Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme.

The aim of the Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme (AFBSS) is to provide the children of those whose death is attributable to service a head start in life by enabling them to progress in their post-16 education.

Please click here to find out more​

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - funding to support Military spouses and partners.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce that they have awarded over £790,000 under the Supporting Partners programme, to improve support for Service partners and spouses and celebrate the skills and experiences they bring to the workplace.

In the latest round of grants, 13 projects have received funding across the UK and overseas. The projects aim to improve understanding of Service partners and spouses; addressing their needs and the challenges they encounter as their family transitions to civilian life.

New collaboration between Service Police and Crimestoppers.

Service Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers have teamed up to help further protect Defence people and assets.

Joining all UK police forces and law enforcement agencies, Service Police will now also benefit from access to information reported 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers.

The new partnership provides:
A data sharing agreement – which means that any information reported to Crimestoppers on crime committed by a person or persons subject to Service law, is shared directly with the Defence Force Intelligence Bureau for allocation to the appropriate Service Police department.​A Service Police Integrity Phone Line – for Service Police to report concerns about a colleague's behaviour. This reflects the bespoke Crimestoppers Police Integrity Phone Lines introduced for other UK police forces in recent years – including the Ministry of Defence Police.​

Please click here to read more about this announcement

Guides for those bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community.

Suicide Bereavement UK have developed a series of At Your Side guides for those bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community.

Three guides have been written by the bereaved for the bereaved:

At Your Side guide for Veterans
At Your Side guide for families
At Your Side guide for Serving Personnel
Both the Veteran and family guide were launched on the 17th April 2024. The Serving Personnel guide will be launched shortly.

To view or download the guides, please visit: https://suicidebereavementuk.com/armedforces/​​

Army Carers – supporting Serving Personnel with caring responsibilities.

Please click image to enlarge

You can also visit the websites via the following links:

Facebook - Army Carers

Twitter - search @armycarersnet

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum

Dragon Boat Race charity fundraiser for The Felix Fund - Sat 06 Jul.

Please click on poster to enlarge

Taking place on 6 July 2024 on the River Avon in Monkton Park, Chippenham, this event promises a fun-filled day with your colleagues or friends whilst making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have risked everything to keep us safe.

Interested in taking part, or just fancy spectating on the day?

Read more about how it works or click here to visit the website!

Stress Awareness Month - Toegtherall

As #StressAwarenessMonth comes to a close, let's keep the momentum going. Reflect on your journey with @Togetherall's journal tool, celebrate your progress and plan for the future with their goal setter, and continue prioritizing your mental well-being. The supportive community and resources are here for you every step of the way. Let's keep shining brighter together. Join today at togetherall.com

Last chance to take the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS).

You have one week to complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey - don’t miss out!

This year’s Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) – which is open for a sample of civil partners/spouses of regular serving personnel – closes on Monday 22 April 2024.

With the deadline fast approaching, there’s no time like the present to check the online eligibility tool to see if you can take part, and then go on to complete the survey. These work best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Where the survey and eligibility tool ask for a token/access code, please enter your partner’s Service number. This is for security reasons only; all responses are anonymous.

BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by VINCI Facilities - Thu 25 Apr.

Please click image to enlarge

Hosted by VINCI at the London Stadium and attended by 40 of our key industry employers, this is an excellent platform to explore the sector further, discuss transferable skills and UK-wide opportunities. Please note this is not limited to London as all employers have a national presence and as such are recruiting for all skillsets nationally.


Please note that all in the military community are welcome to attend, including Veterans, Reservists, Service Leavers and spouses.

Reserve your spot at BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by VINCI Facilities Tickets, Thu 25 Apr 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

Family Action - FamilyLine jobs that may suit someone in the military community.

3 new job opportunities which would be ideal for someone in the military community:

Helpline Coordinator, FamilyLine - Full Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk) 

Full Time (37 hours) – Perm – UK Home-based

Helpline Operator, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk) Part Time (30 hours) – Perm – UK Home-based​

Data Analyst, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk) 

Part Time (18.5 hours) – Perm – UK Home-based

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges.

Stress Awareness Month - Toegtherall

Struggling with stress? @Togetherall have got your back. This #StressAwarenessMonth, unlock the power of these 4 stress-busting tips. You can also join the Togetherall community and get support from likeminded individuals at togetherall.com

Stress Awareness Week and Debt

 

HIVE 40th Anniversary.

HIVE is 40


HIVE is collating anecdotes and memories to showcase its 40th Birthday this year; could you add your comments and contribute to our gallery?
We would like to hear from our past and present customers, service users and professional contacts, and also current and former staff members.


