Defence Discount Service: Oakwood Solicitors

 

Oakwood Solicitors, in collaboration with FrontFoot.Life, is proud to provide expert legal support tailored to the Armed Forces community. Offering a free initial consultation, their services include Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, employment law advice, and assistance with military injury and medical negligence claims. They currently have a special offer for Will writing at a reduced fee of £50.  

Find out more on the Defence Discount Service website: https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/​

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

With Winter in full force, 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!

SHAPE & BRUSSELS: Duran Duran are coming to Antwerp, Tickets ON SALE NOW

The Wild Boys are Back!!

Duran Duran, known as pop icons, hitmakers, and always ahead of the game, are bringing their biggest tracks and fresh new hits to Sportpaleis. See you there! 

WHEN: Monday 9th June 2025

WHERE: The Sportpaleis, Antwerp

MORE INFORMATION:  Here

Tickets On Sale Now!

Pinnacle Group: Free Coaching and Mentoring

Do you have links to the military community? Pinnacle Group's Social Value team deliver employability, money management and business mentoring programmes which are free to SP, Veterans, Reservists, and their Spouses / Partners and their families.

 

So whether you are looking to change your job or find yourself out of work we can support you to get that next role via our employability programmes and if you are someone looking to start a business or maybe you are a Veteran or Spouse / Partner with an Existing Business looking for support to grow your income and profits, we have business mentoring programmes where experienced Business Mentors will support you all the way.

For more information please visit https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/families-first/family-and-community-support/ or email psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk​

Universal Credit for Armed Forces Personnel posted overseas

Serving personnel and families are entitled to claim Universal Credit, regardless of their location.

This means families stationed overseas can submit claims in the same way as those in the UK.

See this link for more information - Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas - GOV.UK

Carnival Season is coming to the Walloon Region

Cheerfulness is at the heart of Walloon life, where folkloric traditions thrive in modern times and are eagerly anticipated.

February/March time welcomes not just spring, but also the vibrant carnival season! There is plenty to see, from the Gilles at the Binche Carnival, to the Haguètes in Malmedy before Easter or the festivities post-Lent in Bouge (near Namur), Fosses-la-Villes or Stavelot, don’t miss out on the traditions of the region whilst you are here.

No two carnivals (or Laetare) in Wallonia are the same. It might take you a few years to see them all. Discover more about the fantastic carnivals Here.

SHAPE: Teen Lego Build for those aged 13+

If you have a teenager looking for a creative outlet that does not involve a screen, let them get their design on and pop along to the Teen Lego Build at SHAPE International Library!

No Registration Required, just turn up and get creating. Every Monday 17:00-18:00.

SHAPE: Creative, STEM for ages 6+

Here are some creative Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) activities for those aged 6+. The first Lego Maker is on Wednesday 29th January 2025.

Please Note: Registration IS required for either of these activities.

SHAPE: SHAPE International Library Activities for All Ages

If you are looking for things to do with your kids on camp, check out these regular activities held at the SHAPE International Library - it really is so much more than just a library. If Carlsberg did Libraries, it would be this one!

Some activities can be attended without a parent, depending on the child’s age.

No registration is required for these activities, do just pop along and have fun.

Any questions, do pop into the Library to clarify. Also do check out the other activities available on camp, on the HIVE Noticeboard in the Community Corridor and SHAPE House.

Winter Walks And Hikes

Winter hiking…there’s a unique charm to exploring the snowy landscapes. If you like the crisp, cold breeze on your cheeks and the crunch of frosty ground (or squelch of soggy ground) underfoot then you will love these Wallonian Winter Walks

The High Fens region, can offer a serene winter wonderland experience with frozen ponds and frosted pine trees. Here are a selection of cosy winter hikes complete with hot chocolate breaks...and places to stop and admire the landscape.

• Top 10 winter hikes in Limburg | VVV Hart van Limburg
• An enchanting hike amid the magic of winter - Slow tourisme - Tourism in the Ardennes
• Best 20 winter walks and hikes in Belgium

If you have any hiking recommendations or favourite walking routes, please do drop me a line!

Meet Wallonia’s two National Parks…..

If you want to get out and blow away the cobwebs, there are some beautiful National Parks right on our doorstep.

Discover the two Walloon national parks, where untamed nature immerses you in stunning, breathtaking landscapes. Located in the emblematic regions of southern Belgium, these preserved spaces promise incredible memories.

Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse and Semois Valley, are dedicated to biodiversity and sustainable tourism. They are perfect for hiking, biking, or canoeing, and they offer the ultimate escape into nature.

For more information about the Wallonia Region, click Here

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

What HIVE Can Do For You - Due to be Posted?

If you are due to be posted, pop into the HIVE and find out all you need to know about the location of your next posting.

Service Community Discounts: Make yourself a 2025 priority and make savings

As we welcome the new year, January provides the perfect opportunity to focus on your wellbeing and make yourself a priority.

From boosting your fitness, improving mental health, and focusing on nutrition, to spending quality time with loved ones, the discounts available as part of ‘Your Offer’ in Defence can help kickstart a positive and balanced year ahead.

Your discounts can be accessed from: 

SHAPE: Welfare Officer Drop-in at SHAPE House resumes this week

It’s the first Welfare Officer drop-in of the year, at SHAPE House this Wednesday.

Appointment not essential but if you want a particular time slot, do contact the Welfare Officers as above.

SHAPE: Gym Annex Open 24/7

If one of your New Years Resolutions for 2025 was to hit the gym, then this will be music to your ears! Remember the Gym Annex is open 24/7, you just need to apply for access via the Main Gym.

Happy workout!

SHAPE: Save the Date 2025!

Pop these on your Calendar to avoid missing any of the brilliant BIG EVENTS of 2025!

Belgium Bans Disposable Vapes

What a bold start to the New Year; Belgium bans disposable vapes