Scotland: You have the Right to Ask - Police Scotland

You have the #RightToAsk.

If you’re concerned for your safety or someone else’s, you can ask confidentially about a partner’s history.

Where we have information that a person may be at risk of harm from domestic abuse by their partner, we have the power to tell them.

Reporting your concerns about someone being at risk of domestic abuse could save a life.

Read more about The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) and access the application form on our website. https://orlo.uk/Dq8C0

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

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

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

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

Togetherall - Neurodiversity celebration week support

We all experience and interact with the world in a way that makes sense to us. Neurodiversity highlights the idea that there's no one right way to think, learn, behave or feel.

People think differently, which means we can also utilise different ways to feel better. With Togetherall, members can share their experiences and share community.​

Read more about Neurodiversity in @Togetherall's blog post: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/support-articles/what-is-neurodiversity

Grantham: Victim Lincs

Victim Lincs is a service put in place by the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of their victims strategy. We are here to help ensure that anyone living, working or studying in Lincolnshire gets the support they need if they have been the victim of crime.

victimlincs.co.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Defence Victim Witness Care Unit - we stand with victims

A year after its formation, we look at how the Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) supports victims and witnesses of serious crime during their journey through the Service Justice System.

Here to support

Whether you’re in the Armed Forces or a civilian, the VWCU is here to support you. If you’ve been affected as a victim or witness of serious crime committed by Service personnel in the UK or abroad, we are here to help.

WATCH: Victim Witness Care Unit – who we are, what we do, and how to contact us

Independent from the Army, Navy, and RAF chains of command, the unit is made up of specially trained civilian Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) who act as supportive guides throughout the Service Justice System – from reporting a crime, to the investigation, and any subsequent court martial and outcomes.

Each referral to the VWCU is allocated a VLO as their primary contact who will remain with them throughout the process, ensuring they are supported in accordance with the code of practice for victims of crime (JSP 839).

Amesbury/Boscombe Down: • Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club Brew and Banter - Every Wednesday 1000 - 1245hrs

Please call in for a slice of homemade cake and to support this wonderful group at the Nicolson Community Centre, MOD Boscombe Down.

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub