Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund applications are now open!

​Last year, The Open University supported around 28,000 disabled students. And, since the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund was established, more than 300 additional disabled students have been able to access higher education with us.

What is a Disabled Veterans' Scholarship?
If you’ve been injured or disabled in, or as a resu​​lt of, military service, you could be funded to complete a full Open University qualification.

We offer 50 scholarships annually. All undergraduate and postgraduate modules and qualifications are eligible. You’ll have your fees waived for up to 120 credits per seasonal academic year, up to a maximum of 360 credits, which is equivalent to a full honours degree.

Information and eligibility criteria can be found here:
Disabled Veterans' Scholarships | How to Pay | Open University

Social Media Specialists - free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses

The BFBS Academy has announced the launch of Social Media Specialists, a free course open to the broader military community offering the opportunity to upskill in social media marketing techniques.

Click here for further details

Join the RBL at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on 6 June as RBL host WW2 veterans and their families, and commemorate the service and sacrifice of all those involved in the Normandy Campaign.
Members of the public can watch the D-Day 80 Service of Remembrance in the grounds, with seating available on a first come, first served basis.
Entry to the Arboretum is free, but booking your visit in advance is recommended to guarantee entry, and save on parking (£4 in advance, £6 on the day)

For more information visit:
https://www.thenma.org.uk/.../d-day-80-remembrance-service​

National Adult Social Care Recruitment Campaign - Made with Care

23red is the partnerships agency working with DHSC on their national adult social care recruitment campaign Made with Care.

The campaign aims to highlight the amazing opportunities which the care sector can provide for a fulfilling career, showcasing the amazing difference you can make every day and demonstrating that it is easy for people without any previous experience to get started.

As part of their work DHSC have recognised that a career in care could work incredibly well for those leaving the armed services and the partners of those currently serving in the armed forces.

As such we have been working with Forces Employment Charity and the Career Transition Partnership to create a suite of resources which can help to showcase the benefits of a career in care and direct people to the national campaign site where they can find out more about the roles on offer and search for relevant jobs in their area.​

The resources, including posters, leaflets and social media assets, are free to download and will hopefully provide useful support for those currently looking for flexible careers or considering their next step.

Defence Discount Service: Veterans Privilege Card Video

Defence Discount Service have introduced a new video to support veterans with signing up for a Defence Discount Service Privilege card. To watch the video, please go to this YouTube link: ​https://youtu.be/KMIHDeVl3Jo?si=WVF-WFCVde-oZIV6

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

Non-UK Nationals: Lower minimum income requirement agreed for the Armed Forces

 

On 4 December 2023, the Government announced that the MIR would be increased to align with the new minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, which is currently £38,700, with an initial increase to £29,000 in Spring 2024. This will no longer include an additional income requirement where a child is included in the application.

The Ministry of Defence has worked with the Home Office on options to mitigate the potential impact on recruitment and retention the increase may have, and it has been agreed that the MIR will be aligned with the salary threshold for Other Ranks on completion of training, which is currently £23,496. Officers earn £31,304 until completion of Initial Officer Training when their pay increases to £37,425. The MIR for HM Armed Forces will be reviewed in line with the annual pay award.

The Government introduced the MIR in July 2012 for partners and children of British and settled persons, and in December 2013 for a partner and child(ren) of HM Armed Forces, including the Brigade of Gurkhas, under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules.

The full Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules can be found at: HC 590 – Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (publishing.service.gov.uk)​
A Q&A document has been prepared and can be accessed HERE

Castle Arcen

Enjoy the castle and gardens where every season has its own charm. 
You can combine your visit with a bike ride or a creative workshop.

Plenty for children to do - they can go on a discovery tour in the park with a treasure hunt, have a game of mini golf, play on the man-made beach and feed the animals in the petting meadow. 

Parking €7.00 per day

Lingsforterweg, 5944 BE, Arcen.

