Kooth: a free online mental wellbeing community for young people

Children and young people with a parent Serving in the Armed Forces often face moving from place to place with their family, living overseas, attending several schools, leaving friends behind and making new ones. Being part of an Armed Forces family can also mean long periods of separation from the Serving parent when they are deployed or away training.

Kooth and the British Army Regional Command, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, are working together to provide easy access to mental health and well-being support for children and young people aged from 11 to their 19th birthday.

Here is a link to a video explaining more about Kooth: CYP in a Serving Family kooth.com/MOD Awareness Video

Kooth.com/mod is available for all children and young people with a Serving parent and children and young people who are living overseas with parents working for the MOD or British Government.

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 28

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter is now available on the Defence Homes website and Defence Connect.

​

Playground Fort Willem, Maastricht

Looking for something fun to do with the kids for €2 per person? Fort Willem playground in Maastricht is suitable for children up to the age of 12. There are playgrounds, mini golf, a splash pool with slides, sandpits and shaded areas to sit.

Regular children's entertainment (see Facebook for updates)

Every first Wednesday of the month, from 14.00 - 15.00 read aloud in the playground, with a free book for each child.

Opening Times
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 12.00 - 18.00
All public holidays, and (NL) children's holidays from 12.00 - 18.00

Kastanjelaan 50
6217 SB Maastricht
info@speeltuinfortwillem.nl
Telephone: +31(0) 43 321 13 97

For more information please click here

JFC Library activities update

 

From JFC Library:

Lego set building as well as other regular programs (Sewing, Dutch Conversations) will be paused during Summer Reading while we focus on our time travelling adventures. Worry not though! Once we've travelled from the ancient era all the way back to modern times, the Legos (and other programs) will return!
That said, for our storytime parents, we will continue storytimes on Monday mornings.


We hope to see you all next week for our time travelling adventures!

NATO and Military Discounts

Read on for all the discounts and deals available.

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

Why It Matters for You

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas
To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).

CrossFit at GK

 

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 20 June 25

Prolonged dry weather and water conservation

Those living overseas will be well-accustomed to warmer weather, but for those living in the UK please note several areas across England and Wales have experienced the driest spring for over 60 years, and in some cases since records began. This has led to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a combination of drought status and prolonged dry weather status for many regions

To help conserve water follow the recommended actions:
Consider taking a quick shower instead of a bath.
Be mindful not to keep taps running for longer than needed to avoid water wastage.
Try to run dishwashers and washing machines with a full load.
Check and report any leaks in toilets, faucets or pipes to Pinnacle by calling 0800 031 8628.
Collectively, these small actions can make a big difference to available water resources. Thank you for your support and co-operation.


Summer safety tips

Summer is upon us, and we want to share some Summer Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe during warmer weather.

For advice on summer safety including window restrictors, BBQs, and what to do if you find a wasp or bees nest inside your property, visit: https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-my-home/summer-tips/

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

Why It Matters for You

Declaring your military status ensures that you and your family can access the right services, at the right time. The NHS and local authorities recognise that the needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families can differ from those of the general population—particularly around mobility, deployment, mental health, and continuity of care.

By identifying your military connection, healthcare professionals and service providers can take these unique circumstances into account. This could mean faster access to treatment (Dependent on personal circumstances), for a better understanding of your housing and educational needs during a posting or resettlement.

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas.

To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).

Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.

From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).

This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.

For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).

Galop's support for LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence

Domestic abuse is any kind of threating behaviour committed by a family member or current or ex intimate partner.

Galop support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence. Their website has a domestic abuse survivors' forum and a page devoted to domestic abuse in the context of the LGBT+ community, as well as several factsheets: 

Domestic abuse - Galop the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity - Galop.

Contact details:

• ​Website: https://galop.org.uk
• National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence: 0800 999 5428
• Email help@galop.org.uk

Blue Light Card - Fuel Savings

All SP and families are eligable for a Blue Light Card which amongst other offers, provides access to the discount available via ESSO for fuel:

See Link for further details  FREE ESSO CARD™ FOR BLUE LIGHT CARD MEMBERS

 

The Best Banks in the Netherlands for Internationals

 
There will be many factors that influence your decision when looking to open a Dutch bank account, from the bank’s accessibility in English to special features.

