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Friday, 17 January 2025

Gibraltar Cultural Services Arts Competitions


Gibraltar Cultural Services has launched several arts competitions which are open to all Gibraltar residents. To find out more and to enter visit News - Gibraltar Cultural Services 









New Defence survey for those in a Long Term Relationship




If you’re in a Long Term Relationship (LTR) with a Service person, Defence would like to hear your views and experiences about Service family life. 

Defence has launched a pilot survey to better understand the experiences of Long Term Relationship partners, including dual-serving partners, of serving personnel. This survey is anonymous and closes on Monday 3 February 2025.

Please note that this survey is open to the entire LTR population, and is separate to the LTR Overseas pilot scheme survey that is also currently ongoing.

What do you like about Service life? What can be improved?

UK: Rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets



Back and bigger than ever rail sale.

From 14 to 20 January 2025, selected advance and off-peak fares will go on sale at up to 50% off for travel between 17 January and 31 March 2025.

As part of this year’s rail sale, thousands of popular routes across almost all UK train operators, including Transport for Wales and ScotRail, will be offering discounted tickets with journeys spreading the length and breadth of Great Britain.

Discounted rail ticket prices will apply to journeys made between 17 January and 31 March 2025 across Great Britain.

The sale is now live with tickets available through the Rail Delivery Group’s microsite or through individual train operators until 20 January.

For further information: Back and bigger than ever: rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets - GOV.UK

National Transition Event, Silverstone, 24 Feb 25




‘Bringing together a community of communities’: Registration now open for the National Transition Event at Silverstone on 24 Feb!

Now in its 6th year, the National Transition Event (NTE) brings together Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists, spouses & partners and family members to aid successful, sustainable transition & networking opportunities, recognising, demonstrating and celebrating the value of the Armed Forces. It uses the backdrop of the iconic GP racetrack to offer a unique event giving those attending a way to find out about careers and roles across different industry sectors while having a memorable day.

NEW for NTE25 is an invitation for 16–18-year-old Cadets to come along and hear about the opportunities open to them in the job market, apprenticeships and training.

This is the largest event of this kind in the UK and you are invited!

NDNA's Childcare employment programme


National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) have received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust's Supporting Partners programme to support partners of serving military personnel or reservists, who might be interested in joining our 16-week paid childcare supported employment programme, starting w/c 24th February. We're initially looking to recruit from those living in North Yorkshire however, we can consider applicants from other areas.​

Little Troopers launches All Together family reconnection weekends



The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, has launched a series of free family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality-time together.

Funded by Team Forces, the four Little Troopers weekends invite young people and their parents to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection where they’ll be encouraged to put down their phones, meet people, do new things and spend quality time together.

Open to families with up to four siblings aged 9 and over, the weekends will be packed with adventurous activities including coasteering, raft building, kayaking, mega SUPing and coastal bushcraft, as well as time to relax on the beach, watching the sunset with a hot chocolate.

With a mix of child-only and parent-and-child time, the itinerary has been organised so that the small number of five to six families attending will have an enjoyable break and make memories to last a lifetime.

Tuesday, 14 January 2025

Gibraltar Cultural Services Launches Volunteer Scheme


Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, is launching a new voluntary scheme aimed at encouraging individuals to play a vital role in supporting the cultural sector. This initiative seeks to strengthen community involvement, promote the arts and highlight the value of volunteering in fostering cultural and personal growth.

The arts are an essential part of Gibraltar's cultural identity and this volunteer scheme offers a unique opportunity to be part of something impactful and rewarding. Whether assisting with exhibitions or engaging in cultural events and supporting performances, volunteers can play a key role in enriching our vibrant cultural landscape.

GCS recognises the value of volunteers in building and maintaining a thriving cultural sector. This scheme aims to not only support the arts but also provide volunteers with a sense of achievement while contributing to community life.

How to Get Involved: Those interested in becoming a volunteer can register with Gibraltar Cultural Services or contact us directly for more information. No prior experience is required – just enthusiasm and a passion for the arts.

For further details, please contact Gibraltar Cultural Services info@culture.gi or call 200 41839.

Together, let’s celebrate and support the arts. Join us and help make a meaningful contribution to Gibraltar's cultural community!

Military Spousal Founders Programme





For military spouses with dreams of starting or growing a business

Are you part of the armed forces community with plans to become a business founder? Our Military Spousal Founders Programme is designed just for you. 


Open the link below to read more:


Military Spousal Founders Programme | Barclays Eagle Labs

MOD Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP)


The Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP) is a partnership between the MOD and 19 English local authorities that have committed to work together to improve the experience and outcomes of children of UK Armed Forces families. The local authority membership of MODLAP represent those authority areas with the highest numbers of service children in England.

Full information can be found HERE

Monday, 13 January 2025

Service community discounts: Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings


Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings…

As we welcome the new year, January provides the perfect opportunity to focus on your wellbeing and make yourself a priority.

From boosting your fitness, improving mental health, and focusing on nutrition, to spending quality time with loved ones, the discounts available as part of ‘Your Offer’ in Defence can help kickstart a positive and balanced year ahead.

