Grantham: Children's Links

We believe everyone can flourish when treated as an individual, play is the most important work.

children's links

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Togetherall - World Sleep Day blog post on sleep health

 

Struggling to get a good night's sleep? A good night's rest is crucial for our mental & physical health and quality of life.

Check out Togetherall’s blog on the power of sleep & how to get it: https://bit.ly/3lfZ79O

​Armed Forces Pension Schemes - Pension savings tax changes and the 2015 Pension remedy

 

A newsletter has today been published on the Armed Forces Pension Schemes Gov.uk website, providing guidance on:

​1. Pensions Savings tax and the latest changes

2. Pensions Savings tax and the 2015 Pension Remedy

Links to supporting guidance and sources of further advice can be found on pages 13-15 of the publication.

Please go to this LINK to view the newsletter, or to Armed forces pensions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)​ for all AFPS-related information and guidance.​

Gloucestershire: Monthly Armed Forces and Veterans Community Carers Cafe in Shurdington

Please click here to visit the Gloucestershire Carers Hub website

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Family Hubs in Staffordshire

The Family Hubs offer a range of information, support and advice for families at a local and county level. This is shared mainly through the Family Hub Facebook pages but can also be answered by individual queries by email, message or phone calls.

We also have produced a wealth of in-house support which has been created by the Early Years Coordination team. Please click on the links below to access:

Family Hub Home Zone - A hub of activities from cooking to craft to inspire and support you and your family within the home

Family Hub School Readiness - Staffordshire Children's Centres and their key partners have created some information, advice and guidance on how you can support your child to become School Ready.

Early Years Volunteering Programme - Interested in volunteering within the children's centre. Click on the link to view roles and to apply.

Staffordshire Children's Centres - Information on how to access your local Children’s Centre and what’s on offer.

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme contact details

If you need to contact us regarding a child's lost HAF registration code, please contact your nearest children's centre.

Cannock district: 01543 469894

East Staffordshire district: 01283 233400

Lichfield district: 01543 512024

Newcastle district: 01782 296100

Stafford district: 01785 854700

South Staffordshire district: 01922 415632

Staffordshire Moorlands district: 01782 297970

Tamworth district: 01827 475222
Further Support

If you need advice and support on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) - A guide to your SEND Local Offer? | Staffordshire Connects

There is also our Family Support Service where families can receive individual 1-1 support. The support offered covers a range of issues families may experience such as potty training, routines or behaviour. They can also give guidance and signpost families on where issues are more complex. Click on the link below for which Family Support provider covers your district.

Staffordshire Moorlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire and Stafford - Family Action - Staffordshire Family Support Service

East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth - Malachi - Staffordshire Family Support Service

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

New Defence Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029

 

The MOD Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-29 is a five-year plan detailing the key actions Defence is taking to tackle domestic abuse. The plan sets out how Defence will prevent, intervene, and partner, to support those affected by domestic abuse and ensure those who perpetrate abuse are held accountable. The Defence approach includes the implementation of a coordinated community response model, data and research working groups and the development of a military domestic abuse practice network.

As an employer, Defence has a moral and legal duty of care for our personnel. But we also recognise a responsibility that extends beyond that, as articulated in the Armed Forces Covenant, that those who serve or have served, and their families, should be treated fairly. This plan reiterates Defence’s commitment to create and maintain an environment that does not tolerate domestic abuse and raises awareness of the work taking place to tackle domestic abuse within the Defence community.

You can access the plan via this link: No defence for abuse: Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Northern Ireland: NIdirect - Dog Licensing in Northern Ireland

NIdirect would like to remind residents that if you own a dog you must ensure it is microchipped and you MUST have a dog licence.

By getting your dog licensed you have a much greater chance of getting your treasured pet returned if it is lost or stolen. A licence costs either £5 or £12.50 depending on circumstances.
Once you have your dog microchipped, you can licence it on line by using the link below or request an application form from Environmental Heath Service.

If you keep a dog without a licence you can be issued with a fixed penalty of £75 and non-payment of this could result in a fine of up to £1000.

For more information and to find your local Council Dog Licensing Office, click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Breastfeeding Support Groups - a short survey for Serving Personnel & spouses

 

Please click here for a short survey on potential Breastfeeding Support Groups across the UK.

​This survey was created by FAB (Families And Babies) and is tailored to the military community including spouses, either those who may wish to volunteer/undertake training to run the groups, or those who may be interested in attending​.

Defence Infrastructure Organisation - Service Family Accommodation communications update

Please see below for the following:

• A message from DIO Chief Executive Mike Green
• IDEAL Customer Service notice
• Modernised Accommodation Offer update

Defence Children Services, Education Advisory Team (UK) - School place offers & appeal advice

 

There are some key dates coming up for families who have children due to start primary or secondary school in September 2024.

Defence Children Services Education Advisory Team (UK) have prepared an information sheet, which offers advice to families about responding to the school places they have been offered for their children should it be needed. This guidance is relevant UK-wide.​

For further information please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-children-services-dcs​