We encourage Shapians to take part in the "My Service in Afghanistan" video series!The creators are seeking personnel within the SHAPE community to share their experiences serving in Afghanistan.
You will find the contact info in the image below
Wednesday 8 December 2021
My Service in Afghanistan Video Series
We encourage Shapians to take part in the "My Service in Afghanistan" video series!
Thursday 7 October 2021
Belgium considers four-day working week
The Federal Government is discussing a proposal to shorten a full-time working week from five to four days
A proposal was tabled by the liberals, aiming to make the working week more flexible: full-time employees would still work 38 or 40 hours, but spread over four days instead of five.With the proposal, the government wants to encourage companies to introduce longer working days of 9.5 hours. In exchange, employees will get an extra day off.
“In principle, we think it is good towards the freedom of the employee, but of course it has to be a choice of the employee,” chair of the Flemish green party, Meyrem Almaci told VTM News.
“It is about how they organise their life. It has to fit into people’s lives,” she said, stressing that the social partners must be heard before any decision is made.
Meanwhile, the socialist trade union already spoke out against the idea, stressing that above all, the aim should be that full-time employees work fewer hours per week.
Next weekend, the Federal Government will discuss in which sectors the system could be introduced, and how to avoid making the working day too long.
Source; The Brussels Times
Monday 2 August 2021
Report: Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women In The Armed Forces From Recruitment To Civilian Life
The Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces has published its report “Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life".
The inquiry is one of the most important in the Committee’s history, with the Sub-Committee receiving an almost unprecedented level of engagement. Around one in ten female personnel currently serving in the Regulars contributed to the inquiry. It is also the first of its kind, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) lifting the usual restrictions that prevent service personnel from contributing to inquiries.
The report finds that the MoD and Services are failing to protect female personnel and to help servicewomen achieve their full potential. Whilst most servicewomen and female veterans we consulted (nearly 90 percent of respondents to our survey) would recommend the Armed Forces as a career, more than 3,000 (around 84 percent) reported that female service personnel face additional challenges relative to their male counterparts.
Markets around Mons
Markets around Mons
Mons-Center
Friday, 8 am to 2 pm
At the Grande Place and Croix Place, Fish Market (all products) / Approx. 100 exhibitors
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m:
Old Market: Place du BĂ©guinage and Place Nervienne and next to the train station (all products)
Nimy: on the Place, Monday from 8 am to 1 pm (approx. 10 exhibitors).
Cuesmes: on the Place, Tuesday from 8 am to 2 pm (approx. 65 exhibitors).
Flénu: Sainte-Henriette site (Av. Du Champ de Bataille), Wednesday from 8 am to 2 pm (approx. 15 exhibitors).
Jemappes: on the Grand-Place on Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm (approx. 35 exhibitors).
Havré: on the Place, Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (approx. 10 exhibitors).
Ghlin: on the Place, Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm (approx. 20 exhibitors).
Soignies: On the square Tuesday morning till approx 11.30. Mainly Food produce.
Friday 30 July 2021
Things to do; Bois des Reves
Bois des Reves is about a 40 minute drive away from SHAPE, near Wavre. We went over the Easter holidays and had a great time. It has an amazing enclosed park for children, great for all ages. Lots of picnic benches. Great place for a dog walk, cycle, jog and generally enjoy an afternoon. It is free!
There is a large lake, cafe and toilets (all open) and a vast woodland area which my children loved! Lots of hills to run up and trees to climb on. Dog loved it also!
There are many signposted footpaths and it also caters for people with reduced mobility. You can pick up a map at the help desk by the children's park.
Address; Allée du Bois des Rêves 1, 1340 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
Map; CLICK HERE
Parking; Two car parks. We parked in the one near the play area. 'Parking du Bois des Reves 1' on the Sat Nav. Cost; 2 euro. There is another larger car park also about 3-5 minutes walk from the play park. We passed it as we drove there.
Distance from SHAPE; 42 minutes by car
Open; 6 - 8.00pm
Toilets; Yes, open at the play park and near the cafe
Cafe; Open and lots available to take away. We got hot dogs, waffles, hot chocolates and coffee (hungry family!) Prices good.
Dogs; Yes permitted (not in children's play area) Is also an area where you can let your dog run off the leash. Sign posted.
Buggy friendly; Yes
In the summer there is an outdoor pool which you pay for. This is currently being renovated.
From March to Dec, the pond is available for fishing enthusiasts.
The park also offers a 3 km closed circuit mountain-biking trail. There are also other paths designated for cyclists.
There is a health trail with fitness stops. Children had a good go on these!
Top tip; When the sun is out, these places can get busy, particularly the play park. Go early or on a slightly cooler day to avoid crowds.
