SHAPE: Toilet Training Advice Session with SSAFA Health Visitor Kerry, Thursday 6th February 10:30-11:30 at SHAPE House

If you are due to start or revisit the mountain climb that is Toilet Training, do pop along to SHAPE House next Thursday at 10:30. 

During the regular Parent Drop-in session, Kerry Riley, SSAFA’s Health Visitor at SHAPE, will be there to provide advice and support about all things toileting. No sign-up required, just turn-up.

Toys will be out to entertain the children.

National Transition Event, Silverstone, 24th February 2025

‘Bringing together a community of communities’: Registration now open for the National Transition Event at Silverstone on 24 February!

Now in its 6th year, the National Transition Event (NTE) brings together Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists, spouses & partners and family members to aid successful, sustainable transition & networking opportunities, recognising, demonstrating and celebrating the value of the Armed Forces. It uses the backdrop of the iconic GP racetrack to offer a unique event giving those attending a way to find out about careers and roles across different industry sectors while having a memorable day.

NEW for NTE25 is an invitation for 16–18-year-old Cadets to come along and hear about the opportunities open to them in the job market, apprenticeships and training.

This is the largest event of this kind in the UK and you are invited!

Within the five large Exhibitor Halls there will be exhibitors from sectors including Automotive, Renewable, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Professional Services, Construction, Engineering, Project Management, Cyber, Digital & AI, Facilities Management to name a few. In addition, there will be small business support, CV writing, interview techniques and LinkedIn advice; government and charity support services; a Family Zone and training & apprenticeship information.

Three reasons to attend:

1. The UK’s largest Armed Forces community event of its kind – feel welcome and have your valuable skills understood

2. Over 200 exhibitors wanting to share their knowledge and insight into the world of work – including meeting many veterans, reservists & family members working in industry

3. The Troops’ Track Day– run by Mission Motorsport on the GP Circuit 

To Register for free simply click this Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-national-transition-event-2025-tickets-1086959307549?aff=oddtdtcreator

SSAFA Public Health Campaign: Children’s Mental Health Week, 3rd to 9th February 2025

Monday 3rd February 2025 is the start of Children’s Mental Health Week. Giving our children opportunities to open up and to feel seen and heard is one of the most important things a parent or carer can do to support their child’s well-being.

Did you know:

📚 1 in 10 boys aged 5-19 with a mental health condition are suspended in some form from school.

📅 50% of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14.

👩🏻👨🏼 1 in 5 children and young people have a probable mental health condition, and many continue to have these problems into adulthood.

I hope this campaign helps to support parents to support their children to recognise and mange their emotions.

BRUSSELS: HIVE Meet and Greet, Tuesday 11th February, 10:00 - 14:00

Please do drop by and say hello on Tuesday 11th February 2025. I am really looking forward to meeting you all.

I will be there to answer any questions you may have on:

🏠 Accommodation

🎓 Education

💶 Finance

🩺 Health

📍 Local Area Information

🚚 Relocation

⛑️ Support Services

🛫 Transition

You can also sign up to my Weekly HIVE Blog Round-Up Emails or just come and share your experiences with me.

See you there!

 

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/

SHAPE: Mons en Lumieres, 30th January to 2nd February & 6th to 9th February 2025

The largest light festival in Wallonia, “Mons en Lumières”, is back this year with a spectacular second edition under the theme “Between Earth and Sky”.

During eight evenings, running from 30th January to 2nd February and from 6th to 9th February (from 7 pm to midnight), the historic centre of Mons will come to life with art and light as visitors follow a 3-km-route dotted with 16 installations. This event is FREE of charge.

For this second edition, the Festival also features a guest star: Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata.

For more information, visit the website www.monsenlumieres.be. Picture of map above 👆🏻

Please Note: For security reasons, during the Light Festival the city centre will be closed to traffic and parking from 4 pm to 1 am – It is therefore advised to park outside the centre (Parking “Grand Large” near Ghlin/ “Mons Expo”, Avenue Thomas Edison/ “Grands Prés”/) and take the bus or walk to the event location. 

For more info, click here: https://monsenlumieres.be/en/mobilite/. 

For those travelling by car: https://monsenlumieres.be/en/2025/01/25/comment-venir-a-mons-en-lumieres-en-voiture/.

Mons en Lumières” promises to be a fascinating and magic event once again! Enjoy it!

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/

Going Forwards into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

 

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE - 415 

DWP Decision Maker

St Austell, Cornwall,  Bryn, Wigan, Birkenhead, Middlesbrough, Glasgow and Falkirk

Job Description Click to view  

Closing date: 17th February 2025

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see guidance notes)  Click to open EOI  Click to open Guidance Notes and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information about the role, please see: 'A Day in the Life of a Decision Maker'​

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

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 Trips and Tours, Delft Trip with Pottery Workshop and Lunch, Saturday 22nd February 2025

Booking now open for a day trip to Delft in the Netherlands. With pick-up and drop-off at both SHAPE and Brussels this is a fabulous opportunity to attend a Pottery Workshop at the Royal Delft Museum in the home of the beautiful hand-painted blue-and-white pottery.

Reserve your space via: 

📧 email at: shapetripsandtours1@gmail.com, 

🧑🏼‍💼 drop into the Office in Building 505 SHAPE or 

📞 Call +32 (0) 65446040 / 8136.

SHAPE Trips and Tours - PierreFonds Castle & Amiens, Saturday 15th March 2025, Booking Now!

Day trip to the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, then on to Amiens, ranked one of the most important cities in France. With a Gothic Cathedral, medieval Belfry, narrow streets and floating market gardens dotting the city’s canals there is something for everyone.

Bookings open now.
Contact shapetripsandtours1@gmail.com to book, or pop into building 505.

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!

SHAPE: Indoor Ski/Snowboard Trip Sunday 9th February 2025, Reserve your place now

If you love Winter Sports, SHAPE Outdoor Recreation is organising a trip you will not want to miss.

Contact: Outdoor.Recreation@outlook.com to reserve your spot.

 

SHAPE: Mina’s Craft Club for ages 6+, February 2025, reserve a spot now!

 

SHAPE: Adult Crafting Classes at the Arts and Craft Centre; Knitting, Crocheting & Watercolour!

Join Susan and Elizabeth at the Arts and Crafts Centre to learn some new crafting skills; knitting, crocheting and water colour.

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.

ONLINE: Little Troopers Pineapple Dance, Saturday 8th February 2025

Calling all Dianne Buswell and Nikita Kuzmins! This session is a Contemporary Dance Class held by a Pineapple Dance Professional live-streamed from London.

WHEN: Saturday 8th February 2025, 12:00-13:00

WHERE: Online, in your own Lounge!

COST: FREE, Registration required though.

REGISTER: Here

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.