Serve + Protect Credit Union’s latest podcast about managing debt successfully

There are lots of times when borrowing money can be useful. However, managing your debt can sometimes become overwhelming.

The latest podcast episode from Serve and Protect Credit Union is full of useful information on managing your debt effectively and the support available if you are struggling.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/qtL02Yl2lV0?si=DJmTfo-KNo-G5euF

Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 results

The results from the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) 2025 have been published and are available here.

Help RBLI Lifeworks better understand the needs of the Army Forces Community – please complete their short online questionnaire

RBLI is exploring how to best deliver its Lifeworks Families courses to meet the unique needs of our Armed Forces Community: ‘Your input is essential in helping us shape our employment skills training to be as effective and accessible as possible’

https://forms.office.com/e/779uzXUBj0

Lifeworks is the employment support division of Royal British Legion Industries, a national charity supporting the Armed Forces. Its courses equip families with the tools necessary to pursue their desired careers outside the Armed Forces. https://rbli.co.uk/what-we-do/lifeworks/

Bringing food into Great Britain: Restricted items

Bringing food into Great Britain: Restricted items

There are restrictions on bringing meat, dairy, fish and animal products and fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds into Great Britain from abroad.

If you’re bringing in any food or animal products protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you may need to apply for a CITES permit.

2. Meat, dairy, fish and animal products

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting Partners Programme reopens for applications, closing date: 12pm on 23rd July 2025

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is pleased to announce that the Supporting Partners programme under the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

Supporting Partners Programme reopens for applications
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Supporting Partners programme under the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

What’s the programme all about?

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.

RBLI Lifeworks Families – new remote courses now available

Lifeworks Families Remote courses will run on the following dates:

• Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th May

• Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th June

• Monday 28th - Thursday 31st July

Lifeworks Families courses are available to those in the UK and overseas.

Welpen International - Dutch Girl Scouts

 

Free Zumba classes at JFC Brunssum

Looking for a lively way to stay fit, or just love dancing? Join the new Zumba class at JFC Brunssum. 

It's free to participate and takes place in the JFC Brunssum gym. 

Classes are scheduled for Mondays from 11-11:45am and Fridays from 12-12:45pm. 

UK Health Security Agency advice - be tick aware

Ticks can be active all year round, but they are most active in the months April to July, and sometimes later in the autumn.

Don't let ticks stop you from enjoying the outdoors but reduce the chance of acquiring a tick bite by:

1. Using a repellent that prevents ticks
2. Wearing long sleeves and long trousers to reduce direct skin exposure
3. Keep to clearly defined paths and avoid brushing against vegetation
4. Regularly check for ticks and brush off any you find immediately
5. When you’re back indoors, check for any ticks on you, your children and pets
6. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible with a removal device

Find out more, including what to do if you're bitten

For information about Lyme Disease from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands, click here.

Location Guide

Please click here to view the JFC Brunssum Location Guide.

Efteling has a new fairytale

Visit Efteling to see their newest fairytale: The Princess and the Pea. In a charming little pavilion lies a towering stack of mattresses, with a tiny pea hidden all the way at the bottom. Did Princess Adinda sleep well? You’ll find out when you visit the Fairytale Forest.

Eftling is a fairytale theme park, that is located about 1.5 hours drive from JFC Brunssum. Fly, fall, and float through the most thrilling roller coasters. Experience the most imaginative rides and attractions and be enchanted by fairy tales and stories. Set off together and create the most magical memories in Efteling, surrounded by enchanting nature.

View all the details of how to book at efteling.com/en

Dutch Medical Centre - Update

The following message is sent on behalf of Dutch Medical Centre

When transporting certain medications with you on holiday, you will need a declaration form. The requirement depends on which medication, the country you are travelling to and for how long you will travel.

Medications that are provided under our Opiumwet will require a declaration to take with you. These medications include sleeping tablets, strong painkillers and ADHD medication.

It is the responsibility of the patient to confirm the requirement and obtain this form. Visit one of these websites for the form.

- Apotheek.nl/opreis
- https://www.hetcak.nl/medicijnen-mee-op-reis

As the form is in Dutch, please contact the healthcenter if you require assistance in competing it. The official form will take at least two weeks so please submit your request well in advance.

For other medication it could be helpful to have an medication review with you during your vacation which we can also provide.

Defence Update: Your Offer – recognising your service

Your Offer – recognising your service

What Defence is doing to improve Service life and information on support and opportunities for you and your family.

The substantial range of benefits and allowances available in your Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of military life and individual needs, at home and abroad.

Pay is the most well-recognised aspect of the Offer, but the breadth and complexity of everything that’s included within the Armed Forces employee package means it can be difficult to navigate and understand.

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update from DIO

Early adopters of new online platform HomeHub
DIO in collaboration with Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO, have invited a small group of Personnel and families as early adopters of HomeHub – a new online platform for households to easily manage repairs, appointments and their SFA in general.

Brunssum Youth Program 2025 Summer Camp

 

Brunssum School Age Center Summer Camp 2025

 

Become an Instructor – Share Your Creativity!

Are you passionate about crafting, creating, and inspiring others? The Arts & Crafts Center is always looking for talented and creative volunteers to teach new classes!

Choose your craft, pick the days and times that work for you, and bring your skills to the community. Whether you specialize in painting, woodworking, sewing, or something totally unique, we’d love to have you!

Contact us today to learn how you can become an instructor and make a difference!

The International Club is looking for Language Group Leaders!

We’re looking for Language Group Leaders! Do you enjoy connecting through conversation?

The International Club is seeking volunteers to lead English, French, Italian, or Spanish conversation groups during the 2025–2026 club year.

No teaching background required—just a love for language and community.

Interested?

Email us at activity.jfcbic@gmail.com or secretary.jfcbic@gmail.com

Gov.uk News Update: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare

Government announces £1.8 million investment to transform NHS care for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Armed forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the government has announced as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.

The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, doctors and NHS nurses will work with regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services.

To read this news announcement in full please go to: VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare

(SFA) Communications Update 13 May 25: Business from Home - update

Applications to run a Business from Home in your Service Family Accommodation (SFA) were paused in January 2025, to allow a review of the policy and associated processes to take place.

This review has now been completed, and DIO is able to confirm that the processing of applications to run a Business from Home has resumed with immediate effect. The existing guidance and application form for running a Business from Home is available here.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business

 

“Research tells us that military personnel are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as non-military civilians. A culture of self-sufficiency and not admitting ‘weakness’ still exists, which is a potential barrier to accessing support.” Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS

Those working on the frontline with vulnerable veterans know this challenge all too well. It’s why the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) has made this a key priority in their Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme (EVPS), awarding over £1.5 million to 18 projects that are driving real change in veteran suicide prevention.

Forces Employment Charity: Heropreneurs Awards nominations close on 10 Jun 25

Do you know someone in the military community who deserves recognition for their entrepreneurial achievements?

The Heropreneurs Awards celebrate the exceptional talent and entrepreneurial spirit within the military community. With four categories still open, now is the time to nominate yourself, a friend or a family member for one of these prestigious awards.

Don’t miss your chance to recognise the exceptional contributions of the military community! Nominations close on 10 June 2025.

To view the latest update on award nominations, and how to nominate, please click HERE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced their Free from Fear Programme is once again accepting applications for funding.

In 2024/25 the Trust awarded over £1M to seven major projects under their Free from Fear programme which seeks to address and prevent domestic abuse within serving armed forces communities.

The programme is seeking applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.

• Effective measures are delivered to prevent incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities and these address emerging and current challenges.
• Clear routes are provided which enable victim-survivors from armed forces communities to access effective support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
• Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.

Grants of £75,000 to £150,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Support for families serving overseas

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded over £600,000 to support families serving overseas.

According to UK defence personnel statistics up to April 2024, around 5,700 armed forces personnel were stationed overseas. While the majority (66%) were posted within Europe, other key regions included North America, North Africa and the Middle East, and Asia.

Following the Trust’s own research and consultation, they launched the Supporting Service Families Overseas Programme. Now, they have awarded nine projects a share of £127,642, with funding making its way to Spain, the Middle East, Cyprus, Belgium, Italy and more!

The projects funded in this round represent a range of support for the whole family. From support for those who have experienced, or are at risk of, domestic violence, to emotional health support for adults and children to help strengthen relationships while overseas.

Overseas, overstretched

DIO SFA Communications Update: An introduction to the Defence Homes website

DIO has launched a new website called Defence Homes for Service personnel and their families, as part of our commitment to enhance the overall SFA experience.

The Defence Homes site hosts the latest SFA information and updates, and has now replaced the Service Family Accommodation pages on GOV.UK.

The Defence Homes site is a helpful and improved source of information and support for your SFA queries. Features on the new site include:

• SFA news – helping you easily access the latest Families First newsletter
• Events within your local community – sign up to a SFA Roadshow
• Find out who’s who – read more about the teams who are here to support you

Information and guidance – to support you throughout your time in SFA, such as requesting a repair or reporting an issue.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

Fifteen projects have been awarded a share of almost £800,000 in grants to empower partners and spouses of serving personnel by opening opportunities to upskilling and exploring new work solutions - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund. 

The projects will also provide tools. Resources and training to support partners move into a job or a career change, and to build easier access to wellbeing support as part of the Fund's Supporting Partners programme. 

Good Conduct Certificate

                                      

As a dependant returning to the UK or proceeding to another overseas location, you may require a CGC for the time spent overseas - if more than six months. If you intend to gain employment or volunteer in any kind of care setting/school, working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults you may be asked to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct/Police Certificate to support a DBS check.

The aim of the certificate is to prevent anyone seeking employment or volunteer roles from being at a disadvantage upon relocation, it also saves having to approach foreign embassies for this information, often at a charge. There is no time restriction on the certificate – the Vetting Officer can go back decades, if need be.

The certificates are issued by the Service Police Crime Bureau Vetting Officer. The process can take up to 40 days for you to receive your certificate from the application date. This is a free service.

You will need to put your request in writing – email is fine – to:
 SpecOpsRMP-SPCB-Vetting0Grp@mod.gov.uk

Include the following details:

• Full name (including any previous names i.e maiden name, deed poll and dates)Date and place of birth
• Military Service Number if applicable
• Current Address that will appear on the Police Certificate (please also provide a 5-year history)
• Overseas Country and dates spent in that country
• Valid Proof of ID (either photo page of passport or photo driving licence) This can be scanned or photo taken of the document and attached to email)

You should then receive a PDF Certificate of Good Conduct back via email.

More information can be found on each of the Families Federation websites:

AFF
NFF
RAF-FF

Castle Arcen

Enjoy the castle and gardens where every season has its own charm. 
You can combine your visit with a bike ride or a creative workshop.

Plenty for children to do - they can go on a discovery tour in the park with a treasure hunt, have a game of mini golf, play on the man-made beach and feed the animals in the petting meadow. 

Parking €7.00 per day

Lingsforterweg, 5944 BE, Arcen.

Visit: https://www.kasteeltuinen.nl/  for information about workshops and events.

The village of Arcen is a 5-minute walk from the castle - a nice little village on the Maas with good places to eat.

For more information click here

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.

Forces Discounts information

Click here to view the latest Forces Discounts news and offers.