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.

Brunssum: Weekly update to the Community Resource List

Weekly update to the Community Resource List!

Access the Community Resource List here

Submit your recommendations here 

To make it easier for everyone to find local recommendations and information, check out the Community Resource List or CRL for short.

This is a go-to list for information guides, local businesses, babysitters, pet sitters, restaurants, days out, local businesses, mechanics, hairdressers, and more!

This resource should help new arrivals and anyone with a burning question that might have already been asked and answered previously in different groups. The benefit of this being you can check the list anytime, especially if you need to know something ASAP.

This list is for and by our community so please add any and all of your if you have a recommendations by using this quick MS Form.

The list will be updated each week with any new entries.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Are you being posted overseas? Our Overseas and iHIVE Blogs hold information on your new location

 

You will find information, including comprehensive Location Guides – plus our local office’s contact details – on our Overseas Blogs at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

For those posted elsewhere, anywhere in the rest of the World, our tri-Service iHIVE covers the area.

The iHIVE Blog hosts around 100 Overseas Location Guides that can be viewed or downloaded from our iHIVE Blog: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ with more being added routinely. These can also be accessed (by MODnetusers) through the Army HIVE SharePoint site Overseas Postings area.

Most importantly, our iHIVE is also available to answer any enquiries about any overseas location worldwide, whether you are in the Royal Navy/RM, RAF, Army or civilian Service communities - please get in touch with any questions you may have.  

iHIVE is listed in the Overseas Supportability Checklist as an action for any Service person/family assigned overseas, in order to check that local services, amenities and facilities meet each individual and family’s needs.

Our poster has iHIVE’s contact details, or get in touch by email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse - Welfare staff interviews request

SafeLives are also keen to speak with Army Welfare Officers and Unit Welfare Officers who have experience of supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse. They want to understand your experiences of providing welfare support, and hear your views on the barriers victim/survivors from military families and relationships may face when trying to access help.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Army Personnel ABF

ACORN programme run by ManKind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

This course has less that six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse victims/survivors interviews request

 

SafeLives, with support from the Army Benevolent Fund, is looking to improve the domestic abuse response for victim/survivors from serving and veteran families.

SafeLives want to hear directly from victim/survivors who have lived experience of domestic abuse in military families or relationships. Their voices are central to this work.

Victim/survivors who take part will also receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Survivor ABF

Give Us Time: Welfare Summer Update

 

Link for more info: www.giveustime.org.uk

Alternatively follow on social media at https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Family Focus Programme reopens for applications

When a serving person becomes wounded, injured, or sick, life can change quickly for those around them. Family members might take on the role of primary carer, carrying a heavy emotional and practical load during recovery.

Ongoing support is essential. Its helps carers recognise their own needs and ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF): Carers and Careers Survey

"Are you juggling life in the Armed Forces while caring for someone with additional needs or a disability? Whether you're serving yourself or you're the partner of someone who is, if you're a carer, the Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) wants to hear from you!

FANDF is collecting lived experiences through a short survey, and the results will be shared directly with the MOD and policymakers at our next committee meeting.

Complete the survey now—it only takes a few minutes but could help shape the future: https://forms.office.com/e/zT65EDwM9"

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment - Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager, Plymouth

 

The Department of Work and Pensions has 12 new Child Maintenance Service Enforcement Case Manager Executive Officer opportunities in Plymouth. These are now open for applications until 4 Aug 2025.
 
Civil Service Jobs link: Child Maintenance Service - Enforcement Case Manager - Plymouth (Ref: 735) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
 
More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Forces Employment Charity: Empowering You employment workshop - 15th to 17th September 2025

  

Empowering You is a hybrid three-day employability and confidence-building workshop in collaboration with Barclays and Forces Employment Charity
 
Event Overview
Days 1 and 3 are virtual. On day 2, delegates will be hosted at three Barclays locations (simultaneously). Day 3 you will meet employers online from across industries who value the skills and qualities that people from the Armed Forces Community bring.
Join us in person at one of the illustrious Barclays locations in London, Knutsford or Glasgow.
The event is for military spouses and partners (all genders), ex-military women and reservists.
 
What can you expect:
Receive a free one-to-one mentoring session with a corporate mentor

1. Hear directly from employers about pathways for the Armed Forces community and regional job opportunities
2. Understand the value that your transferrable skills can bring to employers and gain confidence in yourself
3. Expert sessions delivered by our Families Employment Advisors who are all military spouses or partners with lived experience and who have served too.

 

Dates and times:
This event takes place on the 15^th - 17^th September 2025.
Virtual event timings (days 1 and 3): 10:00 – 13.00 (duration may vary due to group sizes)
In-person event timings (day 2): 10.00 – 16.00
 
Locations on day 2:
Barclays Radbroke Campus – Knutsford WA16 9EU
Barclays Glasgow Campus – 30 Clyde Place, Glasgow, Glasgow G5 8AQ
Barclays Headquarters – 1 Churchill Pl, London E14 5RB
 
Registration Link and Further Info:
Registration Form
Event Overview

 

Recruit for Spouses: What’s on this Summer

RFS are offering a number of events programmes and services over the coming months.

All services are free to access for military spouses, partners, veterans, and serving personnel.

Events include:

• Wellbeing Programme: We are currently accepting registrations for our six-week virtual programme, supported by a psychoeducational therapist. The sessions are designed to reduce isolation and help participants forge meaningful connections.
• Coaching & Mentoring Programme: We have spaces available in our coaching and mentoring initiative. With a pool of over 80 volunteers from various sectors – including BAE, Virgin, and AMS – we’re ready to match individuals with mentors who can support professional development or help build confidence. Our Coaching and Mentoring Manager, Helen Callis, is available to guide participants every step of the way.