Monday 21 June 2021
Friday 11 June 2021
Thursday 10 June 2021
Heatwave - How To Cope In Hot Weather
Most of us welcome hot weather, but
when it's too hot for too long, there are health risks. When hot weather
hits this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know.
For tips on coping in hot weather please click HERE
Friday 4 June 2021
Things to do; Domaine de Claire Fontaine
Outdoor swimming area's One of our favourite is Domaine de Claire Fontaine;
Only 25 minutes away, it has a beach area, large lake for swimming with
pontoons and slides, children's paddle area, good playground,
mini-golf, pedal boats, zip line and tree climbing course.
Outdoor swimming area's will also start to open up over the next two weeks. One of our favourite is
Domaine de Claire Fontaine;
Only 25 minutes away, it has a beach area, large lake for swimming with
pontoons and slides, children's paddle area, good playground,
mini-golf, pedal boats, zip line and tree climbing course.
Open; Playground opens 1st June, Bathing lake opens 15th June.
Distance from SHAPE; 25 minutes by car
Cost; Prices can be found here. Prices are around 2.5 euro for children and 4.5 euro for adults. https://www.domainedeclairefontaine.be/en/fun-swimming-area/
Dogs; Are not allowed in the bathing area or park. They are allowed in other areas.
For lots of other idea's of things to do this weekend, please see what's on, at the HIVE; http://shapehive.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20On
Wednesday 2 June 2021
'Buddy' project aims to help newcomers integrate better in Brussels
New Brussels residents will soon be able to discover the city with their own 'buddy'. The CoNnect project brings new arrivals and current residents together to get to know each other and their perspective on life in Brussels.
Tuesday 1 June 2021
Summer Bucket List - over 100 ideas for children
For other ideas of things to do over the summer
https://www.facebook.com/thebestideasforkids/posts/1297250240684709
Thins to do; Huy Town, Citadel and Cathedral
Huy - just near Namur is a great afternoon out.
The Citadel of Huy occupies a high position in the town, overlooking the strategic Meuse river. The current fort dates to1818 during the period of Dutch rule in Belgium and took five years to build.
The Citadel was frequently used to house political prisoners. The citadel was a Nazi occupied prison during
WWII holding over 7000 prisoners. Many were sent to concentration camps.
Huy cathedral has the largest circular stained glass window in wallonie. The museum is free entry. It was also the filming location for BBCs the missing with James Nesbit.
There is also a grand place with lots of cafes and shops to enjoy.
Pictures of inside the Citadel
Citadel Prices; Adults: €4; Children (6 to 12 years old): €2. Free for all on the first Sunday of the month and on July 21.
Opening times; 9.30- 6.00 every day
More details on prices and opening times; https://www.huy.be/loisirs/musees/fort/horaire-et-tarifs
Distance from SHAPE; One hour by Car
Toilets and Cafes; Yes available. Cafes now open to sit outside, there are many available in the Huy Grande Place
Friday 28 May 2021
Things to do; Belgian Beaches - De Hanne
Things to do; Belgian Beaches - De Hanne
Belgium
has an enormous and amazing coast line. The vast beaches are beautiful
sandy and clean. We love the beaches around De Hann (which are only 1.5
hrs away) particularly the quieter ones where the children can explore
the endless sand dunes.
We tied in our trip to De Hanne with a trip to Bruges, they are very close together. We booked a night in Bruges.
The Centre of De Hanne has a long promenade to
walk along with cafes, take away food, gifts and ice cream. There is a
small park on the beach also by the promenade. Being the central resort
naturally it is busier than other more quieter parts of the beach.
Distance form SHAPE; 1 hour and 28 minutes by car
Address; Zeedijk-De Haan 8420, De Haan
Cost; Free
Dogs; Check notice boards / signs especially in the summer season. If it is a quieter beach and out of season you may be able to let them off. Be sensible and considerate.
Toilets; There are public toilets on the promenade (have to pay 50c)
Buggy friendly; Beach not really. In De Hanne centre along the promenade you can easily walk with a buggy.
Places to park; You can find on street free car parking around the centre of DeHanne.
If you want to get further away from the centre here are some suggestions to park. We used both of these. Parking is free. https://goo.gl/maps/bj9jSynt2YW8Z5y8A
This
parking spot is near a play park in the woods. From here we followed
the path to the sea which took about 4 minutes walk. (We did have to
cross a busy road and tramline.) https://goo.gl/maps/PjUcadsqL86eYZZx5
Top tip, the beaches are huge that even on a sunny day you can find a quieter spot away from crowds.
Thursday 27 May 2021
Volunteer For SSAFA
Support the Armed Forces community directly by becoming a SSAFA volunteer, and change lives for the better!
If you have a direct link with your local Armed Forces base, you may be able to volunteer for a SSAFA Service Committee.
To find out more information about volunteering with SSAFA please click HERE
Wednesday 26 May 2021
Support After Someone May Have Died By Suicide
The Help is at Hand booklet provides information, support and guidance for those affected by suicide.
Please click HERE to download the booklet
The Armed Forces Memorial And The Roll Of Honour: A Guide For Bereaved Families
This guidance is for the bereaved
families of service personnel and veterans and provides information
about the Armed Forces Memorial and the Roll of Honour.
Please click HERE to download the document
Tuesday 25 May 2021
Free public outdoor swimming pool to open in Brussels this summer
Summers in Belgium can be hot (although you wouldn’t think so with the weather of the past few weeks), but they can be particularly gruelling in Brussels, where, surrounded by concrete, there is little relief from the heat.
In the past, the city has simulated the feeling of being at a beach through projects such as “Bruxelles-les-Bains”, which saw the Canal area of the city being transformed into an inner-city holiday resort, there are very few actual bathing spots.ummers in Belgium can be hot (although you wouldn’t think so with the weather of the past few weeks), but they can be particularly gruelling in Brussels, where, surrounded by concrete, there is little relief from the heat.
Calling Military Veterans
Are you a military veteran experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder?
The
PETT study is recruiting military veterans into their research trial
which is comparing two psychological therapies for those experiencing
symptoms of PTSD. The study is run by Queen’s University Belfast and
King’s College London in collaboration with Inspire and offers free
online treatment for those qualifying to take part. Is this something
you, or someone you know, would be interested in?
Please click HERE to find out more
Costco Membership For The Armed Forces
Costco
Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our
members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We
provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of
speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to
make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the
quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our
guarantee of satisfaction.
For more information and to preview our warehouses visit:
Individual Membership:
The
annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £28 ex VAT
(£33.60 inc VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or
domestic partner. To sign up for membership in the warehouse, please
provide your employee ID card or current payslip to prove your
employment, PLUS one piece of photographic identification.
Monday 17 May 2021
MOD Diversity Networks
Diversity networks that support civilian and Armed Forces personnel working in the Ministry of Defence.
Defence recognises that our people are our greatest asset, and if we are to maximise the talent of all our people we need to create a culture that is centred on respect and integrity. We are fortunate to have a variety of diversity networks across the organisation, and our subsidiaries, that support and drive forward our work in building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Our networks make sure that everyone across defence can have their voice heard. They contribute to supporting all under-represented and disadvantaged groups and individuals within our organisation, providing our people with a safe space to speak up, share experiences and facilitate learning and development.
Click here to see the latest list of diversity support networks in the MOD .
Reserve Forces Review 2030
A vision of a greater, more integral role for the Reserve Forces within the UK’s future defence and security capability is set out in a report which follows a wide-ranging review.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reserve-forces-30-report-published
Tuesday 11 May 2021
Monday 10 May 2021
Support Your Child During School Transitions - A Talk With Carolyn MacLeod, The National Transitions Officer (NTO)
Carolyn is an expert in school transitions for children with parents in the Armed Forces. More information can be found here: https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk/about
For further information please click HERE
Naval Families Federation - Headspace
Headspace - now open to RN/RM/RFA serving personnel
As part of a pilot project, we are delighted to open up the allocation of the free Headspace licences to Service personnel and their families! These licences are valid until the end of October 2021, so apply now to benefit from the full six months subscription.
Further details/to sign up HERE
This project is supported by Royal Navy Family and People Support and NAVYfit
‘Your parcel is on the way’: Bpost warns of new text scam
People in Belgium have been warned of a new scam text being sent out to mobile phones across the country which asks people to click a link because their “parcel is on its way.”
The text – sent in French – reads “votre colis est en route, suivez-le ici,” as well as a link. Clicking it sends you to a fake web page with the bpost logo and asks you to download a virus hiding as an application.
“If you click on the link in a phishing message, you will usually be directed to a fake web page. As soon as you pay with your bank details or change your password, you give fraudsters access to your data,” Bpost warns on its website.
In an effort to avoid these situations, the company stressed that it never asks for personal information by e-mail or SMS. It additionally recommends that customers:
- Don’t rely on just any SMS or e-mail, and don’t give your data to just anyone
- Ask yourself first if you are expecting a parcel.
- Only communicate your personal information if you are 100% sure that you are dealing with bpost.
If you receive suspicious mail, sent it to suspect@safeonweb.be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)