The Armed Forces Covenant Fund - how to raise awareness of the ‘Armed Forces community & the Armed Forces Covenant’

 

Warwickshire County Council have developed an e-learning training module designed to raise awareness of the Armed Forces community and the Armed Forces Covenant, using a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Aimed at public and third sector staff across the country who are likely to engage with the Armed Forces Community, the new free e-learning gives an overview of:

• Who the Armed Forces Community are and what challenges they face.
• What the Armed Forces do on our behalf.
• What the Armed Forces Covenant is and how it can support personnel, veterans and their families.

Full details can be found HERE​.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund - New 'Veterans' Places, Pathways and People Programme' guide launched

 

A new guide has been launched to raise awareness of the 10 portfolios that have received major grants and their work, which will take place over the next two years.

​​​Click HERE for more details and to read the guide​.

Wattisham: Community Centre - days out information

Looking for something fun to do? Pleaces to go?

You are free to help yourself at the foyer of Wattisham Community Centre to some information on local area and places to visit.

Information provided by Wattisham HIVE

Future Accommodation Model pilot supports Lee, Army SSgt, into the perfect Service Family Accommodation for his blended family

 

Watch Lee share his story about how, with support from the FAM pilot, he’s eligible to receive needs-based Service Family Accommodation with his long term established partner, baby and children that stay with him on a regular basis:

https://youtu.be/q7wcU7_YDlQ (please view video in Google Chrome for best usability)

As the FAM pilot enters its final year, we continue to look at how the offer has supported Service personnel. One of its biggest benefits is the fact that it applies equally to personnel whether single, married, in a civil partnership, long term established relationship, and those who have children over 80 nights per calendar year.

Colchester: Primary Schools near to Colchester Garrison

www.stmichaelsprimary.co.uk

www.montgomery-jun.org.uk

st-johns-green.eschools.co.uk

www.iceniacademyclmat.co.uk

www.hamiltonprimary.com

Information provided by Colchester HIVE

Issue affecting Pinnacle appointments in the SE and SW regions + complaints and compensation in general

 

1. Issue affecting appointments in the South East and South West regions

Last week we alerted you to an urgent issue where VIVO’s system was not receiving appointments being transferred by Pinnacle. Since then, we have worked hard with our suppliers to understand the causes, reduce the impact on families and find a resolution.

Unfortunately, the issues are impacting families through missed appointments, and we understand how frustrating this is for families.

VIVO has reported 1733 missed appointments due to this issue that have affected 1125 families. The technical teams have identified the causes of the problem and fixes are currently being deployed. While it will take a few days to permanently fix the underlying issue, a business continuity plan (BCP) has been implemented with a temporary solution while the permanent solution is put in place. Early feedback suggests this has significantly reduced but we aim to eliminate it entirely. Therefore, further measures have been agreed with immediate effect to strengthen this BCP. The Pinnacle team at the National Service Centre are supporting by providing information across to the VIVO such that checks can be made to prevent further missed appointments.

Met Police - The Little Book of Big Scams 5th Edition

 

The Little Book of Big Scams aims to raise awareness of the ever-evolving ways that criminals use to scam the public out of hard earned money.

Click here​ for an online copy.

Defence Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2027 published

MOD has published the latest Defence People Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2022-2027) which sets out measures to improve the health and wellbeing (HWB) of Defence People and aims to maximise their employability and deployability.

The strategy aims to promote the importance of health and wellbeing across Defence, adopting a holistic approach to mental health, physical health and social health, recognising the need to educate and enable people to live healthy lifestyles in healthy environments.

Families serving overseas – university applications

 

This advice follows a recent case where a dependent based overseas with their serving parent was treated as an international student by a university admissions office, which led to the incorrect fees system being applied. This should not take place – any dependent accompanying their serving parent/s overseas should be treated as a UK resident.

The relevant regulation is Schedule 1 of The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011, as amended by The Education (Student Fees, Awards and Support) Amendment (No 3) Regulations 2021.

Paras 4 and 5 of the amended Schedule state:

TogetherAll: Parent and Caregiver support

Balancing work and parenting can be tough. If you need somewhere to share how you're feeling, @Togetherall has a dedicated group for parents & caregivers to connect, share experiences and support each other​.

TogetherAll: Military Group

Togetherall has dedicated group for the military community to connect, share experiences and support each other

RBLI Lifeworks Course

 

Mallory Meadows Holiday Cabins and Roundhouses 10% discount for MOD personnel

Terms and conditions apply: Bookings must be made over the phone quoting "MOD2210". Offer valid for stays up to 19.12.22. Valid ID must be shown at check-in. Not valid with any other offer. We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time

 

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

Childcare Choices - 30 Hours free Childcare

For more information, click here. ​

Wattisham: Baby Massage

Information provided by Wattisham HIVE

New Guide launched on innovative projects for veterans

 

For more details: New Guide Launched On Innovative Projects For Veterans

Boarding School Finder

Please be advised that with effect 30th June 2022, the Boarding School Finder will no longer be available. The Education Advisory Team (UK) within DCS, can provide Service Personnel with a copy of the Boarding School Database, which contains the same information, if required. Please contact RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk.​

Gov.UK - Cost of Living Support

 

We know people are worried about the cost of living, so the government is offering help. See what support you could be eligible for: ​costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk/​

Chester: Have Your Large Unwanted Items Collected by Cheshire West Recycling (Chargeable)

Moving out and have unwanted large items? You can arrange for large items to be collected using our bulky waste service. 