For more information on Recruit for Spouses, please visit: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/

To register and sign up, please go to: RFS Portal

Little Troopers: All together Build-A-Bear workshops on 13th August 2025

 

All Together this Summer!

Little Troopers has once again partnered with Build-A-Bear Workshop to bring a very special experience to military children across the UK this summer!

• Is your little trooper missing a deployed parent?

If your child has a parent currently deployed, you can apply to attend one of our exclusive group workshops happening nationwide. Each child will have the magical opportunity to create their very own ‘Little Troopers’ bear at Build-A-Bear — a treasured keepsake to hold close while their parent is away.

• A Nationwide Shared Moment

On the same day and at the same time, children in multiple Build-A-Bear locations will come together for this special summer event — a moment of connection and comfort for our military families.

• Event Details:

Date: 13th August 2025
Time: Approximately 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Age Group: Military children aged 4–10 years, each accompanied by one adult
Locations: Windsor, Exeter, Edinburgh, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Southampton, Maidstone, and Newcastle Build-A-Bear Workshops

Apply via the form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPKJPVR

Forces Families Jobs: X-Forces Start-up Skills Workshop - online 30th & 31st August 2025

 

X-Forces two-day Business Start-Up Skills course expands on the content from the Self-Employment Discovery workshop. 

This course provides members of the military community specific training to enable them to launch and sustain a business. The course is ideal for anyone interested in starting their own business or enterprise and is tailored towards your specific business idea.

Find out more & sign up at: https://bit.ly/3GLdjTn

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Covenant Fund programme, Hidden Voices, reopens for applications

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has reopened the Hidden Voices programme for applications. This is the second year of this popular programme with funded projects last year supporting:
veterans in the justice system in

• LGBT+ veterans
• victim-survivors of Military Sexual Violence
• carers in armed forces communities
• foreign & commonwealth personnel
• And more…!

The Hidden Voices programme is about ensuring everyone in the armed forces community feels heard and supported – focusing on those who may not always get the support they need.

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

 

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Our dogs are far more than companions. They are working dogs trained to assist with everyday tasks like opening doors, retrieving dropped items and building confidence in public settings. Just as importantly, they offer loyal companionship and emotional reassurance.

Each dog is carefully matched to their Partner based on individual needs, ensuring a truly life-changing relationship that supports both practical challenges and emotional wellbeing.

Who We Help

We welcome applications from anyone who:

• Is a current or former member of HM Armed Forces or Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard or RNLI)
• Is living with a physical disability caused by illness or injury (this does not need to be directly related to your time in service)

We support a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and independence, including:

• Spinal injuries
• Limb loss or amputation
• Stroke recovery
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Serious illness or injury with lasting physical impact

We understand that the road to recovery and independence can be tough and the last thing we want is for cost to be a barrier. Where needed, Hounds for Heroes can cover the full working life of an assistance dog, including training, equipment, insurance and ongoing support. Each situation is assessed individually and we aim to remove as many barriers as possible.

If you or someone you support could benefit from an assistance dog, we’d love to hear from you. Welfare officers, medical staff and support teams are encouraged to signpost eligible individuals our way. We're here to help. 

To learn more or to begin an application, visit: www.houndsforheroes.com or get in touch at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com.

Together, we can make a difference.

Free August Webinars from Serve and Protect Credit Union

 

This August, Serve and Protect Credit Union are delivering a range of free educational webinars on the following financial topics:

Thu 7th - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
Thu 14th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Wed 20th - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected
Thu 21st - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Thu 28th - Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know

With actionable tips to prepare for financial emergencies, improve your credit score, and budget your money, don't miss out on these free webinars from Serve and Protect!

🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Military Mortgage Advice - Housing Webinars, July to September 2025

 

Webinars | Military Mortgage Advice

RAF Job Opportunities for Rejoiners and Inter-Service Transferees

 

RAF Recruitment | Rejoiners | Royal Air Force

Brunssum: Mosaqua Water Park

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

 

Wherever your assignment order is taking you, HIVE is here to provide the local information!

If your posting is in the UK you can find our blog and location guides here. Please use our MS Forms enquiry function for any additional locations or if you have any enquiries.

Are you assigned overseas? If you’re posted to an overseas location where we have a HIVE, you will find information – plus our local office’s contact details – at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

Posted elsewhere overseas? Don’t worry if your new location is not listed above, the iHIVE covers the rest of the world, with over 100 location guides available plus online enquiry support.

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.

Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• safeguarding

Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.

How to complete the survey
You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

You have until Saturday 30 August to make your voice heard.

The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter: Family Support together

Link to read online: Summer 2025 Newsletter

Defence update: Wraparound Childcare funding updates for autumn term 2025

Are you eligible to join the 9,000 Service families claiming up to £3,400, per child, per year, for their before and after school childcare costs?

What is Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

Simplifying overseas service finances…
Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – 11 July 25

Planning for move-ins/outs and removals this summer
Summer is the busiest time of the year for housing allocations and removal activity. Our suppliers will always strive to meet your preferred dates, however because of the volume of requests, on occasions this is not always possible.

Give Us Time: Orlando holiday opportunity - Autumn 2025

Give Us Time have a new opportunity for a two week break in Orlando in the autumn, which is live on their website at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

This is for up to four people in a town house on the Encantada Resort in Kissimmee, to the southwest of Orlando. The resort is close to Disney World and Sea World, and an hour’s drive to both of Florida’s beautiful coastlines.

The dates for this break are Saturday 20 September to Saturday 4 October – they are unable to request alternative dates, although families can choose to arrive a day later or leave a day earlier, depending on flights.

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.