SHAPE & BRUSSELS: Christmas Closures for BFPO 26 & BFPO 49

Please note the Christmas Closures for your BFPO below:

BFPO 26 Post Office Christmas closedown periods are:
* Post Office Counter service closed from Thursday 19th December 2024 - Sunday 5th January 2025.
* Post collection in the 100 & 300 areas closed from Saturday 21st December 2024 - Sunday 5th January 2025.
 
BFPO 49’s last mail run will be Thursday 19th December 2024 and will start again on the Tuesday 7th January 2025.
 

Accommodation: Online e1132 Password Process Change on Monday 9th December 2024

 

Online e1132 password process change

The password process for the online e1132 system is changing on Monday 9 December 2024.

To ensure your online details are kept as securely as possible, we are changing the way we record, store and provide users with their details (when requested).   

All users of the online e1132 system will need to reset their own passwords the next time they login to the system. Once the reset is completed, the user's new chosen password will remain unchanged until the user chooses to change it. There is no deadline for users to change their password, the change is only triggered the next time they go to login into the e1132 system.

Before the change on Monday 9 December, we encourage users to log into their e1132 accounts to check that the email address linked to their account is valid.

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown Racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

Fancy a day at the Races?

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3rd Sector stands. 

The Grand Military Gold Cup is an historic National Hunt steeplechase, run at Sandown Park and taking place in Jan each year. First run in 1841, the race is restricted to serving Military amateur riders and is the showcase event in a day of celebration of the Armed Forces.

Please see the poster for a discount code that reduces the ticket cost for the following:

• Serving Members of the Armed Forces
  
• Veterans
• Personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Link to book tickets is https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/grand-military-gold-cup-day/

Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand

RBLI Lifeworks - Employment Course for Families

 

Click to enlarge.

Lifeworks Families (LWF) is an employability skills course that aims to help you find the right job for you, and having found it, to be able to get it!

We do this by firstly evaluating our situation, and then how to plan to get after our goals. This leads into what we need to do, and why we need to follow certain ‘rules,’ as well as how to make all that work to increase the chances we get what we want.

We cover so much more than how to write a CV, including a 5-course programme leading directly to nationally recognised qualifications. The 4 days are designed to work together as a whole rather than as individual sessions. Our qualifications package will provide you with a grounding in one of three career areas and provide a framework for your 12-month ‘Forward Assist’ period following the course.

Christmas Services at SHAPE International Chapel

 

All Welcome!

Togetherall: Holiday Season Support

This season can feel lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. @Togetherall offers a safe, supportive, anonymous community—free and available 24/7.

There’s also a range of other helpful resources. Find connection whenever you need it, at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

Army’s Guide for Care Leavers

The Directorate of Personnel in Army HQ have released a new Guide for Care Leavers, which will help both Care Leavers and their managers access the appropriate support.

You can find it on the Pers Pol Conditions Defence Connect page at https://jive.defencegateway.mod.uk/docs/DOC-1150391

SHAPE & BRUSSELS: Reminder to Check Your Oil Tanks

With the colder weather creeping up, don’t forget to check your heating oil tank levels……

If you’re running low, simply submit a request for a top up to DIO-ESGBusinessSupport@mod.gov.uk, who will then request an oil delivery on your behalf. Be sure to note any pending periods of absence in your email as it is the occupant’s responsibility to provide access to the oil tank.

Please be aware that oil deliveries can take 2-3 weeks depending on oil company scheduling and workload.

Please also be mindful that DIO Offices are closed from mid-December until the New Year and you will therefore be unable to order during that time.

Don’t be left in the cold this Winter!

SHAPE & BRUSSELS: FREE Museums Sunday, the 1st Sunday of Every Month!

As Winter draws in, don’t let the weather scupper your weekend enjoyment. 

You can enjoy the Mons, Brussels and Belgium Museums for FREE!

Check Out the 160+ Museums participating in the this scheme throughout the country and get planning your next adventure! Please note the opening hours vary from museum to museum so be sure to check them prior to travelling!

Army Families Federation (AFF) Representative for SHAPE & Brussels

Did you know there is an AFF Representative covering SHAPE and Brussels?

Sue works collaboratively with the RAF and Naval Families Federations and is a point of contact within GSO who is here to help you navigate the challenges of an overseas posting. She provides a confidential service and supports both military families and service personnel.

Sue works part time Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday but outside of these hours you can email her on overseassupport@aff.org.uk.

SHAPE: La Fabrique à Jouets (The Toy Factory), Fleurus, Open until 5th January 2025

If you have kids, be sure to check out the most magical and captivating immersive adventure of La Fabrique à Jouets (The Toy Factory).

This is 1100 m² of immersive 360⁰ video mapping, virtual reality experience and interactive games… all you need to have a great time!

Open daily.
Accessible to Wheelchairs.

You will find La Fabrique à Jouets at rue de la Virginette 2, 6220 Fleurus (30 min. from SHAPE).

For more information and opening times, click Here

BRUSSELS: Lanterna Magica Winter Lights, Chateau de la Hulpe, 22nd November 2024 - 11th January 2025

If you are looking for a great outdoor activity for the whole family to kick off the winter and you like fairytales without minding the cold weather, the Lanterna Magica, Winter Lights could be perfect for you.

Back for its fourth year, this enchanted walk through the forest of Chateau de la Hulpe, Tervuren is open from this weekend until 11th January 2025. Wrap up warm and discover the enchanting lights, music and mystery the forest has in store. And this year, a 200 m² synthetic skating-rink (with a roof) will be available – perfect for the whole family or friends, young and old alike!

Open every weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) and every day during the Christmas Holidays (from 1730 onwards).

The forest route is accessible to wheelchairs & pushchairs and dogs are welcomed on a lead.

Find the Lanterna Magica at Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe.
For more information, click Here

SHAPE: New Paper & Cardboard Collection Schedule February 2025

NEW Collection of paper and cardboard JURBISE.

Please be aware that between 27th and 31st January 2025 Hygea will deliver a new, larger Yellow Lidded Wheelie bin to those living in the locality of JURBISE.

Your new collection schedule will change to once every 4 weeks as of 25th February 2025.

New Armed Forces Carer’s Passports are introduced

 

Carer’s passports are well established and widely used across many organisations throughout the UK, including the Civil Service, and have proven to be an invaluable resource for employees with caregiving responsibilities. They are now available for our Armed Forces.

It can be especially hard to balance a career in the Armed Forces alongside caring responsibilities, but the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is dedicated to support those who do.

Introducing the Armed Forces Carer’s Passport
The MOD has launched the Armed Forces Carer’s Passport, a practical and effective tool to help carers in managing their responsibilities. The passport ensures that when carers move between roles or experience a change in manager, they do not have to renegotiate the necessary arrangements from scratch. By documenting required flexibilities, the passport provides continuity and support, reducing unnecessary disruptions for both the carer and the MOD.

The passport acknowledges that operational needs will always remain the priority. However, it ensures that the carer’s circumstances are formally considered, fostering an environment where personnel feel empowered to discuss their care-giving challenges, how these might impact their work responsibilities and feel supported in their dual roles by promoting openness and mutual understanding.

GamCare: Way Forward Programme - online support for women affected by harmful gambling

Way Forward is GamCare's support group for all women affected by someone else’s gambling harm.  Groups aim to provide a safe, supportive and confidential space for women to share their experiences, find comfort and empower one another.

Way Forward online sessions are semi-structured, running for 1.5 hours over six weeks. Groups are led by trained facilitators specialising in supporting women who are affected by gambling-related harms.

Each week will focus on the impact of different areas of gambling harm:

• Session 1 – Getting to know each other.
  
• Session 2 – Understanding gambling harm.
• Session 3 – Taking care of yourself.
• Session 4 – Dealing with guilt and shame / enabling behaviours.
• Session 5 – Dealing with anger and resentment.
• Session 6 – Having difficult conversations / expectations / acceptance.

If you’re interested in registering or want to know more, please email womenspathwaysupport@gamcare.org.uk

This group is for women based in England and Wales. We also have a Way Forward group in Scotland and to register your interest in future sessions, please contact scotland@gamcare.org.uk.

If you need support now, the National Gambling Helpline gives confidential advice and support to anyone affected by gambling in England, Scotland and Wales. You can speak to us for free, 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, or online.​

​

ONLINE: Anxiety Unravelled hosted by Bounce Forward, Starting Tuesday 14th January 2025

There are more than 100,000 children with parents actively serving in the British Armed Forces and the number of children seeking mental health support is rising. Supported and Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant, this 3 session course aims to unravel anxiety and offer parents and carers some practical tips and strategies that can be used to help their children understand and deal with anxiety.

Starting on Tuesday 14th January 2025 and running for 3 weeks, this course aims to help parents to understand and recognise how to best develop resilience in their children; the often forgotten service members.

This course is FREE of charge with 500 funded places available. Sign-up Here to secure your place.

Who You Gonna Call?

Just leaving these here for anyone who may need them,

JCCC Virtual Contact Card - Download it today!

As much as we never hope to need it, the JCCC (Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre) Card is one to have to hand in an Emergency. And it is now available in digital format.

Once you have downloaded the JCCC Virtual Contact Card in your contacts and edited it to include your Service Number, you can then save and share it with family so they have the information they need should they have to contact JCCC.

Scan the QR code above or visit JCCC to download the card.

If your family members do not have a smartphone or prefer a physical card, these can be picked up from the Community Office in SHAPE or at Welcombeek for those based in Brussels.

Army Families Federation (AFF) Immigration Survey

AFF would like to know more about the unique challenges non-UK Service personnel, veterans and their families face when it comes to immigration. Who did you contact for information and advice and why? Did you get everything you needed straight away, or did you find it difficult?

Following a project funded by the Royal British Legion and working in partnership with the Naval Families Federation (NFF) and the RAF Families Federation (RAFFF), AFF have designed a survey to find out who people turn to when they need immigration information or advice.

If you are not British by birth and you or a family member are serving or have previously served in the UK Armed Forces, we would love to hear from you! British Service personnel with non-UK family members can also fill in the survey. It should take less than five minutes to complete.

Please go to surveymonkey.com/r/Non-UK_Questionnaire​

Veterans Access to Healthcare Research Briefing

To access the full report, click here.​

Get Ready for a Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Expansion to some Overseas Locations. Coming Spring Term 2025

 

Are you assigned to a location within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision? WAC Overseas will be available to eligible families in these areas from 6 January 2025.

What is Wraparound Childcare funding?

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC.

BRUSSELS: UK in NATO HQ Monthly Social, last Thursday of Every Month, 17:00-18:00+

The monthly UK in NATO HQ social is coming up. Keep your eyes peeled for the Union Jack.

Open to NATO Passholders. Held in the NATO Staff Centre.

BRUSSELS: The Christmas Experience at the Museum of Infinite Realities from 25th November 2024

Join Santa’s elves in their festive wonderland, on a very important mission to save Christmas.

Journey through seven magical rooms; the North Pole Post Office, the Reindeer Stables, a Journey to the North Pole, the Elf Workshop, a North Pole Party, Santa’s Sleigh Ride on the a world’s first holographic ride and arrive in the Elf Ceremonial Hall. This interactive experience is filled with festive fun for all ages.

Why not complete your day with a visit to Brussels’ beautiful Christmas Market?

To book tickets and obtain more information, click HERE

SHAPE parkrun/parkwalk, Every Saturday, 09:00

Fancy a 5km Walk/Jog/Run on Saturday mornings to start your weekend off right? Come along to parkrun/parkwalk and join a group of friendly individuals clocking up the k’s before topping up the cals at Rendezvous-Vous!

Meet behind the Continental Mess at 08:45 for a 09:00 start. No need to register but if you would like to keep track of your times, register Here.

If you don’t want to walk or run, why not volunteer? This fabulous FREE weekly event would not be possible without the support of the lovely volunteers. Scan the QR code to join the Volunteer WhatsApp Group.

Civvy Street - November 2024 Edition

 

Read online HERE

Easy Resettlement Magazine - Autumn 2024 Edition

 

Read online HERE

The Impact of VAT changes on the Continuity of Education Allowance

In the Budget speech The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the government will remove the VAT exemption for private schools from 1 January 2025.

For families claiming the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) this is likely to increase private school fees.

In Flanders Fields read by Harper on BFBS this week

Did you catch the beautiful reading of In Flanders Fields, by Harper one of the pupils at the British Section of SHAPE International School?

Listen again here before it expires on 18th November 2024. Harper’s reading can be found at 2:33:00

https://radio.bfbs.com/radioplayer/episode/bf641be7-2146-5535-a13e-29b3448f0e58

BRUSSELS: Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, Tour & Taxis until January 5th 2025

If you’re a muggle with a desire to enter the world of Magic, then this all-new interactive art experience could be just for you.

This multimedia attraction is now enjoying an extended run in the capital until the New Year. The immersive journey into the famous world of wizardry is a colourful interactive experience. Visitors are equipped with magic wands that cast spells via interactive screens before being invited to board a Magigobus that transports them to the Ministry of Magic, the governing body of Britain’s magical community created by author JK Rowling.

WHERE?: Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86c


WHEN?: Now until January 5th 2025.


See https://harrypottervisionsofmagic.com/be/ for more information.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to build sustainable and resilient support networks for Veterans

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) have awarded grants totalling almost £7 million under the Thrive Together Programme (previously known as VPPP) which will step up support for vulnerable Veterans.

BFPO Christmas Last Posting Date is Looming

If you’ve got Christmas mail to go back to the UK, don’t miss the last posting dates for BFPO. 
The last posting date for BFPO 26 is Thursday 26th November 2024.

Defence Transition Services (DTS): Civilian Housing Brief Dates 2025

 

Click to enlarge.

To register for a brief: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing#civilian-housing-briefs

For more information on getting additional support when leaving the armed forces: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-additional-support-when-leaving-the-armed-forces​​​

Families First Newsletter - Issue 20

Please use this link to read issue 20 of the Families First newsletter (and previous issues) online: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)