Aurora New Dawn: Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness & Recovery Programme - 3rd June to 22nd July 2025

Aurora New Dawn’s Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness/Recovery Group is military specific and all online via zoom.  This programme is for 8 weeks taking place on Tuesday evenings 3 Jun to 22 Jul, and is open to serving personnel and families worldwide.

 

Details of how to sign up are on the poster, and to find out more about Aurora New Dawn’s support to the Service community, please go to:  https://www.aurorand.org.uk/armed-forces/  
 
 

SHAPE: SACEUR Sports, Next Date - 15th April 2025

Next Up: Ultimate Frisbee, Tuesday 15th April 2025. Sign-up with Team GB Rep Martyn Williams.

Coming Up:
20th May - 7v7 Soccer

20th June - Racket Sports

26th August - Superstars

SHAPE: Save the Date, Make a Wish 2025 Friday 6th to Saturday 7th June

It’s that time of year again!

The 24 hour Make-A-Wish fun-run is back for its 20th year. Come along and run or walk your way around the running track. Lots of teams looking for participants. If you want to get involved but don’t fancy the activity side of it, there are plenty of volunteer roles available too!

Pre-order your T-Shirts by 21st May 2025 at the SHAPE Gym or on SHAPE2DAY.

Young Carers within Armed Forces Families - Nexus Easter Newsletter

 

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families. 
 
To find out more, and the latest updates, you can read the Easter Newsletter at: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/lf8Y498zQGK5rJt9?ref=Link
 

SHAPE: Charity Bake Sale, Wednesday 16th April 2025 10:00-11:30

Come along to Pop-Up Coffee on Wednesday 16th April, in the Britbar and support our very own Paul “Rocket” Railton in his Marathon quest in support of the Royal British Legion.

Go on, spoil yourself, it is Easter after all! And its all for Charity too.

Veterans Karting Championships with Mission Motorsport

 

Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service by offering exciting opportunities in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. It’s all about helping individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and have a great time doing it.

Please see the image for details of all event locations and dates.

Registration is now open for all rounds—you can sign up via the links below or simply use the QR code on the poster.

Here are the event dates and sign-up links:

• 29th April – Leicester: Sign up here
• 13th May – Newcastle: Sign up here
• 17th June – Crawley: Sign up here
• 15th July – Cardiff: Sign up here
• 16th September – Preston: Sign up here
• 7th October – Birmingham: Sign up here

These events are free to attend and open exclusively to members of the Armed Forces Community. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reconnect, try something new, and experience the buzz of motorsport in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Events like this happen with amazing support from TeamSport Karting. 

To see what events Mission Motorsport are running please visit: website.

 

Military vs Cancer Rugby Event - Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle 21st June 2025

Tackling cancer, one try at a time - Join us for the Military vs Cancer Rugby Event at Kingston Park on 21 June at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle.

This Armed Forces Day, be part of an unforgettable event that celebrates courage, community, and the fight against cancer. Watch as the UK Armed Forces Rugby Teams take on the North Select XV in thrilling men’s and women’s matches. This is more than just rugby — it’s a day of unity, remembrance, and support for a vital cause.
 
Honour Your Loved Ones
Make this event even more meaningful by having the name of a loved one featured on the official rugby kit worn by the players. For just £20, you can ensure their name becomes part of this incredible day. With space for 750 names, this is a unique way to celebrate someone special while supporting Military vs Cancer. Names are limited to 20 characters each — so act fast to secure your spot! To add a name to the jersey, include it in the comments when purchasing your reward online via the link or QR code. Let’s fill that kit with love, strength, and remembrance!
 
In Memory of Heroes
This year’s game and kit will honour the memory of Cpl Tim Crossin RM and L/Cpl Nathan Summersgill-Smith RM, two brave individuals who fought valiantly but sadly lost their battles with cancer. Let’s come together to celebrate their legacy and support others in need.
 
