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!

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

Gibraltar Cultural Services Young Artist Competition

Gibraltar Cultural Services have announced a competition for young artists. The top prize is £1000! There are two categories of entry; school years 9 to 13 and young artists up to the age of 24. All entrants must be Gibraltarian or resident in Gibraltar. Full details on the website: 

The Young Artist Competition 2025 - Gibraltar Cultural Services

Two weeks to go until the 2025 Dry January® challenge

The New Year can also be a challenging time for many. Increasing peer pressure to celebrate by drinking at parties and, in some sectors, demanding workloads can contribute to people drinking more around this time of year.

There is also a growing realisation that alcohol can prevent us from achieving our best. From headaches, sleepless nights, and feeling ‘off’ the next day to long-term health issues like high blood pressure, anxiety and cancer, alcohol impacts us in so many ways.

That’s where the Dry January® challenge comes in. With hundreds of thousands of people participating every year, the Dry January® challenge offers the perfect opportunity for a total reset and a chance to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol. This refreshing challenge is always welcomed by people across the country as they turn towards a more health focused and goal orientated start of the year.

Evidence shows that those who take part in the Dry January® challenge using Alcohol Change UK’s tools and resources double their chance of having a completely alcohol-free month and have significantly improved wellbeing and lower alcohol health risks six months later.

For more information and to sign up, please visit: The Dry January® challenge | Alcohol Change UK

To view poster click here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £70K awarded to help mitigate the impact of separation for Service families

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) have awarded funding worth over £70,000 to five fantastic projects designed to mitigate the challenges posed by long or frequent involuntary separation on families, spouses, and serving personnel.

Supporting those most affected

The Apart Not Alone programme was developed as part of the Trust’s three-year framework, shaped by insights gathered during the Trust’s public consultation in summer 2023. This evidenced based approach ensures targeted support for those requiring special consideration while addressing diverse needs through effective, tailored solutions.

Collaboration with beneficiaries played a pivotal role in the programmes design. Consultation with those directly impacted provided invaluable insights, enabling a shared understanding of challenges and ensuring that the project aligns with evidenced needs.

These new awards aim to address the emotional and practical impacts of separation, loneliness, and isolation experienced by serving families, including Reservists.

By enhancing access to support pathways, the initiatives focus on improving the quality of life for those most affected by long-term or frequent separation.

DWP News Update, including Christmas arrangements for benefit payments and revised JobCentre Plus opening times

 

Click here to open and read the news update

Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas

The Armed Forces Accommodation Policy Team is thrilled with the feedback from more than 50 service members taking part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot in Cyprus. Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027.

To ensure families feel supported, a tailored allowance package is available for pilot participants. Since allowances depend on the assignment location and individual circumstances, service personnel are encouraged to check specifics for their country.

Updated Volumes 4 (Pilots) and 5 (Overseas Accommodation Policy) of JSP 464 (with country appendices and allowances) to clarify any queries will be published soon.

Furthermore, effective immediately the Pilot has been extended to BATUS and some GDN (Global Defence Network) sites.

For further information please contact people-accom-asc@mod.gov.uk

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

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/

To open the poster click here

British Forces Gibraltar Carol Service

British Forces Gibraltar Carol Service will be held on Sunday 15th December in the Kings Chapel, starting at 1700 hours. With the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band followed by refreshments in the Music Room. All are welcome. 

Gibraltar Fundraising Day: GBC Open Day 12 December 2024

It’s time for Gibraltar’s biggest charity night! At GBC we are getting ready for the Open Day on THURSDAY 12th DECEMBER and we’d love it if you’re a part of it too!

Together we have raised millions of pounds for charity since the first ever Open Day in the 60s. All the money raised will go to local charities.

And, there’re plenty of opportunities to get involved - whether it’s balancing a carrot on your nose or your work party ‘out-of-tune’ karaoke. Anything goes (as long as it’s safe and legal) when it comes to raising money for the GBC Open Day.

It’s OK too if you want to stick to the more traditional fun walks, bake sales, challenges etc …

Get in touch with the team and let’s make the GBC Open Day 2024 another special and fantastic Radio and TV broadcasting marathon.

Look at the GBC website for further information GBC - Get Involved

Little Troopers: Last Christmas Smiles boxes - applications now open to all military families

Little Troopers now have just 100 Christmas Smiles boxes left (out of 2,500!) and they really want to get these out to little troopers before Christmas. The last postal date is next Wednesday, so applications are now opened up to all military families. UK addresses only. Here's the link to apply (deadline for applications is 5pm on Fri 13th Dec): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X6Y259D ​Each Little Troopers Christmas Smiles box is packed with helpful resources and activities from the charity, all related to being a military child, along with a special edition of their newspaper and Christmas treats and stocking fillers to raise a smile. Each Little Troopers Christmas Smiles box is packed with helpful resources and activities from the charity, all related to being a military child, along with a special edition of their newspaper and Christmas treats and stocking fillers to raise a smile.

The Forces Employment Charity - Military Families & Young People Programme

The Forces Employment Charity Families Programme exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Their Families Programme supports spouses and partners of still-serving personnel and veterans, including divorced, separated, and bereaved, on their journey into employment; regardless of whether you are in the UK or overseas.

Forces Employment Charity says, "We understand Service life and transition can impact the whole family, so we also offer mentoring and career guidance to military children and young people aged 16-24.  Link to Young People Programme

"Our dedicated Families Employment Advisors are military spouses or partners themselves. They understand the challenges and barriers you may be facing. Including frequent moves, living in relative isolation, childcare, employer reluctance to hire military spouses, getting back onto the employment ladder, having a lack of confidence, and returning suddenly to civilian life. We understand the support you require and are here to help you succeed. Here is the link to register:  Register for this free service!

"We offer holistic services to support military spouses, partners, and military children, including:

• Bespoke career and training diagnostics
  
• Support in writing an effective CV and cover letter
• Comprehensive job application and interview support
• Connections to a pool of nationwide employer partners
• Expert industry knowledge and updates
• Tailored coaching and mentoring
• Networking events and employment fairs"
  
  
  Click here to open leaflet
  Click here to view poster
  
  

The Longest Yarn - A Thread Through History

 

The Longest Yarn is an 80 metre 3D knitted/crocheted work depicting The Longest Day, 6th June 1944, in time for the 80th Anniversary.

The exhibition is coming to the following locations (please check individual websites for timings and further information):

• Tewkesbury Abbey - Sat 7 Dec-Thu 9 Jan
• St Macartins, Enniskillen - Mon 13 Jan-Sat 8 Feb
• Norwich University Memorial Library - Mon 10 Feb-Sat 1 Mar
• Peterborough Cathedral - Mon 3 Mar-Tue 3 Apr​
  

British Gas Electrician Apprenticeship Vacancies

We're so much more than an energy company. We're a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn't rely on fossil fuels whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That's why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

During your apprenticeship, you'll absorb the wisdom, grasp the skills, and earn the qualifications to emerge as a top-tier Electrical Engineer – a true household hero. Under the wing of our experienced Electricians, you'll soon learn how to deliver energy efficient solutions to our customers through installing, upgrading & maintaining electrical systems.

• Leicestershire
• Glasgow
• Hertfordshire
• Aberdeenshire
• Greater London
• Gloucestershire
• Essex
• Bridgend
• Northampton
• Derbyshire
• Staffordshire

The link to apply or more information is HERE

Are you planning to register for Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas funding in January 2025?

There are two actions that must be completed before you register.

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.

If you are 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.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Central England

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 58 new Executive Officer opportunities open in locations across central England, from today to 23/12/24

​Civil Service Jobs link:  Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Central England (Ref: 726) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK​

​More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Victory Services Club (VSC) Club Life Newsletter - November 2024

To read the latest edition, click the link:

Club Life Newsletter - November 2024
	VSC

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: North West and South West England

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 22 new Executive Officer opportunities open in locations across the Noth West and South West, from today to 19/12/24

Civil Service Jobs link: Dispute Resolution Services - Disputes Case Manager/Decision Maker - North West and South West (Ref: 725) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK​

​More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.​

Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day - Wed 11 Dec

You will be able to access colleagues from Pinnacle's Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams who will be on hand to provide you with information on a host of topics. They will also help to answer and resolve any queries and questions you may have.

You can also learn more about Pinnacle's free career and small business support for military families, veterans and communities.

Be part of Pinnacle's Virtual Outreach Day and connect with their representatives via Microsoft Teams. Book your slot by Friday 6th December at Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: West Yorkshire

 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 80 new Executive Officer opportunities open in West Yorkshire within their Disability Services Team.  The Disability Services advert will run from 04/12/24 to 18/12/24 Civil Service Jobs link: Disability Services - Case Manager - West Yorkshire (Ref: 724) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK ​More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Your Armed Forces Offer explained

The Defence Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of Service life, and the vital work our people do to keep us safe at home and strong abroad.

​​Find out more about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support available to you: Discover My Benefits

Those with access to MODnet can also view the full article at: 

• Defnet: Your Armed Forces Offer explained (sharepoint.com)
• Defence Connect: Your Armed Forces Offer explained | Defence Connect (mod.uk)

Please donate blood and save a life this Christmas!

 

Facts and figures

• 1 in 4 of us will need a blood transfusion in our lives yet only 3% of those eligible give blood.
• In 2023, 1.44 million blood donations were made by 785,000 amazing individuals.
• The NHS needs 140,000 new first-time donors this year.
• Sickle cell is the UK's fastest-growing genetic disorder, and many patients require regular blood transfusions. For the best treatment, patients benefit from blood transfusions from donors of the same ethnicity.
• To ensure the donor base reflects the diversity of patients, the NHS needs 12,000 new donors of Black heritage this year.
• O negative is the universal blood type, crucial in emergencies or when a patient's blood type is unknown. Although only 8% of the population has O negative blood, it accounts for 15% of hospital orders.
• There are 25 permanent blood donation centres across the country, with the most appointments for donors in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, and London.

Give the best gift this winter: give blood. You can register and book an appointment at blood.co.uk, by calling 0300 123 23 23 or on the NHS Give Blood app.​

In Gibraltar contact the GHA Blood Donation Nurses, Audrey and Elaine. Email blooddonations@gha.gi and you will be given a registration appointment at St Bernard's Hospital, between 9.30 and 11.30am.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Kent

The Department of Work and Pensions has 20 new Executive Officer work coach opportunities in Kent. These are now open for applications until 17^th Dec 2024.

​Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Kent (Ref: 723) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK​

​More information can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

HM Government Money & Pensions Service - Money Helper: Credit unions and other alternatives to high-cost credit

 

This Money Helper (Money & Pensions Service) ​​guide is for you if you need access to credit but you can’t use a mainstream lender and you don’t want to use a payday loan or other forms of high-cost credit. When you read it, you’ll know: how credit unions work and how they can help you how to join a credit union what other sources of fair and affordable credit might be available to you.​ To view this guide please click HERE More information can be found on the Money Helper website at https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit For the Service community, there are three MOD-endorsed credit unions - see https://www.joiningforcescu.co.uk/