Blue Light Card Offers - February Round-up

Member Days:
Blue Light Card’s Member Days are back and bigger than ever before. Each year, attractions across the UK will close their gates to the public, on selected dates, and open them exclusively for our members. Expect smaller crowds, free parking, selected discounts on food and drink. Our first Member Day at Alton Towers takes place on Friday 7th March so don’ t delay in getting your tickets.

Find out more about Member Days here: Blue Light Card News

Mother’s Day campaign:

Paris Express Trip - Only a few days left to register!

Do you want to experience the magic of Paris in just one day? Don't miss the Paris Express trip on March 15th! It's an amazing way to see a ton of iconic landmarks!

Trip runs from 4:00 AM on the 15th to 2:00 AM on the 16th March 2025

Spots are extremely limited, click here for more details

JFC Alliance Theatre March Movie Showtimes

JFC Alliance Theatre March Movie Showtimes:

Movie showing: DOGMAN - Rated PG

Date and time: Wednesday 5th March at 13.00

Movie showing: MICKEY 17 - Rated R
Date and time: Friday 7th March at 18.00

Movie showing: NOVOCAINE - Rated R

Date and time: Friday 14th March at 18.00

Movie showing: THE BRUTALIST - Rated R

Date and time: Saturday 15th March at 18.00

Movie showing: DISNEY'S SNOW WHITE - Rated PG

Date and time: Friday 21st March at 18.00

Date and time: Saturday 29th March at 18.00

Movie showing: BLACK BAG - Rated R
Date and time: Saturday 22nd March at 18.00

Movie showing: THE ALTO KNIGHTS - Rated R
Date and time: Friday 28th March at 18.00

International Women's Day Events

 

Defence launches the Families Hub – an information portal to help navigate Service family life

The Families Hub – which signposts to information, support and organisations to help navigate all stages of Service family life – has launched.

For the first time, Armed Forces families will be able to access a “one stop shop” digital platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations – to help you navigate Service family life.

The Families Hub is for all Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) families and personnel – from the moment of entering the Forces, through to leaving.

Visit the Families Hub today and explore a range of topics, including partner support, housing, health and wellbeing, childcare and finance.

Families Hub – empowering you to make informed choices about Service life

Headspace App – Five FREE family & friends subscriptions available for Army Personnel and Army Civil Servants

Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.gov.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

Headspace says, “We make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience. Through our flagship Headspace app, we provide mindfulness tools for everyday life, including meditations, sleepcasts, mindful movement and focus exercises. Our enterprise offerings combine this experience with a human-centered model of care, with coaching, therapy, psychiatry and EAP services under one roof. Our team of experts ranges from mental health clinicians, to Emmy award-winning producers and data scientists, working together as one to help millions of people around the world be healthier and more productive.”

Month of the Military Child – April 2025

To find out more about this year’s Month of the Military Child, please visit: www.neversuchinnocence.com

You can watch the Dandelions music video, a song written by the Armed Forces Children's Choir for Month of the Military Child, on YouTube: Dandelions Music Video

Youth Spring Soccer

 

Give Us Time: respite breaks for military families - 2025 dates are live!

The charity ‘Give Us Time’ offers accommodation for respite breaks for UK military families. No referral is required from Welfare for families to sign up. Please see the info poster for more details and the current March dates, but more 2025 dates are available on the website: https://giveustime.org.uk/

NEW!

Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition

T​he updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.

Please click the link to read this edition online: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66eabc22ba4b4b3f9450167f/Service_Leavers_Guide_Sep_24.pdf

Unlock Your Potential: Master Immigration, Visas, and Career Growth with Us!

 

Calling All Foreign & Commonwealth Military Spouses!

Unlock Your Potential: Master Immigration, Visas, and Career Growth with Us!

Are you navigating the complexities of life in the UK? Let us help you thrive! Join the exclusive workshop hosted by the Army Families Federation (AFF) and Recruit for Spouses (RFS), tailored specifically for Foreign & Commonwealth military spouses.

Date: 4th March 1930 – 2030 Location: Virtual

What’s in Store?

Women into Employment 2025:Tues 18th March in London. Event for women from across the military community

Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

Are you a family member of a Veteran who is suffering with addiction?

Tom Harrison House provides specialist addiction recovery programmes and family support for UK Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel.

The next Tom Harrison House Family experiential therapeutic retreat is 4-6th April 2025, at Derwent Hill Outdoor Centre, Keswick. For more details please see the poster or website: https://tomharrisonhouse.org.uk/events/afcft-family-retreats

Places are limited and will go fast so to find out more or book your place email: events@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk

Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

 

 

Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme

Exciting update for UK schools supporting service children!

The Service Pupil Support Programme is back and bigger than ever, now offering grants up to £150,000!

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), the Service Pupil Support Programme will award grants between £5,000 and £150,000 to projects supporting service children along their educational pathway, and to reach their full potential.

Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - You are not alone

 

Anyone (Service or Civil Servant) who has been the victim or witness of serious crime at any point of their Service in the MOD can call the Service Police Crime Bureau on 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180, or the Service Police confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, available 24/7. You will be listened to, there is support available for victims and all allegations are taken seriously.

Are you a Serving Dad or Dad to be?

Come and join us for 30 minutes to find out more about:

• perinatal mental health, focusing on men
• signs and symptoms
• guidance for serving personnel and their families

The session will be delivered by leading perinatal mental health charity, PANDAS Foundation. The leading UK charity offering support for every parent, carer who may be struggling with their mental health from conception through to birth and beyond.

Your SSAFA Health Visitor will also be available for signposting and guidance on support locally, whilst you are living overseas.

Join on the day by clicking the link: https://tinyurl.com/5bvku6e9

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 21 February 25

Reporting damp and mould
Tackling damp and mould in SFA remains a top priority for DIO and our suppliers. Over 9,000 homes have already benefited from the delivery of damp and mould works since the taskforce stood up in 2023. In response to the works delivered, reoccurrence of damp and mould has been addressed in circa 85% of cases.

It is important that you report all cases of damp and mould and to let us know of any reoccurrence of the issue so that we can continue to tackle this. Please also see our guide for families that outlines helpful tips to prevent damp and mould developing in your homes.

Time for you

Time for you
Are you parenting in mainland Europe or Turkey and looking to connect with other parents while receiving expert guidance and emotional support?

Join our online parenting and emotional support sessions, facilitated by Health Visitor Kerry Riley, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.

The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.

Current findings from the RVH programme

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) - latest Civil Service job vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners.

Please click image to enlarge

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:GFIE- 419 Carers Allowance Administrative Officer
Two vacancies – Wrexham
Job Description
Closing date: 14 Mar 25
​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) - latest Civil Service job vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners.

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 416 – HMRC Criminal Investigator Officer
Multiple vacancies – UK wide
Job Description
Closing date: 4 Apr 25
​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Reducing Veteran homelessness programme reopens for applications.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.

The Ripple Pond – Spring newsletter.

Please click here to read this issue online

X-Forces: Self Employment Discovery 3-Day Online Course for Mil Spouses & Partners

A free 3 day workshop course designed especially for military spouses and partners. In a small group of like-minded individuals, participants gain essential skills and insight to enable an informed decision about self-employment.

Taking place on Wednesday 12th, Wednesday 19th and Wednesday 26th March 2025.

For more information view the flyer here and to register, visit Tri Service Spouses & Partners: Self-Employment Discovery 3-Day Course

National No Smoking Day 2025 - Wed 12 March.

Take back your life this No Smoking Day – Wednesday 12th March 2025.

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.

It’s never too late to quit smoking. Even if you’ve tried quitting before, give it another go this No Smoking Day.

When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.

There’s no need to go it alone – it’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.

Getting free expert support from your local stop smoking service is proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully. Some are now able to offer free vape starter kits too.

NHS Better Health offers a range of free quitting support including the NHS Quit Smoking app, Personal Quit Plan, 28-day email programme, local stop smoking service look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.

On average, you could save around £2,500 per year by quitting smoking.

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/

Women into Employment 2025:Tues 18th March in London. Event for women from across the military community.

Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

The full day will focus on how you bring the real YOU to the workplace. With an agenda packed with key points and ideas, you are guaranteed to take away some key points and ideas for the next steps in your career path. Register here for the event.

Women into Employment 2025 (WIE25) is the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship event and offers support to women from across the whole Armed Forces community, welcoming those of you preparing to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans of all ranks, military partners, spouses and young people.

A Guide To Pre and Postnatal Care and Procedures JFCBS

A big thank-you to Nic Davies for creating a very helpful Pre and Postnatal guide. The guide covers Early pregnancy, allowances and registering children for the National Vaccination Programme.

View the Pre and Postnatal guide here.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – Utility Bills

Water bills
We are aware of instances where water providers have written directly to SFA homes, requesting payment of water bills. Families in SFA are not responsible for water charges as a contribution is included in your accommodation fee and so this is paid by DIO. These letters have been sent in error and we apologise for any concern they may have caused. DIO is engaging with water and energy providers to resolve this issue.

Introducing MyCadet

 

MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.

Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/

NHS Step into Health webinar – 26 Mar: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad

NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce their upcoming information session: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad due to take place on Wednesday 26th March, 10 - 11am.

During this one-hour webinar, attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.

Reach, Release and Mobility Flow Class at The Hub

 

Mindful Mondays - Upcoming classes

Below is a schedule of upcoming classes hosted by Mindful Mondays at the NATO GK Chapel Annex. They start at 17:15 and last 40 - 60 mins.

Classes are open to all, free, and chapel sponsored childcare for ages 2+ is available! For kids under 2 we have some kind moms who volunteer their time for you.

Mindfulness Course

 

Ann McKenzie, a Mindfulness Teacher Trainer is delivering an 8-week MBSR Course.

This will take place for approximately 1 hour via Microsoft Teams on a Tuesday evening at 7pm starting on the 1 April 2025. 

Mindfulness is a holistic approach and has been proven to help reduce stress & anxiety and improve mental health & wellbeing.

Anyone who may be interested and would like to attend the course, please contact Ann McKenzie on annmarie.mckenzie114@mod.gov.uk

JFCB International Club upcoming Events

The JFC Brunssum International Club has an updated calendar of events!

Along with monthly Coffee & Cultures, they offer activities and trips! They added a new ones that you won't want to miss including a chocolate day trip to Antwerp and a spa day in Belgium!

Sign up now:

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding to support bereaved military families

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new funding opportunity for charities supporting bereaved military families.

The Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme will seek to build a strong, collaborative network to meet the needs of those who have given most.

Understanding the needs of the bereaved military community

BFBS Survey – share your feedback

BFBS Survey – share your feedback

This is a 10-minute survey about the Forces Broadcasting Service currently provided by BFBS, which gives you access to TV and Radio and online news about the military, particularly overseas.

The survey is written by MOD’s Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC) based in MOD Main Building, who manage the contract, so all your feedback will go directly to those making decisions about the future of the service.

We want to hear from those of you who use BFBS services regularly as well as those who choose not to use them at all. We want to know what you find useful, or why you prefer not to use it, what you would miss most if the service changed, and what could be improved.

You can answer the survey on YouGov.

If you have family members who use (or have access but choose not to use) BFBS services, then please do forward the link to them. You can take this survey on a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet.

By answering this survey, you are helping us make improvements to the services and making sure all views and wishes of its potential users are taken into consideration.

Spin Class at The Hub

 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned spinner, this is the perfect way to energize your week and stay on track with your fitness resolutions.

When: 9-10AM every Wednesday
Where: The Hub Fitness Center

Annual Lego Building Challenge

 

Civvy Street Magazine – Feb-Mar 25 Edition

Click this link to read the latest edition of Civvy street online

Quest Magazine February Edition

Click here to read the February edition of the Quest Magazine

Childcare Works project starting on 25th February 2025

Childcare Works is a supported employment programme for individuals wanting to pursue a career working in childcare. The project supports the development of knowledge, skills and confidence to work in the early years, childcare and play sector with the aim of participants entering employment following completion of the programme. The project also supports childcare settings with recruitment and retention by providing them with a Trainee Nursery Assistant for 12 weeks, at no cost to the setting, with the opportunity to employ the trainee as a member of staff by the end of the programme.

Background

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting the submariner community

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has released the findings from new research into the needs of the Royal Navy submariner community and the impact of separation on family life.

The Trust commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to undertake further research following an event they attended in April 2024, hosted by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital.

Soldiering On Awards 2025: Nominations Open Until 30th March 2025

Now in its fifteenth year, the Soldiering On Awards honours outstanding achievement in the Armed Forces community – serving personnel, reservists, veterans, family members, groups and organisations.

Let’s shine a spotlight on those that you believe merit national recognition for their contribution. Nominate by 30th March 2025.

For more information and to make nominations online, please go to: Home - Soldiering On Awards

Office for Veterans Affairs’ ‘10 Things to Know About Veterans’ animation

 

The aim of the '10 Things to know about veterans and their families' is to provide a range of stakeholders with the basic knowledge that can support their work with veterans.

Find out more at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-things-to-know-about-veterans-and-their-families

Spring Language courses starting 10th February 2025

If you're interested in learning a language, then The JFC Language Program could be what you're looking for.

Registration is now open and you can register at: https://www.jfcbrunssum.com/life-on-jfc/language-program/

View the full flyer here

Serve and Protect Credit Union - February update

Free financial webinars this February from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!

• Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
• Credit Score 101: Boost Your Score
• Before You Borrow: Things to Know

Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars

Fixed Saver launch!
Secure a guaranteed 4.25% AER return over the next 12 months with the latest Fixed Saver account from Serve and Protect Credit Union

Learn more: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver/

Latest podcast episode
Mindfulness can be a simple and effective tool to live in the moment and reduce financial stress 

Latest podcast episode
Discover how to navigate your financial journey with clarity in Episode 10 of the Smile and Save Podcast.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/gb8ItNJ76_A?si=-IvTvTA_qSesz-GT

Key Dates 
Learn more: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/

Discover the Tri-Border Area with JFC Brunssum Official Clubs

Discover the Tri-Border Area with JFC Brunssum Official Clubs
Are you ready to explore new activities and connect with others in the vibrant Tri-Border region? Join our official clubs at JFC Brunssum and be part of a welcoming community that offers something for everyone!

For Individuals and Families
Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, engage in exciting activities, or involve your whole family, our clubs have got you covered. From sports and fitness to hobby and interest groups, there’s a club for every interest!

Local Accommodation at The General Eisenhower Hotel

The General Eisenhower Hotel

Looking for accommodations for your new delegation members or visiting family? Look no further!

Welcome to The General Eisenhower Hotel, nestled within the JFC Conference Center. Our reasonably priced 20-room operation offers convenient access to both the JFC HQ and Brunssum City Center, all within walking distance.

Set in the picturesque Brunssumer Heide area of the Netherlands, our hotel is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Take leisurely walks, invigorating runs, or scenic bike rides right from our doorstep.

Experience comfort, convenience, and the beauty of nature all in one place at The General Eisenhower Hotel.

View more detail and book your stay here.

Open Sports at JFC Fitness Center

Every week, the Fitness Center hosts free open sports, including badminton, cricket, basketball, football, and volleyball.

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, all levels are welcomed! Come out, get active, and have some fun with us!

To join, just show up at the Fitness Center Main Hall and enjoy the game! Must be 18+ to join.

To see the full fitness schedule including open sports and fitness classes, click here to our website: https://www.jfcbrunssum.com/spor.../fitness-center/schedule/