For information on what to consider when choosing a bank account; online accounts, traditional banks and pros and cons for each, visit:

https://dutchreview.com/expat/best-banks-expats-netherlands/

Bouldering Social Evenings, Heerlen

 

No climbing experience is needed and family members are welcome; it is a relaxed environment, providing the opportunity to try something new and meet others from the HQ. There are boulder ‘problems’ for all levels and a small café for when you want a break and a cold drink!

• A short induction will be provided by the centre for newcomers at your first session.
• No equipment needed – shoes can be rented from the Climbing Corner (€3.50)
• 20% military discount when NATO ID shown. You can pay per session (€9.20 including discount), purchase 10 sessions at a reduced rate (valid for 12 months), or a monthly membership for €36 (including discount)

Take a look at The Climbing Corner website for more information about bouldering and to bust a few myths for newcomers.

Citizen Service Number (BSN) and Digital Identification (DigiD)

Did you know that you can book appointments with staff from the Municipality of Heerlen at JFC Brunssum to apply for and obtain a Citizen Service Number (BSN) and subsequently, a Digital Identification (DigiD).

These are required if you have a dog to register in the Netherlands or if you want to access Dutch medical records.

Appointments are held in Building 100.

Bookings are made through JFC Brunssum Services Scheduling Portal. Click this link to arrange an appointment.

For any BSN & DigiD questions, email: 

rnimobile@heerlen.nl

Samaritans Veterans app

The Samaritans Veterans app​ provides UK military Service Leavers and Veterans with emotional health and wellbeing information, guidance and resources. 

Samaritans Veterans is designed to give you the tools to identify and navigate the emotional health challenges that can be experienced when transitioning out of the military and in your life beyond the Forces.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call us free on 116 123 (within the UK or Ireland) or email us at jo@samaritans.org. 

Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, we won’t judge you or tell you what to do. We’re here to listen so you don’t have to face it alone. www.samaritans.org.​

Deutschland Ticket On Sale Now For Use From 1st May

                                     

Get your Germany ticket now!

With your Deutschland-Ticket you can use all local and regional transport in Germany for 49 euros per month. The ticket is only available as a monthly subscription. Pre-order your subscription now and look forward to travelling.

For more information click here

Mosaqua

Our subtropical experience certainly deserves a place on your activity-to-do list. Splash in one of the indoor or outdoor pools. Take your relaxing moment in a whirlpool or experience shower. A game of beach volleyball on the sunbathing lawn. And the kids? They enthusiastically test one of the many slides, search for Captain Kid's treasure or venture into the white water course. Oh yes, there is also plenty of seating to stay connected during your swim break thanks to our free WIFI. 

For more information Click Here

 

JFCBS Car Wash details

The car wash is located on JFC Brunssum, in the Transportation Cell (building H304) car park. Tokens are available to buy at the Car Craft Centre in building H402. 

Summer water safety

As the warmer weather approaches and we enjoy more time outdoors, the risks to families around pools, rivers and beaches increases.
Please read these top tips from the RLSS to keep your family safe in the water.

Reading Force - Claim your free book

 

Street Jump Heerlen - Indoor Trampoline Park

Largest indoor trampoline park in Heerlen and the surrounding area. 40+ trampolines and 8 different areas.

It is mandatory to wear Jump socks, with extra grip to make jumping on the trampoline more fun and safer. Jump Socks (worth € 2.50) are included with your entrance ticket

You can choose to jump for 1, 1.5 or 2 hours.

You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the Jump session so that there is enough time to put on access wristbands, jump socks and receive instruction.

Price from 7 years

60 minutes        €12.50

90 minutes        €15.00

120 minutes      €18.00

Mini jump up to 6 years

60 minutes        €8.95

For more information visit: https://www.streetjumpheerlen.nl/

Discount available through Social Deal

Thermae 2000, Valkenburg

With the aim of relaxing in a luxurious way and creating the balance between mind and body, all facilities of Thermae 2000 offer everything to create a perfect wellness day.

With indoor and outdoor pools, many (panorama) saunas, whirlpools, relaxation rooms, several restaurants, the beauty salon and the wellness hotel, Thermae 2000 has everything you need to spend an entire day, on the beautiful Cauberg. 

The latest addition to Thermae 2000 are the wine baths, where you can bathe in wine and you can now enjoy the heated outdoor pool again with a view over the beautiful South Limburg hills!

Price for day entrance: €32,50 p.p.
Price for evening entrance: €25,00 p.p

NATO discount available. See the HIVE blog post on NATO and Military discounts for more information.

To book click here

Dutch Corner, JFC Brunssum

The following message is on behalf of the Host Nation:
The Dutch Corner in building H-201 is the coffee break/living room for the Dutch delegations and NSE-members working on base. Everybody is more than welcome to join us for a (free) cup of coffee and company.

Schutterspark in Brunssum

There is so much to do in Schutterspark - for little ones, there is a nature playground, a mini steam train to ride on, mini sailing boats, a petting zoo and barefoot walks.

At Adventure Park- The Plateau, there is climbing, treetop activities, archery, axe -throwing, and mountain biking.

There are good catering facilities: 

Brasserie Schuttershüske 

Alpine Hut 

The Barefoot

The Ice Hut is now open - providing traditional Italian ice cream, coffee, soft drinks, freshly baked bubble waffles and milkshakes. Even your four-legged friend can enjoy an ice cream especially for dogs. 

For information and opening times for all attractions and places to eat, visit:  https://schutterspark.nl/zienendoen/attracties/

Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans

The Veterans’ Survey 2022 was the first survey of its kind in the UK and was a collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the devolved administrations.

Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.

In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.

To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans

Invitation to attend Financial Literacy Focus Groups

Financial literacy is a key life skill and is critical to the development of our personal and collective resilience. The Financial Times charity FLIC is has funding to expand financial literacy into the Armed Forces and they are running 2 online focus groups in June and one face to face focus group in July (details below). 20-30 Service personnel and family members across a mix of ranks, ethnicity and gender are being sought for each focus group, to help FLIC understand the financial challenges that the Armed Forces face, and the information that would be useful.

The three focus groups will take place on the following dates/times:

19 Jun 25 (1130-1230 tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
24 Jun 25 (0900-1000 tbc) – Online focus group delivered via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
17 Jul 25 0900-1200 – Face to face focus group delivered by FLIC, Buller Conference Centre, St Omer, Aldershot. (35 pers). Civilian attire, lunch at PAYD facility.

Register interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/at8DSE3evc

Building Confidence and Your Career” – a FREE session designed specifically for spouses in our community

Join us for “Building Confidence and Your Career” – a FREE session designed specifically for spouses in our community on Tuesday, 24th June.
The session will be informal, engaging, and will include dedicated time to focus on you and your career goals and aspirations.
Whether you’re restarting your career, thinking about a new direction, or wondering how to talk about your unique experiences in job interviews – this session is for you.

In this session, we’ll:

✅ Recognise how military life can affect your confidence and career path

✅ Understand the transferable skills you’re building right now

✅ Identify your own unique strengths

✅ Learn how to showcase these when applying for jobs or promotions

✅ Explore career support available within the military community

The session will be delivered by Rachel Parkes, a spouse based here in our community. Rachel has worked in HR for over 20 years and is an experienced coach, specialising in supporting others to build confidence to achieve their potential.

To book your space, please click here. On the sign-up, you can share if you would prefer a daytime session, an evening session, remote or in person.

If you’d like to find out more, you can contact Rachel on 07593 043873 or Thea at 07807107772.

JFCBS Mount Everest Charity Challenge

 

Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update

25 JUNE 12:30-13:30 - SAVE THE DATE!

The FPS will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 on Wednesday 25 June via MS Teams.

It will cover:

• The latest on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud) implementation
• A reminder of how pension benefits are/were earned during service and the ages that deferred pensions are paid
• When and how the pension benefits increase
• How to obtain a pension forecasts whilst serving or as a Veteran
• Dependants Benefits
• When and how to claim a deferred pension
• The benefits of membership of the Forces Pension Society

For more information, click here.

Civvy Street Magazine – Jun/Jul 25 Issue out now

The latest edition of Civvy Street magazine is now available to read online here

GSO Welfare Team contact details

Click here to view the Welfare team's details.

Now available: Access to the Solihull Approach Online Parenting Courses

SSAFA are pleased to share that our service now has access to the Solihull Approach Online Parenting Courses via InOurPlace, fully funded by us for our military families. These high-quality, evidence-based courses are designed to support parenting confidence, strengthen relationships, and promote emotional wellbeing for children and families.

Access Details for Families:

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Improved support for serving families facing separation challenges

 

The idea of not seeing your partner or parent for months at a time, often with limited contact, can be stressful and unsettling. But it’s a common experience for many armed forces families.

Deployment, training and exercises make separation a fundamental part of service for many, but this can have a significant impact on family life. Being apart can cause loneliness and a sense of isolation – whether you’re ‘weekending’ and adjusting to a constantly changing family dynamic or dealing with long separations.

Re-opening today, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) devised their Apart, not Alone programme to tackle this issue head on, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.

Building on the success of last year’s programme, this year the Trust are delivering support where and when it’s needed most - reflecting the changing nature of deployment, recognising the different types of separation and the sometimes very different challenges these can present.

Why are we running this programme?

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 16 June 25

Revised move-in and move-out specification

We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.  

One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year. 

The revised move-in and move-out specification, effective immediately, returns to the previous standard with additional specifications including: 

• Hard flooring being used in downstairs areas instead of carpet when replacement is required. 
• The use of white paint to decorate inside homes. 
• Vinyl flooring being used in all bathrooms, WC, kitchens and utility rooms if floor tiles, or hard flooring are not already installed when replacement is required.   
• Allowing up to four picture hooks per room to be left at move out without charges being incurred. 

You're Invited to Our Ice Cream Social!

 

You're Invited to Our Ice Cream Social!

Join ASGK for a sweet summer celebration!

Who are we?
ASGK (Allied Spouses of Geilenkirchen) is a NATO organization dedicated to supporting spouses and families in the Tri-border area. We focus on building community through connection, encouragement, and service—offering events, volunteer opportunities, and support for newcomers and established residents alike.

Monthly movies at The Hub

 

Teaching Assistant Job Vacancy

Teaching Assistant Job Vacancy at AF North School.

Please click on the below for details:

Job description

Job Advert

Application form

Free Movie Matinee at The Hub

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to new applications

The idea of not seeing your partner or parent for months at a time, often with limited contact, can be stressful and unsettling. But it’s a common experience for many armed forces families.

Deployment, training and exercises make separation a fundamental part of service for many, but this can have a significant impact on family life. Being apart can cause loneliness and a sense of isolation – whether you’re ‘weekending’ and adjusting to a constantly changing family dynamic or dealing with long separations.

Re-opening today, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) devised their Apart, not Alone programme to tackle this issue head on, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.

Lego sessions at JFC Library

 

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/

Aelia Duty Free Store deals and FoodTruck from BeachBites

On Friday the 20th of June Aelia Duty Free store is celebrating the start of summer. They have some amazing deals in store for you!

On Friday 20th June there will be a FoodTruck from BeachBites with XXL Hamburgers from 12:00-16:00 or as long as supplies lasts.

IMPORTANT => With your receipt from a purchase at Aelia Duty Free on 20th of June you will receive a free XXL hamburger at the foodtruck.

Visit Hasselt

In Hasselt, Belgium, a 45 minute drive from Brunssum, is a tranquil Japanese garden.
It is the perfect setting to fully experience the Japanese culture.

There are benches to sit on to enjoy the sound of waterfalls, koi fish to spot and feed, picnic places and paths for peaceful walks.

There are different activities/events on every month.
Cherry Blossom Season - Hanami
From 21st March to 30th April 2024, the garden will officially open its doors and you can see the cherry blossoms in bloom.

For more information click here

Hasselt is the largest city in Limburg, nice place to visit, shop and eat. For more information:
https://www.visithasselt.be/nl

Lego brick freestyle @ The Hub