Please click on this MS Forms to add your input


https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx...

thank you!

#armyhiveinfo #britisharmy #ArmedForces #militaryfamilies #armedforcesfamilies #armyfamily

Stress Awareness Week and Debt

 

Talent In The Ranks - Artist Development Programme for the Armed Forces community.

Please click the image to enlarge

Alternatively to view this document online, please click here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - almost £3M to support systemic change in Armed Forces communities.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded almost £3 million to nine transformative projects in this year’s round of the Covenant Fund Transformational Grants programme.

Continuing the trend from last year’s awards, the Trust has selected projects which aim to deliver systemic change within the Armed Forces community in a variety of different ways.

Housing webinars for Service Personnel and their families - 21st April to 30th June every Sunday evening 1900hrs.

To book your place use the QR code above or visit

www.militarymortgageadvice.co.uk/webinars

Purple Pack Bereavement Guide for Families of Service Personnel

This extended Purple Pack provides guidance, information and support to those who have a lost a loved one whilst still in service.

CLICK HERE​ to read

Separation and divorce guide for military personnel spouses and partners

www.gov.uk/government/publications/separation-and-divorce-guide-for-military-personnel-spouses-and-partners

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

Only those of us who have experienced this terrible tragedy can truly understand. None of us need to suffer alone, together we can help each other.  Click here

Join the RBL at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on 6 June as RBL host WW2 veterans and their families, and commemorate the service and sacrifice of all those involved in the Normandy Campaign.
Members of the public can watch the D-Day 80 Service of Remembrance in the grounds, with seating available on a first come, first served basis.
Entry to the Arboretum is free, but booking your visit in advance is recommended to guarantee entry, and save on parking (£4 in advance, £6 on the day)

For more information visit:

https://www.thenma.org.uk/.../d-day-80-remembrance-service

HIVE 40th Anniversary: Request for Anecdotes and Memories

HIVE is collating anecdotes and memories to showcase its 40th Birthday this year; could you add your comments and contribute to our gallery?

We would like to hear from our past and present customers, service users and professional contacts, and also current and former staff members.


Please click on this MS Forms to add your input – thank you!

Centrica Families Webinar 22nd April

 

For more information click the Centrica Eventbrite Link

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Two Vehicle Standards Assessor Roles Available in Multiple Locations for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

 

GFIE-302- Vehicle Standards Assessor - DVSA - Multiple Locations across the North and South of England
Closing Date 16 April 2024

This role includes an apprenticeship and entails training successful applicants to become a Vehicle Standards Assessor on HGVs. Job description 
To apply, please submit a completed expression of interest form and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

This GFiE role is specifically for Veterans/Service Leavers and Military Spouses/Partners. For more information 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)

Two Wrap Around Childcare Q&A sessions for families 18th and 30th April 2024

 Have a question about Wraparound Childcare? Ask the team directly

Have a question about the new process? Not sure if you are eligible? Are you registered but have a query? Unsure about Tax-Free Childcare?

Sign up now to join a Q&A session on WAC.

The WAC Team are holding two Q&A sessions for Service Families:
18th April 2024 11.30-12.30
30th April 2024 10.30-11.30
Sign-up via MS Forms to allow participants to be kept aware of any date/time changes: https://forms.office.com/e/UvzWhZg2D8

For more information click here

Italy: Mental health support for British nationals in Italy

Click on the picture to access a useful page on Mental health support for British nationals in Italy.

Tom Harrison House Liverpool

Tom Harrison House provides a specialist addiction recovery programme for UK Armed Forces veterans and emergency services personnel.

Our bespoke 12-week residential programme is designed specifically for those who have served and who may struggle to engage with mainstream, civilian rehabilitation services​.

Further information can be found HERE​

Samaritans - Emotional Health & Wellbeing for Service Leavers and Veterans

To read the Samaritans Emotions Health and Wellbeing for Service Leavers and Veterans - Life after the Armed Forces​, please click HERE​

Bullying, Harassment and Discrimation Helpline - Please note new phone number

 

Young Minds

Do you have a young person that struggles with mental health? Do you want to support them but unsure how? Young Minds is there for you, providing practical support and information together with a a helpline and webchat.

https://www.y​oungminds.org.uk/parent/#main-content

Italy: Driving rules

From the northern lakes and mountains down to the sun-baked towns and resorts of the south, there are plenty of ways to explore Italy’s dolce vita from the comfort of your own car.

