RBLI Life Works - Employment Course for Families

                              

Please click the image to enlarge.

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.

SFA Roadshow at Leuchars, 28th November

                                        

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SFA Roadshows:

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.

Link to book tickets is https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/grand-military-gold-cup-day/

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.

There’s also a range of other helpful resources. Find connection whenever you need it, at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

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

Don’t miss the BFPO Last Posting Date this Thursday!

  

New Armed Forces Carer’s Passports are introduced

  

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!

Naples Newsletter Nov 2

 Click here for the latest Naples Newsletter Nov 2

GamCare: Way Forward Programme - online support for women affected by harmful gambling

                                             

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

                                           

AFF want to know about your experience of early years childcare.

“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​

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

                                   

Army Families Federation AFF would like to know more about the unique challenges non-UK Service personnel, veterans and their families face when it comes to immigration. Who did you contact for information and advice and why? Did you get everything you needed straight away, or did you find it difficult?

Veterans Access to Healthcare Research Briefing

                                      

To access the full Veterans Access to Healthcare Research Briefing report, click here.​

Get ready for a Wraparound Childcare (WAC) expansion to some overseas locations

                                      

Are you 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.

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.

The Impact of VAT changes on the Continuity of Education Allowance

  

In the Budget speech The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the government will remove the VAT exemption for private schools from 1 January 2025.
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?

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)

Naples Newsletter Nov 1

Click here for the latest Naples Newsletter

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

NHS England: 2024 Autumn/ Winter Armed Forces health stakeholder brief

                                                

Armed Forces health stakeholder brief Autumn/ Winter 2024

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​

Civvy Street - Nov 2024 Edition

                             

Click this link to read the latest edition of Civvy street online

BFPO Latest Christmas Posting Dates - 2024

                                                      

Click here to view the latest BFPO Christmas Posting Dates - 2024 

BFPO Customer Update – Christmas Families Free Mail Service 2024

                                                                      

During the period 25 Oct – 22 Nov 24, Service personnel based in selected Defence overseas locations will be entitled to receive free welfare Christmas gifts (max 2Kg small parcel) via BFPO, these locations are shown below:

Defence Transition Services (DTS): Civilian Housing Brief Dates 2025

                          

To register for a brief: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing#civilian-housing-briefs

For more information on getting additional support when leaving the armed forces: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-additional-support-when-leaving-the-armed-forces​​​

Click here for more information

Quest Magazine November Edition

                                           

Click here to read the November edition of the Quest Magazine

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to build sustainable and resilient support networks for Veterans

                                      

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) have awarded grants totalling almost £7 million under the Thrive Together Programme (previously known as VPPP) which will step up support for vulnerable Veterans.

Nine grants have been awarded to the current portfolio lead organisations, enabling them to realise their plans under the newly named Thrive Together programme, designed to increase support to vulnerable Veterans and their families throughout the UK and enable this support to become self-sustaining.

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!

Early offers

Families First newsletter - issue 20

Read this issue (and previous issues) online here: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

​​

Little Troopers announces Christmas Smiles plans for December