To find out what can be collected and to arrange a collection, visit: http://cwac.co/3dpn1

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Scottish Women's Aid

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone affected by Domestic Abuse or Forced Marriage. 

We also have a webchat if phoning doesn't feel safe for you.

📞0800 027 1234
📧helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
💻http://sdafmh.org.uk

We're here for you.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

N is for Non UK National

G is For General Enquiries

 

O is for Overseas

Wraparound Childcare - Update

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Team continue to work towards Full UK Rollout of WAC. The Full Business Case has been submitted for consideration by Defence and HM Treasury. When the WAC Team receive the outcome of the decision made about the Full Business Case (by Defence and HM Treasury), further communications will be issued. Service families should keep an eye on their Service information focal points (HIVE, RN FPS​, Families Federations, ) and Discover My Benefits for updates, Service Personnel should check the Defence intranet or Defence Connect for updates.

Tax Free Childcare

 

To find out more about Tax Free Childcare, click here. ​

Wimbish: Uttlesford bin collection dates

Find your collection waste day

Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

Claiming Universal Credit from overseas

Overview
1. Serving families (and Crown Servants) operating overseas remain eligible to claim Universal Credit, in the same way they would if serving in the UK.

Temporary solution
2. A temporary solution is in place to get around the difficulties with using BFPO addresses on Universal Credit software. With immediate effect, all eligible claimants are to use the following address in claims: UNIT or REGIMENT OPERATION; BARRACKS or CAMP or RAF STATION or NAVAL SHIP (if applicable); BFPO number; POSTCODE: HA4 6NG.

a. Most important aspect is the post-code, this will ensure the claim goes to the team of DWP Armed Forces (AF) Champions that will specialise in supporting serving personnel overseas.

b. If you are already serving overseas and claiming you are recommended to complete a Universal Credit change of circumstances form so that your claim falls under the one central DWP AF champion team.

Families Serving Overseas - University Applications UK Resident Status

The legislation regarding applications for University for those who are serving overseas can be found which refers to the law regarding the status of any dependent accompanying their Serving parent overseas who should be treated as a UK resident can be found within the link below.

​For any further education questions please contact your nearest HIVE who will be able to assist.

The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 (legislation.gov.uk)

CAMHS Resources & Downloads

A collection of downloadable self-help guides that we really like and hope may be useful to you.

Some are aimed at adults but the ideas and suggestions in them can still be relevant for young people and parents.

DOWNLOADS | CAMHS Resources (camhs-resources.co.uk)

Leuchars Station: Dundee now has a Low Emission Zone

The Dundee LOW EMISSION ZONE is live – although it will be two years before drivers of non-compliant vehicles will be fined for entering. 

Find out how you can be ready at https://bit.ly/3yEAUi4

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Services Cotswold Centre (SCC)

Are you looking for a short break in the UK or just in need of a change of scenery?

Or perhaps you are based at a local* unit and are unable to book a Welfare house for family wishing to visit?

We may have just the thing!

In the beautiful Wiltshire countryside lies the Services Cotswold Centre, a Tri Service Accommodation facility near Corsham with easy access to Chippenham & Bath.

The Centre is open to any Service person or MOD Civil Servant and their families who need short-term housing for welfare purposes (including contact housing); between assignments; on discharge; home leave; or just a short break in the country.

For a relaxing break at minimal cost and in easy reach of the many tourist attractions the South West offers, visit the SCC webpage or contact the team on 01225 810358.


*local = Serving Personnel based within one hour from SCC can sponsor family visits

Alton: Alton Community Share

Click Here for more information

Information provided by Aldershot HIVE Hub

 

Wimbish: Disabled Parking Bays at CBW

There are a number of designated disabled parking bays within CBW and the SFA.  These are only to be used by a Blue Badge Holder.  Under no circumstance should you park in such bays if you do not meet the criteria.

Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

Colchester: Booker Wholesale Colchester

All serving personnel, veterans and MOD employees are allowed to shop at Bookers Wholesale in Colchester, head straight to reception to be given your daily pass.

Army ID required or proof that you are employed by the MOD or Sodexo.

For more information on the store visit: www.booker.co.uk=colchester

Information provided by Colchester HIVE

Colchester: Hollytrees Museum

  For more details visit Hollytrees Museum

Information provided by Colchester HIVE

Families Deployment Guide ed 5

 

Click on the image above to read the support guide in full.

Colchester: Castle Park Trails

Explore Castle Park using self-led history and wildlife trails.

These trails will allow you to explore Castle Park on your own or with friends and family to better understand the history and wildlife of this special urban park in the heart of Colchester.

You can download these trails to either print at home or use directly from your phone or tablet.

Information provided by Colchester HIVE