Click here to read more and get links to money saving offers





Never Such Innocence: Month of the Military Child - April 2025

 



Never Such Innocence will be offering a wide variety of activities for Month of the Military Child in April. Whether you are joining the 'Purple Up' day on 25 April, entering the poetry and art competition or singing Dandelions - there is something for everyone! Please visit their website to learn more or access their range of activities. www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

UK: Royal British Legion Poppy Hike, Epsom Surrey – 18th May 2025

The RBL Poppy Hike is taking place in the beautiful Surrey Hills on Sunday 18th May. By taking part, you'll be helping to raise vital funds and awareness so that RBL can continue to support serving & ex-serving personnel and their families, for as long as needed.

Starting and finishing at Epsom Racecourse, you'll hike through stunning landscapes in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will also pass through a Centenary Wood which commemorates the sacrifices made in WW1.​

For more information on this event, please go to: rbl.org.uk/eventhike  There is a discount for the military community available of 20%, reducing the registration cost to £20.  To access the discount code, please ask your local HIVE, or use our DM/Contact Us facilities, or email RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk​ 

To find more information on:


Victory Services Club - Club Life Newsletter December Issue

 


 

Click here to read All the latest news and highlights

And find further information on the VSC website https://www.vsc.co.uk/

Soldiers Arts Academy - free online workshops

 



The Soldiers' Arts Academy aims to provide a platform through which serving and veteran military personnel and their families can participate in the creative arts. Using their skills and experiences to create and engage audiences worldwide, the SAA strives to encourage excellence, engagement and inspiration in its members, as well as building a supportive and strong community.

 

Online workshops include art, signing, guitar lessons and poetry. All are free for military personnel, veterans and military families. Find out more at www.soldiersartsacademy.org

Join the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Team for two free webinars


The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund are kicking off 2025 with two FREE webinars and they would love you to join them.

The first will focus on the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme, sharing key findings from the programme evaluation.

The second will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together programme, the next phase of the successful VPPP programme.


Join us on Tuesday 14 January, 1pm to 3pm to discover the insights and impact of the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme. Jointly funded by the Covenant Fund, NHS England and NHS Improvement, this programme supported pilot projects aimed at exploring better ways to support Veterans and their families when they are in an acute hospital setting https://covenantfund.org.uk/2024/12/11/from-data-to-impact-a-webinar-to-show-the-outcomes-of-the-supporting-armed-forces-in-acute-hospital-settings-programme/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_24_2022_12_4_COPY_01)

Our second webinar of 2025 will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together Programme.

Building on the work of the successful Veterans’ People Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP), Thrive Together will step up support for vulnerable Veterans and their families across the UK, driving future sustainability. ​Want to learn more about Thrive Together? : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6 Jan 25


 Click here to open and read:

Togetherall: New Year Goals & Pressures



New year, new mindset - feeling the pressure? Transform stress into positive energy by setting small and achievable goals. Togetherall has your back with expert tips and a handy goal-setting tool to track your progress. Join the anonymous online community today for FREE at togetherall.com​ and kickstart your journey to better mental health.​






Have Your Say: Accompanied Established Long-Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Survey opens on 8 Jan



Have your say https://surveys.mod.um/index.php/198869?lang=en​

For more info: Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot Survey is now open

Reading Force: Celebrating 1,000 Members


Connect, Read and Enjoy


Reading Force and Book Clubs

Reading Force has been encouraging Forces families to choose and share books for fun, and as a way of staying connected with deployed parents and their wider families for over 10 years.


Since March 2021, Reading Force has supported adults and children* with a UK Armed Forces connection through their fantastic book club offering. Everyone is welcome – avid readers, first-time book club members and anywhere in between! Book clubs help members to meet new people, build a strong sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.

“I found the recent book club completely invaluable to my wellbeing in recent months. It might seem odd that something so small could have such a large impact, but it did.”

Member of an online adult book club

Reading Force is looking for volunteer coordinators to set up book clubs* in military communities. You could be serving, a spouse/partner, a veteran or reservist, a Welfare Officer, Community Development Officer, Service Children’s Champion ...

Soldier Magazine: Jan 2025 Edition

 


Click to open and read the latest edition  SOLDIER

Friday, 20 December 2024

Financial Recognition and other restorative measures for LGBT veterans

 



For further information, please see the following links:

  • LGBT veterans: Support and next steps – This GOV.UK page has centralised information and signposting for pre-2000 LGBT veterans and pre-1967 LGBT veterans. It also contains support services for veterans and families.
  • Financial Recognition Scheme: GOV.UK page with information on how to apply, eligibility, scheme rules and FAQs.
  • New GOV.UK page about the Qualification of Administration Discharge and Rank Restoration, including FAQs, guidance about eligibility and applications, and public policy.
  • ​Pre-1967 veterans: GOV.UK page about restorative measures and FAQs.

Coping at Christmas

 


In Gibraltar you can call Gib Sams online at gibsams.gi or call free 116 123

Gibraltar: Gib Sams ''Don't be Alone this Christmas''


Gib Sams invite you to a warm, welcoming, free lunch at Time Out cafe, Europort, on Christmas day. Enjoy great food, festive cheer and good company.

