby the best possible start in life.
For more information CLICK HERE
Friday, 15 November 2024
NHS England: 2024 Autumn/ Winter Armed Forces health stakeholder brief
Welcome to the Autumn/ Winter edition of our Armed Forces stakeholder brief. To mark this year’s Remembrance, NHS England and our partner Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) are urging GP practices to become veteran friendly accredited and prevent ‘silently struggling’ veterans from delaying seeking medical help.
Easy Resettlement Magazine - Autumn 2024 Edition
Here's the link to read the latest edition online: Magazine | Easy Resettlement Magazine
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