For more details visit www.merseamuseum.org.uk
Mersea Museum
12 High Street
Mersea Island
Colchester
CO5 8QD
Mersea Island
Colchester
CO5 8QD
Information provided by Colchester HIVE
April 28, 2023
Colchester: Saturday Household Drop Off Service
For more information visit www.colchester.gov.uk
Information provided by Colchester HIVE
Help for households and cost of living payments
QR codes should be scanned from a personal non-MOD device only
Please click the following link for further information: Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
April 27, 2023
Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Strategy & Action Plan
The Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan has been published today, demonstrating Defence's commitment to reduce suicide in the Armed Forces and provide support to those affected by it.
The Strategy establishes eight focus areas: Understand high risk groups within the Armed Forces
Educate the Armed Forces about suicide and its prevention
Enable individual resilience and support personal needs
Enable safe military environments
Enhance organisational management of those at risk
Enable access to support for those at risk
Develop accessible postvention support
Improve organisational learning
To read the full Strategy and Action Plan, please click HERE
Scotland: Poppy Scotland Clyde Zip Slide Challenge is Back
Our Zip Slide challenge is back! 10th September 2022
A unique and thrilling way to see Glasgow's cityscape whilst raising funds for Poppyscotland.
This is a 100ft high and 1000ft long challenge, launching off from a crane next to the stunning Glasgow Riverside Museum - which has never been done before!
Experience the thrill of zipping down the Clyde
Just pay a registration fee of £35 and endeavour to fundraise a minimum of £200 to help us make a vital difference to our Armed Forces community.
For more information go to www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/things-to-do/runs-and-challenges/clyde-zip-slide
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Rutland Cottesmore: Rutland Family Hub Consultation with Families, Children and Young People
Click the image to read more about the consultation and take the survey
Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE
April 26, 2023
Rutland Cottesmore: Mental Health where to find the right support in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE
Rutland Cottesmore: Rutland County Council Local Offer SEND
If you're looking for more information, click here
Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE
Shropshire: Newport Veterans breakfast club 2nd Saturday of every month 10.00-12.00hrs
Information provided by Stafford HIVE
April 25, 2023
Personal Accident and Life Insurance Schemes for Service Personnel
As this is a new supplier, insurance products will no longer be branded as PAX. Existing PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme members should note that a replacement Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (providing similar benefits) will be introduced on 1 June 2023, for which they will need to apply if they wish to maintain Personal Accident Insurance cover. There will be no automatic transfer from PAX to the new provider.
There is no action for policyholders to take at this point. Once arrangements for how to join the new Insurance Scheme(s) have been finalised these details will be made available along with the new Scheme’s policy terms and conditions so individuals can make an informed choice based on their requirements (we expect this to be mid-May).
MOD personnel: please see 2023DIN01-023
Defence Medical Services - SMS medical and dental appointment reminders
An SMS text message reminder service has been launched for patients registered at Defence Medical Services medical and dental practices.
For more information please go to the My Healthcare Hub app on Defence Gateway.
April 24, 2023
April 21, 2023
Major new grants now available to fund specialist care for homeless veterans
- Up to £8m of funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is now available to tackle veterans’ homelessness head on.
- Organisations are able to bid for up to £1.5 million, over 2 years, to provide wraparound support services for issues such as mental health.
- Funding will address the complex issues faced by some homeless veterans while making sure they have access to accommodation.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce the launch of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, which will award major grants to help veterans experiencing homelessness.
Under this new programme, the Trust will award grants on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) to projects that will provide specialist care in veterans’ accommodation.
The funding being announced today is expected to provide services for over 900 supported housing places across the UK, supporting veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Organisations are able to bid for up to £1.5 million, over 2 years, to fund wraparound support for issues such as mental health and employment.
By providing specialised support services, we can help address the complex issues faced by some veterans while making sure they have access to accommodation, and give them a greater chance of leading a stable, healthy life so that they don’t return to being homeless in future.
April 20, 2023
April 19, 2023
Scotland: Do you know how to opt out of receiving emergency alerts?
Do you know how to opt out of receiving emergency alerts?
If you need to, you can search your phone settings for 'emergency alerts' and then turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme threats'.
It's recommended to keep them on for your safety.
Learn more: http://gov.uk/alerts
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Refuge Video: Managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you're experiencing domestic abuse
April 18, 2023
Chester: Mental Health Mates Chester - Walk & Talk Without Fear of Judgement - All Welcome
Information provided by Chester HIVE
North Yorkshire: Various Vacancies with Landmarc
For more information please email recruitment@landmarc.mod.uk
Information provided by Catterick HIVE Hub
April 17, 2023
Rutland Cottesmore: Peppers A Safe Place for anyone who needs some support right now, you're not alone
Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE
April 11, 2023
Northwest: Are you missing out on claiming Wraparound Childcare funding?
Think you can’t claim Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?
Is your partner in the Army / Navy / RAF ? Are you returning to work? You may be eligible to claim for up to 20 hours of before and after school care for eligible children aged 4 to 11 years old.
Check if you are eligible:
RN Families - wraparound childcare | Royal Navy | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)
Army https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/army/army-families/families-wraparound-childcare]
RAF Families - wraparound childcare | RAF | Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)
Information provided by Chester HIVE
Hereford: Maternity Voices Partnerships
Maternity Voices Partnerships – this is an NHS national initiative, backed by the ICBs to ensure that the voices of women and families are contributing to improving maternity services locally. Some of the Maternity Voice Partnerships are engaging with local military communities, particularly those with a large serving footprint, addressing the additional challenges of having a baby on the move etc – this may be of interest to military families. There is a FB page and a bit more information on the Wye Valley Trust website. Click Here for more info.
Facebook Page : (7) Herefordshire Maternity Voices Partnership | Hereford | Facebook (please be aware link will not open on some devices).
Information provided by Hereford HIVE.
April 6, 2023
Colchester: Find Your Active with Active Essex
@ActiveEssex #FindYourActive highlights all the ways you can get moving to benefit not only your mental but physical wellbeing as well.
To find our more click here.
Information provided by Colchester HIVE
April 5, 2023
Looking for advice on how to save money on your energy bills?
Scotland: Unforgotten Forces, Veterans Guide to Later Life in Scotland
The 2023 edition of the popular Age Scotland Veterans Guide to Later Life in Scotland, the indispensable free guide for everyone aged 60+ in Scotland who has served in HM Armed Forces.
The guide offers dedicated information and advice, and contacts for support services and organisations, on topics including health, hosing and money.
The guide can be viewed here
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Scotland: Latest issue of Unforgotten Forces magazine is out now
We have a focus on support for independent living, including a spotlight on Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.
We also report on how DMWS and Fares4Free are collaborating to offer escorted hospital journeys for veterans that need them
To read the latest edition click on image above 👆
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
April 4, 2023
Managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you're experiencing domestic abuse
The government has rolled out it's new Emergency Alerts system following the test alert received in April.
These alerts will be used to let you know about emergency situations (like severe flooding) through your mobile phone. However, the alert will be accompanied by a loud sound even if your phone is on silent.
If you live with an abusive partner this could alert them to any secret or secondary phones that you may have. Here's how you can turn alerts off, both on Android phones and on iPhones: Managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you're experiencing domestic abuse - YouTube
If you’re afraid of your partner call the free 24 hours a day National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or live chat with them Monday-Friday, 3-10pm by going to nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
If you’re afraid of your partner call the free 24 hours a day National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or live chat with them Monday-Friday, 3-10pm by going to nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
DIO: Update on FDIS performance
Update on FDIS performance
For updates on the action DIO is taking to improve the performance of the accommodation contracts, please go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-infrastructure-organisation-service-family-accommodation where you can subscribe for update notifications, or join the Service Family Accommodation on Defence Connect
Planning for Move-ins, Move-Outs and Removals this Summer
Summer is always the busiest period of the year for housing allocations and removals activity. The last week in July and first week in August are particularly popular dates and are usually fully booked several months in advance. Whilst our suppliers will always attempt to meet families’ preferred Move-in, Move-out and removals dates, it may not always be possible to achieve this against the significant volume of requests received. This is because the removals industry is still experiencing staff shortages. To help us manage this particularly busy time and to ensure families’ needs are met:
• We would be grateful if families only request services during this period if they are unable to move at any other time.
• Where circumstances allow, please could accompanied personnel without children avoid planning for a move within the school summer holiday window.
• Please ensure removals are booked via the Agility portal as soon as Assignment Orders are received.
• Families do not need a confirmed delivery address to start this process but knowing the location will allow Agility to plan for the summer moves.
• Once families have been allocated SFA, please confirm availability for removals before booking a move in and out appointments...
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April 3, 2023
Forces families to benefit as dedicated fund returns
Forces families to benefit as dedicated fund returns
Projects supporting military families can bid for a share of
funding as the latest round of the Armed Forces Families Fund opens for
applications.
The Fund, which is administered on the MOD’s behalf by the
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, is available to organisations who want to
launch projects that have a positive impact on the lives of military
communities.
Applications for the 2023 fund can be made from Monday 3
April, with full details of eligibility criteria and how to apply available on
the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s
website. The Families Fund welcomes
applications for projects under three key programmes:
- Service
Pupil Support Programme; a programme that awards grants to schools to
help address additional challenges that children from Armed Forces
families may face
- Supporting
Partners Innovation Fund; a programme that will fund innovative
support for partners of those who are serving.
- Early
years Fund; a programme which will fund projects that help support
young children from serving Armed Forces families to have great places to
learn and develop.
The Armed Forces Families Fund was created to help implement
parts of the UK Armed Forces Families Strategy following its launch in
January 2022.
Last year’s round of funding supported 84 projects benefiting
Armed Forces families, including a Safe Space and Support scheme for the
86 Service children attending Somerset’s Stanchester Academy.
The bespoke, supervised safe space is used as a meeting
place, homework room, and dining area, as well as a location for an additional
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to provide one-to-one tutoring.
The project also allowed the Academy to train a member of
staff as a ‘Bounce Forward Armed Forces Resilience Champion’, providing
resilience sessions and community events to improve the lives of Service
children and their families.
Teacher Rebecca Hendry, who applied for the grant, said: “We
have a high number of pupils that transfer to our secondary school in later
years or midway through the year.
“Many of our students experience having a parent deployed or
based elsewhere and away during the week.
By funding a specialist ELSA staff member and offering them extra
tuition combined with a safe space, we can ensure that they have all the
support needed to help them.”
Get involved
For full details about the Armed Forces Families Fund,
including eligibility criteria for each programme, deadline dates and
application guidance, visit the Armed
Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s website.
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