Visit: https://www.kasteeltuinen.nl/  for information about workshops and events.

The village of Arcen is a 5-minute walk from the castle - a nice little village on the Maas with good places to eat.

For more information click here

Togetherall: Neurodiversity Celebration Week Support

 

We all experience and interact with the world in a way that makes sense to us. Neurodiversity highlights the idea that there's no one right way to think, learn, behave or feel.

People think differently, which means we can also utilise different ways to feel better. With Togetherall, members can share their experiences and share community.​

Read more about Neurodiversity in @Togetherall's blog post: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/support-articles/what-is-neurodiversity

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Final round of Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme brings total grant funding to over £11.8 million in two-years

Final round of Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme brings total grant funding to over £11.8 million in two years

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce that they have awarded over £2.8 million to 32 targeted projects that will deliver real change within Armed Forces communities in the final round of the Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme.

That’s a huge total of more than £11.8 million in grant awards since the programme launched in April 2022!

Defence Victim Witness Care Unit: We stand with victims

We stand with victims.
A year after its formation, we look at how the Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) supports victims and witnesses of serious crime during their journey through the Service Justice System.

Here to support
Whether you’re in the Armed Forces or a civilian, the VWCU is here to support you. If you’ve been affected as a victim or witness of serious crime committed by Service personnel in the UK or abroad, we are here to help.

Independent from the Army, Navy, and RAF chains of command, the unit is made up of specially trained civilian Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) who act as supportive guides throughout the Service Justice System – from reporting a crime, to the investigation, and any subsequent court martial and outcomes.

Visit your Pharmacy first!

 

Tulip Trip, 29th April

Registration for this trip is closing at the end of this week. Scan the code for more information and registration form.

'A Bridge Too Far' Day Trip, 25th May

 

eRedbook - Child Health Record

The eRedbook is the electronic version of the paper Red Book - Personal Child Health Record.
Families who have a child under 5 years and pregnant ladies can download an App and register for the eRedbook.

For more information and details of how to register, please visit:
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/ssafa-community-health-overseas/eredbook

Month of the Military Child

 

Each April, we celebrate Month of the Military Child, a time to recognise the important role that military children play in the wider armed forces community.

We invite individuals, organisations, schools and groups to participate in Month of the Military Child this year through 3 key activities:

Car Craft Centre, JFCBS

 

Family Action - Job Opportunity Alert

Advice Line Worker, PAC-UK – Part Time, UK Homebased, London or Leeds

• Homebased, starting at £31,991 FTE per annum, raising to £35,445 FTE per annum, plus £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum
• London office / hybrid, starting at £35,780 FTE per annum, raising to £39,235 FTE per annum inclusive of Inner London Weighting
• Leeds office / hybrid, starting at £31,991 FTE per annum, raising to £35,445 FTE per annum
• Permanent contract – 18.5 hours a week

To apply: fill out the Application Form & send to: completed.application17@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: Tuesday 2nd of April at 12pm
ID: 1123​

Civvy Street - March 2024 Edition

 The latest edition of Civvy Street is available here​

Armed Forces Strongman/Strongwoman Events: Dishforth Dumbell Defence Records Day, 24 Apr

For more information, scan the QR Code or click the link:
Forces Strongman: Dishforth Dumbbell Records Day 24 Apr 2024 (office.com)​

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Service Pupil support with new round of funding

Great news for schools supporting Service children in the UK! The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme.

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), the Service Pupil Support Programme will award grants of £5,000 to £80,000 to projects supporting Service children along their educational pathway.

Tri-Border Sailing Club

The NATO Tri-Border Sailing Club (NTSC) is a recognised Club of the Allied Joint Force Command HQ Brunssum (JFCB) Morale and Welfare Activity.  

The club has a variety of boats for beginners and advanced sailors. One membership cost allows the unlimited use of boats throughout the season (April - October) at the sailing location in Roermond.
Training is available.

