Thursday 25 April 2024

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​

Wednesday 24 April 2024

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.

Tuesday 23 April 2024

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.​

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/​​

Monday 22 April 2024

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

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!

Monday 15 April 2024

Last chance to take the Families Continuous Attitud.e 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:

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



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

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges.




Thursday 11 April 2024

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

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

Wednesday 10 April 2024

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

Young Minds: Support for Parents



We know parenting isn’t always easy. Although it’s often amazing and rewarding to watch your children grow up, and to help them learn to be independent, it can also be really hard work. It can feel especially hard if your child's mood and behaviour seem different and you're not sure why, or what you can do to help.
​We have lots of practical advice and tips on supporting your child​.

Click HERE​ for further information

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide



Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)

Separation and divorce guide for military personnel spouses and partners


To view the guide, please visit: 

Huggable Heroes

Office For Veterans' Affairs - Op FORTITUDE (Homeless Veterans')

Vulnerable veterans across the country have access to Op FORTITUDE, a new dedicated referral pathway for homeless veterans, including those sleeping on the streets.​

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and the organisations working with them are encouraged to contact the Op FORTITUDE hotline on 0800 952 0774 or through a secure web portal at riv.org.uk/opfortitude.​

Find out more HERE

National Cyber Security Centre - Phishing: Spot and Report Scam Emails,, Texts, Websites and Calls



'Phishing' is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit a website, which may download a virus onto your computer, or steal bank details or other personal information.
This link explains how to report phishing attempts, and protect yourself from scammers - CLICK HERE​

Regional Command (HIVE & Family Support) Non-UK National Support


 

Service Leavers' Guide - July 2023 Edition


T​he updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on gov.uk. Please see link: ​Service leavers' guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Tom Harrison House Liverpool - Female Veterans Project


 

Make yourself heard - 999 calls in the UK when you can't speak


If you’re in an emergency situation and need police help, but can’t speak, 

Make Yourself Heard and let the 999 operator know your call is genuine.

Charlie Charlie One - for Service Personnel and Veterans battling Cancer


Cancer is indiscriminate and does not differentiate; age, gender, ethnicity, background, and status are irrelevant. But those seeking our support, regardless of their rank, are united by military service, common values, and, of course, their cancer diagnosis. While established as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in August 2021, we seek to support individuals throughout the United Kingdom.

Visit the website at Charlie Charlie One - Cancer Support

DWP Conversational Platform


Conversational Platform is a new technology being introduced onto the Universal Credit telephony channel. From early December 2023 when customers call Universal Credit, their call may be routed through the new technology, whereby the DWP Virtual Agent will ask the customer why they are calling and will then tailor the response based on what the customer says.
Please click the image above for further details.

ManKind Initiative ACORN Recovery Programme for male survivors of domestic abuse.



ManKind are now accepting referrals for their next Armed Forces ACORN Recovery Programme course due to start early 2024.

ACORN is a 9 week online course that is delivered via Zoom for 90 minutes each week for male survivors of domestic abuse. The course is designed to help men recover from their experiences, understand the impact upon their children and work towards healthy and respectful relationships in the future.

Each course can take ten men and is free for them to attend because it is funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for men who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces or veterans.

If you think you might benefit from this course please self-refer using the forms below or contact ManKind for more information - click here to visit their website


ACORN Armed Forces referral pathway
Acorn referral form
DASH & SOAG template - MKI version
ManKind Armed Forces leaflet

SSAFA Community Health Website.


 

Defence People Communications - get financial help if you have children with child benefit.



Did you know that parents can claim child benefit to help with the cost of raising children? Find out if you’re eligible and how to make a claim.

With the rising cost of living, the Government are offering parents and carers up to £1,248 a year to help with the cost of raising their first child – and up to £826.80 for any other children. This means that by the time a child is 16 years old, their child benefit claim could be worth almost £20,000.

NHS England: Benefits of the NHS App

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and information on your smartphone or tablet. Millions of people are already using the NHS App to manage their health the easy way from the comfort of their homes.

If you are over the age of 16 the NHS App enables you to view your GP health record to help you better understand and manage your condition, without having to phone your GP surgery. With the App you can access your consultation notes, letters and test results.

The NHS App also enables you to manage repeat prescriptions and easily change your nominated pharmacy, so you can send orders when it’s convenient for you. Each prescription ordered electronically saves GP practices three minutes of time and a patient 18 minutes, making it more convenient for people and freeing up frontline staff to do other important duties.

The App makes it easy to access your appointment information and manage your hospital appointments. You can also find out your NHS number and access NHS 111 online to get instant advice or medical help near you.

New and innovative features will continue to be developed for the NHS App to help patients access convenient and high-quality care when and where they need it.

Start using the App today. For more information, including how to download the NHS App, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/.

NHS England: Talking Therapies Mental Health Support

 

Army HIVE Non-UK National Support: New Email Address for Enquiries


HIVE Non-UK National Team: RC-Pers-HIVE-NonUKNat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk 
 

Military Wives Choirs-Gibraltar


Military Wives Choir in Gibraltar will be commencing taster sessions. Contact them via email or Facebook and join along as sessions will start this week. 

Four Corners Allotment- Gibraltar


Become part of a friendly, welcoming group. Enjoy the green space whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener.  

Family Action Job Vacancy: Practice Development Support Office - Part Time & Home Based


Practice Development Support Office - Part Time & Home Based - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)

​starting at £24,724 FTE per annum, raising to £27,232 FTE per annum

Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum
Permanent Contract
UK home based with some travel
Part time – 22.2 hours per week
To apply: fill out the Application Form & send to: completed.application20@family-action.org.uk
To learn more about the role and requirements, read the job advert and the job description and person specification
Closing date: Friday 12th of April at 5pm
ID: 1126

Defence People Communications: What support is there for Service families facing domestic abuse?



Find out about the domestic abuse support available for Service families.

As part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, Defence is encouraging anyone affected by domestic abuse to ask for help and to be aware of the different ways to get support.

Armed forces families play a crucial role in Defence and should feel safe and supported. When it comes to domestic abuse, there are many support services available to them – both within Defence and at a local and national level.

To help more people get the help they need, it’s also important to understand what might be stopping them from seeking support.

Samaritans Veterans app


The Samaritans Veterans app​ provides UK military Service Leavers and Veterans with emotional health and wellbeing information, guidance and resources. Samaritans Veterans is designed to give you the tools to identify and navigate the emotional health challenges that can be experienced when transitioning out of the military and in your life beyond the Forces.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call us free on 116 123 (within the UK or Ireland) or email us at jo@samaritans.org. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, we won’t judge you or tell you what to do. We’re here to listen so you don’t have to face it alone. www.samaritans.org.
 

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) - Veterans' Adjustment Passports


New Adjustments Passports will support hundreds of sick and disabled Armed Forces leavers’ to start and stay in work, delivering on a key Government priority to remove barriers to the labour market and grow the economy.
The scheme, helps those leaving service with an injury, disability or health condition move more smoothly into employment.

Find out more HERE​

CSF Education - Finding the perfect fit - Gibraltar


Hello Gibraltar!

Thinking about boarding school for your child[ren]?

We are the leading specialist in finding the right boarding school for your child. We will soon be announcing when we are visiting you at Four Corners but in the meantime why don’t you get ahead of the game and contact us?
www.csfeducation.co.uk
Email – enquiries@csfeducation.co.uk
Tel - 00447519871577

Defence Children's Services: Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK)




www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-children-services-dcs​

AFCFT - Veterans' Mobility Fund


The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust are pleased to announce a highly specialist grant programme – the Veterans’ Mobility Fund. This fund is for an experienced Charity who will act as a Lead Organisation, providing onwards grants to veterans with physical disabilities via an externally delegated grant scheme.​


Full details can be found HERE​

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

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

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

Monday 8 April 2024

Dandelion Military Families - April & May bereavement support meeting dates.



Please click here to visit Dandelion's website

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - small grants worth over £450,000 create a big impact for Armed Forces Communities in the final round of Force for Change.



The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce grants totalling more than £450,000 have been awarded to 34 outstanding projects in the final round of their Force for Change programme. This small grant programme supports projects that reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.

Empowering military children

Support Paws is a pilot scheme from Veterans with Dogs, that introduces Community Dogs to UK schools to provide emotional support for military children. They have received an award of £14,800 in this latest round. Collaborating with SSCE Cymru and BERA, the project aims to improve wellbeing, resilience and educational outcomes.

Tuesday 26 March 2024

Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) – one month to go!


What do you think about Service family life? Take part in FamCAS and help Defence to better meet your needs.

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) closes on Monday 22 April 2024 – have you checked if you can take part?

FamCAS is an anonymous, tri-Service survey which invites a sample of spouses/civil partners of regular serving personnel to share their attitudes and experiences of Service family life. Hearing from you will help Defence to better understand your challenges and meet your needs.