Two new programmes launched from the Covenant Fund Trust

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is delighted to announce New Covenant Fund Programmes for 2022/23​:

• The popular Force for Change programme has now reopened for applications.
• The Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme has also now opened. This programme will award grants of up to £100,000 over a period of up to three years.

A further programme Transforming approaches to supporting unmet needs will launch in Summer 2022.

Scotland: ADES National Transitions Officer newsletter for Scotland

The ADES National Transitions Officer newsletter for Scotland, along with LOADS of useful information and activities has just been published. To read the newsletter in full click on the image above 👆

The main Forces Children's Education website have lots of really useful information for families who are moving to Scotland 👉 https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Staffordshire: Staffordshire Libraries - online learning guides

Staffordshire Libraries have partnered with Digital Unite to offer an extensive collection of over 400 learning guides about using modern technology created by Digital Unite, the digital learning experts.

The easy-to-use guides are ideal for improving your own confidence and skills or for supporting other learners and can now be found on our website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/DigitalUniteGuides

There’s everything from computer basics to smartphones, using the internet and broadband TV and they can all be saved and printed as well!

Information provided by Lichfield HIVE

DWP changes to the Special Rules process for End of Life allowances

 

The Government has changed the Special Rules process for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. DWP will now consider a claimant to be terminally ill if due to their health condition or disability they have a life expectancy of less than 12 months (the current definition is 6 months life expectancy).

People can now make a claim under Special Rules for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance in the final 12 months of their life. Special Rules allow people who have less than 12 months to live to make a fast-tracked claim to benefits without needing to have a medical assessment. In most cases, they will also get the highest rate of benefit. For more guidance see: Special Rules for End of Life factsheet.

​Similar changes are planned for Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

New Pension Credit campaign by DWP

 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new campaign calling on pensioners, and their friends and family, to check eligibility for Pension Credit.

The campaign begins with social and digital channels in April, with national/regional newspaper advertising to follow in the coming months.

Pension Credit gives pensioners extra financial support with living costs if they are on a low income. More than 1.4 million pensioners in Britain claim it but new figures show many more could be missing out. For further advice and guidance see the Pension Credit Toolkit.

National Benefit Fraud Hotline - restarted

 

The National Benefit Fraud Hotline (0800 854 440), a telephony service where citizens can report allegations of fraud, has been resurrected from Monday 11 April. It was paused due to COVID approximately 2 years ago. Citizens can make a report anonymously - you do not have to give your name or contact details unless you want to.​

NAAFI Fund re-opens for 2022-2023

 

We’re thrilled to announce the fantastic NAAFI fund has reopened for 2022-2023!

The NAAFI Fund makes grants to UK Armed Forces bases, located in the UK or overseas, for projects that improve the quality of life for serving personnel and serving families living on or near a Forces base or station.

Please click here to read the press release in full.

You can also visit The NAAFI Fund website here.

Follow Army HIVE on Twitter

 

Find Army HIVE on Twitter here​!

Wimbish: Contact House & Flat

£15 non-refundable deposit is required when booking the Contact House : Call Welfare on 01223 203691 to book.

Contact Flat

Wimbish Station also have a contact flat. A fully furnished flat with one room consisting of a double bed and bunk beds, kitchen plus large living/dining area. £15 per night. 

Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

'Free Courses for Jobs' campaign expansion

The Government's 'Free Courses for Jobs' campaign has expanded to help even more adults take a free level 3 qualification (equivalent to A levels) to help them access new job opportunities or increase their wages. Courses are now available to those aged 19+, living in England, if any one of the following apply:

• They do not already have a level 3 qualification such as A levels or an Advanced Technical Diploma (and do not have a qualification at a higher level)
• Are unemployed
• Earn below the National Living Wage annually (£18525)

Visit the website here to find the right qualification for you.