Two new programmes launched from the Covenant Fund Trust

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is delighted to announce New Covenant Fund Programmes for 2022/23​:

• The popular Force for Change programme has now reopened for applications.
• The Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme has also now opened. This programme will award grants of up to £100,000 over a period of up to three years.

A further programme Transforming approaches to supporting unmet needs will launch in Summer 2022.

Scotland: ADES National Transitions Officer newsletter for Scotland

The ADES National Transitions Officer newsletter for Scotland, along with LOADS of useful information and activities has just been published. To read the newsletter in full click on the image above 👆

The main Forces Children's Education website have lots of really useful information for families who are moving to Scotland 👉 https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Staffordshire: Staffordshire Libraries - online learning guides

Staffordshire Libraries have partnered with Digital Unite to offer an extensive collection of over 400 learning guides about using modern technology created by Digital Unite, the digital learning experts.

The easy-to-use guides are ideal for improving your own confidence and skills or for supporting other learners and can now be found on our website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/DigitalUniteGuides

There’s everything from computer basics to smartphones, using the internet and broadband TV and they can all be saved and printed as well!

Information provided by Lichfield HIVE

DWP changes to the Special Rules process for End of Life allowances

 

The Government has changed the Special Rules process for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. DWP will now consider a claimant to be terminally ill if due to their health condition or disability they have a life expectancy of less than 12 months (the current definition is 6 months life expectancy).

People can now make a claim under Special Rules for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance in the final 12 months of their life. Special Rules allow people who have less than 12 months to live to make a fast-tracked claim to benefits without needing to have a medical assessment. In most cases, they will also get the highest rate of benefit. For more guidance see: Special Rules for End of Life factsheet.

​Similar changes are planned for Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

New Pension Credit campaign by DWP

 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new campaign calling on pensioners, and their friends and family, to check eligibility for Pension Credit.

The campaign begins with social and digital channels in April, with national/regional newspaper advertising to follow in the coming months.

Pension Credit gives pensioners extra financial support with living costs if they are on a low income. More than 1.4 million pensioners in Britain claim it but new figures show many more could be missing out. For further advice and guidance see the Pension Credit Toolkit.

National Benefit Fraud Hotline - restarted

 

The National Benefit Fraud Hotline (0800 854 440), a telephony service where citizens can report allegations of fraud, has been resurrected from Monday 11 April. It was paused due to COVID approximately 2 years ago. Citizens can make a report anonymously - you do not have to give your name or contact details unless you want to.​

NAAFI Fund re-opens for 2022-2023

 

We’re thrilled to announce the fantastic NAAFI fund has reopened for 2022-2023!

The NAAFI Fund makes grants to UK Armed Forces bases, located in the UK or overseas, for projects that improve the quality of life for serving personnel and serving families living on or near a Forces base or station.

Please click here to read the press release in full.

You can also visit The NAAFI Fund website here.

Follow Army HIVE on Twitter

 

Find Army HIVE on Twitter here​!

Wimbish: Contact House & Flat

£15 non-refundable deposit is required when booking the Contact House : Call Welfare on 01223 203691 to book.

Contact Flat

Wimbish Station also have a contact flat. A fully furnished flat with one room consisting of a double bed and bunk beds, kitchen plus large living/dining area. £15 per night. 

Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

'Free Courses for Jobs' campaign expansion

The Government's 'Free Courses for Jobs' campaign has expanded to help even more adults take a free level 3 qualification (equivalent to A levels) to help them access new job opportunities or increase their wages. Courses are now available to those aged 19+, living in England, if any one of the following apply:

• They do not already have a level 3 qualification such as A levels or an Advanced Technical Diploma (and do not have a qualification at a higher level)
• Are unemployed
• Earn below the National Living Wage annually (£18525)

Visit the website here to find the right qualification for you.

National Insurance relief for businesses when hiring Veterans

Businesses hiring military veterans can now save their firms thousands of pounds in employee National Insurance contributions, thanks to a scheme launched by the government's Office of Veterans' Affairs. From 6 April 2022, employers will not have to pay National Insurance contributions for veterans in their first year of civilian employment after leaving the armed forces. Businesses will also be able to claim this relief retrospectively for any qualifying employees who joined their company in the last 12 months. Further information can be found on the Government website here

New arrangements to support Service Family Accommodation - FDIS

New arrangements to support SFA under the FDIS

Government campaign ‘Enough’ to tackle Domestic Abuse

https://enough.campaign.gov.uk/

Service Family Hot Topics: UK immigration and wider support to Non-UK Army Personnel

'Please note that some of the links are to documents held on internal MOD systems only'

This newsletter contains advice and guidance to support Non-UK nationals (Commonwealth, Gurkhas and Nepali citizens serving in the wider Army) and their entitled family members and Non-UK entitled family members of a serving British Citizen.​

20220411-UK_IMMIGRATION_HOT-TOPICS

Preston & Weeton - Let's Feel Good Fylde - Sports Club Directory and Weekly Activity Timetable

Here are just some of the benefits to children when they stay active!

Is your child interested in getting stuck into a new hobby?

Check out Fylde's Sports Directory and weekly itinerary of activities here:

Welcome to our Let’s Feel Good Fylde page.

