British Army - Headspace

You now have access to Headspace, the most evidence-based meditation and mindfulness app in the world - at no cost to you.

To get started visit: 

https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll 

Remember use your mod.gov.uk, csmail.mod.uk or armymail.mod.uk

For more information click here

New Accommodation Offer: Updated Sway Now Available

Updated communications have now been released on the New Accommodation Offer. To view the new information please visit: SWAY​

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Armed Forces Families Fund supports 13 projects in latest round of awards

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce new awards made under the Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3) across two grant programmes supporting Forces families across the UK.

The Early Years programme has awarded over £354,000 to 10 projects which will enhance early childhood education and childcare settings of young children from Armed Forces families.

The Research Grants programme has awarded over £169,000 to three projects that will develop a stronger understanding of complex educational or welfare issues affecting Armed Forces families – and propose solutions.

A guide to preventing condensation damp and mould in SFA

To view guide to preventing mould, condensation and damp, click here

Domestic Abuse: MOD Guidance on Where to Find Help

 For more information, click here

Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes

When things go wrong​ Pinnacle administer the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes. You may be entitled to compensation under one of DIO’s compensation schemes if you have experienced;

• ​Missed appointments
• Incorrect Tradesperson
• Failed move in
• Total loss of heating/cooking facilities
• Hotel subsistence 

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date the issue occurred.

​More information is available HERE​

Blind Veterans UK - December newsletter

Welcome to your Blind Veterans UK December update. To read  click here

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.

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.

Togetherall: Mental Health Support for the Armed Forces

If you’re feeling lonely, stressed, worried or just not yourself, on Togetherall you can get support and start to feel better.

To register click here

Service Family Accommodation

A guide for Service families about applying for, maintaining, moving in and out of and living in UK Service Family Accommodation (SFA).

For information, click here

Civilian Housing: An update on the MOD Referral Scheme service

Last year, the services provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) were transferred to the Defence Transition Service (DTS), part of Defence Business Services (DBS), to deliver. This followed a review as part of the MOD’s ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’ to bring efficiency to the co-ordination and delivery of housing services.

The MOD Referral Scheme provided advice and guidance on accessing social housing and has now become part of the existing services provided by DTS and Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). This has been done to simplify and widen access and eligibility across serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

To refer someone for support or self-refer go to - Help for service leavers, service personnel and families from Defence Transition Services - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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 next year.

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 or contact ManKind for more information.

https://mankind.org.uk/​ 

To see the ManKind initiative leaflet, please click here​

QR CODES to HELP

There is no need to struggle alone, follow one of the QR Codes to access help from different charities and organisations. Support is also available through the chaplain, SHAPE Welfare Team and NSE Team.

Click here for codes.

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.

For information on how this will work, please click here

Military Wives Choirs Brunssum

Military Wives Choirs Brunssum welcomes all ladies with a military connection. The choir already has over ten NATO nations represented but would love to welcome more! 

If you would like to join the weekly get together for singing, friendship, laughter and cake, come along to JFC Brunssum Chapel on Thursdays (AFNORTH term-time) from 19.00 - 21.00.
No previous experience or audition required.

For more information please contact:
Brunssum@militarywiveschoirs.org

Veterans Housing - Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund

New major funding programme to support Veterans’ housing needs

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce a new, major grants programme supporting new builds and significant refurbishment, including extensions, of rental accommodation offering high quality support for Veterans with a housing need.

On behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, the Trust will award grants of £75K to £500K under the Major Capital Grants programme, across four rounds of funding, to projects that contribute to the aims of the Government’s ambition to reduce Veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund

The Major Capital Grants programme is the latest programme to launch under the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund.

More information is available HERE

FAQ - Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy

FAQs for Service Personnel regarding ARAP persons living in SFA

Q. What is the ARAP scheme?

A. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government and British Armed Forces in Afghanistan in exposed or meaningful roles. It may include an offer of relocation to the UK for those deemed eligible by the Ministry of Defence and who are deemed suitable for relocation by the Home Office. It is an evidence-based scheme and is intended for a select group of Afghans who we worked with, or served alongside, during our military operations in Afghanistan, rather than for all who wish to relocate to the UK.

Afghan citizens who are eligible for relocation to the UK under ARAP may relocate with a partner, dependent children and additional family members who are deemed eligible by the Ministry of Defence, and suitable for relocation by the Home Office.

Accommodation provided by MOD for ARAP Afghan Families

Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally - letter to Service Families regarding MOD support for relocation and resettlement of Afghan nationals, dated 2nd March 2023. To read, please click here

RT HON DR Andrew Murrison MP - letter to Service Families with an update regarding the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, dated 10th November 2023. To read, please click here

MOD bullying, harrassment and discrimination helpline

 

You can also access support by visiting the Workplace Wellbeing Platform at MOD | (workplacewellbeing.com)

NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast

Welcome to the NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast, a six part series aims to help you, the Armed Forces Community, access the NHS services available. Released every Wednesday on YouTube.

Click here to listen to the Podcast.

AWS Community Support Annual Report Summary

 To read the full Army Welfare Service Community Support Annual Report Summary click here

Defence Home and Dry Christmas Campaign 2023

The Defence 'Home and Dry' Christmas Campaign 2023 was launched this week – the Key Message is: Get home safe this Christmas. Don’t drink and drive.

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) now including NEW Allowances

The Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) SWAY now includes information on NEW Allowances. If you are being posted to one of the limited locations click this link to find out more: 

Widening Accommodation Entitlement (Limited Locations) Including NEW Allowances (office.com)

Central European Practice Contact Details

Please click on image to enlarge.

Any amendments to office opening times will be advertised outside CEP office

Updated Tri-service Accommodation Regulations (TSARs) JSP 464

The recently updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, (JSP 464) are available on .Gov at the following link:
Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Toegtherall: 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

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust 'Supporting Partners' programme reopens for applications

Supporting Partners programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is pleased to announce the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme has reopened for applications.

The Trust is working with the MOD to deliver funding to high quality projects that will have significant impacts for Armed Forces families through the Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3). The Supporting Partners programme is the latest of the AF3 programmes to launch this year.

What’s available?

Grants of between £30,000 and £80,000 are available for projects which will improve support for Service partners and spouses to promote, enhance and utilise the skills and experiences they bring to the workplace.

Projects should clearly show how they will enable military partners and spouses to access employment support and opportunities.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - new fund to support Veterans’ and their families’ employability.

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce the launch of the The Veterans’ Career Development Fund, supporting Veterans and their families to enter stable long-term employment, by delivering qualifications and training.

Under this new Fund, the Trust will award grants on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) towards projects that help Veterans, and their families achieve recognised qualifications, which help them access employment that matches their skills and interests.

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust: Over £500,000 Awarded to Support Local Armed Forces Communities

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to have to have awarded more than £500,000 to 42 outstanding projects in the latest round of the popular Force for Change programme, which aims to reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.  

From gardening to fishing, woodworking to art, and much more - these projects will make a huge difference to local Armed Forces communities across the UK. 

Families First newsletter - issue 10

 Read the newsletter here.

SSAFA Forcesline

 

Long Term Relationships to benefit from Widening Accommodation Entitlement

On 19 September 2023, Minister for Defence People, Veterans, and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison, announced the Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) at eight selected sites across the UK and Northern Ireland. (Add Poster here)

* RMB Norton Manor
* RNAS Yeovilton
* Leuchars Station
* JHC FS Aldergrove
* Palace Barracks Holywood
* Thiepval Barracks Lisburn
* RAF Cosford
* RAF Shawbury

This is a first step in meeting the commitment made in the Defence Accommodation Strategy (2022) to allocate accommodation to personnel in Established Long Term Relationships LTR(E) on the same basis as those who are cohabiting or married.

International HIVE (iHIVE): Now Included in the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist

Did you know that contacting iHIVE is now listed in the 'key actions to be taken' on the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist?

For Service personnel and families moving overseas, the Overseas Location Compatibility Checklist provides an initial list of personal and domestic factors to be considered pre-application for an overseas assignment, to determine the suitability of the overseas location, for the Service person and their immediate/close family.​​

For more information on this, or for any questions you may have on any location worldwide, contact iHIVE via RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk or +44 (0)7976 69 8527. You can also find ​the iHIVE Blog at: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Thirty-one new awards made for targeted work supporting Armed Forces communities

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce that they have awarded £2.9 million to targeted projects to deliver real change within Armed Forces communities under the Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme.

The latest round of grants under this popular programme has supported 31 projects across the UK. Each project can last up to three years delivering significant changes and improvements in Armed Forces communities with hidden or compelling needs.

Togetherall: How to manage feelings of loneliness and isolation

Is loneliness the new normal? With our means of connection changing over the last few years, we can all find ourselves feeling lonely at times.

Check out this blog by @Togetherall's Chief Clinical Officer, Ben Locke, PHD., where he provides his tips for dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Visit:
https://tinyurl.com/48m6m5pd

✅ Togetherall is FREE to anyone in the UK Military, Veterans & Family members aged 16+​

Forces Family Support: Are You Affected by A Loved One’s Harmful Use of Alcohol, Drugs or Gambling?

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Making positive impacts to Veterans’ mental health and wellbeing

Following the successful administration of the One Is Too Many programme, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has commissioned the University of Chester to evaluate the findings from this innovative programme which focuses on veteran suicide prevention.

