Please click the top image to view the newsletter online
To visit the Gov.uk SFA webpage, please click here
October 31, 2023
October 30, 2023
October 27, 2023
Wiltshire: Worrying about money? Support is available in Wiltshire
Other resources available include:
Wiltshire Council - supporting you through the rising cost of living
Community Food Providers in Wiltshire
Citizens Advice WiltshireBlue Cross Pet Food Banks (other local options may be available in your nearest town or village - please check local Facebook groups)
Please note that those living in SFA will not able to utilise all of the support on offer. For example if your heating system is broken or faulty, please contact Pinnacle to report the issue
Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVE's
October 26, 2023
Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Latest campaign to tackle county lines launched
| On Monday 23 October, we launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of county lines and how organised crime gangs (OCGs) target and exploit children and young people into becoming drugs runners for them and deliver drugs on their behalf. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the different support services available to young and vulnerable people who may find themselves involved in county lines activity. This campaign comes off the back of one of our most successful county lines intensification weeks to date which saw our officers make 26 arrests, seize nearly £80,000 of class A drugs and help to safeguard and protect 14 people. You can find out more about the campaign here: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/news/staffordshire/news/2023/october/campaign-launched-to-raise-awareness-of-child-exploitation/  Information provided by Stafford HIVE |
October 23, 2023
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Thirty-one new awards made for targeted work supporting Armed Forces communities
The latest round of grants under this popular programme has supported 31 projects across the UK. Each project can last up to three years delivering significant changes and improvements in Armed Forces communities with hidden or compelling needs.
October 20, 2023
Aldershot: HPS Discount for all Defence Discount and Blue light card holders
Click image for more information
Information provided by Aldershot HIVE Hub
MOD Accommodation Team furniture research - extended deadline to register your interest!
Please email people-accommodation-research@mod.gov.uk by the 31st October 2023 if you would like to take part, or if you would like further information.
October 19, 2023
Historic Royal Palaces - £1 tickets for those on Universal Credit or other named benefits
From 21 October 2023, £1 tickets for a day visit to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace will be available to anyone in receipt of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Only one person per household needs to show supporting documents.
Find out more at https://www.hrp.org.uk/one-pound-tickets/#gs.74u117
Kirkham: Carr Hill High School Information and video tour
For Information on Carr Hill High School and a school video tour CLICK HERE
Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
October 18, 2023
Pinnacle Group SFA Winter tips - going away for October half-term
If any issues do arise, contact the Helpdesk on 0800 031 8628 or visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/
Nominations still open for the Celebrating Forces Families Awards - honouring the unsung heroes of Our Armed Forces Community
Historically, amid the array of events and awards evenings within the Armed Forces community, there has been a noticeable absence of a dedicated platform exclusively celebrating the cherished support system of military families. The Celebrating Forces Families Awards, organised by members of the MOD Partner Employment Working Group, rectified this in 2022 by dedicating an entire event to honour their unyielding commitment, service, sacrifices, and achievements.
Grantham: South Kesteven District Council and the Armed Forces Community Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the Government and the Armed Forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.
To read more: SKDC
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
October 17, 2023
Chester: Employment Directions by IPS (Individual Placement Support)
Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
October 15, 2023
Stockport: Ex- Forces Park Brunch Meet Up every Tuesday
Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
October 13, 2023
Shropshire: Shrewsbury Town FC - Free Ticket for Serving Military Personnel
Serving military personnel can be issued with a free ticket for EFL League matches.
Personnel will need a supporter number which can be gained here:-
www.shrewstickets.com/PagesPublic/Profile/Registration.aspx
When applying for the first ticket, Shrewsbury Town FC will need to see the Military ID so it can be added to your account.
It's one ticket per Military ID for each home fixture.
If you have any questions or need to contact the Ticket Office, email tickets@shrewsburytown.co.uk or call 01743 273943
Information provided by Lichfield HIVE
October 12, 2023
October 11, 2023
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - making positive impacts to Veterans’ mental health and wellbeing
With funding from HM Treasury through the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the One is Too Many programme awarded £2.1M to nine projects across the UK, to organisations with experience in working with individuals who are at increased risk of suicide.
The Trust commissioned the University of Chester to undertake a comprehensive, external evaluation of the programme, which has found that the programme has made a positive difference through the treatments and interventions that have improved mental health and wellbeing, with life-saving implications.
