Veterans who left their service before December 2018 can now apply for the Veteran Card.

 

Veterans who left their service before December 2018 can now apply for the Veteran Card.

An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.

 

You can currently only apply for a Veteran Card if you have a UK address. Veterans who do not have a UK address will be able to apply later this year.​​

How to get yours at www.gov.uk/veteran-card

The British Army's Got Talent 2024

 

The British Army's Got Talent 2024

 

A British Army-wide event to raise awareness and much needed funds for the 2x selected charities to allow their important work to continue, to support our families and serving soldiers.

 

Where/When? Aldershot Princes Hall Theatre, Sat 27 Apr 2024: Doors open @1830hrs, show commences @1930hrs. Expect some celebrities and a few surprises along the way.

Who? Acts can come from across both the Regular & Reserve (all welcome) – sign up via the QR code by NLT 01 Mar 24.

 

Audience? This is a family event, all ages are welcome. PLEASE come and support, sign up and grab your seat early via the Aldershot Theatre QR code on the poster, or this

https://www.princeshall.com/.../The-British-Army%E2%80...

Change of Date for Make Wish, now the 7th - 8th June 24

 

New Accommodation Offer explained by the 'Savvy Squaddie'

The 'Savvy Squaddie' has released a YouTube video explaining the New Accommodation Offer in a comprehensive, informative and informal way.

To watch the video on YouTube, please go to this link: Military Housing Revolution – The New Accommodation Offer - YouTube
 

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

 XL Bully dogs in SFA
XL Bully dogs have been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence for anyone, including SFA residents, to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption. Further details on preparing for the ban can be found here. Families living in SFA who own an XL Bully dog must re-submit a pet request form alongside a copy of their Certificate of Exemption to Pinnacle no later than 31 January 2024.

Afghan Relocation and Resettlement policy (ARAP)
The UK Government has made a commitment to resettle Afghan nationals who worked for, or alongside, the British Armed Forces in support of the UK's mission in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence owes a debt of gratitude to these Afghan nationals and their families and is therefore contributing to cross-Government efforts to house those who are eligible under the Afghan Relocation and Resettlement policy (ARAP) to the UK.

Currently, there are over 200 ARAP families living in Service Family Accommodation and it is expected that there will be many more moving into previously void SFA over the coming months and years.

New Accommodation Offer Update
Whilst the New Accommodation Offer policy will not come into effect until 11 March 2024, the draft of the new JSP 464 ‘Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations’ is being shared now so that Service personnel, their families and partners have access to detailed policy information to help inform any future accommodation decisions they may be making.

The JSP will be re-issued as ‘live’ policy on 11 March 2024 to replace the current version of JSP 464. Parts 1 to 8 of the draft JSP are available HERE.

Parts 9 to 11 will cover Forces Help to Buy, the Combined Accommodation Assessment System for SFA and Four-Tier Grading for SLA – these are not being released now as the policy remains the same as under the current regulations.

Part 12 will cover the complaints processes which will be published when the new policy comes into effect. Read the Draft JSP: HERE

For any question about the changes to policy contact the Accommodation Support Cell: People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk

Military Coworking Network - Hub Expansion

The Military Coworking Network (MCN) is thrilled to announce a huge advancement in its mission to support military partners and spouses. Following a successful evaluation of the pilot project, the MCN - through partners the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) - has secured substantial funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund (AFCTF). This grant marks a turning point for the MCN, enabling us to transition from a pilot phase to a permanent and expanding fixture within the military community.

The AFCTF's generous support will facilitate the opening of at least three additional Military Coworking Hubs in 2024, further extending our reach and impact. These new hubs will embody the same spirit and objectives that have driven the success of our existing locations, offering a supportive and collaborative environment tailored to the unique needs of military spouses who want to create independent professional lives alongside military life.

Since its inception, the MCN has been dedicated to providing a space where military spouses and partners can pursue professional development, foster connections, and access vital resources. The expansion of the network is a testament to the positive outcomes and feedback received from our community during the pilot phase.

The new hubs will be strategically located in areas with a high concentration of military families and will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed internet, modern workspaces, and a range of professional development resources. They will also serve as community hubs, hosting events and workshops designed to empower and connect military partners.

"We are immensely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund for their belief in our vision and their investment in the future of the Military Coworking Network," said Megane Bambridge, Project Manager at the MCN. Linzi Jenkinson, the MCN's Hub Development and Liaison Lead, highlights that "This funding is not just an investment in physical spaces but in the people who form a significant part of the military community. We are excited that the network is growing and are looking forward to welcoming more members into our supportive MCN family."

The MCN looks forward to inviting military partners, their families, and base stakeholders to the official opening ceremonies of the new Coworking Hubs, which will be announced shortly. These events will be an opportunity to witness first-hand the vibrant community spirit and the tangible benefits that the Military Coworking Hubs bring to military families.

About the Military Coworking Network
The Military Coworking Network is an innovative initiative designed to support military families by providing collaborative workspaces and professional development resources. Established as a pilot project, it has quickly grown into a vital support network for spouses and partners of military personnel, offering them a platform to grow, connect, and thrive. With the expansion made possible by the AFCTF funding, and working closely with RAFA, the MCN continues to break new ground in empowering military partners and spouses.

More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life

Personnel leaving the military are to receive more support for finding jobs in civilian life thanks to a new contract between the Ministry of Defence and Reed.

More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Shape Community Life Magezine, January edition

SHAPE Community Life Magazine January Edition is here

 

Don't miss it and check it out on SHAPE2day website:

https://www.shape2day.com/publications/scl-magazine

 

The printed version is already available. Don't forget to look for them around SHAPE and get yours!

Launch of Tri-Service Reserves Continuous Attitude Survey, ResCAS 2024: Take Part Now!

The 2024 Reserves Continuous Attitudes Survey (ResCAS24) is now open for completion until Tuesday April 2nd 2024.

Reservists continue to make an impressive contribution to Defence outputs. Last year, ResCAS results revealed that:

* 75% of Volunteer Reserves were satisfied with life in the Reserves in general
* 92% felt proud to be in the Reserves
* 83% would recommend joining the Reserves to others.

What is RESCAS? 
ResCAS is MOD’s annual survey asking for Reservists’ views of life in the Reserves. The survey is used by the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence People to gain an insight into Volunteer Reservists’ opinions of service and influence areas of change and focus.

Who should complete it? 
If you have been selected to participate in this year’s ResCAS, you will have received a paper copy of the questionnaire, an email invitation, or a postcard giving you a link to the online version.

Soldiering On Awards 2024: Nominations Open Today

 The Soldiering On Awards recognise, honour and celebrate outstanding achievements of individuals and groups in the Armed Forces community. Nominations are now open, and close on 2nd April 24.

Finalists in each category will be announced in June 24, followed by a Celebration Reception at the House of Lords in July and an Awards Night in October 24.

For further information and to nominate, please go to Soldiering On Awards 2024 Awards Categories - Soldiering On Awards

Global Support Overseas Survey to improve living oversea's, your views wanted!

Global Support Overseas Survey, your views wanted!

 

This survey aims to challenge and improve the living overseas experience.

 

It is predominantly for the service person to complete but with assistance from spouses/family unit. It has gone to all GSO locations. 

 

You can can complete the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/c7c6YEm9fh

 

The deadline is 31 January 2024. Changes only happen with feedback!

The deadline is 31 January 2024. Changes only happen with feedback! 

Welfare Drop in Sessions - First Wednesday of each Month at Shape House. First one 31st January

 

Parking in Mons

Parking downtown Mons 

 

 

 

Are you passing through downtown Mons?

 

Take advantage of the first hour OFFER in the following covered parking lots:

 

Grand' Place (access via Rue d'Havré)

Halle (access via Halle street)

Grand'Rue (access via Notre-Dame street)

The free hour is automatically deducted at the cashier (Warning: any hours started are due in case of overdraft).

 

Also get first 30 minutes FREE of curbside parking.

To do so, just grab a ticket to a timekeeper or use the app/SMS.

Driveway parking is FREE Saturday starting at 2PM and Sunday.

 

Enjoy shopping in the shopping districts, visiting exhibition,....

www.mons.be - www.monscentreville.be

 

Zumba, Mon, Weds and Friday mornings - Free

Come dance  

Main Gym on Base
 

Have you completed AFCAS 2024

As we enter 2024, the opportunity to get involved in AFCAS is almost at its end. Don’t miss the chance to voice your thoughts.

 

Complete the annual survey to help Defence achieve its goal of improving the daily lives for members of the Armed Forces and their families. Every response counts.

 

Everyone can have their say, whether in the selected sample or not!

 

- If you have been selected to complete AFCAS, you will have been sent an email containing information on how to access the survey.

 

- If you aren’t in the sample, you can still make your voice heard by completing the shorter survey.

 

- Don’t miss your chance to tell Defence what is going well and where we can improve.

- The valuable feedback you provide will go a long way in supporting the lives of our serving personnel and their families.

 

- Completing the AFCAS Survey allows a safe space for you to share your thoughts and opinions on what you feel most positively about as well as what you feel needs changing.

Mons Sunday Market returns this Sunday 14th January

 

Return of the market on Place Nervienne and Place Léopold!

 

From Sunday, January 14, the merchants find their location on the side aisle of Place Nervienne.

Only a few merchants who work with the largest trucks remain at their current location, on Buisseret Street.

 

The flower market also returns to Place Léopold.

SHAPE Park Run - every Saturday 8.45 Start

Come and join  the SHAPE parkrun. Meet in the Continental Mess Car Park at 0845 to start at 0900. All are welcome you can Run, Jog or Walk. All you need is a Parkrun barcode you can register at www.parkrun.com

SHAPE Gym annex - now open 24/7

 

The Ripple Pond Newsletter

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Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Update

 Child Benefit update and childcare support

Child Benefit customers can now view and update their bank account details quickly and easily using the HMRC app or report changes that affect their Child Benefit on GOV.UK, to make sure their payments go to the right place. 

In the app, customers can go to the Child Benefit section and select ‘Change bank details’.  

Using the new online service, customers’ bank details can be viewed and updated instantly with no need to contact HMRC. Payments that are due within 3 days will be credited to the customer’s previously listed account. 

There are two steps to using the HMRC app for the first time. Once set up, customers can log in in future using a pin, fingerprint or with facial recognition -depending on what their device supports: 

1. Download the free HMRC app from the App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android 

2. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the app settings – customers will be asked to sign into their account and can sign in or register on the same sign in page if they have not used HMRC’s online services before.    

The Government is also expanding childcare support to all working families in the UK for children under 17 years old. It is part of the biggest ever investment in childcare in England and will be fully in place by September 2025. The expansion is to help working parents juggle their job with being a parent.

Find out about the available options by going to Childcare Choices

Working parents claiming Universal Credit or about to start work can visit Universal Credit and childcare or contact their work coach for more information.

Parking In Mons Update, January 2024

 

Parking in Mons: the works are over and we are back to the previous situation with

30 minutes of free street parking

 

1 hour free parking in the covered parking lots of the Halle, the Grand Place, and Indigo (Primark). Concretely, after one hour of parking, the first hour is offered to you. 

For example: you stay for 1:30, you will only pay for the 30 minutes

 

Free street parking on weekdays from 5pm, Saturdays from 2pm and Sundays

Find our retail rates via https://bit.ly/37LQfOC