SHAPE: Chemins de Creation this weekend, St Denis

Take a break from the Christmas prep this weekend, go for a wander and pop along to the St Denis Christmas Market. Home to 48 stalls of gorgeous gifts, creative crafts and locally made festive foods, this is not to be missed.

WHERE: Abbaye de Saint-Denis en Brocqueroie, 4 Rue de la Filature, 7034 Obourg
FREE Entry

 

 

Financial Recognition and other Restorative Measures for LGBT Veterans

 

 

For further information, please see the following links:

• LGBT veterans: Support and next steps – This GOV.UK page has centralised information and signposting for pre-2000 LGBT veterans and pre-1967 LGBT veterans. It also contains support services for veterans and families.
  
• Financial Recognition Scheme: GOV.UK page with information on how to apply, eligibility, scheme rules and FAQs.
• New GOV.UK page about the Qualification of Administration Discharge and Rank Restoration, including FAQs, guidance about eligibility and applications, and public policy.
• ​Pre-1967 veterans: GOV.UK page about restorative measures and FAQs.

Coping at Christmas

 

BRUSSELS: Cinderella at the Auderghem Cultural Centre, 24th to 26th January 2025

For a bit of British this Festive Season, be sure to head to The English Comedy Club (ECC) Pantomime for 2025 is the timeless rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella.

A magical show where dreams come true (eventually), pumpkins (if seasonally available) transform into dazzling carriages, and a glass slipper will change a life forever... but whose? A great show for all the family full of joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of fairy dust.

WHEN: Friday January 24th to Sunday January 26th at Auderghem Cultural Centre, Brussels.
Book Tickets here.

SHAPE: RendezVous Holiday Opening Hours

Rendezvous Christmas Opening Hours:

Headspace Support your loved ones

Christmas is a period of family, friends and high stress! Details below for some brilliant meditations, guided workouts and mindful music to help you relaaaaax this Festive Season.

And Breeeaaaaaathe!

 Please click the images to enlarge.

Kooth - Online mental health and wellbeing support if you're aged 11-18

Kooth is an online Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Service available for children (aged 11 until their 19th birthday) with a parent serving in the British Armed Forces or working for the MOD or the British Government in the UK or overseas.

The free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing platform allows you to chat with a friendly mental health practitioner, find support from a helpful community or use a range of self-help tools.

Find out more at www.kooth.com/mod

Armed Forces Covenant: 2024 annual report

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report has been published today (18 Dec) and is available to read on Gov.uk at this link: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2024 - GOV.UK​​

The annual reports set out major achievements of the armed forces covenant and highlight remaining challenges and new commitments.

Mons new railway station opens, Wednesday 18th December 2024.

Today’s the Day! Mons’ new futuristic looking Railway Station is open. Designed by Spanish Architect Santiago Calatrava, this impressive building is worth a visit.

Read more Here

SHAPE: Le Cadeau, immersive show and video mapping, until 30th December 2024

 

Don’t miss this amazing immersive 360 degree show combining artists and video mapping.

WHEN: from14th to 30th December 2024 (except 22nd, 24th and 25th December 2024)
WHERE: Collégiale Sainte Waudru, Mons
AT: 17h30, 18h30, 19h30 and 20h30
PRICE: 12 to 18€
Language: French, with Dutch on the Friday and Saturday 2030h performances. But the visuals will be spectacular
TO BOOK: shop.utick.net

SHAPE: Mons Coeur en Neige, running until Sunday 5th January 2025

Until January 5th, the city of Mons is home to a traditional Christmas Market complete with ice-rink, enchanted fir Carousel, over 50 artisan chalets and Carousel bar serving drinks.

And don’t miss the Torchlight procession on Sunday 22nd December 2024 at 17:15 that culminates at the Nativity Scene on the Grand Place for the Dean to deliver his message of peace in the Magic Kiosk.

Check out HTTPS://monscoeurenneige.be

Historic Letter from Queen Elizabeth I of England set to return to the City of Ghent in official ceremony

Whilst the signed historic document will need to be safely stored in archives, there will be a replica on display for local citizens to view, until 25th April 2025.

To read more, click Here

Bob anti-drink driving campaign stepped up for the Festive Period

Belgium’s campaign to increase awareness of the importance of not drinking and driving is back for the festive season and is getting bigger.

Please be safe this Festive Period, it’s not worth talking the chance.

To read more click Here 

Money & Pensions Advice Service guidance: Making the Most of your Money

 

Taking the time to manage your money can make a real difference.

Whatever stage of life you’re at – whether you’re saving into a pension for the first time, buying or renting a home, starting a family or planning to retire – there are always ways of making your money go further.

Find out more on the Money and Pensions Advice Service's Money Helper website at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en​ 

and you can download the leaflet at https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ViewProduct.html?sp=Sengmakingthemostofyourmoney-400​​

Also there is a library of advice booklets that are free to download at: https://moneyhelper.apsmos.com/ArticleOverview.html?sp=Sguide​

Families First Newsletter: Issue 22

 

To read this issue and previous ones, visit ​Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK​

GamCare: Spotting the signs of gambling harm at Christmas

 

GamCare hears from people who have become isolated and lonely as a result of their gambling, and who haven’t spoken to anyone else about what they are going through. These feelings can worsen over the Christmas period, when people might encounter loneliness or pressure to seem as if everything is alright.

We recognise that gambling is known as the ‘hidden addiction’, and often the signs are not clear. From experience, we understand that these are the most common ways to identify if your own or someone else’s gambling has become harmful.

Some signs to consider about your own or someone else’s gambling:

· Preoccupation – Do you spend much of your day thinking about betting? Are you finding that your gambling is taking you out of the moment when you spend time with friends and family this Christmas? Often thinking about or planning to gamble can be one of the early warning signs that gambling could be harmful.

· Withdrawal – Removing yourself from social situations so that you can place a bet is another warning signal that your gambling might be going too far, and that the urges to gamble are potentially harming other areas of your life and the people around you. Withdrawal may be one of the early warning signs that someone’s gambling could be harmful this Christmas; such as wanting to stay at home more frequently or needing to check their phone constantly to check the latest results.

· Escape – Life – and the Christmas season in particular - can be overwhelming at times, and you might feel like you want to escape it for a while. Using gambling as a coping mechanism is a sign of harmful gambling and can lead to losing significant amounts of money.

· Chasing losses – Chasing losses is where your motive for gambling changes from winning money to getting back the money you have already lost. This can be dangerous and lead to significant losses. There might be more financial signs that a loved one is struggling with gambling, such as a need to borrow money or money missing from bank accounts.

· Changing mood – There could be noticeable changes to your mood and behaviour, including looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason in the lead up Christmas.

· Lying – You may find yourself hiding how much you are spending or lying about the amount of time you are spending gambling, or perhaps asking for money to cover bills that you are spending. These are just some signs that gambling is harming your life and possibly risking your relationships with family and friends.

The National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 for free during the Christmas period. Contact our Advisers on Freephone 0808 80 20 133, via WhatsApp on 020 3031 8881, or via online chat at gamcare.org.uk.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 17 December 2024

 

“Earlier today, a Written Ministerial Statement was published, announcing that the MOD has reached a formal agreement with Annington Property Ltd to repurchase more than 36,000 Service Family homes in England and Wales.   

This means that the homes that were previously privately owned will return to public ownership. This deal not only delivers long term value for money for the taxpayer but also means future improvements to the SFA estate will benefit Service families directly. 

We hope this will be welcome news as DIO will now have the freedom to embark on a substantial programme of redevelopment and improvement of the estate. 

While it is too early to discuss the specifics of future works, we will continue to update you through our Families First newsletter and our continuing series of SFA Roadshows in 2025.
​Full details of the announcement can be found here. 

We appreciate you may have questions and we will update you in due course with further information.”