But if you’re planning a road trip to Italy, it’s essential you’re fully prepared ahead of time as driving there has many differences to the UK.

To make your trip to the Continent as safe and effortless as possible, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road.

Italy: Some of the best podcasts for learners of Italian

Extracted from thelocal.it Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Listening to podcasts is a great way to immerse yourself in a new language. For everyone from beginners to advanced learners, here's a list of audio shows that will help improve your Italian.

Below you can find an updated list of the best podcasts to listen to when learning Italian. Enjoy!

Italy: walking routes suggestions

Find below some ideas of walking trails now that the sun is shining and that it is not too hot or too busy yet!

https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/e/mount-faito-sorrento-italy 

https://www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it/en/visit-the-park/the-paths/the-tirone-reserve/

Sentiero dei limoni - Routes for Walking and Hiking | Komoot

https://hikingcampania.com/walks/

Italy: Who to call and what to say in an emergency

Extract from thelocal.it (Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP)

Whether you live in Italy or are just visiting, knowing who to call in the case of an emergency is crucial to keeping you and those around you safe.

You can report anything on 112, the single European emergency number, whose operators will direct you to the relevant services.

Italy: rules on tipping

Photo by FABIO MUZZI / AFP Extracted from thelocal.it

Tipping etiquette in Italy: what are the rules?

Restaurants

Let’s start with the fundamentals: you may not stay in fancy hotels or travel by taxi in Italy, but you are probably going to eat at a restaurant at some point, and don’t want to be worrying about how much extra to set aside for the bill.

Italy: 1st Naples Scout Group

1ST Naples Scout Group

What: 1st Naples are relatively new but thriving Scout Group, we are part of the British Scouting Overseas Area of The Scout Association. The programme is based on the UK Scout badge system and we hope to run Camps at least once a term.

Italy: Contact details for Army Families Federation

 

Your AFF EJSU Regional lead can help with access to information and services, and to capture issues confidentially and raise them with the appropriate stakeholders. She draws on and refers to a team of UK AFF specialists on things like Money & Allowances, Education & childcare, Health and additional needs, Employment & Training and F&C and has contacts with other EJSU stakeholders like DIO, Schools, and welfare.

Email: ejsu@aff.org.uk

Phone: +32 (0)474  08 80 83

Igniting Futures – Careers and Entrepreneurship for Young People.

As part of Month of the Military Child, we’re pleased to launch Igniting Futures – Careers and Entrepreneurship for Young People.

If you’re 18-24 years old and part of a military family, why not work with one of our experienced career mentors to build your confidence and plan your working future?

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/wVG450RaVlA or contact the social value team at psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Scheme - latest Civil Service role for Service leavers, veterans and spouses/partners.

GFIE-306- Data Protection Compliance Support Apprentice- DVSA

This new role is available with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in Nottingham or Newcastle with a closing date of Wednesday 1st May 2024.

Interested candidates should complete the EOI Form, and email it together with their CV to gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Full details and eligibility criteria can be found in the Job Description at this link

Stress Awareness Week and Debt

 

Life As A Dandelion - Month of the Military Child competition.

​Calling at poets and artists!

We look forward to seeing your entries into our Month of the Military Child Competition!

This year’s theme is: Life as a Dandelion.

Entries are welcome from tri-service children 6 to 18 years old. Visit the website to enter: Month of the Military Child — Never Such Innocence

Stress Awareness Month - support for Personnel

 

DIO Accommodation - Stakeholder Briefing

 IDEAL Customer Safety Notice

A safety recall has been issued by IDEAL regarding their Heating Logic 2 gas combi & system boiler range. Around 1,700 homes have this type of boiler installed. Impacted families have been issued a letter and FAQ document informing them of the issue and the next steps to resolve this.

Families are still able to use the boilers, however, IDEAL advise families to repressurise their boiler and ensure they register their details for an upgrade. Instructions on how to do this, can be found on IDEAL's website: https://www.idealsupport.co.uk/

Serve and Protect's new Cash ISA

Introducing Serve and Protect Credit Union's new Fixed Cash ISA account! 💼💰

The account offers a guaranteed tax-free return of 4% AER for the 2024/25 tax year so it could be a great opportunity for you to grow your savings.

​Learn more at https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/cash-isa/

Stress Awareness month - Togetherall

Ready to conquer stress and worry? This #StressAwarenessMonth, take charge of your mental well-being with @Togetherall's self-help course 'Managing Stress & Worry'. Join the empowering community and equip yourself with the tools to thrive. Let's turn stress into strength, together join today at togetherall.com