Things to do; St Symphorien Cemetery

In Belgium you will see many War cemeteries. Nearby St Symphorien contains the graves of both German and Commonwealth soldiers, principally those killed during the Battle of Mons. 

 

The cemetery at St. Symphorien is special because the landowner donated the site on condition that the soldiers were buried alongside each other. 

 

This is well worth a visit. Of particular interest is that John Parr and George Lawrence Price, believed to be the first and last Commonwealth soldiers killed in action during the First World War are buried here. There are signs in English near the entrance that describe the history of the cemetery. 

 

For more information CLICK HERE

 

Distance from SHAPE; 17 minutes by car

 

Address; Rue Nestor Dehon 32, 7030 Mons

 

Map; CLICK HERE

 

Dogs; No

 

Buggy friendly; Yes

 

 

FiMT And Research Exploring Longer-Term Employment Outcomes For Ex-SP

Call for families to take part in research exploring longer-term employment outcomes for ex-Service personnel. Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has commissioned QinetiQ, Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER) and RFEA: 

The Forces Employment Charity, to undertake a study to explore the longer-term employment outcomes for ex-Service personnel who have been out of the Armed Forces for at least two years (and a maximum of 10 years).

Call to action

* They are looking for spouses/partners of ex-Service (Regular serving) personnel to take part in a telephone interview.

* During the interview they will be asked questions about their spouse / partner’s experience of finding and maintaining work after leaving the Armed Forces and the impact of transitioning on the family.

* The interview will take no longer than 60 minutes and will be conducted over the phone at a time/date that suits you.

For more information:https://www.cobseo.org.uk/call-for-families-to-take-part-in-research-exploring-longer-term-employment-outcomes-for-ex-service-personnel/

Financially Fit in The Forces - BFBS

Forces life can bring added challenges when it comes to keeping on top of your money management but help is at hand with support from The Armed Forces Covenant.

The UK government initiative is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served, are treated fairly – and that includes the area of finances.

BFBS Radio broadcaster Tim Humphries looks at how the Armed Forces Covenant can help you and your family when it comes to financial wellbeing. 

He spoke to Captain Simon Joll of the Royal Navy, Head of Armed Forces Welfare Policy at the Ministry of Defence (MOD), who explained that service personnel are no different from any other citizens but there are added challenges due being deployed around the world. He said:

Click HERE for more information

New legislation to help ensure fair treatment for Armed Forces

 

 

The Armed Forces Bill​ will help ensure our Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans are treated fairly, both by bringing the Armed Forces Covenant into law and improving the Service Justice System​

Army Families Federation (AFF) - Money Month Survey - Complete by 12th February 2021

 

 

As part of Money & Allowances month, we would like to find out how easy Army families find it to get advice on their finances.

Have you experienced any disadvantage accessing financial products, such as mortgages or insurance, for example?

We’d like to know what organisations you’ve contacted and how helpful they were, and whether you can access your unit HR to talk about entitlements.

Your answers will help AFF understand the unique issues you face as an Army family and will help us to better support you.

Click here to answer the survey by 12th February.

Think Brain Health

​Your brain is the most complex thing in the universe. Billions of cells working together to control your emotions, memories, movement and speech. It’s what makes you ... you.

But many of us take our brains for granted.

Just as we can protect other areas of our health, we can take steps to keep our brains healthy and reduce our risk of developing dementia later in life.

 Think Brain Health (HERE) is an ongoing celebration of everything our incredible brains do for us and a guide to the simple things we can do to protect them in return.

How well do you know your brain?

Test your knowledge and learn more about looking after your incredible brain. Take a quiz HERE

NHS Mental Health Self-Help leaflets

Self Help leaflets available to download on a variety of subjects

Anxiety, Controlling Anger, Food For Thought, Post Natal Depression and much more

To access please click HERE

Tervuren Park and the Royal Museum for Central Africa

 

Tervuren Park and the Royal Museum for Central Africa is an ideal day. 

 

Visit the fascinating museum, followed by a refreshing walk around the beautiful surroundings of Tervuren Park.Tervuren Park is beautiful all year round. The grounds are surrounded by trees, lakes and ponds. There is also a playground for the kids! 

 

The glorious building hosting the Africa museum has recently been renovated and has an extensive collection. 

 

Park & Museum Distance from SHAPE; 45 minutes by car 

 

Map; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Parking; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Play Park; https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z9gS77YPzywonqU39

 

Dogs; Yes on a lead

 

Buggy Friendly; Yes

 

Royal Museum of Central Africa; https://www.africamuseum.be/en

 

Book before going at; https://webshopkmma.recreatex.be/Exhibitions/Overview

 

Cost; £12 euro an adult, children under 18 are free

 

Toilets; Yes

 

Museum Cafe; Yes

 

Take away; The Cacao Tree, 5 minute walk from Tervuren Park. A great spot for Coffee/ Hot chocolate and waffles. https://www.google.com/.../data=!4m5!3m4...

 

NHS: Workout Courses

We've teamed up with fitness experts to bring you some exciting new workout courses.

 

Keep an eye on our YouTube channel HERE for new workouts every Wednesday and Saturday​​

Cervical Screening

Around one in three of those invited have failed to attend a cervical screening appointment in the past year due to COVID fears. Cervical screening is key for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Measures are in place to ensure it is done safely

                                  For more information please click HERE

National Portrait Gallery: Family Activities

 

Click HERE  for your free activity book

Census 2021 Counting Armed Forces Veterans

 or the first time in the history of the census, there will be a question on armed forces service after a campaign led by The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland.

The government has announced the 2021 census will now include a question to provide information on whether someone has served in HM Armed Forces. 

The census is held every 10 years and gives government and local authorities the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. The information residents give will help decide how services are planned and funded in your area.

The Royal British Legion, which led the campaign, is at the heart of a national network offering a range of support and services to the armed forces community. The decision to include the question on the 2021 census will provide the Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities, and other military charities with valuable information to ensure they can best meet the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

It has been estimated that there are 2.4 million veterans currently living in Great Britain who make up part of a wider ex-service community which includes their spouses, partners, dependent children as well as widows and widowers. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including an armed forces question in the next census will provide public bodies, local authorities, and charities with valuable information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for our armed forces community.

Free Museums - First Sunday of the Month - Book in advance!

Free Museums - First Sunday of the Month

The first Sunday of every month, enjoy the Mons and Belgium Museums for free. The opening hours vary from a museum to another.

Remember to book in advance!

Go to the Museums website to book or call ahead. The earlier you book the more likely you will get a slot. 

To view the list of free museums participating  CLICK HERE

Mons museums are on the second page down

 

 

Kindness Matters Guide

You may recognise the expression “it is better to give than receive”, but did you know this is backed up by research?  

People who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their wellbeing and happiness. They may even live longer. Kindness can also help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing. 

We all have so much going on in our lives - including competing strains and stresses – not to mention the current coronavirus pandemic. This can see kindness pushed to one side, in favour of what is urgent or trending now.  

It can be easy to signal kindness by posting online and following a trend, but harder to commit to kindness in our daily words and actions.   

But if we take the time to be kind to other people, we can reap the emotional dividends. It can really make a difference and especially for people who are vulnerable or struggling.   

Now is the time to re-imagine a kinder society that better protects our mental health.  

Kindness could be built into business decisions, government policy and official systems in a way that supports everyone’s mental health and also reduces discrimination and inequality.-But that can start by individual commitments to showing kindness in our words and our actions. 

We have written this guide to show the positive impact helping others can have on your own mental health, including some tips and suggestions to inspire you.   

So, take a few minutes, have a read and think about doing something kind for a friend or a stranger today. 

For more information CLICK HERE

Defence Discount Service (DDS) January Discounts

From cosy winter fashion and an exclusive increased offer from JD Sports, to big tech savings from O2 and Samsung, there’s something for everyone this January!

 

Plus, stay active for less and put your best foot forward with our top fitness offers from Gymshark, Myprotein and Les Mills on Demand!

Visit DDS HERE

BFBS TV Now Includes Nickelodeon For Overseas Families

 

Children of armed forces families stationed overseas are now able to stream Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons on BFBS TV Player. 

For more information please click HERE

Register To Vote If You're In The Armed Forces

 

If you're a member of the armed forces, or the spouse or registered civil partner of a member of the armed forces, you can register to vote.

For information please click HERE

Living In Our Shoes: Understanding The Needs Of UK Armed Forces Families - LAUNCH TODAY

​Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, invites you to the formal launch of the report

 

 ‘Living in our Shoes: understanding the needs of UK Armed Forces families’ 

 

on Tuesday 12 January 2021 from 1500 – 1630​

Combat Stress Helplines - For Veterans' Mental Health

 

 

To access the Combat Stress website please click HERE

Defence Discount Service: Top tips for being healthy in 2021

 

 

It has been one heck of a year to say the least. The pressure of not one but two national lockdowns alongside the challenges of the tier system and wider changes posed by COVID19 has meant that our daily habits may have changed as we each adapted to ‘the new normal’.

The new year, however, offers us the chance to start fresh and make healthier choices. As the official MoD Discount Service for the armed forces, veterans, and armed forces community; we’re here to help you save money while you get started with our top tips and discounts on ‘Things to do’.

Army HIVE Twitter

Visit us at @ArmyHIVEinfo for more details and give us a follow for all the latest news for the Service community.

Army HIVE Twitter

 

 

Visit us at @ArmyHIVEinfo for more details and give us a follow for all the latest news for the Service community.

STOP Domestic Abuse December Newsletter

 To read the up-to-date newsletter for Stop Domestic Abuse please click HERE

Togetherall - Happy New Year

With a new year brings new opportunities – setting yourself small attainable goals can be beneficial for your mental health.

Did you know that Togetherall has a goal setting tool to create and track your personal goals?

Sign up for FREE today HERE to get support, take control and feel better. 

@wearetogetherall_ Little wins can go a long way, especially during times of uncertainty. 

As we enter the new year, set yourself small attainable goals to keep yourself motivated and positive. If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to @wearetogetherall_ is a safe online community to share how you’re feeling and connect with others. 

Join today HERE