With funding from HM Treasury through the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the One is Too Many programme awarded £2.1M to nine projects across the UK, to organisations with experience in working with individuals who are at increased risk of suicide.

The Trust commissioned the University of Chester to undertake a comprehensive, external evaluation of the programme, which has found that the programme has made a positive difference through the treatments and interventions that have improved mental health and wellbeing, with life-saving implications.

Education Advisory Team (UK) (EAT (UK)): Information on School Admissions for Service Families

The Education Advisory Team (UK) (EAT (UK)) is part of the MOD’s Defence Children Services. We are a tri-service organisation that provides information, advice and guidance on all educational matters in the UK.

We are providing advice to parents of children in Year 6 about how and when to apply for secondary school places for September 2024 in the UK.

Secondary School Places in England for September 2024
If you require a secondary school place in England for September 2024, the deadline for secondary school applications is 31st October 2023.

We would advise that you follow your local authority’s application process: information will be available on their website. You can also contact your local authority’s admission team if you have any questions or require support. Contact details should be available on the local authority website.

GamCare: Signs of gambling harm and where to get support

Would you know how to spot the signs of gambling harm and where to get support? GamCare can help with some practical steps.

Gambling is very easy to access these days with our phones and multiple options to get involved. This can mean that we spend more of our time and money than we want to or mean to, and it is easy to experience the negative impacts of too much gambling.

GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms, and receives over 44,000 calls to the helpline and live chat each year to support people to change their relationship with gambling. There are a range of ways you can be supported - in person, over the phone, or virtually. If you're unsure if your own or someone else's gambling is becoming harmful, we've put together some useful signs to think about.

Reading Force - Claim your free book

 

Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Communications Update

Issue 9 of the Families First newsletter which includes: the New Accommodation Offer announcement, Improved compensation system, Investment across the SFA estate, Useful links and Key Dates to note: on Service Family Accommodation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Winter Guide for Service Family Accommodation
A guide to help families get their homes winter ready can be found here.

Improved Compensation System
Pinnacle has now introduced a new improved compensation system making the process much easier for families to claim. Families will see the new forms on the Pinnacle website, will be required to validate their email address (to ensure this is correct and vouchers are sent to the correct place) and will receive regular emails to update them on their claim's progress. All communications from the new system will be received from no.reply@pay729.net.

Pinnacle is aware of several legacy claims still in the previous system. The team is working hard alongside Amey, VIVO and voucher providers to process these claims as quickly as possible.

If families haven't heard back on a claim that pre-dates the new system (submitted before 1 Aug 23), they are requested to contact: compensation@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk.

Candy Tumble Dryer Fire Risk
It has been identified that there is a potential safety hazard associated with 'Candy Smart' and 'Candy Smart Pro' tumble dryers. There have been several instances of plugs catching fire.
Please do check plugs regularly and contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns.​

Pinnacle Group: SFA Winter Tips

Autumn is here and there’s no better time to check your boiler is working correctly:
· The pressure should be between 1 and 1.5
· Amend your thermostat, check the boiler fires up properly and radiators are warming up

If your radiators are cold at the top when the heating is on, you may need to bleed them to make sure they work and heat up your home efficiently.

Help stop young people falling victims to loan sharks

(1) Credit Union Grime Video - YouTube​

Recent research has shown that a higher proportion of people in the 18 to 24 year old age bracket are at particular risk of being targeted by loan sharks in the current climate. More young people are having financial services or products refused by mainstream banks and many are being forced to borrow from friends and family to make ends meet.

With this in mind, Stop Loan Sharks want to highlight the services offered by credit unions, producing a new grime music video in conjunction with Find Your Credit Union and Nourish Social in the hope that it will appeal to young people and show them that other options that are available. Click the image above to watch the video online.

Service Personnel can also utilise the Joining Forces Credit Unions, supported by the MOD to make saving simple and loans more affordable to the Armed Forces community.

New Consultation Launched: Child Maintenance - Accelerating Enforcement

A new consultation has launched this week seeking views on proposed legislative changes to speed up enforcement of child maintenance arrears, reducing the time it takes from almost six months to six to eight weeks.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will be able to use an administrative liability order to recover unpaid child maintenance instead of applying to the courts and facing a lengthy wait.

The CMS helps around 930,000 children get the financial support they are entitled to and between June 2022-2023 arranged £1.2 billion on their behalf. Overall, child maintenance payments help to keep 160,000 children out of poverty each year.

The consultation is open to voluntary and community sector organisations, as well as CMS customers and members of the public. It applies to England, Wales and Scotland, although comments are welcomed from across the United Kingdom.

The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 24 November.

​Find out more and access the consultation