Serve & Protect February Update

 

February Webinars 💻

📢 Free financial webinars this February from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!
🌍 Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
🚀 Credit Score 101: Boost Your Score
🔍 Before You Borrow: Things to Know

🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars




Fixed Saver launch! 🏆

Our latest Fixed Saver account launches on Saturday 1st February, offering a guaranteed return of 4.25% AER over the next 12 months.

Applications close on 28th February for existing members, or 25th February for new members.

Secure a guaranteed 4.25% AER return over the next 12 months with the latest Fixed Saver account from Serve and Protect Credit Union 🔏
🔗 Learn more: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver/




Latest podcast episode 🎧

Episode 10 of the Smile and Save Podcast explores how mindfulness can be used to reduce financial stress and help you to manage their money with more clarity.

Mindfulness can be a simple and effective tool to live in the moment and reduce financial stress 😊
Discover how to navigate your financial journey with clarity in Episode 10 of the Smile and Save Podcast.
🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/gb8ItNJ76_A?si=-IvTvTA_qSesz-GT




Key Dates 📅

Don't miss out important dates and events in your communications calendar. We've compiled a list of key dates for February below with some short copy to help you raise awareness of the credit union.

Fixed Saver launch | 📆 Sat 1st February
Secure a guaranteed 4.25% AER return over the next 12 months with the latest Fixed Saver account from Serve and Protect Credit Union 🔏
🔗 Learn more: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver/

Valentine's Day | 📆 Fri 14th February
Show your finances some love this Valentine's Day and start saving from your wages with Serve and Protect Credit Union 💛

🔗 Learn more: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/

Online Well-being Sessions, Limited Space, Sign-Up Now!

Elevating Partners, an exciting project set up by Homestart, supports military families in Windsor and is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

  

They are now offering a selection of Online Wellbeing Sessions nationally, with their trusted professional Lisa Owens, who is a personal development life coach delivering the sessions.

The next session entitled ‘The Best Version of You’ is running on 11th February.

These sessions will really get partners thinking about their own goals and dreams whilst supporting their serving partner. They will also alleviate anxiety and increase confidence and self-esteem! 

For the sessions to be available to all non-serving partners, they are offered FREE of charge and online via Zoom, from 19.30-20.30 in the evenings (GMT).

Sign up NOW, spaces limited: https://forms.office.com/e/CpCrT1nRxZ

Military Women’s Health & Well-being Conference - 23rd and 24th April 2025

 

Location: Anglia Ruskin University Campus, Cambridge UK

Date: 23rd and 24th April 2025

The Centre for Military Women's Research (CMWR) at Anglia Ruskin University is holding its second conference in April themed around the health and wellbeing of women in the military community.  The first day of this international conference includes a wide range of speakers and panel discussions on women's experiences during and after military service, ending with a drinks reception.  The second day comprises a choice of four workshops on different aspects of the theme, concluding with a review and plenary.

For Information (timings, schedule, sign-up etc)​: Use the link - https://www.centreformilitarywomensresearch.com/cmwr-conference-2025/

SHAPE Trips and Tours Programme February to June 2025

Plan your adventures for the first half of 2025. Registration open now.

Contact shapetripsandtours1@gmail.com or pop into their Office in Building 505 to book or register your interest.

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 Trips and Tours, Champagne in Epernay, Saturday 12th April 2025

What a relaxing way to spend a Saturday! On a train, exploring the Wine cellars of the Mercier House, with a bit of wine tasting and Champagne history thrown in. Afterwards, stroll the streets of Epernay, a town steeped in Champagne culture.

To reserve your place, pop into the Office in building 505 or email shapetripsandtours1@gmail.com.

Bookings open now, don’t miss out!

SHAPE: Wonky Wheel Pottery Class/Studio

If you’ve fancied creating your very own bit of pottery, then this is the perfect chance. 

This could be a popular offering so if you’re interested, do get in quick! Contact SHAPE Arts and Crafts to book.

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!

Aurora New Dawn Domestic Abuse Survey - Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces community

CAN YOU HELP US IMPROVE THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS IN THE FORCES COMMUNITY?

We are Aurora New Dawn – a small Charity who support serving personnel or their family members who are experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking.

We want victims from the forces community to have access to the best possible support, so we’re asking the community to tell us how domestic abuse and sexual violence support services can better meet their needs.

We’d love to hear from victims and survivors from community about their experiences of accessing support services.

Below is a link to a brief survey aimed at anyone from the British armed forces community who has used domestic abuse or sexual violence support services, regardless of how long ago, or what service they used.

Is it anonymous?

Yes. We will ask for some information about you (such as whether you are currently serving, or a family member of a serving person) but you will not have to provide any identifying details. There is an option to leave contact details at the end if you would like to be further involved in the research, for example by taking part in a focus group or one to one interview.

What will you do with the information?

Once we understand where things could be improved, we can work together as services to make it better. The data from the survey will feed into a wider consultation process which also involves one to one interviews and focus groups. We’re speaking to victims and survivors, specialist support services, and others from the forces community, using the learning to inform the development of additional training and resources for the domestic abuse sector. We are being supported in this research by an Independent Consultant with forces experience.

Are you independent of the Armed Forces?

Yes. We are a registered Charity and independent of the MoD, armed forces and the Chain of Command.

What if I don’t have personal experience, but I want to share my thoughts?

You are very welcome to complete the survey if you haven't used these services yourself, but you are a current or former serving person, or family member of a serving person, and you want to share your thoughts.

With thanks in advance for your support, The Aurora New Dawn Team

Take the Survey Here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/8SZ0FB/

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 24 January 2025

 

Open Offices

Following feedback from families at recent SFA Roadshows; DIO, Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO have opened local housing office drop-in sessions to offer support and guidance face to face. The following locations are now available:

• South West: Larkhill, Plymouth, Blandford, Gosport, and Portsmouth
• South East: Windsor, Brize Norton, Brompton, and Aldershot
• North: Leuchars and Weeton
• Central: Colchester, Cosford, and Waddington

​Dates and times are available on the Pinnacle website.

Raising repairs prior to move-out

It is important to report any necessary repairs in your home even while you're in the process of moving out. This allows for any required work to be completed before a new family moves in, creating a smoother transfer for all. You should report any repair issues by contacting the Pinnacle National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628 or Repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk

NHS Step into Health: Upcoming Webinars

 

NHS Step into Health are pleased to share that their next Application Guidance Webinar, and Introduction to Step into Health webinar registration links are now live.

• Application Guidance Webinar, Tuesday 8 April 2025 – 1:00-2:30pm 
  
• An Introduction to Step into Health - Wednesday 12 February 2025 – 11:00am–12:00pm / Wednesday 2 April 2025 10:00-11:00am

​A reminder also that NHS England are also hosting a series of Introduction to Allied Health Profession webinars. You can find out more including dates, a how to register here

Research Participants Sought - Survey of British Military Parents

Challenges, support mechanisms and coping strategies of parents in the British armed forces.

Who is doing this research? The research will be conducted by Lt Col Jess Beck, a student on the Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and will be supervised by Dr Ellen Hallams, School of Security Studies Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, King’s College London. 

What is the research about? The study will examine the challenges, advantages and disadvantages of being a parent in the British military, and the coping strategies which are used by military parents. It aims to understand what additional support and flexibility is required to enable a military career to be maintained, and where there are current shortfalls. 

Recruit for Spouses January Newsletter

Click Here to read the RFS January Newsletter

DIO - Upcoming Roadshows at Stafford, Cosford and Brize Norton

If you are due to relocate to the U.K. in the next couple of months and find yourselves posted to Stafford, Cosford or Brize Norton, get your names down for one of these Roadshows.

This is your chance to share your lived experience, instigate change and hear updates about the investments made in SFA.

Spaces are limited, sign-up is required. 

See posters for details.

SHAPE: SACEURS Sports is Back!

Want to get involved? All you need to know is right here….

After many years of finishing dead last, forfeiting events due to not having a team, losing miserably, the UK Contingent pulled together and entered a team into every single event in 2024. Although it was a slow start to the year, with time and dedication Team GB excelled and finished 3rd overall!

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!

ONLINE: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course, starts 1st April 2025

Following on from the success of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Courses delivered last year, Ann will be delivering another free 8 week course from Tuesday 1st April 2025.

The MBSR Course is an accredited teaching programme designed to provide tools to help reduce anxiety and stress and improve attention, build resilience and promote mental wellbeing. The course will take place for approximately 1 hour every Tuesday for 8 week. 
 
If you are interested on attending the course or would like to find out more, contact Ann McKenzie on annmarie.mckenzie114@mod.gov.uk

SHAPE: SHAPE Travel Group Spring Calendar 2025

Your next adventure awaits…..

Book here: SHAPE Travel Group

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.

Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards

Over £3.3 million awarded in latest round of Covenant Fund awards.

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce over £3.3 million has been awarded in the latest series of grants made under the Covenant Fund.

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference Save the Date

Save the Date! 

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

Rail Sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets

Back and bigger than ever rail sale.

From 14th to 20th January 2025, selected advance and off-peak fares will go on sale at up to 50% off for travel between 17th January and 31st March 2025.

As part of this year’s rail sale, thousands of popular routes across almost all UK train operators, including Transport for Wales and ScotRail, will be offering discounted tickets with journeys spreading the length and breadth of Great Britain.

Discounted rail ticket prices will apply to journeys made between 17th January and 31st March 2025 across Great Britain.

The sale is now live with tickets available through the Rail Delivery Group’s microsite or through individual train operators until 20 January.

For further information: Back and bigger than ever: rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets - GOV.UK

Little Troopers launches All Together family reconnection weekends

The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, has launched a series of free family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality-time together.

Funded by Team Forces, the four Little Troopers weekends invite young people and their parents to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection where they’ll be encouraged to put down their phones, meet people, do new things and spend quality time together.

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

MOD Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP)

The Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP) is a partnership between the MOD and 19 English local authorities that have committed to work together to improve the experience and outcomes of children of UK Armed Forces families. The local authority membership of MODLAP represent those authority areas with the highest numbers of service children in England.

Full information can be found HERE

Never Such Innocence: Month of the Military Child - April 2025

Never Such Innocence will be offering a wide variety of activities for Month of the Military Child in April.

Whether you are joining the 'Purple Up' day on 25 April, entering the poetry and art competition or singing Dandelions - there is something for everyone!

Please visit their website to learn more or access their range of activities at www.neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-the-military-child

SHAPE Trips and Tours, early 2025 program

Got the January blues?

Start planning your 2025 adventures with SHAPE Trips and Tours.

Contact: shapetripsandtours1@gmail.com for more information.

 

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.

SHAPE: Bicycle Maintenance Workshops February, March and April 2025, sign-up now

Want to learn a new skill? Sign up for the Gear and Brakes Bicycle Maintenance Workshop. Open to all NATO ID Card Holders and their families. Youths will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

WHERE: Outdoor Recreation, SHAPE, Building 504A
WHEN: Tuesday 4th February 2025, Tuesday 4th March 2025 and Tuesday 8th April 2025
AT: 17:00-18:30
Charges apply.

Contact Outdoor.Recreation@Outlook.Com for more information.

Join the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Team for two free webinars

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund are kicking off 2025 with two FREE webinars and they would love you to join them. 

The first will focus on the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme, sharing key findings from the programme evaluation. 

The second will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together programme, the next phase of the successful VPPP programme.

Join us on Tuesday 14 January, 1pm to 3pm to discover the insights and impact of the Supporting Armed Forces in Acute Hospital Settings Programme. Jointly funded by the Covenant Fund, NHS England and NHS Improvement, this programme supported pilot projects aimed at exploring better ways to support Veterans and their families when they are in an acute hospital setting https://covenantfund.org.uk/2024/12/11/from-data-to-impact-a-webinar-to-show-the-outcomes-of-the-supporting-armed-forces-in-acute-hospital-settings-programme/?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_24_2022_12_4_COPY_01)

Our second webinar of 2025 will provide an introduction to the Thrive Together Programme.

On Tuesday 21st January 2025, 10am to noon, building on the work of the successful Veterans’ People Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP), Thrive Together will step up support for vulnerable Veterans and their families across the UK, driving future sustainability. ​Want to learn more about Thrive Together? : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust​

Soldiers Arts Academy - free online workshops

 

The Soldiers' Arts Academy aims to provide a platform through which serving and veteran military personnel and their families can participate in the creative arts. Using their skills and experiences to create and engage audiences worldwide, the SAA strives to encourage excellence, engagement and inspiration in its members, as well as building a supportive and strong community.

 

Online workshops include art, signing, guitar lessons and poetry. All are free for military personnel, veterans and military families. Find out more at www.soldiersartsacademy.org

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: