Winter flu & COVID-19 campaign

 

As we move towards the influenza & respiratory infections season, good respiratory hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. These include:

• Hand hygiene;
• Cover mouth & nose during coughing & sneezing with disposable tissue & dispose of in nearest bin;
• Sneeze or cough into elbow, if disposable tissue is not available;
• If presenting with symptoms avoid contact with others.

Due to the spread of new CV-19 variant (BA.2.86) spreading in the community, the autumn vaccine programme has been brought forward for at risk groups and eligible persons in England (Autumn 23 - COVID-19 Vaccination Programme ). For information on the Welsh & Scottish Govts COVID-19 autumn programmes respectively, Wales COVID-19 vaccine Autumn Programme and PH Scotland COVID-19 Seasonal immunisation Programme.

Useful links:

• Get Winter Strong: revisiting respiratory infection guidance for a safer season​
• Living Safely with resp infections, including, COVID-19
• What to do if presenting with signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19

Nominations open for the Celebrating Forces Families Awards - Honouring the Unsung Heroes of Our Armed Forces Community

In a landmark initiative within the UK's Armed Forces community, an event of unprecedented significance shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions and unwavering support provided by our military families.

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.

“Events like these are what the “living in our shoes” report terms small acts of kindness and they are important as while they increase resilience and bolster self-sufficiency the most important thing is that they help to celebrate just how important our families are,” said Chief of Defence People, VAdm Phil Hally CB MBE.

National Breastfeeding Week

 

If you're returning to work, you might wonder whether you can continue breastfeeding. The answer is yes - it's completely possible! Above are some tips to help you with breastfeeding and going back to work. More can be found online: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/

Everyone plays a unique role in supporting breastfeeding. Could you support with cooking food, running errands or looking after older children? This can all help to make breastfeeding more achievable as a family. More advice: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/

Edinburgh: Military Wives Choir, Tuesdays 19.00 to 20.30

click on image to enlarge

Open to all women with a military connection - no experience or audition necessary.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

National Breastfeeding Week

Can you breastfeed in public? Breastfeeding in public may make you nervous, but you have a legal right to breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Remember, if you are asked to leave somewhere whilst breastfeeding, you're within your rights to challenge this.

Advice about breastfeeding in public can be found online: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-in-public/

If you or someone you know has questions about breastfeeding, there's lots of help available. For information and support, call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212. Lines are open 9:30am to 9:30pm every day. Visit the website here: https://www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk/

Service Family Accommodation - preparing your home for Winter

 

A Winter Protection Guide has been published for SFA occupants, with guidance on preparing your home for the winter months and how to respond should an issue arise. To view the full guide online, please click here.

Alternatively click here to visit the Pinnacle website.

National Breastfeeding Week

 

A happy baby isn't just a fed baby. Every cuddle, smile and interaction counts, for you and your baby. Above are some top tips for keeping your little one happy and you can find further tips online: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/learning-to-talk/learning-to-talk-0-to-6-months/

There are many ways you can get support with breastfeeding. Health visitors, midwives, peer supporters, helplines, grandparents - who helped when you were learning how to breastfeed? Call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 or visit the website for further information: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-help-and-support/

The New Accommodation Offer - the Accommodation Support Cell has been set up to assist with enquiries

 

Visit Defence accommodation policy - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for further information regarding the offer.

HIVE is also able to assist with any enquiries you may have regarding the New Accommodation Offer. Please contact any HIVE (see www.army.mod.uk/hives ) or message us on our socials.

Little Troopers free online weekend workshops

Little Troopers has announced new dates for its All Together online series of weekend workshops. Until Christmas, the charity will be running free online sessions for children under ten as part of its All Together deployment club to support military children from all three services.

The workshops are designed to keep children busy with a free, fun activity, especially if they have a parent serving away. They will also be logging on with lots of other little troopers in a similar situation.

All military children are welcome, whether they are living in the UK or overseas. The charity has ensured there is something for everyone from baking to drawing, science, dancing and more!

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison announces New Accommodation Offer and Widening Accommodation Entitlement

 

Today, the Minister of Defence People Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison, announced the New Accommodation Offer for the Armed Forces. From 11 March 2024 this new offer will deliver greater access to subsidised accommodation for our Service personnel, their families, and partners.

The New Accommodation Offer forms part of Defence’s outputs from the recent Defence Command Paper Refresh and Haythornthwaite review which aims to improve the offer to current and future Serving personnel.

Alongside this, the Minister also announced Widening Accommodation Entitlement (limited locations) which will allow those in Established Long Term Relationships on eight sites to benefit from Service Family Accommodation starting on the 31 October 2023.