DIO Families First newsletter - issue 15

Please click images to enlarge

In this issue:

• A Message from DIO Director of Accommodation, Phil Riley
• Modernised Accommodation Offer survey
• Investment across the estate
• DIO SFA Townhall sessions

Families First newsletters can be viewed online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-infrastructure-organisation-service-family-accommodation​

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - small grants worth over £450,000 create a big impact for Armed Forces Communities in the final round of Force for Change

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce grants totalling more than £450,000 have been awarded to 34 outstanding projects in the final round of their Force for Change programme. This small grant programme supports projects that reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.

Dundee: LEZ (Low Emission Zones) will be enforced from 30th May 2024 - check your vehicle is compliant

Live in Dundee? 

Have you checked to see if your vehicle complies with the Low Emission Zone?

Simply visit the website and enter your registration.

Blue Badge holders can also apply for exemption.

Find out more 👉 lowemissionzones.scot/vehicle-registration-checker

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - new grants to support Early Years Service children

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce 21 new, targeted projects worth £870,000, that will deliver real change for young Service children in the latest round of the Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme.

That’s a total of more than £2.1 million in grant awards since the programme launched in 2022!

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

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

 

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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