SSAFA Gurkha Services

SSAFA's Gurkha Services are available to all serving and veteran members of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and their families. They provide local SSAFA volunteers with up to date information, awareness and translation services, to ensure the Gurkha community have the same support opportunities as any other member of the Armed Forces community.

They work collaboratively with other Gurkha specific organizations such as the Gurkha Welfare Trust, the Gurkha Brigade Association, the Army Welfare Service, Gurkha communities and others.

Click here for further information

National Insurance Credits for Military Spouses during overseas postings

You may be able to get National Insurance credits if you’re married to or the civil partner of a member of the Armed Forces and you go with them on an overseas posting.

Credits can help to fill gaps in your National Insurance record, for example if you were not in work when you were with your partner on an overseas posting. Credits can make sure you qualify for certain benefits including the State Pension.

Please click here for further information

Fife: Our Fife help with the cost of living

If you’re feeling worried about debt or falling behind on bills, you are not alone. High costs of energy, food and fuel mean that many people are finding it impossible to keep up.

The Staying Safe and Keeping Well Booklet is designed to empower and educate, making it an invaluable tool for residents looking to enhance their wellbeing or who may need additional support over the festive period. Click on the image 👆 to read.

From emergency contacts to local community initiatives, take a moment to explore its pages and discover the wealth of resources available to support you

There’s lots of help available at our.fife.scot/gethelp/income, including a benefit checker to make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled too.

Citizens Advice & Rights Fife Money Advice team can also work with you to help you take control of your finances.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Forces Children Scotland child friendly emotional cycle of deployment

Work started earlier this year with children and young people to co-create a child-friendly emotional cycle of deployment resource to explain the emotional cycle of deployment.

The children and young people have developed the visual of a rollercoaster to help explain their experiences of the different stages of the cycle.

The Deployment Rollercoaster can be accessed here:
https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/the-deployment-rollercoaster/

The Deployment Rollercoaster allows children, young people and adults to see that all emotions are valid and it ok to feel different emotions throughout the deployment cycle. The rollercoaster is supported by accessible resources for children, young people and parents to help support their child’s mental health and wellbeing at each stage of the ride.

We invite you to explore this online resource and let us know your thoughts and would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to talk or discuss opportunities to promote the use of this resource in your setting.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas

 

The Armed Forces Accommodation Policy Team is thrilled with the feedback from more than 50 service members taking part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot in Cyprus. Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027.

To ensure families feel supported, a tailored allowance package is available for pilot participants. Since allowances depend on the assignment location and individual circumstances, service personnel are encouraged to check specifics for their country.

Updated Volumes 4 (Pilots) and 5 (Overseas Accommodation Policy) of JSP 464 (with country appendices and allowances) to clarify any queries will be published soon.

Furthermore, effective immediately the Pilot has been extended to BATUS and some GDN (Global Defence Network) sites.

For further information please contact people-accom-asc@mod.gov.uk

Salisbury Plain: Army Welfare Service community support team - QR Code

Scan the QR code to follow the Salisbury Plain Community Support team or click HERE  

PLEASE NOTE - QR codes should be scanned from non MOD personal devices only

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Tidworth: Home-Start North Wiltshire - Free Parent and Child Group - starts Friday 17th January to 11th April

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub 

Bet Blocker - block online gambling websites

BetBlocker is a free tool to help you control your gambling. Installation only takes two minutes and you can install it on as many devices as you like, enabling you to block over 86,300 gambling websites.

Click here for further information or to download the app

Breathing exercises for stress

This calming breathing technique for stress, anxiety and panic takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere. You should get the most benefit if you do it regularly, as part of your daily routine.

Read more at www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/ways-relieve-stress/

BFBS Academy

 

BFBS is a global charity and media organisation. For over 75 years they have been entertaining, informing, connecting, and championing the UK Armed Forces, their families, and veterans.

They are also an award-winning Creative Agency and Training Academy, founded to help the Armed Forces, UK government and corporate clients with their digital, media and communication challenges; from detailed campaign plans, through to content creation and building communities through social media. Their experience providing these services day to day, informs the training courses, providing relevant material and focused, tangible results.

Please click here for further information