Blandford: Garrison raceway kart track

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Information provided by Bovington HIVE  

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

Simplifying overseas service finances…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.

Planning made simple

The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.

Supporting family connections

For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.

Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.

Disturbance Expenses rate uplift

From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.

More information

· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.

· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.

Chatham: The Historic Dockyards Chatham The Countdown to Mission Christmas 2025 has Started

 

The Countdown to Mission Christmas 2025 has Started…  Father Christmas’ elves are making last-minute tweaks here at Chatham’s secret substation. The big ticket drop lands this Friday, 11 July.  Don’t miss your chance to join this year’s brand new mission: Mission Christmas Selected Dates between: Saturday 29 November - Wednesday 24 December   Mission Christmas: Quiet Sessions From 4pm on Tuesday 16 December  Keep an eye on your emails, The Historic Dockyard Chatham website, or our social channels for the Mission Christmas ticket release. Click HERE for more information

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over 2.5 million awarded to address the needs of service pupils

“Service pupils are more likely to experience family separation, as their serving parent(s) can be deployed to remote or dangerous locations. This can affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing, and they may require additional support at school during these periods.” -Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance

Delivered on behalf of the MOD, the Service Pupil Support programme ensures the needs of service pupils are met through effective interventions to support them along their educational pathway.

In this latest funding round, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded just over £2.5 million to 34 projects across the UK, dedicated to helping service pupils thrive. These initiatives are transforming the way schools support children from armed forces families by breaking down barriers to identifying additional needs, improving access to vital services, and empowering professionals through targeted development to ensure every service child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Russell Collier, Education Policy Team, MOD adds:

"We are delighted that so many education settings and local authorities, from across the UK, chose to apply to the Service Pupil Support Programme this year. It’s incredibly positive to see a large number of exciting projects being funded, all with the same ambition in mind, that is to support children from armed forces families to thrive in education."

Empowering service children

Grantham: Veterans Help & Advice Drop-in Session

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Scotland: Scottish Childminding Association - Will your little one soon be eligible for ELC funded hours?

If you haven't chosen a childcare setting already, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what is the best option for you and your family when there are so many choices 😕

For some families, this may be the first time your child has been looked after in a professional setting, for others you may be looking to prepare them for the routine of school. 

It's a big decision.

Here are some reasons why a childminder could be perfect for your family:
💠Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
💠Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
💠Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
💠Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence

St Andrews: Families First are looking for volunteers, interested in getting involved?

Families First arecurrently looking for volunteers to support parents and carers, or to offer transport to sessions (or even both).

Whether you’re keen to meet new people, use your experience, or try something new, this could be a great fit for you (or someone you know).

Pop along to one of their info sessions on Monday 21st July to find out more, or get in touch - email vc@familiesfirststandrews.org.uk.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Welfare Activity Passes available

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To book please contact the Welfare Team

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

North Yorkshire: Introduction to Migration Training - October 2025

Click on the image to access the links to register

Information provided by North HIVE Hub