Here you will find everything you need to get out and about and active in Fylde.

https://new.fylde.gov.uk/resident/leisure/sports-development/lets-feel-good-fylde/

SSAFA: Commemorating the Fortieth Year of the Falklands War

Remembering the sacrifices made by the soldiers, sailors and aviators who fought to liberate the Falkland Islands following an Argentinian invasion in 1982.

www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us/our-national-campaigns/falklands-Commemorating 40th Falklands Anniversary​

Blackpool: New Peter Rabbit Attraction on the Promenade

New Peter Rabbit™ Attraction at Blackpool!

Hop into the over-sized world of Peter and his friends.

Tickets are now on sale from the Peter Rabbit website

Hop along to the New Peter Rabbit™ Attraction at Blackpool!

Beloved characters from the award-winning PETER RABBIT™ animated TV series arrived at a new home on Blackpool’s famous seafront. It’s a partnership that marks the first stand-alone Merlin visitor attraction to be based on the series. And it’s a first for Blackpool! A brand-new concept and the first time Merlin has created a stand-alone attraction based on the series.

The new Peter Rabbit attraction at Blackpool is open next door to the famous Madame Tussauds Blackpool. It joins Merlin’s six other attractions including The Blackpool Tower and SEA LIFE Blackpool.

Embark on an adventure across five fluffy-tailed themed zones. You’ll need to think like a rabbit, move like a rabbit and deploy rabbit-like senses! There’s a whole burrow-full of creativity to enjoy. Complete the challenges and earn badges. See if you have the skills to join the secret treehouse club! You’ll also meet, greet and ‘high-paw’ with Peter himself – in a bumper bunny day out!

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Service Families Accommodation - Complaints Procedure

The accommodation complaints process is a Special-to-Type (STT) procedure that exists to deal with matters related to the delivery of Service provided accommodation. The STT process must be closed before a Service Complaint can be considered.

Amendments have been made to the STT Process for Service Families Accommodation (and substitute equivalent) in Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) to improve the efficiency of the process and improve understanding of the redress that can be granted at each stage.

To read more click on image above 👆

Chester: Cheshire Police Launch New On-Line Tool to Report Rape, Sexual Assault or Harrassment

If you're a victim of rape, sexual assault or harassment we know it can be very difficult to make a report to police. 

We've launched an online report tool to give you the time and space to start the process and give officers the information they need for an investigation.

CLICK HERE for further information

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Families' Activity Breaks (FAB) - We Need You

​Families' Activity Breaks (FAB) are looking for Volunteers! Military, ex-military and Defence Civilians.
​Full details: ​fabcamps.org.uk/get-involved/volunteers​

HIVE Accommodation Information Sheet

This sheet provides generic information such as MOD accommodation policy, FAM and maintenance and repairs. To read in full or to access any links please click on image.

HIVEs hold additional local detail and will research for you if you need further help. 

Edinburgh Garrison: Dreghorn Swimming Pool now open for families and is Free!

Open to all Military Personnel, any of the above sessions, Dependants and MOD Civilian's. Please contact Pool Staff for info. 

Tel: 94740 2857/0131 310 2857

Email: EdinburghGar-Pool-Gen-Enq@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Army Learning and Development Portal - Military and Civil Servants

​​For those with access to ModNet, why not check out the Army L&D Portal, also available via JIVE on smartphones:

Search Learning and Development Portal via:

Group: Learning and Development Portal (Army) | Defence Connect (mod.uk)

Chester: Chester Gladiators RLFC - Recruiting Junior Rugby - Cheshire Country Sports Club

The Cheshire County Sports Club, Plas Newton Lane, Chester, CH2 1PR. 

The website for this is here: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/chestergladiators and their Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/chestergladiators/

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Leuchars Station: The Bairns Group Thursday Mamas

Held in the Community Centre, places limited and should be booked in the first instance at https://bookwhen.com/thebairnsgroup or ring Kerry (AWS) on 07855075685.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars Station: The Bairns Group Sensory Stories

Held in the Community Centre, places limited and should be booked in the first instance at https://bookwhen.com/thebairnsgroup or ring Kerry (AWS) on 07855075685.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Changes to Settlement fees for Non-UK Service Personnel

For more information click here ​or contact your local HIVE.

EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families Programme - RFEA

RFEA EM3 Armed Forces families helps veterans, partners, spouses, and their children to gain new skills in emerging industries including digital, medical technologies, gaming, sustainable construction, cyber, and space and satellite. 

This is a unique opportunity to access free accredited courses and qualifications via our expert partners and get personal careers and employability support from our dedicated caseworkers who have all either served, are military-spouses, or have lived experience of forces family life. 

Now open for enrolment: sign up here , start your personal development journey and future-proof your career!

Pinnacle, VIVO & Amey - The Families SFA Journey

click on image to enlarge

Togetherall: coping in times of crisis

During challenging times in the world, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. 

During challenging times in the world, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. 

However, if these feelings are getting too much, there is help available. 

Togetherall is a FREE online service to support your #mentalhealth. Share how you're feeling in their anonymous community. 

Join today for FREE at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces