Building Heroes: Supporting the Salute

Building Heroes is a leading military charity, joining forces with education, the Armed Forces and construction to shape and grow the industry with a pipeline of valuable, work ready personnel from the military community.

We will continue to offer our Multi Trades Qualifications at our London, Wales, Basingstoke, Colchester, Salisbury and Plymouth Academies.

​Additionally, we will be offering a brand-new qualifications Level 3 in Retrofit Assessor/Energy Domestic Assessor. These combined qualifications will run for 5 weeks. This level 3 qualification will ensure straight employment routes and we have plenty of opportunities available. (see attached flyers)

The location for Retrofit will be in Barnet but a couple of the cohorts may be in Enfield. This is all to be confirmed but for now encourage your service leavers to get onto the Waitlist so not to miss out!

For further information on how to collaborate with Building Heroes, please click on flyers here and here.

All applications to be made at www.buildingheroes.org.uk

Supply Teachers and Learning Support Assistants Required

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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

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

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/

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

Contact Information for GSO Welfare Team

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Army Carers – Supporting Serving Personnel with Caring Responsibilities

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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/

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​

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

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

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

 

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/

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

Stress Awareness Month - support for Personnel

 

Quest Magazine April 2024

 To read the latest issue of Quest click here

BFBS Social Media Specialist?

 *Ring ring* 📞 It's the social media police calling! 🤭

We think it's time to 'up' your social media game. 💻✨

In case you didn't get the memo, BFBS are now offering FREE social media courses to...

✨ Partners of UK military personnel
✨ Bereaved forces families
✨ Veterans
✨ Partners of veterans

Sign up for any (or all) of our seven courses 👉 http://sms.bfbs.com/

Stress Awareness Month - Togetherall

Feeling the weight of stress? You're not alone. This #StressAwarenessMonth, take a step towards better #mentalhealth with @Togetherall. Join a supportive community where you can share, learn, and grow together. Your well-being matters - let's navigate this journey together. Join today at togetherall.com

Victory Services Club: March Newsletter

To read the March Newsletter click here

For more information about Victory Services Club please visit:
https://www.vsc.co.uk/

Discover My Benefits: Discover benefits for you and your family – what’s new?

Discover My Benefits now gives a more accurate and tailored financial value for your Army Regular or Reservist total reward package.

Have you ever wondered how much extra you get in addition to your standard salary and, more importantly, what could be available to you and your family in the future? Or have you previously used Army ‘The Offer’ webpages to find this out? To see how you receive more than just pay, visit Discover My Benefits – with information on pensions, facilities, allowances, discounts and offers, to help with cost of living and the unique demands of military life and operations.

DIO Families First newsletter - issue 15

In this issue:
- A Message from DIO Director of Accommodation, Phil Riley
- Modernised Accommodation Offer survey
- Investment across the estate
- DIO SFA Townhall sessions

Families First newsletters can also be viewed online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-infrastructure-organisation-service-family-accommodation​

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.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New grants to support Early Years Service children

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce 21 new, targeted projects worth £870,000, that will deliver real change for young Service children in the latest round of the Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme.

That’s a total of more than £2.1 million in grant awards since the programme launched in 2022!

Enhancing training opportunities

In Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council have been awarded £79,920 for their two-year project, providing a series of training and mentoring sessions for Early Years staff, including childminders, who work with Armed Forces families stationed at HM Naval Base Clyde. Collaborating with external organisations, the project will deliver innovative and practical training for the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) workforce, developing accessible resources for both ELC staff and Armed Forces families.