Forces Employment Charity

 

The Forces Employment Charity was formed from two of the UK’s largest and most respected military charities; RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity (RFEA) and Officers’ Association (OA).

Founded in 1885 and 1920 respectively, they came together in May 2022 to begin an exciting new chapter for ex-Forces employment support. Their mission is to enable individuals to secure employment and progress to roles at every level, to ensure they achieve their potential beyond military service.

To find out more visit the Forces Employment Charity website​.

Lived experience of non-UK veterans research project

Are you a former member of the UK Armed Forces with non-UK nationality?

RAND Europe is conducting research funded by the UK Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA) to improve understanding of what it's like to be a non-UK veteran (ie. a UK ex-service person who did not have UK nationality when they joined the Armed Forces).

​The research focuses on exploring the day-to-day experiences of military service, military-to-civilian transition and post-service life, as well as helping to improve policy and support for non-UK veterans.

If you are interested in taking part in a research interview, register online at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/

Further information ​about the project can be found at https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/projects/understanding-the-lived-experience-of-non-uk-veterans.html

NHS Armed Forces Update

click on image to read document in full

Supporting Partners: Innovation Grants, under the Armed Forces Families Fund

The Trust has partnered with the MOD to administer the Armed Forces Families Fund. 

This programme provides funding to projects that will offer innovative, new forms of support for the partners of those who are serving.

Armed Forces Bases, Stations or Units
Charities registered in the UK
Community Interest Companies (CICs).
Universities in the UK

More information on who can apply can be found in the programme guidance 👇

https://covenantfund.org.uk

Samaritans - Emotional Health & Wellbeing for Service Leavers and Veterans

To read the Samaritans Emotions Health and Wellbeing for Service Leavers and Veterans, please click HERE​

 

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

Togetherall: Movember - men's health and wellbeing

Talking can feel hard. Let's make it easier.

If you or someone you know might be struggling, opening up and sharing how you are feeling can help. Whether that's with family, friends, a professional or in the @Togetherall community, there is help available. Togetherall is an anonymous, online community available 24/7, to get (or give) support.

Togetherall is FREE to UK Military,

Veterans & Family members 16+ join at: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

Cost saving suggestions for reducing energy bills

 

Credit Union Difference

 

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

Chester: E-Scooter Trial Extended Until May 2024

Chester has been part of a national trial of e-scooters since December 2020, a Department for Transport (DfT) initiative to encourage greener travel methods. Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with e-scooter provider Ginger are now planning to extend the trial for a further 18 months at the request of the DfT.

Full details can be found HERE 

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Chester: Churches Together in Upton - Coffee Morning - 2nd & 4th Thursday 10am-12noon (next meeting 27 Oct)

 Information provided by Chester 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​

Armed Forces Spouse Development Programme

An Information Session about FREE Armed Forces Spouse Development Programme

SCiP Alliance - Applying to University - a guide for Armed Forces Students

As part of the Connected Forces project, the Inspiring Choices Uni Connect partnership will be running a webinar for all students from Armed Forces backgrounds who are interested in finding out more about applying to higher education through the UCAS system.

Click HERE​ to register​

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.

Defence Flexible Working Podcast

Defence has published its final podcast in its 3-part ‘Flexible Working in the Armed Forces’ series.
​Hosted on BFBS’ website - click on the image below,

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)

Forces Families Jobs

Chester: Chester Cathedral: Become A Chorister

 

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
 

Chester: Science & History Museum Manchester - Turn It Up The Power of Music - From 21 Oct - May 23

Make music together and play with beat, melody and harmonies in a newly commissioned musical playground. Find out how music can trigger emotions and memories, whether it can affect what you buy, and even what certain songs taste like. Take part in a musical Turing test and see if you can tell the difference between songs written by humans and machines.

For further information or to book tickets, please CLICK HERE

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Chester: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience - Arley Hall Gardens, Northwich

Embark on a bewitching journey through the misty Forbidden Forest trail, full of magic and wonder, and discover unexpected surprises around every corner. Grab your wand to cast spells, come face to face with Hippogriffs and Centaurs, and experience breathtaking moments based on scenes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. After all the excitement, an enchanting Village will welcome you with warm food and a blazing fire.

When: From 15 Oct 22
Where: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, Arley Hall & Gardens, Arley, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA

For further information or to book tickets, please CLICK HERE

Information provided by Chester HIVE

RBL - Cost of Living Energy Top Up Grants

Over the last 12 months we've seen a 20% increase in requests for support with food and basic living costs.

RBL have announced new emergency energy top up grants to help members of the Armed Forces community pay their fuel bills.

This will give those struggling to pay their bills up to £200 per month, depending on their financial circumstances.

Apply directly at rbl.org.uk/costofliving

Or call 0808 802 8080​

Reserve Forces & Cadet Association (RFCA) - Regional employer engagement directors' contact details

 

Did you know - your regional Employer Engagement Director can offer you support and advice relating to defence personnel issues, including employment of reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and spouses/partners?

Please feel free to contact your Employer Engagement Director on any issues including partnering with defence, events in your area, help with establishing and maintain relationships between your employer or reservists, for support and advice, and for further clarification of your entitlements and rights.

Please visit the Gov.uk website for further details

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: Hoop for Joy - Wednesdays - Holy Ascension Community Hall, Upton

Holy Ascension Community Hall, DemageLane, Upton-by-Chester, CH2 1EL.

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Vivo hedge cutting in the South of England

 

Please click image to enlarge

Why do we avoid bird nesting season? Click here for info

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

 

Thrive online - wellbeing workshops for partners of RAF Personnel

 

Please click images to enlarge

RAF Benevolent Fund will be running free Thrive workshops through the use of online platforms for partners of RAF personnel which will be led by qualified coaches who themselves have served or are partners of those serving in military.

To find out more or to register your interest & stay up to date on future dates and courses, visit the RAF BF Thrive webpage.