For more information please visit:
https://www.sailnato.org/

World Sleep Day Friday 15th March

SLEEP is the Foundation Stone that supports both our mental health and physical wellbeing, which is why we spend a third of our lives asleep.​

The information contained in this Sleep Resource Page will help you to adopt heathier lifestyle choices, these small changes will help you to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. All of ​​​​​​these changes are inside your control.

​Fd Army Sleep Resource Page (cloud.microsoft)

Centrica Forces Pathway News Letter

To read the latest Centrica Pathway newsletter and learn about job opportunities, click here

Open Studio Thursday, JFCBS Arts & Crafts

 

Job Vacancy - MWA, JFCBS

 

NOTIFICATION OF A CIVILIAN REQUIREMENT AT JOINT FORCE COMMAND

Our Requirement:

Title: Head of Non-Appropriated Fund Accounting Management Duty
Location: Brunssum, The Netherlands
Local wage rate: Grade 11
Requirement filling date: as soon as possible
Closing date for applications: 24 March 2024

To see more details please click here

Limburg House - UK Community/Welfare Accommodation, Netherlands

Limburg House is the UK community and welfare house located in Heerlen, approximately 3 miles from JFC Brunssum.

The property has 3 bedrooms,1 bathroom and a parking space. It is furnished with modern comforts, equipped with all the kitchen essentials, including a washing machine and tumble dryer. 

The cost per night is €30, which includes WiFi and bedding.

The community carpet cleaner is available to book through Limburg House - cost is €20 per day.

Available to all UK military personnel and family. 

For enquires and bookings please email:

LimburgHouse@gmail.com

Contact House Directory

Did you know that Army HIVE holds and maintains a directory of all Contact Housing available across the UK and Overseas?

For a copy, or for contact details for a location, do g​et in touch with any HIVE or drop us a message at:

rc-pers-hivecomms-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations (TSARs) JSP 464 updated to reflect Modernised Accommodation Offer

The following changes have been made to incorporate the elements of the Modernised Accommodation Offer (MAO) that are being implemented from 11th March:

JSP 464 Vol 1 Part 1 V 30

• Ch 12: Forces Help to Buy Scheme – Section XII Para 1251. Refund of Legal Expenses (New Buyers) policy

JSP 464 Vol 3 Pt 1 V 24 

• Ch 3: Single Living Accommodation and the Substitute Equivalents - Charges 
• SLA Waivers 0303c. Amendment to Over 37 Provision.
• SLA Waivers 0303 y. Inclusion of the Dual Accommodation Waiver.

Details of the amendments are at this link and the full policy document can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jsp-464-tri-service-accommodation-regulations-tsars

NHS 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' Campaign Launches in UK

The NHS ‘Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ campaign launched today, and has the following primary messages: 

● High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. 

● You could be one of millions living with high blood pressure without knowing it. 

● An estimated 4.2 million adults in England currently have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

● Left untreated, high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

     ○ Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 1 in 4 deaths in England - around one death every four minutes.

● The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a blood pressure test. 

     ○ It’s a free, simple and a non-invasive procedure conducted in privacy at your local pharmacy, and you don’t need to book in advance.  

Army Welfare Service: A Message to Domestic Abuse Victims/Survivors

 

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Credit & Borrowing Videos & Financial Blog

Credit and Borrowing Videos

​Accessing affordable credit should not be complicated. The team at Serve and Protect Credit Union are here to explain all things credit and borrowing 🙌

🔗 Watch Serve and Protect Credit Union's credit and borrowing videos here - https://sandpcu.co.uk/videos-credit-borrowing

Financial Blog
Does your credit score need some help? 🤔

Serve and Protect Credit Union are here with 10 simple tips to improve your credit score, giving you better options should you need financial support.

