Generic and local information for the UK Military community in SHAPE/Belgium including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
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Tuesday 30 January 2024
Veterans who left their service before December 2018 can now apply for the Veteran Card.
Friday 26 January 2024
The British Army's Got Talent 2024
Thursday 25 January 2024
New Accommodation Offer explained by the 'Savvy Squaddie'
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 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)
Wednesday 24 January 2024
Shape Community Life Magezine, January edition
Friday 19 January 2024
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!
Thursday 18 January 2024
Wednesday 17 January 2024
Parking in Mons
Tuesday 16 January 2024
Friday 12 January 2024
Have you completed AFCAS 2024
Mons Sunday Market returns this Sunday 14th January
Thursday 11 January 2024
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
Tuesday 9 January 2024
Monday 8 January 2024
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.
Friday 5 January 2024
Parking In Mons Update, January 2024