Lichfield: Andysman Club Lichfield Suicide Prevention
#ITSOKAYTOTALK
Information provided by: Lichfield HIVE
October 10, 2023
Guardbridge: Fife Council, 7 Habits for Families, personal development program to learn new skills Fri 27th Oct
click on image to enlarge
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
GamCare - signs of gambling harm and where to get support
Gambling is very easy to access these days with our phones and multiple options to get involved. This can mean that we spend more of our time and money than we want to or mean to, and it is easy to experience the negative impacts of too much gambling.
GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms, and receives over 44,000 calls to the helpline and live chat each year to support people to change their relationship with gambling. There are a range of ways you can be supported - in person, over the phone, or virtually. If you're unsure if your own or someone else's gambling is becoming harmful, we've put together some useful signs to think about.
Folkestone: Digital Hubs
Digital Hubs are spaces where residents can go and get support with all things digital.
There are sessions taking place at Wood Avenue Library in Folkestone and Cheriton Library over the next few months which are free to attend and just need to be booked with
Reading Force - claim your free book!
Reading Force scrapbooks and journals can often be found in your local HIVE office. Alternatively to order a copy online, please click here to visit the website.
Scotland: Scotl4nd Kids Magazine Autumn edition
Click on image above to read the Autumn edition of the Scotland 4 kids magazine
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Moray: CAB Moray now have a designated adviser to assist with the cost of living.
click on image to enlarge
Are you struggling with the cost of living? Need a benefit check? Have utility issues? These are only a few things we can assist you with and, if the answer is yes, then drop in and see us during our bureau opening hours. We're here to help.🤝
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Defence Infrastructure Organisation - communications update
Issue 9 of the Families First newsletter which includes: the New Accommodation Offer announcement, Improved compensation system, Investment across the SFA estate, Useful links and Key Dates to note: on Service Family Accommodation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Winter Guide for Service Family Accommodation
A guide to help families get their homes winter ready can be found here.
Improved Compensation System
Pinnacle has now introduced a new improved compensation system making the process much easier for families to claim. Families will see the new forms on the Pinnacle website, will be required to validate their email address (to ensure this is correct and vouchers are sent to the correct place) and will receive regular emails to update them on their claim's progress. All communications from the new system will be received from no.reply@pay729.net.
Pinnacle is aware of several legacy claims still in the previous system. The team is working hard alongside Amey, VIVO and voucher providers to process these claims as quickly as possible.
If families haven't heard back on a claim that pre-dates the new system (submitted before 1 Aug 23), they are requested to contact: compensation@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk.
Candy Tumble Dryer Fire Risk
It has been identified that there is a potential safety hazard associated with 'Candy Smart' and 'Candy Smart Pro' tumble dryers. There have been several instances of plugs catching fire.
Please do check plugs regularly and contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns.
October 9, 2023
Pinnacle Group - SFA winter tips
Autumn is here and there’s no better time to check your boiler is working correctly:
- The pressure should be between 1 and 1.5
- Amend your thermostat, check the boiler fires up properly and radiators are warming up
Grantham: Grantham Museum
If you are in town, why not pay a visit? Browse the exhibitions and grab a brew and a biscuit. Admission free, but donations always appreciated.
Open Thu - Sat, 10am - 4pm.
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
Moray: The Parent Project - for parents or carers of children aged 11+
click on image to enlarge
October 6, 2023
Help stop young people falling victims to loan sharks
Recent research has shown that a higher proportion of people in the 18 to 24 year old age bracket are at particular risk of being targeted by loan sharks in the current climate. More young people are having financial services or products refused by mainstream banks and many are being forced to borrow from friends and family to make ends meet.
With this in mind, Stop Loan Sharks want to highlight the services offered by credit unions, producing a new grime music video in conjunction with Find Your Credit Union and Nourish Social in the hope that it will appeal to young people and show them that other options that are available. Click the image below to watch the video online.Service Personnel can also utilise the Joining Forces Credit Unions, supported by the MOD to make saving simple and loans more affordable to the Armed Forces community.
New consultation launched - Child Maintenance: Accelerating Enforcement
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will be able to use an administrative liability order to recover unpaid child maintenance instead of applying to the courts and facing a lengthy wait.
The CMS helps around 930,000 children get the financial support they are entitled to and between June 2022-2023 arranged £1.2 billion on their behalf. Overall, child maintenance payments help to keep 160,000 children out of poverty each year.
The consultation is open to voluntary and community sector organisations, as well as CMS customers and members of the public. It applies to England, Wales and Scotland, although comments are welcomed from across the United Kingdom.
The consultation closes at 11:45pm on Friday 24 November.
Find out more and access the consultation here
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