ONLINE: FREE Antenatal Course - in your own time

If you are a new parent/carer-to-be, this course has all the practical information and advice you could expect from a traditional Antenatal Class with the additional benefit of support around emotional and mental wellbeing for parent and baby.

To undertake this online course in your own time, go to HTTPS://inourplace.heiapply.com/online-learning/course/4 and register using your BFPO Postcode.

If you have any questions, contact your SSAFA Health Visitor or Midwife.

NHS Better Health: Make 2025 the year you quit smoking

* Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you.

* Join thousands of other people preparing to quit smoking this New Year.

* Quitting smoking is best thing you can do for your health. Get ready to quit for good this New Year.

* You’re far more likely to quit smoking successfully with the right support. Discover what’s available at NHS Better Health and prepare to quit for good this New Year.

* Getting support from your local stop smoking service gives you the best chance of quitting smoking successfully. Visit NHS Better Health to find your nearest service and get ready to quit for good in 2025.

* It’s never too late to quit smoking and you will notice almost immediate improvements to your health when you stop. New Year is a great time to join others giving quitting a go.

* Did you know that the average smoker could save around £3000 per year by quitting? Track your savings with the free NHS quit smoking app.

* Want to quit smoking but not sure where to start? Get your free personal quit plan now.

* Want to know more about using a vape to quit smoking? There’s lots of information available on the NHS Better Health website.

NHS Better Health has a range of content and tools to help smokers make a successful quit attempt, all of which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking

Domestic Abuse - Help is at Hand

 

Click to enlarge.

HIVE also has an information sheet on Domestic Abuse support, which can be downloaded from the Information Sheets section of the Army HIVE UK Blog.

Weembi - Freefall Simulator, Lille

If you are still searching for the perfect gift for that special someone or the difficult-to-buy-for person in your life, then how about a trip to Weembi?

 

Packages available for children aged 5 and up, and adults. For a gift with a difference, how about an experience of the true sensation of flying?

For more information, click Here

Maredsous Abbaye Marche de Noel, until 22nd December 2024

Don’t miss this pretty little Christmas Market, about an hour from SHAPE. More than 70 stalls await you for an enchanted journey to the heart of Christmas Traditions from artisans, creators and food traders.

As well as the market, why not test your skill on the ice-rink before rounding off your visit by exploring the Abbey itself with its cheese factory and micro-brewery.

WHERE: Rue de Maredsous 11, 5537 Anhee.

WHEN: Friday evenings 1800 - 2200, Saturdays 1000 - 2100 and Sundays 1000 - 2000.

La Maison illuminee de Saint-Denis, Friday 20th & Saturday 21st December 2024

Francoise & Christian invite you to visit the illuminated house of Saint-Denis.

WHERE: 12 Rue Rautier, 7034 Saint-Denis

WHEN: Friday 20th December 2024, illuminations from 1800

AND: Saturday 21st December 2024, arrival of Santa Claus and his Elves at 1700.

Pop along to enjoy a hot chocolate, gluwein or some pancakes and soak up there festive atmosphere.

Two Weeks to go until the 2025 Dry January Challenge

The New Year can also be a challenging time for many. Increasing peer pressure to celebrate by drinking at parties and, in some sectors, demanding workloads can contribute to people drinking more around this time of year.

There is also a growing realisation that alcohol can prevent us from achieving our best. From headaches, sleepless nights, and feeling ‘off’ the next day to long-term health issues like high blood pressure, anxiety and cancer, alcohol impacts us in so many ways.

That’s where the Dry January® challenge comes in. With hundreds of thousands of people participating every year, the Dry January® challenge offers the perfect opportunity for a total reset and a chance to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol. This refreshing challenge is always welcomed by people across the country as they turn towards a more health focused and goal orientated start of the year.

Evidence shows that those who take part in the Dry January® challenge using Alcohol Change UK’s tools and resources double their chance of having a completely alcohol-free month and have significantly improved wellbeing and lower alcohol health risks six months later.

For more information and to sign up, please visit: The Dry January® challenge | Alcohol Change UK

BFBS Update, December 2024

                                

 

BFBS Update December 2024 | About BFBS

Recruit for Spouses (RFS): Virtual Skills Workshop Series, January 2025

If you are looking for some personal development or to equip yourself with some in-demand skills, this series of interactive workshops could be just what you need.

Running for 3 weeks from mid-January 2024, let these sessions shape your successes and set you on the right path to achieve your career goals. Sign up now with the QR code below.

Four Local Christmas Markets running this Weekend….

NOEL AU BEFFROI, Christmas at the Belfry:

Where: Belfry, Mons 

When: 14 December from 16.30 to 21.00 

Programme:

SHAPE: Christingle Service, Christmas Eve at 16:00

Don’t miss the all-age Christingle Service at the West Chapel this Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas!

Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas

 

The Armed Forces Accommodation Policy Team is thrilled with the feedback from more than 50 service members taking part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot in Cyprus. Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027.

To ensure families feel supported, a tailored allowance package is available for pilot participants. Since allowances depend on the assignment location and individual circumstances, service personnel are encouraged to check specifics for their country.

Updated Volumes 4 (Pilots) and 5 (Overseas Accommodation Policy) of JSP 464 (with country appendices and allowances) to clarify any queries will be published soon.

Furthermore, effective immediately the Pilot has been extended to BATUS and some GDN (Global Defence Network) sites.

For further information please contact people-accom-asc@mod.gov.uk

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £70K awarded to help mitigate the impact of separation for Service families

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) have awarded funding worth over £70,000 to five fantastic projects designed to mitigate the challenges posed by long or frequent involuntary separation on families, spouses, and serving personnel.

Togatherall: New Year - resources and peer support

Feeling uncertain about what’s ahead? You’re not alone. @Togetherall is here with free, anonymous peer support anytime you need it—24/7, all year round. There’s also a range of other self-help resources. 

Connect with others who understand at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

Tervuren is home to a new and unique wooden cycling bridge!

Great News for Pedestrians and Cyclists in the Brussels region - a new Wooden Bridge in Tervuren is revolutionising the commute.

Read more Here

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

For a Christmas Gift with a difference pick up your tickets today!

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/

SHAPE: Chemins de Creation, St Denis Abbey from 20th to 22nd December 2024

If you are still seeking the perfect Christmas Gift pop along to this cosy little Arts and Crafts Market on the doorstep of SHAPE.

Find out more Here

Drielandenpunt: The tri-border point

If you are looking for a day out with less of a festive focus, Drielandenpunt is a great shout.

Once the only place in the world where the borders of four countries met, when Neutral Moresnet was awarded to Belgium soon after the First World War, Vierlandenpunt became Drielandenpunt.

Get Ready for the Santa Parkrun! Saturday 21st December 2024, 0900

For the final Parkrun before Christmas, come dressed in your best Santa Suit or Christmas Jumper.

Crawl, Walk, Jog or Run your way around the 5km route before enjoying some Festive Refreshments to replenish your energy levels.

Meet behind the Continental Mess 0845 for 0900 start!

See you there! Ho Ho Ho.

Trier Christmas Market, from 22nd November 2024 to 22nd December 2024

For a German Christmas Market with a Romantic Backdrop, head to Trier this Festive Season.

The 44th Trier Christmas Market is held in the medieval market square and in front of the imposing Cathedral. One of the prettiest Christmas Markets I have visited, the lights, the backdrop and the fantastic smells make this a magical place to visit.

With around 90 wonderfully decorated wooden stalls set beneath a beautiful Christmas Carousel, this market has so much to offer; handicrafts, ornamental decorations, chocolate, traditional German sweets, festive Fayre and Gluwein (Red or White!) or Hot Chocolate, in a keepsake mug, to warm you up on even the coldest of days. There’s something for everyone and an incredible family feel about the place.

Open Mondays to Thursdays 1100 - 2030

Fridays & Saturdays 1100 - 2200

Sundays 1100-2000.

Lille Christmas Market, from 20th November 2024 until 29th December 2024.

For a little Joie de Vivre this festive season, head to Lille Christmas Markets. 

On Place Rihour you will find more than 80 wooden chalets offering gorgeous gifts, charming Christmas decorations, festive foods and warming drinks.

Open Monday to Thursday and Sundays 1100 - 2030

Fridays and Saturdays 1100 - 2200

Closing early on 24th and 29th December 2024 at 1800

Closed on Christmas Day.

For more information see https://en.lilletourism.com/explore/hello-culture/major-events/lille-christmas-market/

Brussels Christmas Market, open until Sunday 5th January 2025

For one of Europe’s biggest Christmas Markets, head to Brussels.

Known as “Plaisirs d’Hiver” (Winter Wonderland), it is much more than a Christmas Market with 200 wooden cottages and stalls, a Ferris wheel, Merry-go-rounds, an ice rink (Place de Brouckère) and Fairground rides. Don’t miss the huge Christmas Tree on the Grand Place which also boasts a beautiful Nativity Scene and a fantastic sound and light show called “Echoes of Colors”; this runs from 1700 to 2200 on a half hourly basis (no show on 24th and 31st December 2024).

Take a walk through the “Winter Wonders” of this gorgeous Christmas Market which extends for 2.5km across the city centre.

The Brussels Christmas Markets are open from 1200 to 2200 each day until the 4th January 2025. Reduced hours of opening on 24th and 31st December 2024 and 5th January 2025, of 1200 to 1800.

You will find all the details by checking these website: https://www.plaisirsdhiver.be/en and https://www.brussels.be/winter-wonders

Bruges Christmas Market, 22nd November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Considered one of the most romantic Christmas Markets of Europe (according to European Best Destinations), Bruges Christmas Market is not to be missed.

 

The Christmas Market in Bruges (Grote Markt/Place Simon Stevin), called “Winter Glow” opened on 22 November and will remain open until 5 January 2025.

You can visit it on Fridays and Saturdays from 1030 to 2300 and from Sunday to Thursday from 1000 to 2200. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, it will be open until 1700 hours.

There is also a “Light experience trail” and decorations throughout the city, a “Winter Festival” that turns the city of Bruges into a true Christmas town. 

Visit the website https://www.visitbruges.be/en/winter-glow for practical information!

Tickets Now on sale for low-cost rail service between Mons/Brussels and Paris

A new low-cost train line connecting Brussels with Paris in 3 hours goes into service from 19th December 2024.

OUIGO rail service - a collaboration between SNCB and SNCF - is already selling one-way tickets priced between 10 and 59 Euros, with a fixed price of 8 Euros for children.

Three daily return trips are scheduled in each direction, with the line also serving Mons as well as Aulnoye-Aymeries (North) and Creil (Oise) in France.

Read more Here

Book your ticket under this link : Straight to Paris by train | SNCB International

Belgian Christmas Carol Services in English near to you!

 

If you are looking for an English Christmas Carol Service here in Belgium check out this link. If your local service is not on the list, do use the Contact Button on the article!

British Gas Electrician Apprenticeship Vacancies

If you are looking for your next steps following a military career….

We're so much more than an energy company. We're a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn't rely on fossil fuels whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That's why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

During your apprenticeship, you'll absorb the wisdom, grasp the skills, and earn the qualifications to emerge as a top-tier Electrical Engineer – a true household hero. Under the wing of our experienced Electricians, you'll soon learn how to deliver energy efficient solutions to our customers through installing, upgrading & maintaining electrical systems.

• Leicestershire
• Glasgow
• Hertfordshire
• Aberdeenshire
• Greater London
• Gloucestershire
• Essex
• Bridgend
• Northampton
• Derbyshire
• Staffordshire

The link to apply or more information is HERE