Defence Discount Service: Oakwood Solicitors

Oakwood Solicitors, in collaboration with FrontFoot.Life, is proud to provide expert legal support tailored to the Armed Forces community.

Offering a free initial consultation, their services include Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, employment law advice, and assistance with military injury and medical negligence claims.

SSAFA Short Breaks 2025 - Applications are now open

SSAFA Short Breaks are free, residential adventure breaks for Forces families who have a child with an additional need and/or disability, aged between 5 to 18 years. The break is for the whole immediate family to enjoy together.

Short Breaks in 2025:

• 09 – 11 May at Calvert Trust, Lake District
• 21 – 25 July at Calvert Trust, Lake District
• 04 – 08 August at Calvert Trust, Exmoor
• 27 - 31 October at Calvert Trust, Exmoor

Eligibility for SSAFA’s Short Breaks:

CrossFit at GK

 

Swimming Lessons for kids at JFC Brunssum

Swimschool Aqua Zuyd is thrilled to announce exclusive swimming lessons for NATO children at the JFC Brunssum pool starting from 1st April 2025! Whether your little ones are new to the water or ready to perfect their strokes, this program is designed to make every splash count. 

Why Choose Swimschool Aqua Zuyd?

Expert instructors focused on building water confidence and respect. Lessons follow the esteemed Dutch swimming ABC, ensuring a structured and effective learning experience.

From water safety basics to advanced techniques, we start lessons for children at the age of 4.

Questions and Contact details

If you have any questions or want to register your child for swimming lessons then please email: info@swimschool-aquazuyd.com or visit the website: swimschool-aquazuyd.com.

Grab those goggles and join in for a summer of fun, learning, and confidence-building in the pool!

Job vacancy for HR Administration Clerk Brunssum

 Vacancy currently available: HR Administration Clerk Brunssum

Click on the link to view the HR Administration Clerk Brunssum Advert 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified immediate family members with Full Provision status who have at least 8 months remaining in location. Detailed job descriptions and application forms may be obtained by sending an email to GSO-EJSU-LECHRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk. Completed applications are to be sent to the same email address.

Online Wellbeing Sessions

 

Research Participants Sought - Survey of British Military Parents

Challenges, support mechanisms and coping strategies of parents in the British armed forces.
Who is doing this research? The research will be conducted by Lt Col Jess Beck, a student on the Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and will be supervised by Dr Ellen Hallams, School of Security Studies Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, King’s College London.

What is the research about?

The study will examine the challenges, advantages and disadvantages of being a parent in the British military, and the coping strategies which are used by military parents. It aims to understand what additional support and flexibility is required to enable a military career to be maintained, and where there are current shortfalls.

NHS Step into Health: Upcoming Webinars

NHS Step into Health are pleased to share that their next Application Guidance Webinar, and Introduction to Step into Health webinar registration links are now live.Application Guidance Webinar, Tuesday 8 April 2025 – 1:00-2:30pm

An Introduction to Step into Health - Wednesday 12 February 2025 – 11:00am–12:00pm / Wednesday 2 April 2025 10:00-11:00am

​A reminder also that NHS England are also hosting a series of Introduction to Allied Health Profession webinars. You can find out more including dates, a how to register here

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 24 Jan

Open Offices
Following feedback from families at recent SFA Roadshows; DIO, Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO have opened local housing office drop-in sessions to offer support and guidance face to face. The following locations are now available:South West: Larkhill, Plymouth, Blandford, Gosport, and Portsmouth
South East: Windsor, Brize Norton, Brompton, and Aldershot
North: Leuchars and Weeton
Central: Colchester, Cosford, and Waddington

​Dates and times are available on the Pinnacle website.

Raising repairs prior to move-out
It is important to report any necessary repairs in your home even while you're in the process of moving out. This allows for any required work to be completed before a new family moves in, creating a smoother transfer for all. You should report any repair issues by contacting the Pinnacle National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628 or Repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk

Aurora New Dawn Domestic Abuse Survey - Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces community

Can you help us improve the support available to victims and survivors in the Forces Community?
We are Aurora New Dawn – a small Charity who support serving personnel or their family members who are experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking.

We want victims from the forces community to have access to the best possible support, so we’re asking the community to tell us how domestic abuse and sexual violence support services can better meet their needs.

