Lichfield: Subscription opens for collection of your garden waste in 2025

Garden waste collections will start back up again on your normal garden waste bin day after 27 January if you are subscribed to the service.

If you would like collections in 2025, please visit https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/gardenwasteform

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

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

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

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/

Podcasts from BFBS Radio

Click here for the latest podcasts and specials from BFBS Radio

Samaritans support for the military and Armed Forces Community

 

​Samaritans works with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support Serving Personnel in the Armed Forces, Veterans and their families. This includes a Veterans app and an online chat facility for military community.

Find out more here

NHS Step-by-step guide for service leavers

Find information and support to help you move from military healthcare to civilian healthcare after leaving the armed forces.

Leaving the armed forces can be a daunting process to undertake. Understanding what options you have and what actions you can take will help make your transition from military healthcare to civilian healthcare as smooth as possible. 

Step-by-step guide for service leavers

Transitional mentoring for Service Leavers from SSAFA

SSAFA's mentors provide long-term, one-to-one, face-to-face support during transition and, for up to two years, post discharge. They work alongside the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and other key partners to provide this service.

The SSAFA mentor programme is well established in helping those who have recently left the forces, and their families, understand and prosper during the transition to civilian life. The mentors will provide reassurance in the face of an often daunting time. They will help you with confidence and relationship issues, particularly in relation to the differences between a military and civilian environment.

Please click here to find out more