Chester: CATCH - Common Approach to Children's Health

CATCH is a free mobile app for expectant mums, parents & carers of children aged 0-5.

Download the app today to access reliable health information with health reminders like vaccination dates, guidance for your child's age range and local support services http://cwac.co/z8zuB

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Lichfield: Military & Veterans Breakfasts - The Bell inn, Whittington last Sunday of the Month

 

Wattisham: Suffolk libraries - free e-books and audiobooks

If you are Suffolk resident, membership of Suffolk Libraries is Free!
You can apply at the library or via the website.
Here you can access to Borrowbox app which provides access to E-Books and Audio-books (children and adults).

Suffolk Libraries UK (@SuffolkLibrary) / Twitter

BorrowBox (@BorrowBox) / Twitter

Listen | Suffolk Libraries

Information provided by Wattisham HIVE

Defence Accommodation Strategy

We recognise the importance of homes and families to the wellbeing of Service Personnel, especially when making such extraordinary sacrifices in the UK and overseas.

Defence continues to consider how we best support our people and ensure that they have access to high quality subsidised accommodation in line with modern living standards and the support that meets their varied needs, health, and wellbeing.​

​To read click HERE​

Lichfield: Compensation - Pinnacle Service Families

You may be entitled to compensation if you have experienced any of the following;

• Missed appointments

• Failed Move in – if during your move in experience there was a significant defect resulting in a habitable or non-habitable fault

• Incorrect Tradesperson – If the wrong tradesperson arrives to attend a repair you have reported who is not suitably qualified to fix/ make good the issue and has to arrange for a second visit by the correct tradesperson

• Total loss of heating/cooking facilities – if there is a total loss of heating facilities (where temporary heating is provided) or total loss of cooking facilities

Please note that compensation will be paid in high street vouchers (Love2Shop) only, to offset any inconvenience caused. Click here to see the list of retailers where you can spend a Love2Shop voucher.

Full details: HERE

Lancashire: New Cost of Living information hub launched

We've launched our new Cost of Living information hub, making it easier for people to find the help they need.
It's contains various areas of support, including our Warm and Welcome Places scheme.
Read more more about it here
cost-of-living-support-in-lancashire

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Servicewomen’s Health Handbook

The Servicewomen’s Health Handbook​ was released last month and is for all personnel who are directly affected by female-specific health issues, for commanders and line managers who have a responsibility to enable their people to be their best, and for colleagues to better understand and support.

Copies of the handbook are available via internal Health and Wellbeing Portals or can be downloaded direct from Servicewomen's Health Handbook​

Scotland: Mindful Connections a new service launched to help veteran families transition to civilian life

Forces Children Scotland has received funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund to deliver Mindful Connections to support families who have made or will make the transition from military to civilian life across Central Scotland.

It’s the whole family which makes the transition

Children and young people have told us that making the transition from an armed forces to civilian family can prove a challenging experience for many different reasons. That’s why we will deliver a holistic family support service to help families to work together to make a successful transition from military to civilian life.

Tax Free Childcare - Overseas

Whilst overseas, TFC can only be used at nurseries or childminders that are MOD provided (regulated and inspected). 

If you are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) and you are assigned to an overseas location within the European Economic Area (and Switzerland) where there is no access to MOD provided schools and nurseries, you will be able to claim the TFC top-up using a manual process.

Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding (AFFS) worked with HMRC to allow for an application to be made with data then being transferred securely to HMRC for eligibility checking and processing of refunds.

2022DIN01-102 Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) Scheme for eligible working parents (Service personnel) has now been published, this includes the application form for the manual process.

Personnel without internal SharePoint access should contact People-AFFS-Child-Expenses@mod.gov.uk to request a copy of the application form. ​

DWP official social media accounts

 

DWP official social media accounts

Universal Credit - Easy Read Guides

There are two new easy read guides available on GOV.UK, ‘Before you apply for Universal Credit’ (UC3ER) and ‘How to apply for Universal Credit’ (UC4ER) – English and Welsh versions.

These easy read guides help people with learning disabilities to understand what Universal Credit (UC) is, who can get UC and how to apply for UC.​

Easy read: Universal Credit guides

Carers in the Army - Survey by Army Carers Advocate for SP

 To read the full story, click on the link below:

Edd's story / Carer Support Wiltshire

Service Carer Survey (office.com)

Chester: Mental Health Services in Cheshire West - Find the Right Support for You

We all have mental health and anyone can need support. There is a range of help available in west Cheshire. 

Find the right support for you http://cwac.co/ic6xL

Information provided by Chester HIVE
 

Wimbish: Evergreen Taekwon-Do at Carver Barracks

Minimasters (3-6 yrs) 4-4:30pm

Junior Masters (7-12 yrs) 4:30 - 5:30pm.

Please note, for the Minimaster class we ask parents to wait outside, as this age group (3-6 yrs) are easily distracted and in my experience having Mum, Dad or siblings in the room doesn’t always help. Should there be any problems I will be sure to come outside and get you.

Please remember to bring a completed consent form for each child including a signed second page, if sheets are printed separately.

We train in bare feet and ask all students to attend in light clothing, PE kit or similar with any jewellery removed prior to the lesson.

We also ask all students especially those in the junior class to bring their water bottles with them. There is drinking water available at the hall but it‘s always good to be prepared.

I’m excited to see you all there!

Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

Wattisham: Suffolk Family Carers

Did you know that Suffolk Family Carers has got a Military Families Lead what allows tailored support.

For advice and support please contact  hello@suffolkfamilycarers.org

Information provided by Wattisham HIVE

Chester: Fun Basketball Training For Girls Aged 7+ - Tuesdays - Blacon High School

Girls aged 7 years and above are invited to play in this basketball team.

Team sport is the best opportunity for you to improve your child’s physical, emotional and mental development through play.

What CHESHIRE ROAR has to offer for your children:

Learn life skills
Make friends for life
Build confidence
Team work
Develop communication skills
Keep fit and healthy
And so much more!

Is your child shy and would benefit from a smaller social group with structured practice? Is your child bursting with energy and needs to burn it off? Are you attending other sports clubs but want a change? Does your child need a fresh start and something new? Look no further this progressive development program is for you!

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Chester: Chester Cathedral - Join Our Nave Choir

 

Chester: Chester Cathedral - Sunday School/Saturday Singing Club

To find out more about Sunday School please CLICK HERE

To find out more about the Saturday Singing Club please CLICK HERE

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Colchester: Escape Rooms

https://www.escape-colchester.co.uk/ 

Military discount offered to all serving personnel.

Email or call Colchester HIVE for code:

Colchesterhive@armymail.mod.uk

Information provided by Colchester HIVE

Colchester: Post Office in Colchester District General Hospital

The Post Office is open within WH Smith at Colchester District General Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester C04 5JL, which will be known as Colchester Hospital Post Office.

Information provided by Colchester HIVE

Edinburgh: AWS Junior Youth Club, P1-P7 is back!

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) Today is World Mental Health Day 🌍

Today is World Mental Health Day 🌍

We all have a role in supporting each other’s mental health, and it’s important we look out for our loved ones every day.

We've put together 12 things to try when someone is struggling 💜https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/being-there-for-someone/friends-family

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Swimtime Scotland

SWIMMING LESSONS - ST ANDREWS

We are delighted to announce a new teacher to our team at the fabulous Clayton's Leisure Club at Clayton's Caravan Park near St Andrews. 

Our lessons are catered for all ages from age of 3 up. To book a place on these sought after lessons please go to www.swimtime.org/finder

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Weeton: AF Community Support Group - Life after the army - Mondays & Thursdays

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Scottish Government: Scottish Veterans Fund is open

A veterans support fund is now open to help improve the lives of former service personnel and their families.

A key priority for this year’s Scottish Veterans Fund is to make sure veterans and their families are supported in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The fund will also target support for veterans who have left the Services early, as well as promoting collaboration between both veterans charities and non-veterans organisations.

For more information and to apply for funding https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-veterans-fund-information

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Kooth

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. 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.

Armed Forces Loneliness

 Click image for more information

UK Government Advice on Domestic Abuse Update

 

The UK Government Website have updated their advice on domestic abuse in the following areas:​

Guidance and support for those affected by or dealing with cases of domestic abuse in the Armed Forces Community.​

www.gov.uk/government/collections/domestic-abuse-guidance-and-support-for-the-armed-forces-community

​A handbook for civilian support services, designed to help and Informa civilian support services who are working with the Armed Forces:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/armed-forces-domestic-abuse-a-handbook-for-civilian-support-services​

Support within the foreign and Commonwealth community for those affected by domestic abuse:

​www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-within-the-foreign-and-commonwealth-community-for-those-affected-by-domestic-abuse​

Little Troopers - Launch of their new Therapy Programme

Click image for more information

Kooth

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. 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.

Chester: Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemorary and Musical Theatre Dance Classes

If you would like your child to learn Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary or Musical Theatre you can book a free dance class trial run by North West Dance Studios

For more information or to book a space contact us on 07896412176 or northwestdancestudiod@gmail.com

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Chester: Kung Fu or Kickboxing classes - Wednesdays - Cheshire County Sports Club

Are you or your child thinking of taking up Kung Fu or Kickboxing?

Then BKN Lau Gar Kung Fu & Kickboxing is at The Cheshire County Sports Club every Wednesday.

For more information contact Brian Nelson - see poster for contact details

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Kooth

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. 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.

Poulton-Le-Fylde: Girl Guiding

Poulton girlguiding rangers are the oldest of the Guiding family 14 - 18 yrs and the added bonus is that you can also do your Duke of Edinburgh as well. If your Daughter is interested please contact Jill via e-mail:

poultonrangers@gmail.com 

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Who are HIVE

 

Guidance: Help for service leavers from Defence Transition Services

 

For information about how military personnel and their families can get more support and extra help from Defence Transition Services when leaving the armed forces, please click HERE

Chester: SSAFA Chester, Ellesmere Port & Neston Division - Contact Details

 

Scotland: Veterans and Benefits Factsheet

Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, along with Armed Services Advice Project  have produced a factsheet that tells you how any means-tested benefits (benefits which are affected by your income and savings) are affected by certain armed forces payments administered by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

It also tells you where to get help and advice with benefits and tax credits if you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran.

To take a look at the factsheet 👉 Veterans and Benefits Factsheet

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE