New Brunssum HIVE opening hours for 2025

 

From 1st January 2025 your Brunssum Hive office will have new opening hours. Which will be:

Monday - Thursday 09.00 - 14.00

NHS Better Health: Make 2025 the year you quit smoking

• Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you.
• Join thousands of other people preparing to quit smoking this New Year.
• Quitting smoking is best thing you can do for your health. Get ready to quit for good this New Year.
• You’re far more likely to quit smoking successfully with the right support. Discover what’s available at NHS Better Health and prepare to quit for good this New Year.
• Getting support from your local stop smoking service gives you the best chance of quitting smoking successfully. Visit NHS Better Health to find your nearest service and get ready to quit for good in 2025.
• It’s never too late to quit smoking and you will notice almost immediate improvements to your health when you stop. New Year is a great time to join others giving quitting a go.
• Did you know that the average smoker could save around £3000 per year by quitting? Track your savings with the free NHS quit smoking app.
• Want to quit smoking but not sure where to start? Get your free personal quit plan now.
• Want to know more about using a vape to quit smoking? There’s lots of information available on the NHS Better Health website.
• NHS Better Health has a range of content and tools to help smokers make a successful quit attempt, all of which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking

The International Club: Baltic Horizons Coffee Morning

Join The International Club for a Baltic Adventure Coffee Morning

Start 2025 on an inspiring note with Baltic Horizons as we dive into the rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania!

Date: 14th January 2025
Time: 10 AM
Location: Schinvelder Hoeve

Armed Forces Covenant: 2024 annual report

The Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report has been published today (18 Dec) and is available to read on Gov.uk at this link: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2024 - GOV.UK​​

The annual reports set out major achievements of the armed forces covenant and highlight remaining challenges and new commitments.

Money & Pensions Advice Service guidance: Making the Most of your Money

Taking the time to manage your money can make a real difference

Whatever stage of life you’re at – whether you’re saving into a pension for the first time, buying or renting a home, starting a family or planning to retire – there are always ways of making your money go further.

Find out more on the Money and Pensions Advice Service's Money Helper website at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en​ or at https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ViewProduct.html?sp=Sengmakingthemostofyourmoney-400​​

Also there is a library of advice booklets that are free to download at: https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ArticleOverview.html?sp=Sguide​

Families First newsletter - issue 22

Please use this link to read issue 22 of the Families First newsletter (and previous issues) online: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)​

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

Earlier today, a Written Ministerial Statement was published, announcing that the MOD has reached a formal agreement with Annington Property Ltd to repurchase more than 36,000 Service Family homes in England and Wales.  

This means that the homes that were previously privately owned will return to public ownership. This deal not only delivers long term value for money for the taxpayer but also means future improvements to the SFA estate will benefit Service families directly.

We hope this will be welcome news as DIO will now have the freedom to embark on a substantial programme of redevelopment and improvement of the estate.

Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand

The MOD’s Safeguarding Team have released a video providing advice for anyone in the Armed Forces community affected by domestic abuse.

See it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt6cvtmy6pY

You are not alone - there are many agencies who can help:

In an emergency call 999

At unit/establishment level:

• Your local military/civil police
• Unit Welfare Officer
• Padre or Medical Centre

Professional welfare service:

BFBS Update December 2024

Follow this link to see the December 2024 BFBS update: BFBS Update December 2024 | About BFBS​

Two weeks to go until the 2025 Dry January® challenge

 

The New Year can also be a challenging time for many. Increasing peer pressure to celebrate by drinking at parties and, in some sectors, demanding workloads can contribute to people drinking more around this time of year.

There is also a growing realisation that alcohol can prevent us from achieving our best. From headaches, sleepless nights, and feeling ‘off’ the next day to long-term health issues like high blood pressure, anxiety and cancer, alcohol impacts us in so many ways.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £70K awarded to help mitigate the impact of separation for Service families

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) have awarded funding worth over £70,000 to five fantastic projects designed to mitigate the challenges posed by long or frequent involuntary separation on families, spouses, and serving personnel.

Supporting those most affected

MWR Library online resources available again!

The online resources of the MWR Library are once again available to non-US personnel and their families.

If you already have a library account:

1. you can log into Libby,
2. select the DOD MWR library and where it asks 'are you a local national', select yes.
3. You will then need to enter your library card number (which is the long OJN number on your ID card)
4. and *voila* about 100,000 e-book and audiobook titles will be at your fingertips!

If you need help accessing any of this, or getting a library account, visit the library - it's a brilliant resource!!

Togatherall: New Year - resources and peer support

Feeling uncertain about what’s ahead? You’re not alone. Togetherall is here with free, anonymous peer support anytime you need it—24/7, all year round.

There’s also a range of other self-help resources. Connect with others who understand at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

DWP News Update, including Christmas arrangements for benefit payments and revised JobCentre Plus opening times

Information on DWP benefit payment dates over the festive period: How and when your benefits are paid - GOV.UK

Jobcentre festive opening times can be found here: Contact Jobcentre Plus: Christmas and New Year opening - GOV.UK

Further DWP news updates:
Top tips for jobseekers at risk of ‘fake DBS check’ recruitment scams(link is external)
Press release: To coincide with the launch of the Home Office Stop! Think Fraud campaign, the Disclosure and Barring Service is providing support to job seekers for a safer employment search.

Connect to Work is the first programme under the Government’s new Get Britain Working Strategy. It is a work programme in England and Wales to help disabled people, those with health conditions and people with complex barriers to employment, to find sustainable work.
Connect to Work will be a voluntary, high-fidelity Supported Employment programme, connecting work, health and skills support across all of England and Wales: Connect to Work: Grant Guidance for England - GOV.UK

Tens of thousands more pensioners now in receipt of Pension Credit(link is external)
Press release: New figures released on 28 November 2024 show an extra 42,500 households are now in receipt of Pension Credit, and therefore the Winter Fuel Payment, since the government launched its pension credit awareness campaign.

Employers that have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme(link is external)
Guidance: This document lists the employers that have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme, and their status (committed, employer or leader) up to 30 November 2024.

Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas

The Armed Forces Accommodation Policy Team is thrilled with the feedback from more than 50 service members taking part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot in Cyprus. Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027.

JFC Brunssum E-Learning Centre Update

JFC Brunssum E-Learning Centre Update

Due to the restructure of overseas learning support, the UK NSE is no longer funded to provide e-learning centre support. Please therefore note with immediate effect, the revised contact details for all Educationals & Resettlement enquiries. 

ARMY & NAVY RESETTLEMENT

ETSS-30AEC-Rstlmnt0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

RAF RESETTLEMENT

mandy.jones674@mod.gov.uk or visit the RAF Resettlement hub on Defence Connect

EDUCATIONAL QUERIES

Includes but not limited to Standard Learning Credits, Enhanced Learning Credits, MLAT, Functional skills

ETSS-30AECGp-LDO@mod.gov.uk

RAF ENHANCED LEARNING CREDITS

linda.roy242@mod.gov.uk

All other queries to be directed to Gavin.connolly331@mod.gov.uk

Discount News for NATO Card Holders

Discount News for NATO Card Holders!

Crowne Plaza Hotel Maastricht now has exclusive discounts for NATO ID card holders:

• Free entry to live music
• Discounted High Tea experiences
• 10% off your entire bill at the bar and restaurant

Simply show your NATO ID to enjoy these special perks as a token of their appreciation for your service.

The Forces Employment Charity - Military Families & Young People Programme

The Forces Employment Charity Families Programme exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Their Families Programme supports spouses and partners of still-serving personnel and veterans, including divorced, separated, and bereaved, on their journey into employment; regardless of whether you are in the UK or overseas.

British Gas Electrician Apprenticeship Vacancies

The link to apply or more information is HERE

Apprenticeships are available in the following areas:

• Glasgow
• Hertfordshire
• Aberdeenshire
• Greater London
• Gloucestershire
• Essex
• Bridgend
• Northampton
• Derbyshire
• Staffordshire

Are you planning to register for Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas funding in January 2025?

There are two actions that must be completed before you register.

What is Wraparound Childcare funding?
The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC.

Your Armed Forces Offer explained

The Defence Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of Service life, and the vital work our people do to keep us safe at home and strong abroad.

​​Find out more about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support available to you: Discover My Benefits

Those with access to MODnet can also view the full article at:
Defnet: Your Armed Forces Offer explained (sharepoint.com)
Defence Connect: Your Armed Forces Offer explained | Defence Connect (mod.uk)

HM Government Money & Pensions Service - Money Helper: Credit unions and other alternatives to high-cost credit

This Money Helper (Money & Pensions Service) ​​guide is for you if you need access to credit but you can’t use a mainstream lender and you don’t want to use a payday loan or other forms of high-cost credit.

When you read it, you’ll know:

• how credit unions work and how they can help you
• how to join a credit union
• what other sources of fair and affordable credit might be available to you.​

Digital Veteran Card to make accessing support even easier for ex-service personnel

​New Digital Veteran Card (DVC) to make sure former service personnel can prove their Veteran status as easily as possible, enabling smoother access to often essential support.

Winter update from Recruit For Spouses

 Please click here to read the Winter edition of the RFS Digest​

Service Prosecuting Authority welcomes HMCPSI inspection report

“We hope this report will reassure the public, members of the Armed Forces, and the Defence community that the SPA is performing well and making a meaningful contribution to Service Justice” – Director of Service Prosecutions, Jonathan Rees KC reflects on the publication of an inspection report on the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA).​

To view more about the Service Prosecuting Authority, and additional information on this report, please go to: Service Prosecuting Authority - GOV.UK

The report can be read in full at this link: The Service Prosecuting Authority – HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate