New MOD booklet: Benefits and support for Reserve families

Today, Defence launches a new booklet for Reservists, and their families, on the benefits and support available. This includes financial discounts, healthcare, and career support.

Did you know that of the 190,170 total serving military personnel in the British Armed Forces, 18% of them are Reservists? This means that the Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of Armed Forces personnel.

Reservists make a critical contribution in the Armed Forces and are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. Keep reading to find out more about what Reservists do, and how they make a positive impact in the Armed forces.

Do you know what support and benefits are available?

Jagaur Land Rover tax free sales update

Jagaur Land Rover tax free sales update

Due to the closure of Grant and Green in Paderborn, Jagaur Land Rover tax free sales, that supply vehicles to all NATO personnel, now work with Markötter in Paderborn.

Please see here for more details.

New Discounts available at Beaver Creek Wake Park

The owners of Beaver Creek Wake Park in Roermond, have agreed to provide all NATO ID card holders with a 20% discount off activities and equipment hire. To take advantage of this offer, show your NATO ID when booking in person (not available online). The Wake Park offers the following experience’s along with hire of equipment and instruction for beginners and upwards:

• Water skiing
• Wakeboarding
• Knee boarding
• E-Foiling
• Beginner Courses
• Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
• Kids camps
• Private Cable Rental
• Onsite restaurant

For more information, please click here, check out the website or watch the promotional video. Alternatively, you can contact Sarah Partridge or Jason Partridge.

Brunssum International Club

Brunssum International Club is a thriving organisation of over 200 members with all NATO nations and some partner nations represented.

The Club hosts a coffee and culture morning once a month, which is a chance to get together, enjoy a chat and a coffee and sample food from the hosting delegation. However, there’s much more on offer!

The Club has a number of Activity groups from Dog Friendly Walking to French Conversation, Pilates to Arts and Crafts. They also have a dedicated team who arrange trips throughout the year from Delft and Keukenhof to the Coffee Roastery and Cocktail Making.

If you want to spread your wings and make friends outside of the UK community, the International Club is a great, friendly place to start. Membership for the 24/25 year is €25 and you can sign up here.

Defence Children Services (DCS): Potential Delays for Education Advisory Team (UK) Responses

Defence Children Services (DCS) have advised that there may be a delay in responses to enquiries, guidance requests and casework due to current staff shortages. A letter has been provided which explains further, and gives details on potential timelines for service delivery. To read the letter please click here.

For further information on DCS and EAT(UK) please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-children-services-dcs​

Soldier Magazine: Army HIVE Article 'Stuck on Camp'

Click on image to enlarge

The August edition of Soldier Magazine features an article on HIVE's support to those staying behind on camp, either on 'rear party' or due to choosing to remain on camp for personal reasons. The article gives signposts and some suggestions to hopefully assist those in this situation, should they be needed.

To view the August edition, please click HERE, the HIVE article is on page ​28.

To find your nearest HIVE for more information or support, please go to www.army.mod.uk/hives or find us on Facebook, X or Instagram.

Aurora New Dawn & Mankind: Domestic Abuse Recovery Programmes

As part of MOD's partnership with Aurora New Dawn, they are running a sexual violence recovery programme and an Athena domestic abuse programme for female Army and RN personnel and family members. Find out more at Aurora Abuse in the Armed Forces | Support Service | Aurora New Dawn (aurorand.org.uk)​ Course details, including how to register, are in the documents at these links:

• Sexual Violence Recovery Programme
• Athena Domestic Abuse Course​

​ManKind have received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to run their ACORN Recovery Course for male personnel, family members and veterans. Details, including how to register, are on the poster. More information on Mankind is at: https://mankind.org.uk/​

HIVE's 40th Anniversary Celebrations

HIVE’s 40th Anniversary Launch

This year, HIVE is celebrating its 40th Anniversary, and marking four decades of supporting the Service community. HIVE has come a long way since the first location in Hohne, Germany, was opened in 1984.

To start off the celebrations, a 40th Anniversary Launch Event was held in June at MOD Main Building in London. Army HIVE, RAF HIVE and Royal Navy Family & People Support (formerly RN HIVE) hosted guests from across the MOD and external stakeholders.

Head of Army HIVE, Nikki Peterson, gave a speech on the HIVE journey and said:
“I have had the pleasure of working for HIVE for almost 20 years and been involved longer as a customer during my time in service and as an Army spouse.