Recruit For Spouses (RFS) January newsletter

Please click here to read the RFS January newsletter.

Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas

Serving personnel and families are entitled to claim Universal Credit, regardless of their location. This means families stationed overseas can submit claims in the same way as those in the UK.

See Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas - GOV.UK for details.

Pinnacle Group: Free Coaching & Mentoring

Do you have links to the military community? Pinnacle Group's Social Value team deliver employability, money management and business mentoring programmes which are free to SP, Veterans, Reservists, and their Spouses / Partners and their families.


So whether you are looking to change your job or find yourself out of work we can support you to get that next role via our employability programmes and if you are someone looking to start a business or maybe you are a Veteran or Spouse / Partner with an Existing Business looking for support to grow your income and profits, we have business mentoring programmes where experienced Business Mentors will support you all the way.


For more information please visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/families-first/family-and-community-support/ or email psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk​

New GBR JFCBS Welfare Flyer

Click on the link to view the GBR JFCBS Welfare Flyer

2025 NAAFI delivery dates and How to use the NAAFI Delivery Service

See below for the 2025 NAAFI order delivery dates:

How to use the NAAFI delivery service at JFC Brunssum:

Baseball Sign-Ups - Open to kids ages 3 to 15

Brunssum Child youth Services (CYS) is the place to be for kids! Mark your calendars for this exciting upcoming event:

Baseball Sign-Ups: Open to kids ages 3 to 15. Don’t miss the chance to get your little ones swinging for the fences!

This is open to all U.S. and NATO ID holders. View the flyer to see sign up prices and information. Don’t miss out!

NATO and Military Discounts

Read on for all the discounts and deals available.

Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards

Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce over £3.3 million has been awarded in the latest series of grants made under the Covenant Fund.

The Trust has supported a total of 34 fantastic projects across four different Covenant Fund programmes, all set to make significant improvements for Armed Forces communities across the UK.

FORCES ADDITIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY FORUM (FANDF) CONFERENCE - Save the Date

 

New Defence survey for those in a Long Term Relationship

If you’re in a Long Term Relationship (LTR) with a Service person, Defence would like to hear your views and experiences about Service family life.  

Defence has launched a pilot survey to better understand the experiences of Long Term Relationship partners, including dual-serving partners, of serving personnel. This survey is anonymous and closes on Monday 3 February 2025. 

MOD Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP)

The Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP) is a partnership between the MOD and 19 English local authorities that have committed to work together to improve the experience and outcomes of children of UK Armed Forces families. The local authority membership of MODLAP represent those authority areas with the highest numbers of service children in England.

Full information can be found HERE.

Job Vacancy at JFC Brunssum

Vacancy currently available: Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Arrivals Brunssum

Click on the link to view the Community Liaison Officer Arrivals job advert 

A detailed job description and application form may be obtained from GSO-EJSU-LECHRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk. Completed applications are to be sent to the same email address and WO NSE Julian.Spalding650@mod.gov.uk.

Forces Discount: Forces Cars Direct

Forces Cars Direct provide new car discounts for all Armed Forces personnel, past and present.

To see what discounts and offers they have for you check out https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/forcesdiscount

Get your brand-new car with an amazing saving with Forces Cars Direct discounts, including £9,336 off the Audi Q5!

See this and browse the full range of makes and models here

Find your new car at: Forces Cars Direct or give the Forces Cars Direct team a call on 01522 814010 today.

Never Such Innocence: Month of the Military Child - April 2025

Never Such Innocence will be offering a wide variety of activities for Month of the Military Child in April. Whether you are joining the 'Purple Up' day on 25 April, entering the poetry and art competition or singing Dandelions - there is something for everyone!

Please visit their website to learn more or access their range of activities. www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

Service community discounts: Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings

Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings…  

As we welcome the new year, January provides the perfect opportunity to focus on your wellbeing and make yourself a priority.  

From boosting your fitness, improving mental health, and focusing on nutrition, to spending quality time with loved ones, the discounts available as part of ‘Your Offer’ in Defence can help kickstart a positive and balanced year ahead.   

Your discounts can be accessed from: 

• Defence Discount Service – Available for all staff, veterans, and Armed Forces families – giving access to thousands of online discounts from over 150+ brands. 

• Blue Light Card – the UK’s leading discount service for emergency services, NHS, social care workers, Armed Forces/Defence, and other public sector workers. Available for all staff – giving access to thousands of online discounts from 200+ brands. 

• MyDiscounts – Available for Defence Civil Servants, via the MyLifestyle hub. Giving access to savings from a broad range of retailers, supermarkets, and travel and tourism companies.

Victory Services Club (VSC) Club Life Newsletter - December 2024

Please click on the link to view the latest issue of Club Life Newsletter - December 2024

You can also visit the VSC website here: https://www.vsc.co.uk/

Soldiers Arts Academy - free online workshops

The Soldiers' Arts Academy aims to provide a platform through which serving and veteran military personnel and their families can participate in the creative arts. Using their skills and experiences to create and engage audiences worldwide, the SAA strives to encourage excellence, engagement and inspiration in its members, as well as building a supportive and strong community.

Online workshops include art, signing, guitar lessons and poetry. All are free for military personnel, veterans and military families. Find out more at www.soldiersartsacademy.org

Co-ed Open Gym Volleyball

Join us for Co-ed Open Gym Volleyball – a fantastic opportunity for players of all levels to enjoy the game! Bring your friends and make new ones on the court.

Every skill level is welcome!

When and Where: New Gym (bld 206) on Tuesdays 18.00-19.30

Contact: ofc-sws-sport@naew.nato.int

Lego brick freestyle @ The Hub

 

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6th Jan 2025

Are you ready to register?

Great news for Service families assigned to locations within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision. WAC Overseas is now available to eligible families in these areas from today (6 January 2025).

What is Wraparound Childcare funding?

Togetherall: New Year Goals & Pressures

New year, new mindset - feeling the pressure?

Transform stress into positive energy by setting small and achievable goals. Togetherall has your back with expert tips and a handy goal-setting tool to track your progress.

Join the anonymous online community today for FREE at togetherall.com​ and kickstart your journey to better mental health.

Movie Matinee at The Hub

Make your Saturdays spectacular by joining us at the HUB every third Saturday of the month at 1pm for an enchanting Movie Matinee! Bring your lawn chair or cozy blanket and immerse yourself in a cinematic experience. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and create lasting memories with your Family and friends.

Open to U.S. and NATO ID card holders

Cost - Free

Click here for more details

Reading Force: Celebrating 1,000 Members

Connect, Read and Enjoy!

Reading Force and Book Clubs

Reading Force has been encouraging Forces families to choose and share books for fun, and as a way of staying connected with deployed parents and their wider families for over 10 years.

Since March 2021, Reading Force has supported adults and children* with a UK Armed Forces connection through their fantastic book club offering. Everyone is welcome – avid readers, first-time book club members and anywhere in between! Book clubs help members to meet new people, build a strong sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.

“I found the recent book club completely invaluable to my wellbeing in recent months. It might seem odd that something so small could have such a large impact, but it did.” - Member of an online adult book club

Reading Force is looking for volunteer coordinators to set up book clubs* in military communities. You could be serving, a spouse/partner, a veteran or reservist, a Welfare Officer, Community Development Officer, Service Children’s Champion ...

Your Brunssum Book Club Coordinator is Bee Bourke. However, there are opportunities to set up book clubs at other military bases, if you're interested in this please contact Nicola, who is Reading Force’s Book Club Ambassador (contact details are below).

Why run a book club?

Soldier Magazine: Jan 2025 Edition

Click the link to read the January 2025 edition of SOLDIER Magazine

Financial Recognition and other restorative measures for LGBT veterans

Infomographic on admin discharge and rank restoration

Infographic on Financial Recognition scheme

For further information, please see the following links:

LGBT veterans: Support and next steps – This GOV.UK page has centralised information and signposting for pre-2000 LGBT veterans and pre-1967 LGBT veterans. It also contains support services for veterans and families.

Financial Recognition Scheme: GOV.UK page with information on how to apply, eligibility, scheme rules and FAQs.

New GOV.UK page about the Qualification of Administration Discharge and Rank Restoration, including FAQs, guidance about eligibility and applications, and public policy.
​Pre-1967 veterans: GOV.UK page about restorative measures and FAQs.

ASGK 2025 Calendar events

 

Do you want to practice your Dutch?

 

If you'd like to try out your Dutch conversation skills, then head to the library between 11.00-13.00 on Tuesdays for Dutch Koffiekransje.