As we approach this annual period of reflection and remembrance, please see the services being held in the West Chapel of SHAPE International Chapel this Month. All Welcome.
Thursday, 31 October 2024
SHAPE: Hike/Trek the Sonian Forest and Arboretum, Sunday 17th November 2024
If you like hiking, then you’ll love this 8km hike through the Sonian Forest. Contact the SHAPE Outdoor Recreation team to book your spot on outdoor.recreation@outlook.com.
Open to all US and NATO cardholders, ages 8 and upwards. Participants aged 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult and be in good general health.
SHAPE: Tween Book Club, Friday 8th November, 16:00-17:00
If you have a tweenager who enjoys reading, the SHAPE International Library host a Book Club. Just pop into the Library to find out the current selection and Happy Reading.
Next Meeting is Friday 8th November 2024, 16:00-17:00.
SHAPE: Closet Organising Workshop, Wednesday 6th November 2024, 13:00-14:30
Would you like to know how to fold your clothes effectively so you minimise creasing and maximise wardrobe space?
Pop along to Vesna’s Workshop at the SHAPE International Chapel to learn more. No registration and no costs involved but if you would like to bring in any clothes donations for a local maternity home, they would be wholeheartedly welcomed.
SHAPE: New Cosmos Exhibition at SparkOh! Now open.
Do you have an interest in the Cosmos or are you parent to a budding Astrologer, Astronaut or Star Gazer? This new exhibit at SparkOh! could be right up your street. This new exhibit opened on 19th October 2024 https://sparkoh.be/en/exposition/cosmos/
If the Solar System isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other scientific discoveries to be made at SparkOh! Explore 12,000m of interactive spaces and find out how science can be child’s play!
AWS Community Support Annual Report 2024
This Report outlines some of the key achievements delivered and challenges faced by our team over the past year. It provides an overview of key areas of work, statistical information and also looks forward to the year ahead. It demonstrates the breadth and depth of the impact that the Community Support team have.
20240903-Strategic_Plan_Annual_Report_2024.pdf
Stem Cell Donation: Sign up to save a life!
Wednesday, 30 October 2024
NHS Step into Health: Internship Vacancy now open for Service Leavers and Veterans
Location: Leeds with agile working (home based will be considered)
Role: Fixed term (12 weeks). Full time, flexible working patterns considered.
Salary: £22,837 (pro rata)
Closing Date: 23:59 17th November 2024
The post-holder will join the Step into Health team and will gain valuable experiences and skills which will be beneficial and transferable into other NHS roles. The full job description can be found via this link, and is also attached here. Although SitH cannot guarantee employment when the internship comes to an end, they are able to support individuals to apply for other roles within the NHS.
To apply, please use the link on the vacancy page.
For more information on how the Step into Health programme can assist Service leavers and veterans into an NHS career, please go to https://www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk/.
Monday, 28 October 2024
SHAPE: Strike or Treat Glow-Bowling, Thursday 31st October 2024, 11:00-17:00
Fancy some Ghoulish Glow Bowling for FREE? Simply come in your Halloween Costume between 11:00 and 17:00 on 31st October and you will get a Bowling Game for absolutely nothing.
Double Whammy Fun for Half-Term and Halloween!
BRUSSELS: Halloween Party Thursday 31st October
Looking for some festive fun for all those little witches and wizards out there? Come along to the NATO Staff Centre between 17:00 & 19:00 for face painting, candy hunting and some arts & crafting.
And why should the kids have all the fun? Big Witches and Wizards also welcome for an adult disco and party from 18:30 to 22:30. Costumes are encouraged. It’ll be a spooktacular evening. Happy Halloween!
SHAPE: Free Museums Sunday, 1st Sunday of Every Month
Wondering what to do this weekend? Why not take advantage of FREE Museums Sunday?
Did you know that a whole range of Museums in your area and indeed throughout Belgium participate in ‘Free Museums Sunday’?
If you are looking for something do on the 1st Sunday of any Month, why not check out the options Here. The perfect way to explore the local area on a shoestring!
BRUSSELS: Free Museums Sunday, First Sunday of every Month
Did you know that a whole range of Museums in your area and indeed throughout Belgium participate in ‘Free Museums Sunday’?
If you are looking for something do on the 1st Sunday of any Month, why not check out the options on FREE Museums Sunday. The perfect way to explore the local area on a shoestring!
There’s more though, these are the Always FREE Museums no matter the day of the Month. But it is worth checking the opening days and times to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy exploring Brussels and further afield!
Sunday, 27 October 2024
SHAPE: Spooky Crafts for Ages 6+, Wednesday 30th October 2024, 15:30-17:00
Get into the Halloween Mood with Spooky Ceramic Painting and Pumpkin-tastic Crafts with Mina at the Arts and Crafts Centre this Wednesday.
