Stafford: Did you know that Stafford station has two contact houses

 

Please note the email address should read SSU-Contact-House@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Reading Force Book Clubs

Reading Force is tri service, and we welcome Veterans/Reservists and their families as well as ex-service families (due to separation, divorce or bereavement).

We are looking for volunteers to run a book club with our support. My role is to share ideas on how to run a book club and help you to choose suitable books from our available titles. We have a great selection of books available and we will send out 3 books to each member from this list. These books are free of charge for each book club member to keep.

I can help with questions to ask at the book club meetings, how to keep your book club going after the three free books from Reading Force and much more. Email: nicola@readingforce.org.uk  

See attached links to our website which will give you some more information.

https://www.readingforce.org.uk/online-book-clubs-supported-by-reading-force/

https://www.readingforce.org.uk/book-club-suggested-titles/

Staffordshire: Free Couch to 5K mental wellbeing beginners running group in Lichfield

 

Do you live in Lichfield and want to start running ? buxtonanddistrictmind and buxtonwater to deliver a FREE 12 week beginners running programme in Beacon Park. Interested? Or know anyone who might be? 

Register here
www.burtonmind.co.uk/contact-us

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Grantham: One You Lincolnshire - We can help you

To read more:

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools

In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families. 

The British Army recognises the unique circumstances faced by our serving personnel and that frequent mobility can disrupt children’s education. The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps by providing the children of serving personnel with a stable education that wouldn’t otherwise be available in the state-maintained school sector. The Army are working closely with the Army Families Federation (AFF) to better understand the full impact of the removal of the VAT exemption on independent schools from 1 January 2025.

Recognising not only CEA claimants but many other Service families who depend on private schools to provide stability to their children whilst they meet the day to day demands of Service life, and those who may consider this in the future, this survey is designed to provide all SP with the opportunity to submit their views on the matter.

The survey should take no more than 4 minutes to complete.

SP and Families are warmly encouraged to complete this short poll which can be found here: School Fees Poll (mod.uk)​​ . The survey closes at midnight on Monday 23 September 2024.

Co-ordinated School Admissions - Top Tips for Parents in England

Click image to enlarge.

What is co-ordinated admissions?

This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).

To access the School Admission Top Tips please click here.

To access the School Admissions Code please click here.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme to support serving families overseas

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched Supporting Serving Families Overseas Programme under the Covenant Fund exciting three-year Funding Framework.

The Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme is now open for applications for grants of between £3,000 and £20,000, for projects that aim to assist serving families stationed at overseas bases and defence locations, focusing on addressing and recognising wellbeing issues faced by partners, children and young people during overseas posting.

What is the Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme all about?

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘ensuring our Armed Forces communities are not disadvantaged’.’ This family- focused programme will support serving families overseas by addressing their needs, including emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections, and overall family dynamics. The aim is to better assist those deployed overseas alongside their Service personnel. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

Bovington: Buggy fit weekly bootcamp sessions

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Wiltshire: Apply now if your child is starting school in September 2025

Is your child starting primary or secondary school next year?

If so, applications are now open for you to apply online.

The deadline to apply for a primary school place is 15 January 2025 and you can find out the result on 16 April 2025.

The deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31 October 2024 and you can find out the result on 3 March 2025.

Click here to apply online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Togetherall - behind the smile

Behind every smile, there can be a story others can't always see, but you don't have to face it alone.

At Togetherall, you can talk about what you're going through anonymously and connect with others who understand.

Join the supportive community today and start the conversation that could make all the difference.

To find out more visit https://togetherall.com/en-gb/mental-health-support-for-all-uk-armed-forces-veterans/