Family Fun Day at the Brit Bar, 3rd May

 

DWP Civil Service Job Vacancies in Wales

DWP are looking to fill Executive Officer roles in DWP, Work and Health Decision Making Directorate. These are key roles for people who have a positive attitude, a desire for public service and want to make a difference to people’s lives.

We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate they have the right influencing and communicating skills to be responsive to the needs of a diverse group of customers, an ability to understand complex information and can make the right decision at the right time.

Please click here to view further details online

Lincoln University research survey for military families with neurodiverse children

University of Lincoln are running a tri-Service survey for military families who have neurodiverse children (both diagnosed and not diagnosed). They want to know what support families are receiving, and what support they don't have but that would be helpful.

Researchers hope to have a large response to enable them to move forward with establishing services to support families in the future.

The survey is linked here, which starts with the full information sheet. The survey is entirely voluntary and anonymous:

https://unioflincoln.questionpro.eu/t/AB3u0MjZB3vtay​

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​

Visit Nuenen - Van Gogh's Village

The pretty Village of Nuenen is a 20-minute drive from Eindhoven airport - well worth a visit if you are in the area.

From 1883 to 1885, Vincent van Gogh lived and worked in Nuenen; you can take a walk and connect his paintings with real places in the area, which is dotted with 23 locations directly linked to the artist. There are interactive information signs around the village where you can read and listen to stories about Van Gogh and the locations you’re standing in front of.

To learn more about Vincent's life in Nuenen and the importance of his Brabant period to his first masterpiece, 'The Potato Eaters', visit the Van Gogh Village Museum

King's Day in Geleen, 27th April

In the centre of Geleen this Saturday see the King's Market, with more than 250 stalls, activities and sports for children and music from 14.00

King's Day in Geleen will end with a fire, light and laser show from 22.00.

For more information please click here

Bill Bailey is Coming to Heerlen Theatre, 5th May

 

Bill Bailey is coming to Heerlen Theatre with his brand new show Thoughtifier. Tickets still available.

For more information click here

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.

New collaboration between Service Police and the independent charity 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.​

Please click here to read more about this announcement

UK Armed Forces vs North of England Select XV - Saturday 22nd June

Click here to find out more about this event

May Opening Times for JFCBS Library

 

Suicide Bereavement UK have developed a series of At Your Side guides

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/

Festival Trek - Maastricht, 23rd - 26th May

From Thursday 23rd May - Sunday 26th May, Maastricht City Park will be transformed into a large open-air restaurant with street food, music, funfair and cabaret acts. 

Free entry, open afternoons until late.

For more information please visit:
https://www.festival-trek.nl/trek-maastricht/

Telefleur 2024, Heerlen, 9th May

Telefleur is the annual flower and plant market in the centre of Heerlen.

In addition to reasonably priced flowers, shrubs, and bedding plants, you can also find seasonal asparagus and fruit. This year there will also be various food stalls and fun attractions for children.

Open from 09.00.

Stress Awareness Month - Toegtherall

As #StressAwarenessMonth comes to a close, let's keep the momentum going. Reflect on your journey with @Togetherall's journal tool, celebrate your progress and plan for the future with their goal setter, and continue prioritizing your mental well-being. The supportive community and resources are here for you every step of the way. Let's keep shining brighter together. Join today at togetherall.com

Fairy Activities at JFCBS Library

 

Contact Information for GSO Welfare Team

 Please click image to enlarge.

Army Carers – Supporting Serving Personnel with Caring Responsibilities

 Please click the image to enlarge.

Airborne Museum Dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem

 

The Airborne Museum is located in Villa Hartenstein in Oosterbeek. During the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944, part of Operation Market Garden, Hartenstein served as headquarters for British airborne troops.

Hartenstein brings to life the personal stories of British, Polish, German soldiers and civilians, through unique items from the museum’s collection - an extensive and diverse display, consisting of original weaponry, genuine uniforms and equipment used in the battle. 

The numerous photos and films on display provide a realistic picture which is enhanced by interviews with Allied soldiers. 

Experience the Battle in all its intensity at the underground 'Airborne Experience' and become part of the 9-day operation. 2024 will mark the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem.

Opening hours:
Daily from 10.00 to 17.00 (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

For more information please visit:

https://www.airbornemuseum.nl/

Limburgs Most Beautiful - Cycling Event, 24th/25th May

There is a route for everyone in the 31st edition of the Limburg cycle event.

Routes for racing bikes, mountain bikes and gravel bikes with these basic principles:
*attractive landscape
* sporty challenging
* low traffic and safe

The family tour is ideal for children and adults with a city bike or E-bike; approximately 45km long but can be shortened to approximately 25km. The route is almost flat and traffic-calmed. There are a number of rest points along the way where participants can enjoy a drink and a snack and possibly participate in a fun little activity.

For more information and registration please visit:
https://www.limburgsmooiste.nl/

Learn Basic German

 

Tickets For Troops

You are eligible to apply for tickets through Tickets for Troops if:

• You are a serving member of HM Armed Forces
• Have been medically discharged from the Forces since the commencement of military action in Afghanistan in 2001
• You have been awarded a medical pension by the Ministry of Defence and discharged after 2001
• You are the next of kin to a service person who has died as a result of their service

Serving members include both Regulars and Reserves, membership is not open to Cadet Forces, Officer Cadets nor MOD Civil Servants.

Serving members must have a valid MoD 90 (Service ID Card) and Service ID number to register and use the tickets available on this site. Those who have been medically discharged must enter the Service ID Number issued to them whilst serving in the HM Forces.