Charges apply, contact the Arts and Crafts Centre for more information.
SHAPE: Halloween Craft Party, Thursday 31st October 2024 11:00-12:30 or 13:00-14:30
Looking for some candy-free Halloween activities? Why not come along to the Halloween Craft Party at the Arts & Crafts Centre.
With two party times to choose from, please reserve your space to avoid disappointment. Suitable for ages 8 and upwards. Walk-ins may be possible. Charges apply.
Saturday, 26 October 2024
SHAPE: Trunk or Treat, Thursday 31st October 2024, 18:00-20:00 at SHAPE
Making a Monstrous return this year is SHAPE’s Trunk or Treat!
Open to all witches, wizards, monsters and ghosts holding a SHAPE ID. Come celebrate Halloween on 31st October 2024 from 18:00 to 20:00 at the SHAPETent.
FREE Entry, with food and drinks on sale.
It’s sure to be a Spooktacular evening!!
Friday, 25 October 2024
Clock’s Back this Weekend!
Don’t forget to pop your clock back by an hour on Saturday evening. And enjoy that extra hour in bed Sunday!
Thursday, 24 October 2024
Forces in Mind Trust Post-Service Employment Research Policy & Practice Summaries
New research and policy summaries focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.
These summaries form part of our commitment to ensuring evidence is at the heart of decision making for the benefit of ex-Service personnel and their families.
The summaries provide easy digestible access to up to date research evidence and an overview of current policy and service provision focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.
A robust methodology has been used to create these summaries meaning they are an accurate and trustworthy source of information which can used to inform and transform policy, practice, and future research priorities.
You can access the full summaries and two-page infographics here:
Research summary: https://www.fimt-rc.org/research/employment
Policy summary: https://www.fimt-rc.org/policy-and-practice/employment
SHAPE & BRUSSELS: Sgt Curtis’ Ultramarathon Challenge, 24-29 November 2024
Sgt Nathan Curtis is running from RAF Henlow, UK to S.H.A.P.E., Belgium, approx. 402km over 6 days. This equates to 67k a day… an Ultramarathon a day! The run will start on Sunday 24 November and finish on Friday 29 Nov 2024.
He is doing this in aid of the Movember Foundation, in particular Men’s Mental Health. The Movember Foundation is the leading charity in changing the face of Men’s Health. Three out of four suicides are men and on average a man takes his own life every minute of every day.
This is his sixth year raising awareness and funds for such an important charity as he has personally been there, needed help, and is grateful for Pete Ward who reached out and asked if he was ok, when he wasn’t.
He would like a minimum of 60 runners from the SHAPE community to run the last mile with him on Friday 29 November 2024, at approximately 1600 hrs, meeting at the Main Entry Point to SHAPE. On average 60 men take their own life every minute of every day, this is why he would like 60 runners; one for each man sadly not here and it would be a great opportunity for this to be a multinational event to help raise awareness and funds for such a great cause. If you would like to run the last mile (or further) please use the QR code.
Click here for a link to Nathan’s Movember Page.
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
SHAPE: Back to the 90’s Dance Party, Tuesday 19th November, 18:00-23:00
SHAPE International Women’s Club presents…..
This is a ladies only event with two-tiered ticket pricing system for members and non-members. Nineties attire encouraged. Seated Meal included in ticket price.
Tickets on cash pre-sale NOW!
Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Armed Forces in Policing Recruitment Event
Northamptonshire Police have planned the 2025 series of events called National Joining Forces – these are police recruitment events for all police organisations in England and Wales. They are designed to provide insight and understanding into police careers; the recruitment process and the structures in place to support candidates through the process. In particular the events highlights the qualities and skills veterans possess which are transferable into British policing.
The events are advertised on Eventbrite and are as follows:
Tuesday 14th January 2025 from 1800 x 1900
Tuesday 15th April 2025 from 1800 x 1900
Tuesday 15th July 2025 from 1800 x 1900
Friday 14th November 2025 from 1800 x 1900
These events are being hosted by Northamptonshire Police as a national recruitment event - regardless of the police area you live in or may be interested in joining.
Monday, 21 October 2024
SHAPE: SHAPE Seals Halloween Bake Sale, Wednesday 23rd October, 16:00-19:00
Support the Seals and come along for a terror-ific treat or some ghoulish goodies on Wednesday.
Halloween Bake Sale running from 16:00-19:00 at Carrefour on camp.
SHAPE: Canadian Christmas Market, Saturday 16th November 2024, 10:00-17:00 - SAVE THE DATE
As SHAPE gets into the Christmas Spirit, so the Christmas Markets start. Canada are hosting theirs in the International School Cafeteria on 16th November from 10:00.