🔗 10 Tips to Improve your Credit Score
https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/news/10-tips-to-improve-credit-score/

Togetherall: World Sleep Day Blog Post - Sleep Health

Struggling to get a good night's sleep? A good night's rest is crucial for our mental & physical health and quality of life.
Check out Togetherall’s blog on the power of sleep & how to get it: https://bit.ly/3lfZ79O

Armed Forces Pension Schemes: Pension Savings Tax Changes and the 2015 Pension remedy

A newsletter has been published on the Armed Forces Pension Schemes Gov.uk website, providing guidance on:

​1. Pensions Savings tax and the latest changes
2. Pensions Savings tax and the 2015 Pension Remedy

Links to supporting guidance and sources of further advice can be found on pages 13-15 of the publication.

Please go to this LINK to view the newsletter, or to Armed forces pensions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)​ for all AFPS-related information and guidance.​

Family Action Job Opportunity: Content Executive, Digital Marketing - UK Remote, Part Time & Flexible Working

UK Home based Hours: 22.5 hours per week (part-time)

Salary: £28,315 – £31,073 FTE per annum (£17,218.58 - £18,895.74 per annum + £480 home working allowance)

Contract type: 12 month contract (with the aim of being made permanent)

Family Action are looking for a skilled web copywriter who is passionate about creating helpful content for families and comes with a track record of working with subject experts to translate difficult topics online. You will have the opportunity to develop and shape a distinct area of our upcoming website and provide direct support to families looking for information and help as part of Family Action and our helpline, FamilyLine's digital offer. This is a part time role with the flexibility to fit around candidates' lives and brings with it the chance to makes a real difference to families looking for help and guidance.


To read more & apply – click HER​E​ (Vacancy ID 1112)

Celebrate the Month of the Military Child with Little Troopers

April is the international month of the military child and the charity Little Troopers has organised a special month packed full of events, workshops and downloadable activities, so wherever you live, you can get involved in the celebrations with your little troopers! The charity also has a dedicated Month of the Military Child Schools Pack so that schools in the UK and overseas can join in and shine a light on their forces children this April.

Pilates at Studio 33

Studio 33 in Sittard are offering free trial workshops every first Saturday at 11.00 and every second Thursday at 16.50.

For more information please contact:

hallo@studio33sittard.com

 

Spring Flea Market at The Hub, 20th April

Come out and shop for anything from household goods, clothes, tools, art, jewelry, books, crafts, toys, and all kinds of treasures.

If you would like to sell items please click here for information.

REMINDER - Regarding Winter Driving in Germany

The following message is sent on behalf of MGT/BSG/SES:

A reminder in advance that from 1st October 2024 the transitional period in Germany that allowed all season tyres displaying only the M + S mark (manufactured before 01 January 2018) will come to an end.

Alpine symbol All winter tyres from 1st October 2024 must display the Alpine symbol to be considered winter tyres.

The new icon is more than a mere symbol. It also reflects the new law that spells out what a “winter tyre” is, and sets new standards that were not in place before. Existing winter tyres (M+S-Reifen) with only the old M+S mark will be allowed until 30th September 2024.

The new 3-peak Alpine symbol is required on all new winter tyres in Germany and reflects higher standards for those tyres.

What are 'winter weather conditions'?
1. Black ice
2. Slippery conditions due to snow or slush
3. Slippery conditions caused by ice or frost

There is no fixed time period in which you are obliged to drive with winter tyres in Germany, but it is your responsibility to have the right tyres for the right weather conditions. The general rule is ‘von O bis O’ (from October to Easter), fitting winter tyres from the beginning of October to the end of April.

Fines
If your tyres do not meet the new requirements there may be a €60 fine. If you are inconveniencing other road users this will be increased to €80. If you are involved in an accident, even if not your fault, you may be held jointly liable.