  • Wednesday 25th December
  • 12.30 to 15.30
  • Time Out Cafe, Europort
Reserve your spot: info@gibsams.gi
Lets make this Christmas a joyful one together!

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Money & Pensions Advice Service guidance: Making the Most of your Money


Taking the time to manage your money can make a real difference.

Whatever stage of life you’re at – whether you’re saving into a pension for the first time, buying or renting a home, starting a family or planning to retire – there are always ways of making your money go further.
Find out more on the Money and Pensions Advice Service's Money Helper website at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en​ and you can download the leaflet HERE  ​or at https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ViewProduct.html?sp=Sengmakingthemostofyourmoney-400​​  
Also there is a library of advice booklets that are free to download at: https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ArticleOverview.html?sp=Sguide​ 

Families First newsletter - issue 22



Click to open Issue 22


To read UK Government Guidance to Service Family Accommodation: ​Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK​ 

GamCare: Spotting the signs of gambling harm at Christmas


GamCare hears from people who have become isolated and lonely as a result of their gambling, and who haven’t spoken to anyone else about what they are going through. These feelings can worsen over the Christmas period, when people might encounter loneliness or pressure to seem as if everything is alright.
We recognise that gambling is known as the ‘hidden addiction’, and often the signs are not clear. From experience, we understand that these are the most common ways to identify if your own or someone else’s gambling has become harmful.

Some signs to consider about your own or someone else’s gambling:

· Preoccupation – Do you spend much of your day thinking about betting? Are you finding that your gambling is taking you out of the moment when you spend time with friends and family this Christmas? Often thinking about or planning to gamble can be one of the early warning signs that gambling could be harmful.

· Withdrawal – Removing yourself from social situations so that you can place a bet is another warning signal that your gambling might be going too far, and that the urges to gamble are potentially harming other areas of your life and the people around you. Withdrawal may be one of the early warning signs that someone’s gambling could be harmful this Christmas; such as wanting to stay at home more frequently or needing to check their phone constantly to check the latest results.

· Escape – Life – and the Christmas season in particular - can be overwhelming at times, and you might feel like you want to escape it for a while. Using gambling as a coping mechanism is a sign of harmful gambling and can lead to losing significant amounts of money.

· Chasing losses – Chasing losses is where your motive for gambling changes from winning money to getting back the money you have already lost. This can be dangerous and lead to significant losses. There might be more financial signs that a loved one is struggling with gambling, such as a need to borrow money or money missing from bank accounts.

· Changing mood – There could be noticeable changes to your mood and behaviour, including looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason in the lead up Christmas.

· Lying – You may find yourself hiding how much you are spending or lying about the amount of time you are spending gambling, or perhaps asking for money to cover bills that you are spending. These are just some signs that gambling is harming your life and possibly risking your relationships with family and friends.


The National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 for free during the Christmas period. Contact our Advisers on Freephone 0808 80 20 133, via WhatsApp on 020 3031 8881, or via online chat at gamcare.org.uk.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 17 Dec


Earlier today, a Written Ministerial Statement was published, announcing that the MOD has reached a formal agreement with Annington Property Ltd to repurchase more than 36,000 Service Family homes in England and Wales.   

This means that the homes that were previously privately owned will return to public ownership. This deal not only delivers long term value for money for the taxpayer but also means future improvements to the SFA estate will benefit Service families directly.   

We hope this will be welcome news as DIO will now have the freedom to embark on a substantial programme of redevelopment and improvement of the estate.  

While it is too early to discuss the specifics of future works, we will continue to update you through our Families First newsletter and our continuing series of SFA Roadshows in 2025.  

​Full details of the announcement can be found here. We appreciate you may have questions and we will update you in due course with further information. 

NHS Better Health: Make 2025 the year you quit smoking



* Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you.

* Join thousands of other people preparing to quit smoking this New Year.

* Quitting smoking is best thing you can do for your health. Get ready to quit for good this New Year.

* You’re far more likely to quit smoking successfully with the right support. Discover what’s available at NHS Better Health and prepare to quit for good this New Year.

* Getting support from your local stop smoking service gives you the best chance of quitting smoking successfully. Visit NHS Better Health to find your nearest service and get ready to quit for good in 2025.

* It’s never too late to quit smoking and you will notice almost immediate improvements to your health when you stop. New Year is a great time to join others giving quitting a go.

* Did you know that the average smoker could save around £3000 per year by quitting? Track your savings with the free NHS quit smoking app.

* Want to quit smoking but not sure where to start? Get your free personal quit plan now.

* Want to know more about using a vape to quit smoking? There’s lots of information available on the NHS Better Health website.

NHS Better Health has a range of content and tools to help smokers make a successful quit attempt, all of which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking .

Click here to view poster

Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand


Click here to open Information leaflet

Click here to read a message to domestic abuse victims / survivors

HIVE also has an information sheet on Domestic Abuse support, which can be downloaded from the Information Sheets section of the Army HIVE UK Blog: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Information%20Sheets


BFBS Update December 2024

 


Click here to read the update BFBS Update December 2024 | About BFBS