FREE Entry, open to anyone with a SHAPE ID. Come and browse the festive food, drink and gift stalls. You can even pre-order the ever-popular Moosemilk for your Christmas Tipples!
SHAPE: Cupcake Decorating for All Ages, Saturday 26th October 2024 10:00 - 16:00
This is definitely more treat than trick. Join Susan for Cupcake Decorating at the Autumn Craft Bazaar.
Get there early to avoid disappointment.
Small charges apply as per the poster.
Happy Halloween 🎃
BRUSSELS: Halloween Party, Friday 25th October 2024, 17:00-18:30
Calling all little spooks, wizards and pumpkins. Don’t miss this family friendly Halloween Party at Welcombeek on Friday.
Families Need Fathers: Online Support
The Charitable Organisation ‘Families Need Fathers’ have just created a new online support group for Armed Forces Personnel including veterans.
The charity is dedicated to helping parents separate better, for the sake of themselves and their children. The meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month. Anyone dealing with issues of family separation, can join this new support group on the following link:
Online (Armed Forces) | Families Need Fathers | Because Both Parents Matter (fnf.org.uk).
They are also offering courses free to serving military personnel and veterans, including:
* Coping with the grief of separation from your child.
* Learning key behavioural and communication skills with your ex-partner.
* Learning what your child may be thinking and feeling during periods of conflict.
For further information, please see the following link:
New courses and support | Families Need Fathers | Because Both Parents Matter (fnf.org.uk)
The charity is dedicated to helping parents separate better, for the sake of themselves and their children. The meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month. Anyone dealing with issues of family separation, can join this new support group on the following link:
Online (Armed Forces) | Families Need Fathers | Because Both Parents Matter (fnf.org.uk).
They are also offering courses free to serving military personnel and veterans, including:
* Coping with the grief of separation from your child.
* Learning key behavioural and communication skills with your ex-partner.
* Learning what your child may be thinking and feeling during periods of conflict.
For further information, please see the following link:
New courses and support | Families Need Fathers | Because Both Parents Matter (fnf.org.uk)
Eurostar SNAP Tickets are Back!
How’s this for a great start to the week? Eurostar SNAP Tickets are back!
This is the key to spontaneous travel; you choose a date, they pick your train and you get up to 50% off your ticket price!
For more information, click Here
SHAPE: Slime-Making for ages 8+, Thursday 24th October 2024, 11:00-12:30
If you’re looking for some spooktastic slime making fun this Halloween, look no further.
Join Susan at the Arts and Crafts Centre this Thursday for this sensory filled session making slime and cloud dough.
Booking advisable to avoid disappointment, charges apply.
Booking advisable to avoid disappointment, charges apply.
SHAPE: Spooky Crafts for Kids 6+, Wednesday 23rd October 2024 15:30 -17:00
Don’t miss Mina’s Spooky Craft Session at the Arts and Crafts Centre this Wednesday. Charges Apply.
BRUSSELS: Halloween at Pumpkimania 28th October 2024 to 3rd November 2024
🎃 Halloween at Pumpkimania! 🎃
Get ready for a spooky and magical experience at the park of Grand-Bigard's Castle! Between October 28th and November 3rd, 10 AM to 6 PM daily.
Dive into the terri-tastic atmosphere of Pumpkimania, specially transformed for Halloween!
* Explore the haunted Donjon and park
* Marvel at the unique pumpkin sculptures
* Meet the staff dressed as Halloween creatures
🧙👻👹 Calling all monsters, witches, and ghosts! 👹👻🧙
Don your costume and be part of the Halloween magic at Pumpkimania. An immersive experience awaits you in this enchanting setting, blending pumpkins and thrills.
Book your tickets to avoid disappointment.
Sunday, 20 October 2024
SHAPE: Bracelet Making Swiftie Party, Thursday 24th October 2024 13:00-14:00
📣 Calling all Swifties….
Check out the Bracelet Making Party and learn how to create unique beaded or embroidered friendship bracelets. Perfect Christmas Gifts for your pals!
Charges apply, limited space available.
SHAPE: Autumn Bazaar at the Arts and Crafts Centre, Saturday 26th October 2024 10:00-16:00
Don’t miss the Autumn Craft Bazaar on Saturday 26th October. The perfect opportunity to start your Christmas Shopping early with some gorgeous handmade crafts..
FREE Entry.
Friday, 18 October 2024
BRUSSELS: Autumn Holiday Camps for Kids 28th-31st October and 4th-8th November 2024
Are you looking for Childcare over the half-term break? This could be right up your street. NATO HQ have two holiday camps running.
From Monday 28th to Friday 31st October and Monday 4th to Friday 8th November 2024. Places still available, book today to avoid disappointment. Contact High 5 Reception Desk at the NATO HQ Staff and Families Centre.
Travel to Refuge Scheme: Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse
Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes:
- Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse.
- Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.
For more infomation please visit: Travel to Refuge
SHAPE: Home Barista Skills for Adults, Tuesday 22nd October 2024, 10:00-13:00
Are you a coffee fan? Want to channel your inner Barista? This Home Barista Workshop could be just for you!
Held at the Arts and Crafts Centre on 22nd October between 10:00 and 13:00, this is your chance to learn how to perfect your favourite Coffee-Shop Coffee at Home.
Charges Apply. Contact the Arts and Crafts Centre to book.
Reminder: Set up your eVisa Account
You can now set up your eVisa account. An eVisa is an online record of a your immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply. It can be viewed by logging into the online ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service using your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
For more information on getting an eVisa, visit: www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa
SHAPE: Trunk or Treat, Friday 25th October 2024 at Chievres Airbase
📣 Calling all wizards, witches, monsters and ghosts 🧙♂️🧙👹👻
Fly along to Trunk or Treat on 25th October at Chievres Airbase 17.00-20.00. The Trunk Trail starts at 18.00. No need to book, cash on the gate. Open to all SHAPE or NATO ID card holders with access to Chievres Airbase.
It’s going to be a Spooktacular Evening!
Thursday, 17 October 2024
Flooding: DIO and Pinnacle have provided some handy information around flood proofing
It pays to be prepared!
https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/flood-preparedness/
https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/flood-preparedness/
SHAPE & BRUSSELS: Flu Vaccination Appointments for the over 50’s available now!
Contact the UK Medical Centre in SHAPE on +32 (0) 65 44 5824 to book your appointment.
UK Medical Centre is open:
- Monday to Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 - 12:30
- Friday 08:00 - 15:30
SHAPE: Who You Gonna Call?
Do you know who to call in an Emergency on SHAPE?
Natural instinct, especially if you are coming from the UK or a non-military environment, might be to call the international emergency services number (112). Whilst this is perfect if you are out and about in Belgium, should you need ANY of the emergency services whilst on SHAPE, you should call the International Military Police on 3333. They will call the Ambulance and escort them onto camp, meanwhile dispatching a first responder to your aide.
‼️ Remember, if on camp it’s 3333 for any fire, medical, accident or police emergency ‼️
SHAPE: Strike or Treat Glow Bowling at Pizza Bowl, Thursday 31st October 2024
Fancy some Ghoulish Glow Bowling for FREE? Simply come in your Halloween Costume between 11:00 and 17:00 on 31st October and you will get a Bowling Game for absolutely nothing.
Double Whammy Fun for Half-Term and Halloween!
BRUSSELS & SHAPE: Dragons of the North Light Festival running until 5th January 2025
Don’t miss the all new Festival of Lights available for the winter months at Zoo Planckendael, Mechelen; an impressive light adventure from the creators of China Light Zoo.
Charges apply, it may be beneficial to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Click Here for more information.
BRUSSELS & SHAPE: Studio 100 Festival Halloween at Plopsa de Panne until 3rd November 2024
Looking for some family Halloween Festivities? Plopsa are offering discounted tickets for a family of four until 27th October 2024.
Visit Plopsaland to see the colourful scarecrows, take a spooky selfie with the Pumpkin King and admire your favourite Studio 100 heroes. With over 55 attractions dressed for the occasion with pumpkins, there’s something for the whole family.
ONLINE: Code First Girls, Tuesday 22nd October 2024, 12:00-13:00
Don’t miss this fantastic session with Code First Girls on 22nd October from 12:00 to 13:00! Join this virtual opportunity to explore the free coding and data courses, designed for all skill levels—whether you're a complete beginner or looking to expand your knowledge.
It is your opportunity to Unlock Your Tech Future!
Imagine the possibility of stepping into the tech industry with confidence, armed with in-demand skills and connections to potential employers! This opportunity is open to military wives, partners, veterans, and community members, including trans and non-binary individuals.
Don’t miss out!
Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in tech.
👉 Register Here - https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in
BRUSSELS: World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for MacMillan Cancer Support, Wednesday 23rd October 2024
This year’s event, hosted jointly between Corporate Services and JLL, will take place on Wednesday 23rd October in the Number 10 bar between 10:00 and 12:00.
Do pop along for some delicious home-made cakes washed down with a mug of tea/coffee and dig deep to raise lots of money for this great cause.
This coffee morning is open to everyone, friends, family, children – the more the merrier! Although if you don’t have a pass for the building, please let us know.
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