For more information please visit:
Snow Tires and Winter Driving in Germany • The German Way & More (german-way.com)
https://www.eurocampings.co.uk/blog/listing/winter-tyres-germany-when/

Victory Services Club: February Newsletter

To read the latest Victory Services Club newsletter click here
For more information about the prestigious military members club in the heart of London visit https://www.vsc.co.uk/

 

Brunssum Road Closure Additional Information

The following message is sent on behalf of MGT/BSG/SES/DEFP:

In the near future work is planned on streets around JFC Headquarters.
The nature of these works mean that road closures will be necessary. These closures will be signposted and accompanied by diversion direction signs as indicated by:

Unfortunately all announcements are in Dutch. Be aware of the following street names:

N276 (red) - foreseen closure 5th Feb – 4th Mar 2024

Karel Doormanstraat (green) - foreseen closure 11th Mar – 24th Mar 2024
Bodemplein intersection - foreseen closure 11th Mar – 1st Aug 2024

Akerstraat North - foreseen closure 25th March - 28th April 2024

Akerstraat South - foreseen closure 29th April - 2nd Jun 2024

Closures are subject to change depending on the progress of work.

Visit Hasselt

In Hasselt, Belgium, a 45 minute drive from Brunssum, is a tranquil Japanese garden.
It is the perfect setting to fully experience the Japanese culture.

There are benches to sit on to enjoy the sound of waterfalls, koi fish to spot and feed, picnic places and paths for peaceful walks.

There are different activities/events on every month.
Cherry Blossom Season - Hanami
From 21st March to 30th April 2024, the garden will officially open its doors and you can see the cherry blossoms in bloom.

For more information click here

Hasselt is the largest city in Limburg, nice place to visit, shop and eat. For more information:
https://www.visithasselt.be/nl

Tea and Toast at the Brit Community Cafe every Monday

Tea & Toast will be on offer every Monday morning from 09.00 - 11.00 in the Brit Community Cafe, UK NSE building.
€2 - cash only
Tea - Fresh Coffee - Toast - Crumpets - Biscuits & Pastries
Hope to see you there, all NATO ID holders welcome!

New Defence Domestic Abuse Action Plan

The MOD Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-29 is a five-year plan detailing the key actions defence is taking to tackle domestic abuse. The plan sets out how defence will prevent, intervene, and partner, to support those affected by domestic abuse and ensure those who perpetrate abuse are held accountable. 

The defence approach includes the implementation of a coordinated community response model, data and research working groups and the development of a military domestic abuse practice network.

As an employer, defence has a moral and legal duty of care for our personnel. But we also recognise a responsibility that extends beyond that, as articulated in the Armed Forces Covenant, that those who serve or have served, and their families, should be treated fairly. This plan reiterates defence’s commitment to create and maintain an environment that does not tolerate domestic abuse and raises awareness of the work taking place to tackle domestic abuse within the defence community.

Access via the link:
No defence for abuse: Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

NO MORE week - Domestic Abuse Campaign 3rd - 9th March

The 11th annual NO MORE Week raises awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence, inspiring individuals, organisations, and communities to make change.

All of us can play a role in preventing this crime. By learning more today, you could make a huge difference in someone’s life in the future. For more information click here

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024: Online Events Schedule - 18th to 24th March

 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 takes place 18-24 Mar, and a calendar of online webinars and Q&A sessions has been scheduled as a part of this. There are events relevant to individuals, parents and carers, employees and employers included; registration is via this link: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events

Recordings of the webinars will be emailed out to those who register, if they are unable to join their selected event(s) at the scheduled time.

Brunssum Road Closures

The following message is sent on behalf of Brunssum Municipality:

Commencing Monday 11th March, the entire Bodemplein area (cross-road Akerstraat – Prins Hendriklaan – Dodemplein – Rumpenerstraat) in down town Brunssum is closed to all traffic until 19th July 2024. The square will see a complete reconstruction. 

The current crossroads with traffic lights will be replaced by two connecting roundabouts. Public transport, first aid and emergency services as well as cyclists and residents will be able to access the square, limitations apply. All other through traffic will be detoured.

Camp Hendrik Akerstraat Gate will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists (when repaired).

For more information click here