Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund

 

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund applications are now open!

​Last year, The Open University supported around 28,000 disabled students. And, since the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund was established, more than 300 additional disabled students have been able to access higher education with us.

What is a Disabled Veterans' Scholarship?
If you’ve been injured or disabled in, or as a resu​​lt of, military service, you could be funded to complete a full Open University qualification.

We offer 50 scholarships annually. All undergraduate and postgraduate modules and qualifications are eligible. You’ll have your fees waived for up to 120 credits per seasonal academic year, up to a maximum of 360 credits, which is equivalent to a full honours degree.

Information and eligibility criteria can be found here: Disabled Veterans' Scholarships | How to Pay | Open University

Wiltshire: Exciting news about Carer Support Wiltshire services

 

We are writing to let you know that there will soon be some changes at Carer Support Wiltshire.

As an independent charity, we have been providing services for unpaid carers for more than 10 years in Wiltshire. Additionally, for the last six years, we have also provided services on behalf of Wiltshire Council including carer assessments and the Carers Emergency Card.

However, from 1 April we will no longer be providing services on behalf of Wiltshire Council and will focus on providing services that you have told us you value and want. The Council-funded services will transfer to new providers on 1 April, and they will be in contact with you to let you know what services and support they can offer you.

The new providers will be:

• Young carers (5-25) - Community First
• Adult carers (25+) - Age UK
• Online services including the Carers Card - Forward Carers

Our support for you

Royal Wootton Bassett: New banking hub at The Post Office

 

Please click the image above to enlarge

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Social Media Specialists - free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses

 

The BFBS Academy has announced the launch of Social Media Specialists, a free course open to the broader military community offering the opportunity to upskill in social media marketing techniques.

Click here for further details

Defence Discount Service - Veterans Privilege card video

 

Defence Discount Service have introduced a new video to support Veterans with signing up for a Defence Discount Service Privilege card.

To watch the video, please go to this YouTube link: ​https://youtu.be/KMIHDeVl3Jo?si=WVF-WFCVde-oZIV6

National Adult Social Care recruitment campaign - Made with Care

 

23red is the partnerships agency working with DHSC on their national adult social care recruitment campaign Made with Care.

The campaign aims to highlight the amazing opportunities which the care sector can provide for a fulfilling career, showcasing the amazing difference you can make every day and demonstrating that it is easy for people without any previous experience to get started.

As part of their work DHSC have recognised that a career in care could work incredibly well for those leaving the armed services and the partners of those currently serving in the armed forces.

As such we have been working with Forces Employment Charity and the Career Transition Partnership to create a suite of resources which can help to showcase the benefits of a career in care and direct people to the national campaign site where they can find out more about the roles on offer and search for relevant jobs in their area.​

The resources, including posters, leaflets and social media assets, are free to download and will hopefully provide useful support for those currently looking for flexible careers or considering their next step.

St Athan - MoD St Athan Proposed Development

 MoD St Athan Proposed Development Letters 

The proposed development at MoD St Athan is a replacement of infrastructure for a vehicle maintanence hangar.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Lichfield: Rose Light Wellbeing Workshops and Art Workshop with Petra - 15% military discount

 Wellbeing workshops and Art workshop with Petra - Military Discount 15% off

Full details can be found: HERE

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Non-UK Nationals - lower minimum income requirement agreed for the Armed Forces

 

• On 4 December 2023, the Government announced that the MIR would be increased to align with the new minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, which is currently £38,700, with an initial increase to £29,000 in Spring 2024. This will no longer include an additional income requirement where a child is included in the application.

• The Ministry of Defence has worked with the Home Office on options to mitigate the potential impact on recruitment and retention the increase may have, and it has been agreed that the MIR will be aligned with the salary threshold for Other Ranks on completion of training, which is currently £23,496. Officers earn £31,304 until completion of Initial Officer Training when their pay increases to £37,425. The MIR for HM Armed Forces will be reviewed in line with the annual pay award.

• The Government introduced the MIR in July 2012 for partners and children of British and settled persons, and in December 2013 for a partner and child(ren) of HM Armed Forces, including the Brigade of Gurkhas, under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules.

• The full Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules can be found at: HC 590 – Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (publishing.service.gov.uk)

• A Q&A document has been prepared and can be accessed at this link

Wiltshire: Home Start North Wiltshire are looking for volunteers

 Information provided by South West HIVE Hub