Tips to help navigate this blog:
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- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:

Monday, 31 March 2025

HEADSPACE App A.I. Companion and Family & Friends Offer

HEADSPACE are sharing the love! Not only is there a FREE sign-up for MOD Personnel, including UK Civil Servants this has been extended to include families of Serving Personnel 🙌 



Whilst the advertising focuses on Army, this service and offering is available for Tri-Service. 
Find out more here 👉  https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll              
         
HEADSPACE have also introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mental Health Companion called Ebb. This app has been built by clinical experts to help guide users through some of life’s challenges, so you know you’re not alone. Complete with meditations and activity prompts, check it out in more detail here.



 



FamCAS 25: Have you shared your views on Service family life? Time’s running out!

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2025 closes in 1 week! Don’t miss your opportunity to tell us what you think about Service family life.


Each year, Defence invites a random sample of Service partners to complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS). This survey is your chance to tell us about your experiences and views in relation to various aspects of Service family life.

You can see if you are in this year’s sample, and can access the survey, by using the online tool.

The survey closes on Monday 7 April 2025 at 23:59.

Why complete the survey?
Your feedback will help us to understand what Service life is like for your family, which will help us to make informed decisions on what changes to prioritise and develop policies to address your family’s challenges and needs. Whether it’s with childcare and children’s education, housing, deployment, or employment.

Who can complete the survey, and how?
To find out if you can take part in FamCAS 2025, please use the online eligibility tool. You will be asked to enter a token/access code, which is your partner’s Service number. This is needed for security reasons only. Please be assured that all survey responses are anonymous.

If eligible, the tool will direct you to the survey. We recommend using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

If you have any questions about this year's FamCAS, please email: Analysis-Surveys-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk

Information and support
Check out our new Families Hub, which signposts to support, guidance and organisations to help you navigate Service family life.

Visit Discover My Benefits to find out about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support for you and your family.

Forces Employment Charity Monthly Update - Award Nominations, Marathons, and Events

 

Forces Employment Charity’s monthly update is now available, and the latest news includes:
  • Heropreneurs Awards 2025 nominations are now open
  • A round-up of events across the UK and online webinars
  • Marathon preparations
  • Get to know Forces Employment Charity’s military women employment lead
  • Satisfaction survey
  • Links for further information
Read the update in full at this link: Get involved: Award Nominations, Marathons, and Events

SHAPE: Tween Book Club is back for April and May 2025

The Tween Book Club is back in April and May. No need to register, just pop along and enjoy the company of other tweenage readers.


 

SHAPE: After School Activities for 11+, April and May 2025

There’s still time to sign-up for the Monthly Robotics sessions for April and May. Get creative with friends at the SHAPE International Library at this brilliant after school event for those aged 11+.


 

SHAPE: After School Activities for 6+ at the SHAPE International Library

Two fantastic events for kids ages 6+ after school. April and May sessions are both coming up.

Registration is required for both, sign-up at the Library Desk.



SHAPE: Paws to Read, Monday 14th April 2025, 16:00-17:20

Reading aloud to therapy animals can really boost confidence and reading skills. The good news is
.

Dude the Dog is Back!! And can’t wait to hear your little ones read.

Sign-up in advance at the SHAPE International Library, for a reading time between 16:00 and 17:20 on Monday 14th April 2025.

SHAPE: School Age Story Time: Money Matters, Wednesday 9th April 2025 16:15-17:15

 


What a fab opportunity to promote financial literacy with a story, at the SHAPE International Library.

No need to sign-up, just come along and enjoy the story.

Programme aimed at ages 5+, but all welcome.


Five FREE Animal Parks and Attractions in and around Brussels

If you are looking for something to do this Easter break, you have come to the right place. You may have already heard of or visited the awesome Pairi Daiza or Plankendael Zoos, but did you know there are five free animal parks and attractions to visit in and around the Capital?

Although Brussels may have briefly had a zoo in Parc Leopold in the mid-1800s before animal deaths, bad conditions and falling numbers befell it, today there are five modern gems in the Brussels Capital Region.

Click Here to find out more about:
  • Brussels City Farm
  • Nos Pilifs
  • Roodebeek Park
  • Tivoli Park
  • Huizingen Domain

And as two wee extras, don’t forget to check out Jette Children’s Farm in Baudoin Park and The Little Farm of Uccle near Fond Roy.

SHAPE & BRUSSELS: REMINDER Time for You Online Session, this Wednesday 11:30-12:30

 

No need to sign-up just join the MS Teams Meeting, QR Code above, for the Time for You, Parenting and Emotional Support Session this Wednesday between 11:30 and 12:30.

Friday, 28 March 2025

Daylight Savings This Weekend!


It may be U.K. Mother’s Day this Sunday but it is also the day that the clocks spring forward!

Don’t forget to get an early night on Saturday if you really want a lie in this Sunday! 😉

BRUSSELS: Mundo Pixar Experience, on now!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Or fancy having something up your sleeve for a wet Spring  Weekend or the Easter Break? How about the Mundo Pixar Experience at Brussels Expo?

After its great success in Madrid and Barcelona, “Mundo Pixar” Experience has opened its doors at Brussels Expo (Palais/Paleis1).

Visit the world’s largest immersive Pixar exhibition to date.

With almost 3,000 mÂČ featuring your favourite characters, a journey through your beloved stories with life-size scenes: Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Cars, Ratatouille, Luca, Monsters Inc., Up, Coco, Elemental, this is an exhibition, not to be missed!

The whole experience lasts about 60 minutes.

Tickets are (on average) 25-30 € for adults.

WHERE: Place de Belgique 1/Avenue Impératrice Charlotte, 1020 Brussels.
WHEN: From Now until July 2025
WEBSITE (for tickets/practical info/directions): https://mundopixar.com/bruxelles/en/

DIO Families First Newsletter - Issue 25

 

Here is the link to read this issue (and previous issues) on line: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK

 

Serve & Protect Credit Union: April Update

 

📱 Free financial webinars this April from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!
 
🌍 Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
📝 Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
🚀 Credit Score 101: Boost Your Score
☔ The Road to Financial Resilience
🔍 Before You Borrow: Things to Know
 
🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars
 
NEW Fixed Cash ISA 
Serve and Protect have launched their new Fixed Cash ISA for the 2025/26 tax year đŸ’·
Secure a guaranteed and tax-free 4% AER return over the next year and watch your savings grow!
🔗 Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/cash-isa/
 
Podcast Episodes 11 & 12 đŸŽ§
Loan sharks can have a devastating impact on people's lives and becoming a victim is easier than you may think đŸ‘€
Our friends at Serve and Protect recently welcomed Stop Loan Sharks to their podcast to explore some misconceptions, stories from victims, and the support available! 
🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/6z-xdYbehBs?si=di6_UU_0OCTptnkB
For Debt Awareness Week, our friends at Serve and Protect welcomed the Money and Pensions Service to their podcast to explore the stigma around debt đŸ—Łïž
If you find it difficult to talk about money with your loved ones, this episode includes some manageable steps to start a conversion.
🔗 Watch here: https://youtu.be/X_PkxsAG1co?si=voGbF96Aovyafy9l
 
Stress Awareness Month - April
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to understand the causes and cures of stress đŸ˜”
If your finances make you feel stressed, Serve and Protect are here to help you save and build your financial resilience.
🔗 Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/

 

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 26 March 2025

 

Reduce the risk of lead in drinking water

Lead pipes may still exist in Service Family Accommodation built before 1970, but DIO and our repairs contractors are committed to removing them during modernisation.

The risk of exposure to lead is very low but the following steps can help to reduce lead levels in drinking water in older properties:Only drink water from the mains supply in your kitchen.
Before you drink, cook or clean your teeth, run the cold taps first thing in the morning (the amount to fill a washing up bowl should be sufficient) to flush out water that has been standing in pipes overnight.
If you have been away from your home for a long period, run hot and cold taps for at least 5 minutes to prevent legionella.

The UK has a very safe water system, but these precautions will help to lower the risk. For more information visit the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s website

Reporting Sewerage Spills

Should you notice a sewage spillage or leak, please report this directly to the Pinnacle Helpdesk on 0800 031 8628 and follow Option 1 for Repairs.

SFA Roadshows



SaluteMyJob: Pathways programme to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans

SaluteMyJob expands their innovative pathways programme with exciting partnership with Ofsted-skills provider to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans and police officers.

For a decade, social enterprise SaluteMyJob has been helping ex-military personnel upskill into areas with a notable cybersecurity skills gap, with many candidates going on to make their mark in multi-national companies. And now, an exciting partnership is set to fast-track more veterans and police officers into a career in cybersecurity with their Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway.
SALUTEMYJOB is delighted to announce their new partnership with althaus to further up-skill veterans and police officers aspiring to become leaders within the cybersecurity industry.
The fully-funded althaus x SMJ Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway into Cybersecurity Management, offers practical training, industry-recognised certifications, and direct links to employers looking to hire from the military and police talent pool.
A study by Security Brief UK revealed that 71% of organisations have been impacted by the cybersecurity skills shortage, with most of these shortages being mid-level or more senior roles. Veteran and police officers, with their sharp decision-making skills, security mindsets and leadership and crisis management experience, are well-suited to fill roles in this burgeoning field of cybersecurity and help close the widening skills gap.
Managing Director, Andrew Jackson, said: “We are delighted to partner with althaus to further develop our successful pathway programme. In doing so, we hope to give ex-military leaders, and retired and current police officers, a chance to showcase their skills and make their mark within the cybersecurity world in civvy street.”
The partnership also offers a Higher Apprenticeship in Cybersecurity, which combines practical learning with full-time employment, so veterans will gain commercial experience, earn a salary and professional qualifications.
Pete Buller, CEO of althaus, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with SaluteMyJob to empower veterans and police officers with the skills and qualifications needed to lead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity sector. These individuals bring a wealth of leadership experience, resilience, and a security-first mindset—qualities that are invaluable in protecting businesses from cyber threats. By equipping them with in-demand tech skills and real-world experience, we are enabling organisations to tap into a talent pool with outstanding leadership potential, helping to bridge the critical cybersecurity skills gap.”
If you live in the West Midlands or are prepared to work remotely for employers in the area, you can find out more here. There are further plans to expand into other areas in the UK - so watch this space!
SaluteMyJob state that they are registered on the CTP and Forces Families Jobs websites; please follow these links for further information.

Give Us Time: Spring & Summer Respite Breaks

 


For further info: www.giveustime.org.uk

Recruit for Spouses: March Newsletter

The March newsletter from Recruit for Spouses is out now.

To read this on line, please go to: recruit4spouses.cmail19.com/t/r-e-thfluid-nhlmhutrr-m/


SHAPE: Step into Spring with Ladies Day, 26th April 2025

Ladies Day details now confirmed!


A fantastic evening celebrating the Ladies of the UK Community with Dinner, Drinks, Entertainment and a Raffle.

WHEN: Saturday 26th April 2025, 17:00 - 00:00
WHERE: UK Mess
DRESS CODE: Fun and Fabulous!

Sign-Up and select menu choices on the QR code above.

BRUSSELS: Egg-stra Special Easter Egg Hunt coming up, Thursday 10th April 2025

Easter is well on its way! 


Don’t miss the Easter Egg Hunt at the NATO Staff Centre on Thursday 10th April 2025 from 17:00 to 19:00.

More information can be obtained from the Staff Centre.

BRUSSELS: Easter Holiday Camps 2025 Throughout April and into May

Looking for Childcare during the Easter Holidays?


High Five at the NATO Sport Centre are offering a series of Kids Holiday Camps throughout April and into May.

Register via e-mail, details in the poster.

BRUSSELS: Purple-Up Run, Friday 11th April 2025, 17:30

 The Month of the Military Child is nearly upon us!


Don’t miss the Purple-Up Run on Friday 11th April 2025 at 17:30.
This is a brilliant opportunity to mix with your US Colleagues and Families.

Sign-up via the Brussels CYS Team.
Please note: Children need to be registered with CYS to participate; if your child is not yet registered, contact the CYS Team to register them.

Open to all Brussels NATO HQ I.D. Holders.

Autism Awareness Week with your SSAFA Health Visiting Team 31st March to 6th April 2025

Follow the campaign with the SSAFA Team on the QR codes below. 


Visa Fee Increase - 9th April 2025

 

Some Visa fees will be increasing from 9th April 2025; a full list of the increases can be found here


A summary of the increases that may affect our Service Community are in the image.

British Day commemorations in Hotton and La Roche, Sunday 4th May 2025

 

Royal British Legion warmly invites you to the ‘British Day’ commemorations in Hotton and La Roche on Sunday 4 May 2025. This year’s events take place just ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

The programme
9.00-9.30: welcome coffee or drink at the Café Le Jacquemart, opposite the Church. Parking is available nearby.
09.45: Bilingual Mass at Hotton Church led by PĂšre Herman Kusola and Reverend Canon John Wilkinson, Royal British Legion Chaplain.
10.30: Wreath laying outside the Church, followed by a procession to the Commonwealth War Cemetery led by La Fanfare Royale des Joyeux Travailleurs.
11.15-11.45: Royal British Legion commemoration at Hotton Commonwealth War Cemetery.
13.00: Drink offered by the town followed by hot buffet lunch (€ 23 per person) at Le Royal, Rue de Ecoles 23, 6990 Hotton. Menu attached. Bookings by 27 April at the latest. Please pay FNC Hotton: BE07 0689 4241 7166, adding your name and the number of meals required. If you intend to take lunch please also inform our Joint Hon. Secretary AndrĂ©e Ferrant via andree.ferrant@gmail.com
Around 14:30: Travel to La Roche-en-Ardenne (20-minute drive).
15.00: Short commemoration at the 51st Highland Division Memorial.

Transport
Car-sharing will be organised. Please contact andree.ferrant@gmail.com for details.

Hotton and the Battle of the Bulge
More than 55,000 Commonwealth troops fought in the Battle of the Bulge and Hotton was the western limit of the German offensive in the Ardennes. The War Cemetery contains 666 burials, 21 of them unidentified. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has published an excellent article about the battle and the units that took part in it: https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/blog/legacy-of-liberation-commonwealth-troops-at-the-battleof-the-bulge/

La Roche-en-Ardennes
The memorial above the town commemorates 54 men of the 51st (Highland) Division who lost their lives during the Ardennes Offensive. The 1st Black Watch, supported by the Derbyshire Yeomanry, liberated the town on 11 January 1945.






Tuesday, 25 March 2025

New HIVE Information Packs Available NOW!

 Did you know the HIVE has a Departure Pack and a Welfare Pack?



These are available in electronic format or as a hard copy. 

Call into the Community Office or drop me an email on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk to request a copy!

If there is an information pack that you think would be useful, please do let me know â˜ș

 

BRUSSELS: Discover Park Abbey Leuven with Brussels Women’s Club, Tuesday 8th April 2025 09:45-12:00

Everyone welcome! Join the Brussels Women’s Club for a 2-hour tour with our fabulous guide Ann Brugmans and discover the newly restored Abdij van het Park (Park Abbey) in Leuven!

Step into the rich history of this 12th-century abbey, founded for the Norbertines. Explore the stunning refectory, library, and admire the 17th-century stained glass windows and unique stucco ceilings. 

Registration closes on Friday 28 March and there are only a few places left, so don't delay and sign up today! Members €20 and Non-members €30. 
Sign-up Here

SHAPE: April’s Sunday Worship schedule, SHAPE West Chapel

 


SHAPE: Netball Team has returned!

Love Netball? Want to get back into playing?

Pop along to the SHAPE Main Gym on a Monday at 17:15 to 18:30 to join in.
For more information contact Rachael or Chelsea, details on the poster

SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Orientation Briefings, July through October 2025

 


If you haven’t been to a BSG Newcomers Brief yet, do get your name down for one of them this Summer, they are brilliant sessions and include a Guided Tour of Mons.

Monday, 24 March 2025

SHAPE & BRUSSELS: SHAPE Trips and Tours, Upcoming Trips

Do you love Asterix? Be sure to check out this upcoming trip to Asterix Parc in France in mid-May 2025.

Experience the 50 attractions, rides and shows set over 6 different universes tracing the adventures of the famous Gaul.


If history and architecture is more your thing, then don’t miss the Palace of Versailles trip on 31st May 2025.

With access to the Trianon Estate and all the gardens, this trip will not disappoint.


  • Book your spot now to guarantee a place and avoid disappointment. 
  • Both of these trips have pick-up and drop-off at Brussels too.


BRUSSELS: Bake Sales Coming Up Tuesday 29th April and Tuesday 13th May

 

Are you a keen baker? Or a keen cake eater? Or both? Don’t miss these two upcoming bake sales.

If you fancy getting your bake on, contact Anna (Bake Sale Coordinator) to participate on Bakesale@natocharitybazaar.org

If not, come along to the area Under the Stairwells by the PBR and eat Cake instead!

Cash and Mobile Pay accepted.



SHAPE: SACEUR Reading and Speaker Programme - European Defence Ambitions, Wednesday 26th March, 12:00-13:00

 


WHEN: Wednesday 26th March 2025, 12:00-13:00
WHERE: Montgomery Auditorium, Building 102

SHAPE & BRUSSELS: POSTPONED Weaning Session at SHAPE House this Wednesday

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Weaning Session planned for Wednesday has been postponed but will hopefully be rescheduled in May. Keep your eyes peeled 👀 on the Blog for more information!

ONLINE: Little Troopers Devon Science, Saturday 5th April 2025

If your under 11 loves a bit of Science, then this hands-on workshop could be their dream come true. They will create their own Lava Lamp, Rainbow Eruptions and Rainbow Bubble Snakes (kit will be required at home, list on link below)


WHEN: Saturday 5th April 2025, 12:00-13:00
WHERE: Online, in your very own science lab kitchen
COST: FREE, Registration Required though
REGISTER: Here


Friday, 21 March 2025

Belgian Rail Strikes Continue, Please Read


Due to a strike, fewer trains will be running from Sunday 23 March (from 10pm) to Sunday 30 March inclusive (last train).

Further, there will also be an inter-professional strike covering the period from Sunday 30 March (from 10pm) to Monday 31 March (until 10pm).

More information can be found here:
https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/travel-info/train-network-travel-info/strike
 
COMING UP: The unions will continue their protest against government measures with four new days of strike action in April, on Tuesdays 8, 15, 22, and 29. The joint front announced last month its intention to organize four monthly strike days until July. I will endeavour to keep you all updated.

Department for Work and Pensions(DWP): Don’t miss out on your State Pension entitlement

Are you here as a spouse of a serving Military Person? If you arrived between 2006 and 2018 read on
.

The 5 April 2025 deadline for paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in your record between 2006 and 2018 is approaching. To support anyone wishing to check their records, or make a payment, there is now a DWP video and an online form to request a callback.

Watch the DWP video How to check your State Pension and pay for gaps in your National Insurance record on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_8GkTNgyXqs

DWP’s online form is available to request a call back at: https://ow.ly/oGbl50VarlC

VE Day 80 - Hold a Brew and Bake for Combat Stress

 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and Combat Stress would very much appreciate your help celebrating it with a Brew and Bake Coffee Morning for Combat Stress - a great way to bring people together over coffee and cake while raising funds for veterans’ mental health.


Combat Stress’ records show that they supported veterans from the Second World War right up until 2016.  But it’s not just Second War World veterans who turned to them for help. In the 80 years since VE Day, Combat Stress has supported thousands of former military personnel who’ve experienced military trauma. They continue to support those who served, focusing on those with complex mental health issues as a result of military trauma. They also have a Helpline open 24/365 which can be accessed by serving personnel and their families.  

 

The official Brew and Bake day is Thursday 8 May 2025 â€“ VE Day, but events can be held on any date that suits. Every pound raised will help us provide our life-changing mental health treatment to veterans today.

 

Find out more and sign up here to get sent a Fundraising Pack: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/event/brewandbake/home.

National Memorial Arboretum: Talent in the Ranks Artist Development Programme 2025

 


For more information, contact: Rasmith@thenma.org.uk

Aurora New Dawn: Armed Forces Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking Helpline launches on 31st March 2025

 


On 31st March 2025 @09:00 Aurora New Dawn are delighted to be launching the first helpline for Royal Naval, British Army, and Royal Air Force personnel and their family members who are victims and survivors of:

  • Domestic abuse
  • Sexual violence
  • Stalking

Coverage is available for all UK forces personnel and their families including those deployed abroad. If calling from outside the U.K. please dial 00 44 333 091 2527.

The service is independent, confidential, and free - with phone and WhatsApp functionality available.


BRUSSELS: The Royal Greenhouses, Open from Friday 18th April until Sunday 11th May 2025, Tickets on Sale NOW

The Royal Greenhouses of the Palace of Laeken (the Private Residence of Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians) will be open to the public from Friday 18th April to Sunday 11th May 2025.

Historically, tickets sell out super-fast so please don’t miss out, if a visit to the Royal Greenhouses is on your to-do list. Get your tickets here: https://www.koninklijke-serres-royales.be/en/.

Day visits are the norm, but on certain days, night visits (“Nocturnes”) are available. Check out the website above for more information.

WHERE: 
Avenue du Parc Royal 61, 1020 Laeken, Brussels.
HOW MUCH: 7 €/person, free for children under 12 (but they need a ticket as well).

To get a taste of it before your visit, have a look at this video: https://www.brussels.be/greenhouses-laeken

To gen up on your history of the Royal Greenhouses prior to visiting, please see: https://www.monarchie.be/en/heritage/royal-greenhouses-in-laeken

SHAPE: British Forces Post Office (BFPO) Opening Hours

 

The British Forces Post Office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 09:15 - 13:30
Wednesday and Friday 09:15 - 13:00.

The BFPO number for SHAPE is BFPO 26.

BRUSSELS: Floralia at Groot-Bijgaarden, from Friday 4th April until Friday 2nd May 2025, tickets available now!

 

Admire the floral splendor of the Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden at the 22nd edition of the Spring flower exhibition.

Keep your eye on the website for the dates of the Venetian Parade, soon to be announced.

WHEN: Friday 4th April to Friday 2nd May 2025
WHERE: Groot-Bijgaarden, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden
MORE INFORMATION: https://floralia-brussels.be/en