Gibraltar: Parent Workshop 27th November - Managing Distress

Invitation issued by Gibraltar Education Department 

Dear Parents,

UK Education Consultant Gareth Morewood is once again in Gibraltar as part of an ongoing programme of training in our schools on managing and reducing distress, using the Low Arousal approach from Studio 3 (see www.studio3.org for further information).

Gareth will be hosting a parent workshop on:
Wednesday 27th November
at Bishop Fitzgerald Upper Primary School
from 6-7pm.

If you would like to sign up to attend, please complete the form below.

In order to best support parents with any specific concerns, in a way that protects their privacy and anonymity, Gareth has asked those attending to submit real-life example scenarios that they are finding challenging (e.g. children's distress presenting as behaviours of concern or behaviours that challenge). These will be used (anonymously) as discussion points for the group and for Gareth to give his perspective on how the situation might be addressed within a low arousal approach.


Click on the link below to reserve your place

Parent Workshop 27th November - Managing Distress

Bounce Forward - Anxiety Unravelled online course starts 14 Jan

 

Registration is now open for the next Anxiety Unravelled course for military parents and carers, funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. This the 3rd of three courses being delivered in response to what military parents told us they need, both for themselves and for their children. There are more than 100,000 children with parents actively serving in the British Armed Forces, and the number of children seeking support for mental health problem is rising.    Wellbeing of the adults impacts children, if adult wellbeing is poor, then it can pass on through to their children. Children are often the forgotten service members with limited research into the impact they feel, so they are often left to struggle alone. This course helps parents to understand and recognise how best to develop resilience in their children.    ​Places are FREE of charge, and there are 500 funded places.  Register at this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DjhF8eEjRwuVRveN0cSPmw​

Info Provider

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 (AFF) Immigration Survey

 

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? Following a project funded by the Royal British Legion and working in partnership with the Naval Families Federation (NFF) and the RAF Families Federation (RAFFF), AFF have designed a survey to find out who people turn to when they need immigration information or advice. If you are not British by birth and you or a family member are serving or have previously served in the UK Armed Forces, we would love to hear from you! British Service personnel with non-UK family members can also fill in the survey. It should take less than five minutes to complete. Please go to surveymonkey.com/r/Non-UK_Questionnaire​

Veterans Access to Healthcare Research Briefing

 

To access the full report, click here.​ I

Get ready for a Wraparound Childcare (WAC) expansion to some overseas locations. Coming spring term 2025

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.

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.

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?

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

 

Click here to open and read the document

Easy Resettlement Magazine - Autumn 2024 Edition

 

To read online click here: Magazine | Easy Resettlement Magazine

Civvy Street - Nov 2024 Edition

Read this edition online: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=d7673a39-2c97-45a9-a316-5544e312e1c6

BFPO Latest Christmas Posting Dates - 2024

 

Link to BFPO website: https://www.gov.uk/bfpo​ Outbound UK to BFPOs Worldwide ​ ​ ​ Type of BFPO Location Latest Posting Date from UK Latest Arrival at BFPO Comments Static Firm Base/PJOBs 22 Nov 24 02 Dec 24 These dates are recommended to maximise item delivery in time for Christmas. Those locations in receipt of surface services (BSAI) are to ensure all items are posted to BFPO by mid Oct 24. Operations 15 Nov 24 22 Nov 24 Operations receiving mail via FCDO should add additional transit time into initial posting activity to maximise item delivery in time for Christmas. HM Ships 15 Nov 24 22 Nov 24 HM Ships activity and Operational programmes will dictate mail delivery opportunities and customers are advised to post as early as possible to maximise item delivery in time for Christmas. Inbound UK from BFPOs Worldwide ​ ​ ​ All locations, including HM Ships are to note that the deadline for return of mail to meet delivery of items in UK should be targeted at Wednesday 18 Dec 24 for all class of items. This will allow BFPO enough time to transfer private mail items into the UK civil mail system in time for Christmas or for items to be processed through Royal Mail's Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre. ​ ​ ​​ 12

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: Diego Garcia NP1002 BFPO 485 BF1 4TG Falklands NP2010 BFPO 494 BF1 4TT BFSAI (Falklands) BFPO 655 BF1 6DU Ascension Island BFPO 677 BF1 6EX Two Boats (Ascension) BFPO 678 BF1 6EY RAF Cape Verde BFPO 693 BF1 6FS ​ During this period, family and friends of Service personnel based in these locations will be able to post 2Kg small parcels and FFALs (Blueys), free of charge at UK Post Offices and throughout the overseas Forces Post Office network.  Guidance on how to send free mail and restrictions is found at  https://www.gov.uk/bfpo, and please note that all of these locations are serviced by air and particular customer attention should focus on Dangerous Air Cargo and prohibited items, as BFPO will be unable to forward items on, that contain prohibited goods. Customers using this service should also consider, that BFPO monitor usage of the free mail service, and customers are urged to limit activity and consider the sprit of this Defence welfare offer, which is to give an opportunity for those away from family & friends over the Christmas period to receive and open gifts on Christmas day.

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

 

Click here to view dates and venues 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​

Quest Magazine November Edition

Click on the link below to view the latest edition of Quest magazine 

Read the 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.

Following a consultation process undertaken between April-September 2024 and the development of strategic plans, the portfolios are now in the delivery phase of the programme before moving into a transition and sustaining phase for the final 6-9 months ending in March 2027.

A further award is expected to be made in December for programme delivery in Northern Ireland.

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: Early access offers: running through the main event! Members can start shopping these deals before the Black Friday main sale rush.
Exclusive daily deals: starting November 22, members can access 24-hour exclusive offers that change daily.

Main sale dates:

🗓️ November 29 - December 2
The main event is packed with enhanced savings from over 150 brands across fashion, tech, beauty, electricals, gifting, and more!

Visit the Black Friday page:
You can access the Black Friday campaign here: https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DDS_Black_Friday​

Look out on the Defence Discount Service website and app as offers are revealed.

Brands to watch:

From essentials to luxuries, we have a wide range of offers for everyone. Here's a glimpse at just some of the brands taking part this year:Samsung, LOOKFANTASTIC, Lovehoney, Currys, LG, Bill's, Ninja, Debenhams, Hotpoint, Charlotte Tilbury, Halfords, Shark, Footasylum, Garmin – and many more!

Not a member?

Sign up now https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DDS_Black_Friday to take advantage!

Happy shopping and saving with Defence Discount Service!

Click here for Guide to Promoting Defence Discount Service

Little Troopers announces Christmas Smiles plans for December

Families First newsletter - issue 20

Link to read this issue (and previous issues) online: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

​​

NHS Step into Health: Internship Vacancy now open for Service Leavers and Veterans

NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce that recruitment for their Programme Assistant Internship is now open. To be eligible to apply for the internship you must be in the process of being or have been medically discharged from UK Armed Forces regular service within the last 5 years.

Location: Leeds with agile working (home based will be considered)

Role: Fixed term (12 weeks). Full time, flexible working patterns considered.

Salary: £22,837 (pro rata)

Closing Date: 23:59 17th November 2024

The post-holder will join the Step into Health team and will gain valuable experiences and skills which will be beneficial and transferable into other NHS roles. The full job description can be found via this link, and is also attached here  Click to open  Although SitH cannot guarantee employment when the internship comes to an end, they are able to support individuals to apply for other roles within the NHS.

To apply, please use the link on the vacancy page. 

For more information on how the Step into Health programme can assist Service leavers and veterans into an NHS career, please go to https://www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk/

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is still open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 405 - Service Delivery Officer, Matlock and Glossop

Job Description  Click to open
Closing date: Extended to 8 Nov

​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 Click to open  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)

Gibraltar: Ministry of Equality to Mark International Men’s Day with a Conference Event

The Ministry of Equality will be marking International Men’s Day on Tuesday 19th November with a conference at the Sunborn. ‘Breaking Barriers’ is a conference that builds upon the Ministry of Equality’s International Men’s Day events last year which focused on the need to identify and eradicate barriers that may prevent men and boys from seeking help, advice and support for physical and mental health concerns.

The aim of the conference is to promote a positive conversation about men and masculinity, and on promoting better health outcomes for boys and men. The conference will showcase different Government departments and agencies as well as charities and NGOs supporting men and boys’ well-being. Additionally, the conference will focus on the importance of promoting better mental health support for men in the workplace and strategies for this.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE - 313 DWP Work Coach, Luton

​Job Description Click here to open
Closing date: 18 Nov 2024

​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 Click here to open  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)

Military Mortgage Advice Webinars: November to Jan

To book a place: https://www.militarymortgageadvice.co.uk/webinars​

For more information: Military Housing Webinars Nov24 to Jan25.pdf

Stem Cell Donation: Sign up to save a life!

 

Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.

Stem cell transplants are used to treat blood cancers like leukaemia, aplastic anaemia as well as other diseases of the immune system. Chemotherapy can help in some cases, but for many people a stem cell transplant is the only chance of a cure.

30,000 new donors are needed in the UK each year to find matches for the steadily rising number of stem cell transplants taking place in the UK every year. Stem cells are found in the bone marrow – a soft, spongy tissue at the centre of certain bones – and can produce all essential blood cells, including red and white cells and platelets (which stop bleeding).

Give blood and save a life Sign up today: Joining the register - NHS Blood Donation

Supporting each other – give blood and save a life

UK: Places where kids eat free (or for £1) this October half-term

 

Visiting the UK for a mid-term holiday? Discount information provided by moneysavingcentral.co.uk

AWS Community Support Annual Report 2024

The Army Welfare service is proud to present the AWS Community Support Annual Report for 2024.  

This Report outlines some of the key achievements delivered and challenges faced by our team over the past year. It provides an overview of key areas of work, statistical information and also looks forward to the year ahead.  It demonstrates the breadth and depth of the impact that the Community Support team have.​

Click to open the report

Forces in Mind Trust Post-Service Employment Research Policy & Practice Summaries

New research and policy summaries focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners. 

These summaries form part of our commitment to ensuring evidence is at the heart of decision making for the benefit of ex-Service personnel and their families. 
The summaries provide easy digestible access to up to date research evidence and an overview of current policy and service provision focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.
A robust methodology has been used to create these summaries meaning they are an accurate and trustworthy source of information which can used to inform and transform policy, practice, and future research priorities. 
You can access the full summaries and two-page infographics here: 

Research summary: https://www.fimt-rc.org/research/employment
Policy summary: https://www.fimt-rc.org/policy-and-practice/employment

Armed Forces in Policing Recruitment Event

Northamptonshire Police​ have planned the 2025 series of events called National Joining Forces – these are police recruitment events for all police organisations in England and Wales. They are designed to provide insight and understanding into police careers; the recruitment process and the structures in place to support candidates through the process. In particular the events highlights the qualities and skills veterans possess which are transferable into British policing.

​The events are advertised on Eventbrite and are as follows: 

Tuesday 14^th January 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042651928987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday 15^th April 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042653363277?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday 15^th July 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042654155647?aff=oddtdtcreator

​Friday 14^th November 2025 from 1800 x 1900

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1042655198767?aff=oddtdtcreator

These events are being hosted by Northamptonshire Police as a national recruitment event - regardless of the police area you live in or may be interested in joining.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

 

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 402, Dept of Work and Pensions, Service Delivery Officer, Leicester


Job Description  click here to access 

Closing date: 15 Nov 2024

​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 Click here to access 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)​

Travel to Refuge Scheme: Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse

 

Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes: Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse. Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.   For more information please visit: Travel to Refuge