You will be required to verify that you are eligible to use Ticket For Troops. ​​
To sign up or to see the latest events, please visit www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk​

More Road Closures in Heerlen/Brunssum from 17th April

The following message is sent on behalf of MGT/BSG/ISS/IMS

The work currently taking place on the Akerstraat road by the municipality of Brunssum will enter a new phase from 22nd April 2024 until 25th April 2024.
The new work will be from the roundabout with Rembrandstraat to the following roundabout, as shown by the blue line in the map below.
At the same time (17th - 25th April) the municipality of Heerlen is carrying out works on the road Heerenweg to the intersection with Uterweg, shown in purple on the map below.

During this time the roads will be completely closed for traffic with diversions signposted.

Sip & Paint at the Hub, 30th April

30th April 17.30

Join in at the Hub for a night of creativity, fun, laughter, and friendship. Spaces are limited, reserve your spot today.

Cost $35 per person, includes first beverage, and class materials.

To register visit the Hub or tel: +31 (0)455-34-0232

 

Stress Awareness Month - Toegtherall

Struggling with stress? @Togetherall have got your back. This #StressAwarenessMonth, unlock the power of these 4 stress-busting tips. You can also join the Togetherall community and get support from likeminded individuals at togetherall.com

BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by VINCI Facilities - Thursday 25th April

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 UK military community:

Helpline Coordinator, FamilyLine - Full Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)
Full Time (37 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

Helpline Operator, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)
Part Time (30 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

​Data Analyst, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)
Part Time (18.5 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

Stress Awareness Month and Debt

 

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

This is a FREE qualification suitable for anyone who wants to work in a school or college setting in a full or part-time support role (this could be in an administrative role, technical or site support, voluntary work or working directly with children and young people in the classroom).

For more details please click here

HIVE 40th Anniversary: Request for Anecdotes and Memories

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 – thank you!

Military Youth Voice Survey for 8-17 year olds - closes Friday 31st May

The Tri-Service Youth Survey is open to anyone aged 8-17 who lives, or has lived in a family that includes a Serving person.

It’s really important that we reach as many children and young people as possible. Please share the survey with as many people as you can and ask them to support the service children and young people they know and/or work with to complete the survey by 31st May 2024.

The results of the Survey will help the Youth Voice Steering Group focus their priorities, inform professionals, policy makers and help improve the experience of children and young people living in service families.

Link to survey - UK Tri-Service Youth Voice Survey 8-17 years (office.com)

Talent In The Ranks - Artist Development Programme for the Armed Forces community

To view this document online, please click here 

School Admissions: Which primary/ secondary school will my child attend?

School Admissions:

Which primary/ secondary school will my child attend?

Education is a devolved matter, meaning overall policy and regulations are set by each individual country. School admissions timelines and processes vary in different areas of the UK. Some processes are centrally administered and other local to the area within which you live. The UK Government website has information and guidance on school admissions with links to support those who have applied for school places in each of the four countries.

Children starting primary or secondary school for the first time in September 2024 will receive confirmation of the school allocated to them by the authority they applied to. In England and Wales this is often referred to as National Offer Day.

Children with a statutory plan of Special Educational Needs such as an EHCP will have a school named in the plan for the child to attend. The following dates and processes do not apply. Please seek alternative advice in this circumstance.

How you will be informed of the school your child has been allocated for the new academic year will differ based upon where you live.

To read the entire document, please click here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £3M to support systemic change in Armed Forces communities

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.

Each of the funded projects has a different focus, from supporting older Veterans, to tackling stigma amongst female Veterans. Mental health and wellbeing outcomes are an important element of many of the projects, though the ways of taking on these challenges vary from sports to e-learning, and training to inclusive programmes of activity and new and improved ways of delivering services.

Housing webinars for Service personnel and their families, April 21st to June 30th every Sunday evening 19:00hrs

 

Please click the image to enlage.

Stress Awareness Week and Debt

 

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 

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!

Month of the Military Child — Never Such Innocence

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 and contact our social value team on psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk

Stress Awareness Week and Debt

 

Stress Awareness Month - support for Personnel

 

DIO Accommodation - Stakeholder Briefing

IDEAL Customer Safety Notice

A safety recall has been issued by IDEAL regarding their Heating Logic 2 gas combi & system boiler range. Around 1,700 homes have this type of boiler installed. Impacted families have been issued a letter and FAQ document informing them of the issue and the next steps to resolve this.

Families are still able to use the boilers, however, IDEAL advise families to repressurise their boiler and ensure they register their details for an upgrade. Instructions on how to do this, can be found on IDEAL's website: https://www.idealsupport.co.uk/

Serve and Protect's new Cash ISA

Introducing Serve and Protect Credit Union's new Fixed Cash ISA account! 💼💰

The account offers a guaranteed tax-free return of 4% AER for the 2024/25 tax year so it could be a great opportunity for you to grow your savings.

​Learn more at https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/cash-isa/

Castle Festival, Hoensbroek, 27th/28th April

The Hoen family opens the gates of Hoensbroek Castle for a weekend full of adventure and fun for the whole family. The castle and  squares will be bustling with activities - you can expect magicians, a puppet theatre, dance workshop, medieval music, knights and archery.

For more information and tickets, click here

Stress Awareness month - Togetherall

Ready to conquer stress and worry? This #StressAwarenessMonth, take charge of your mental well-being with @Togetherall's self-help course 'Managing Stress & Worry'. Join the empowering community and equip yourself with the tools to thrive. Let's turn stress into strength, together join today at togetherall.com

Breakfast at the Brit Cafe, 26th April

The Brit Cafe is offering a selection of breakfast baps - bacon, sausage or both! on Friday 26th April from 10.30 - 11.30.

Please place orders by 22nd April via email:
britcommunitycorner@gmail.com

Military Wives Choirs Spring Concert, 2nd May

 

Stress Awareness Month - support for Personnel

 

Quest Magazine April 2024

 To read the latest issue of Quest click here