What to Expect:
Top-Tier Rugby Action: Witness elite players from the Armed Forces and North Select XV.
Military Displays: marching bands, veterans sweetheart Sarah Dennis, and interactive exhibits.
Family Fun: A day filled with entertainment for all ages.
Community Spirit: Reconnect with friends and support a cause that matters.
 
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event! Tickets are available now via the Newcastle Falcons website - https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/2017?position=5
or the Defence Discount Service for military personnel and veterans - https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/offerdetails.php?cid=22774
 
Defending the Try Line, Honouring the Front Line

 

 

SHAPE: Mina’s Wednesday Craft Club for ages 6+, May 2025

A lovely range of craft activities offered by Mina at the Arts and Crafts Centre in May.

Pre-Booking required, email the arts and crafts centre on artandcraft@shapemwb.be to reserve your spot.

SHAPE: Belgian School Fest, Saturday 12th April 2025 11:00-17:00

Don’t miss this fabulous looking event hosted by the Belgian School next Saturday.

SHAPE: April Walking Challenge 1st-30th April 2025

Are you a walker? Like to get out in the fresh air and nature? Then this challenge could be perfect for you.

Why not see how many steps you can fit in between now and the end of April 2025?

Aside from the prize on offer and the kudos from getting in all those steps, walking is brilliant for boosting wellbeing, improving cardiovascular fitness, building stamina, burning excess calories and improving mental alertness.

To help you achieve your walking goal, what not come along to parkwalk on a Saturday morning? Meeting behind the Conti Mess at 0845 for 0900 every week, come and walk the 5k course, make some new friends, boost your steps count and connect with a supportive and friendly community.

See you there!

Headspace: New Ebb Chat Service now available

Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.mod.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

 

Yorkshire Trench and Dug Out, a little piece of authentic war history

If you are a fan of history, then don’t miss this little gem. The Yorkshire Trench and Dug Out are right there on an industrial estate just north of Ypres. Dating back to 1917, this preserved dug out and trench was accidentally discovered by a farmer in the early 1990’s. 

This is the perfect opportunity to visit an authentic World War One trench and see the footprint of the 1915 shallow trench and shelter at the site. It’s a fabulous way to visualise how these trenches fit into a larger trench system and what life may have been like in the trenches. 

As this is located on an Industrial Estate there are no parking or entry charges to visit the site. It’s a definite must see for those visiting the area.

More information here 

SHAPE: New ATM in the 100 Area

Did you know that a new ATM has arrived on SHAPE?

Located in Building 102, inside the new Carrefour Express unit, adjacent to the Big Scanner. Accessible now!

Civvy Street Magazine – May 2025 Edition now available online

 

The latest edition of Civvy Street magazine is now available to read online at: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=9e5aa915-ce5f-49af-9183-1f88a6967914
 

SHAPE: SHAPE International Library Family Day & Early Literacy Fair, Thursday 24th April 2025, 13:00-18:00

Celebrate Back to School Week with the SHAPE International Library.

Pop along throughout the afternoon to see what the Library has to offer; guaranteed to be so much more than you think.

I cannot stress enough how lucky we are here to have this Library. If M&S did libraries, it would be the SHAPE International Library. It is the Carlsberg of Libraries; probably the best in the world!

SHAPE: NEW Bike Entrance at Ottawa Gate to open Monday 7th April 2025

Great News! Monday 7th April 2025 sees the opening of the new Bike entrance at Ottawa Gate.

You will need a special access code to make use of the gate; complete a Form SF550 Annexe A and submit this to Building 102. Once you have the code, you’re good to go!

SHAPE: City of Mons Fleurie 2025, order your spring flowers now

This event will be a gardeners delight! Set your house a-bloom this Spring!

Simply order your flowers by Thursday 10th April 2025 for home delivery or take your planters along on Saturday 26th April 2025 and they will fill them for you.

The price of flowers starts at 1Euro each.

Order forms can be downloaded at www.mons.be and emailed to invitations@ville.mons.be

Another April ‘General Strike’ Date Announced

Please be aware that Belgian major Trade Unions have announced a new general strike on Tuesday 29th April 2025.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in London area (multiple roles/locations) - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

 

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

GFIE 428 - Work Coach – Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP)

London – 18 vacancies across multiple inner/outer London locations

Closing Date: 28 April 2025

Job Description 

​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) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

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)

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment - Southern England (multiple locations)

 

The Department of Work and Pensions has 100 new Executive Officer work coach opportunities across Southern England. These are now open for applications until 17 Apr 2025.

 

Civil Service Jobs link:  Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Southern England (Ref: 729) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

 

There are jobs available at the following locations: Abingdon, Aldershot, Andover, Aylesbury, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bedford, Biggleswade, Borehamwood, Bracknell, Chesham, Didcot, Eastleigh, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, High Wycombe, Hythe, Leighton Buzzard, Letchworth, Luton, Maidenhead, Milton Keynes, Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Salisbury, Slough, Southampton, St Albans, Stevenage, Waltham Cross, Watford, Witney

 

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWPEO Microsite.

New Guidance for Schools and Local Authorities on Supporting Service Pupils

 

On 1 April 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education published non-statutory guidance to help state-funded schools and local authorities in England to understand and address the needs of Service pupils in schools (reception to year 11).

Speaking about the new guidance, Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said:
“Armed Forces families play a vital role in supporting our Service personnel to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Fittingly, this announcement coincides with the Month of the Military Child, which is a time to speak up for our Service children.
“Service children face many challenges due to the unique nature of Service life, but it’s important that they are able to benefit from their exceptional experiences. 

“That’s why this joint guidance with the Department for Education, explains how we can break down barriers and help our Service children to thrive in education.”

Minister for Education, Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“Through our Plan for Change we are focused on breaking the link between young people’s background and their future success.
“Military families make a huge sacrifice for serving this country and their children face unique challenges that can impact their learning from family members being in active warzones, to frequently having to move schools.
“We provide a range of support for service families and their children to help break down the barriers they face. This includes additional funding for schools through the Service Pupil Premium, giving priority to service children in the admissions process and ensuring there is a school place for every service pupil returning to England from overseas bases. To build on this we have published new guidance for schools to help them to provide the targeted support service children need to achieve and thrive.”

What educational needs do Service pupils have?
Life as a Service child has unique challenges, which are not often recognised in wider society and is therefore not always reflected in an educational setting. Service pupils often move schools several times and experience family separation as their Service parent(s) are deployed. It is during these periods that Service children need extra support from local authorities and schools.

How will the new guidance help Service pupils?
This guidance brings together existing guidance into one, easily accessible, place. It outlines the support that schools and local authorities should provide to Service children, and signposts to useful resources. 

This includes new guidance on the Service Pupil Premium, which recently announced more funding for schools to offer pastoral and academic support to eligible Service pupils as they move schools and cope with family separation.
It also encourages local authorities to appoint a Service pupil champion to provide individual support for Service children and outlines their responsibilities and duties. 

This aligns with the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation that the Armed Forces Community should be treated fairly, and not be disadvantaged when accessing public and commercial services, with special provision provided, where appropriate.

Help schools and local authorities to support your child
Please read and share this new guidance with the below:

• school leaders, school staff, trust leaders, trust boards and governing bodies in all maintained schools, academies, and non-maintained special schools in England
• local authorities in England

Useful information 

Read the new non-statutory guidance on supporting Service pupils in schools. 

Find out how you can celebrate the Month of the Military Child. 

Visit Defence’s new Families Hub, which signposts the support, guidance and organisations that can help to navigate Service family life. The hub includes a section on education and childcare.

The Chateau de Beloil in bloom, Saturday 12th to Monday 21st April 2025 10:00-16:00

Take a magical journey to the heart of flowers and fairy tales!

For the 2025 edition, the Castle of Beloeil is once again joining forces with the Royal Union of Florists of Belgium to transport you into the enchanting world of fairy tales. Come along and see the 6,500 Amaryllis and Lilies on display.

WHERE: Chateau de Beloil

WHEN: Saturday 12th April to Monday 21st April 2025, between 10:00 and 16:00

WHAT: a sumptuous display of over 6000 flowers, a training workshop run by a professional florist in the castle's former kitchen; follow the demonstration and make your own floral arrangements!

MORE INFORMATION: Contact the secretariat on +32 (0)69 68 9426 or by e-mail on info@chateaudebeloeil.com

WEBSITE: https://www.chateaudebeloeil.com/en_GB

Brocantes/Flea Markets in Belgium, April - December 2025

Love a Flea Market?

Then check out these Belgique Brocantes running from April onwards.

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference - Registration Now Open

 

The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025 is taking place on 2 June 2025. This is an empowering and informative event designed for current service personnel and their families with additional needs or disabilities. Hosted by the FANDF committee and facilitated by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, this conference will offer expert insights and practical advice for service families.
 
The event will be FANDF’s first hybrid FANDF event. You can join in person or virtually, making it accessible for those with caring responsibilities or living further afield.
 
The event will feature guest speakers from Defence (MOD) and support services offering valuable advice, information, and insights on available support for families. Our theme for this conference is 35 years strong: Championing Families, Shaping Change and we hope to celebrate some of the successes of support available for service families, whilst also highlighting how we can continue to shape change.

What's included:

• Food provided on the day
• Travel reimbursement available for FANDF members
• Accommodation available for FANDF members traveling over 2.5 hours 

Who should attend?

• FANDF members or those eligible for FANDF membership.
• Professionals in the sector - please note, priority will be given to FANDF members for in-person attendance. 

We invite you to attend this important event to hear from experts, ask questions, and access the support you and your family deserve. The FANDF committee look forward to welcoming you to this significant event, designed to shape change and further champion families with Additional Needs & Disabilities within the Armed Forces.
 
If you would like more information, please email: CS.ANDA@ssafa.org.uk
For details of FANDF membership, please visit: Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum FANDF | Disability support | SSAFA”

 

Recruit for Spouses: Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme and Foreign & Commonwealth Programme, applications now open

Recruit for Spouses are hosting a number of FREE workshops on Employability, Industry Insights and Finance.

 

In addition to these workshops, they are also now accepting applications for two important programmes that offer valuable support:

Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme
This 6-week virtual programme is available to spouses of serving personnel, veterans, and reserves. It covers a range of topics, including:

• Managing isolation and anxiety
• Communication strategies
• Building support networks

Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

This programme provides support to the Foreign and Commonwealth community, helping individuals convert their home nation qualifications to their UK equivalents, alongside tailored employment support.

Both programmes are available at no cost, sign-up with the QR code.

BRUSSELS: New Time for Story Time at USAG Benelux Brussels Library

Story Time has a new time! ⏰ 

WHERE: USAG Benelux - Brussels Library
WHEN: first Wednesday of the Month at 15:00, followed by Crafternoon at 15:30

More Information: see Brussels Library

SHAPE: Colorful Run, Friday 25th April 2025 16:00

Celebrate the Month of the Military Child with this year’s Colorful Run!

WHEN: Friday 25th April 2025, 16:00

WHERE: Behind the CDC

WHO: All welcome!

Register with CYS by April 23rd 2025 if you want to participate. Children will need a medical with the GP if they are new to register so don’t leave it too late!

BRUSSELS: UK in NATO HQ Monthly Social, last Thursday of Every Month, 17:00-18:00+

The monthly UK in NATO HQ social is planned for Thursday 24th April 2025 from 17:00. Keep your eyes peeled for the Union Jack.

Open to NATO Passholders. Held in the NATO Staff Centre.

BRUSSELS: Spring Market at the BWC Clubhouse, Saturday 5th April 2025 10:00-14:00

Donations Needed in advance, see QR code and Contact details below:

Shoppers also needed on Saturday! Pop along and pick up a bargain or two, find some special gifts for those important people in your life and indulge in the non-stop cafe. What better way to spend a few hours on a Saturday?

The Month of the Military Child is Here! Find out how to get involved….

The Month of the Military Child has arrived and there are a few ways to support this initiative to raise awareness about the important role Service Children play in the Armed Forces Community.

Why not encourage your child to enter the Poetry and Art Competition? 

It is open to service and civilian children, 8-18 years old - and this year focuses on the theme of Memories. 

The deadline to enter is 2 May 2025. 

Personalised Certificates of Commendation will be made for all participants. 

15 lucky winners will receive a £25 Amazon Voucher (kindly donated by the Armed Forces Education Trust) and some other goodies! 

Work will be included in a digital booklet and on display at the Ministry of Defence. There will also be a special award ceremony in London for winners.

There are two ways to enter the Poetry and Art Competition:

Digitally, via these links: Individual Entry Form (one piece, by one individual), Multiple Entry Form (several individual pieces, by individual students - great for schools!)

Or by mail for multiple entries only, utilising this form - postmarked no later than 2 May to:

Never Such Innocence 

11 Slingsby Place

London

WC2E9AB 

Top Tip! - Never Such Innocence practitioners have been inviting civilian children to share Memories with their military friends they have been in school with!

Also, don’t forget to Purple Up! On 25th April 2025. Let’s show these military children a sea of purple everywhere they go! That would just make them feel so special!

SHAPE: Recycle your old bicycles, Saturday 19th April 2025

Repair, Refurbish, Reuse! That is exactly what the Hygea Recyparcs are doing on Saturday 19th April 2025.

Why not re-cycle your old bi-cycles?

Simply drop your old bikes at one of the Recycling Centres on 19th April and it will be repaired, refurbished and reused by one of numerous local organisations:

• Local bicycle workshops
• Public Social Welfare Centres (CPAS)
• Red Cross and
• Children’s & Youth Instiututions to name but a few.

BRUSSELS: Bio Farmers Market ‘Biomarkt Werchter’ Friday 4th April 2025

Don’t miss this brilliant Bio Farmer’s Market this Friday, just 40 minutes outside of the city.

Check out the stalls below 👇🏻

✅fair and organic oxfam products Oxfam Wereldwinkel Haacht Vzw
✅granola ‘s Evy Vaes
✅ cheese and charcuterie @kaasbaronneke
✅desserts De kers naast de cake
✅Mushrooms Maison Champignon
✅December Basil
✅wines Thu Dang Kim
✅olive oil La Huerta - Olijfolieshop.be
✅lavender products @olefacio
✅Jams Zelfgemaakt
✅zero waste products -take empty bottles with you for household products De Groene Griet
✅knife sharpener Goe Geslepen - take your bone knives, garden shears along with you
✅chocolate pralines @choqola
✅juices, fruits VOF Den Boogerd
✅vegetables and fruits Groen te kracht
✅Fruit leather Dafruta
✅care products SmileatlifeBizz
✅flowers @bloemengloed
✅Daily dish De Plek order at liesbeth@deplek.be
✅pizza @mattiz order https://vev.co/mattiz-pizza-pop-up

NAAFI Fund 2025 – Applications Now Open!

NAAFI have just announced the launch of the NAAFI Fund Date for 2025!

 

The NAAFI Fund was launched back in 2020 and has supported 467 projects so far, donating over £4 million to help improve the lives of service personnel and their families around the world. To read more about the projects that NAAFI have supported to date: https://naafi.co.uk/giving-back/

To read the blog post announcing new information regarding the NAAFI Fund 2025: NAAFI Fund: Applications Open Soon - NAAFI