112 App for Emergency Services, Belgium-wide

Did you know there’s an app for contacting the emergency services in Belgium?

 

Once you’ve registered, the 112 app can be used if you need emergency assistance from fire-fighters, an ambulance or the police in Belgium and is free to use. 
 
Advantages of using the app compared to calling 112:
 

• 3 in1: You can quickly and easily select which emergency service you need.

• Location: The emergency call centres can track your location much more accurately.

• Additional Info: The emergency services will refer to any additional information you’ve saved on your profile to tailor the response to you. For example, they will see immediately if you are deaf, have a heart condition or are allergic to certain medications.

• Alarm: If you have fallen or are unconscious and the emergency services are struggling to find you, the emergency call centre can sound an alarm via your phone to help alert the team to your location.

• Chat: if you are unable to speak or to hear the emergency call centre can activate an instant message functionality. 

• Internet free: the app is not reliant on a WiFi or data connection.

 
The 112 app is available for download on both Android and Apple devices, including our official Osprey iPhones. 
 
More information here: Mobile application | 112

SHAPE: Spring/Summer Holiday Home Safety

Some useful tips for the upcoming vacation season.

Don’t forget that the SHAPE Federal Police will happily do a home visit as part of their Police Home Watch Scheme. 

Just get your form into Building 247 at least a week before you go away. Pick up your form in the Community Corridor.

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Servicewomen - Seen and Heard Programme reopens for applications

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Servicewomen: Seen and Heard programme is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

Following the popularity of the programme in 2024, the Trust conducted further research with servicewomen from all three armed services, via several meetings and discussions, to discover more about their current needs and challenges to ensure this year’s programme hits the mark. The Trust would like to thank everyone who shared their experiences to help shape the programme for 2025.

What’s the programme all about?
Part of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, The Servicewomen: Seen & Heard Programme will award grants of up to £100,000 for two-year projects that expand support options for serving women, ensuring they are aware of, and able to access, help that is tailored to their specific needs. 

It will address the unique challenges servicewomen face, providing education and information to help maximise their health and wellbeing. 

The programme will support projects that meet one of four outcomes:

• Serving women - either as a preventative measure or at times of crisis – can choose activities and/or find advice that reduces risk and negative impact to their wellbeing.     
• Physical health support for servicewomen is enhanced through comprehensive initiatives that address their unique needs and are complementary to statutory services.  
• Mental health and wellbeing support for servicewomen is strengthened through targeted initiatives that address their unique needs and are complementary to statutory services.  
• Provision of comprehensive education on servicewomen’s health challenges – to inform accessible, effective, and long-term solutions.  

Applicants can apply for a grant of between £25,000 and £100,000 towards a project delivered over a period of two-years.

Who can apply?
The Trust invite applications from:
· Registered Charites
· Community Interest Companies (CICs)
· Armed Forces Units/Bases/Ships based anywhere in the world

Full eligibility details are available on the Trust website: Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Find out more
The application deadline is 12pm on 25 June 2025. You will receive a decision before end of September 2025.

Full details of this fantastic funding opportunity, including full eligibility and how to apply, are available on the Trust’s dedicated programme page.

parkwalk Record Broken!

Thank you to all those of you who came along to the parkwalk Record-Breaking attempt last Saturday…..

Amazing effort, our participants contributed to this fantastic achievement!

Same time this week?

Read more here

AFF Your Digital Life App

How much has the digital landscape changed over recent years? Everyday tasks like taxing the car or paying in a cheque can now be done from the comfort of your laptop or mobile phone, crazy ay?

Over the next few months, AFF are taking a look at the different resources that can be accessed online to help make your Army life a little easier.
 

An app for everything

• Tips on avoiding mistakes on your digital e1132 housing form and information about online healthcare resources - particularly useful when coping with frequent moves. 
• Signposting to programmes offering virtual employment training and support, including the recently re-vamped Forces Families Jobs website.
• Information about the new GOV.UK One Login, which will eventually enable allow access to a wide range of government services with a single account, wherever you are in the world. 
• Updates on the roll out of the GOV.UK Wallet – a secure service that will enable you to keep and use government-issued documents in one place, including a digital version of the HM Forces Veteran Card.  

We’re here to help
 
Check out our website for news and advice and keep an eye on our social media for information, as well as the chance to share your views.
 
Speak to AFF about any concerns you have on 01264 554004

Email AFF Head Office at contact@aff.org.uk

Or Email your Overseas Assistant on ejsu@aff.org.uk

 

Bois de Badour, Hainaut

Feeling like a Walk in the Woods?

Bois de Badour is a mixed forest with several shallow ponds and dotted with traces of the past, like the old gatekeeper’s house and the bridge overhanging  the old railway line, but the main landmark is the Octagonal Building at the edge of the wood, called the Ronde Maison.

There are 3 marked trails to explore that venture through some of the woodland; a 5km, a 10km & a 20km route. But do take care as some of the trails are private; they are the princely family's property!

The Bois de Badour is known for its ‘good mushrooms' spots, in September-October. 

The wood is located northwest of Mons. Access at Chemin du Long Boule or Chemin Du Prince. However, the most beautiful access point is near the Ronde Maison at “Montauban” via rue du Canard, 7050 Erbisoeul.

The Cycling Towpaths of Belgium

Did you know about Belgium’s Cycling Towpaths?

There are 1,200km of safe tracks throughout the country to cycle, away from the traffic, with the entire family.

Enjoy a safe, quiet, flat route along the waterways, amongst the sweet scent of nature, listening to the sound of birdsong and bicycle bells rather than hearing the sound of traffic and car horns whilst inhaling exhaust fumes!

The Flemish and Walloon regional governments are actively improving the towpaths (and many abandoned railways) for cycling. Where the towpath has been turned into a modern highway, separate lanes or paths are being built for cyclists. (In the Walloon area this is known as Réseau Autonome de Voies Lentes [RAVeL] - Autonomous Network of Slow Ways.)

Get out this Summer amongst nature.

Five Parks on the Outskirts of Brussels

With the arrival of Spring and the (hopefully) warmer weather, here are five gorgeous parks that are well worth a visit, each with an associated walk…

• Gaasbeek Museum Garden Park - unparalleled world-class gardens
• The Coloma Rose Garden - a kaleidoscope of colour and scent 
• Meuse Botanic Garden - home to the biggest flower on the planet
• The Huizingen Rock Garden - Expo 58’s natural splendour unleashed
• Tervuren’s Warande Park - Centuries of elegant heritage

For more information, read this.

The National Memorial of Fort Breendonk

Have you visited Fort Breendonk yet?

It is one of the best-preserved testimonials of the Second World War Nazi atrocities. Learn about the sinister history of SS-Auffanglager Breendonk through a series of testimonial, picture and film footage and remember the men and women who suffered and sacrificed their lives for our liberty.

If you are a Museum Pass holder you can visit Fort Breendonk for FREE.

• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
• Command Bunker Kemmel
• Bastogne Barracks
• Trench of Death

are also covered under the Museum Pass.

BRUSSELS & SHAPE: New SSAFA Health Visitor Contact Details

 

SHAPE: parkwalk/parkrun Every Saturday Morning, 08:45 for 09:00 start

Want to get out for a breath of fresh air to start your weekend off right? Did you know there is a FREE weekly parkwalk/parkrun event on SHAPE (the only one in Belgium!), every Saturday Morning?

Spring is the perfect time to start a new routine and enjoy the welcome change in the weather. Come along and join us for a timed, 5km walk, jog or run at whatever pace you like. Everyone welcome, dogs on a short lead, pushchairs and kids are also welcome to join in. Boost those endorphins, get that heart rate up and make some new friends too; 73% participants have reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing and a staggering 97% reported improvement in their overall physical health!

If you don’t fancy the walk, jog or run, why not get involved by volunteering? 84% of parkrun volunteers report an improvement to their happiness and the team are always looking to share the love with new faces. 

WHEN: Every Saturday Morning, 08:45 for a 09:00 start

WHERE: Starts behind the Conti Mess

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

 

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

 

The new Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces Helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking is now live.

This Helpline is for any members of the Royal Navy British Army and Royal Air Force and their family members, including those deployed abroad, who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking.

The Helpline operates 6 days a week. It is independent, confidential, and free.

Launched on the 31st March 2025, and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and the Army Benevolent Fund the Helpline has already exceeded the number of contacts anticipated.

At Aurora, we understand that the Armed Forces Community is unique, and we know that service life brings with it a number of challenges which can make it harder to talk about these issues.

The Helpline has been designed with an understanding of these specific needs in mind. Many of our specialist team are from Forces families or are ex service personnel. They understand service life, and how difficult it can be to talk about what is happening. We want to make sure that victim/survivors with links to the armed forces get specialist support that has been designed with them and for them.

Need help?

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via phone +44 (0)333 0912 527 (GMT): 0900-1500 Monday to Friday

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via WhatsApp on +44 (0)333 0912 527: Monday 0900-1500 / Wednesday & Thursday 1700-2000 / Sunday 1000-1400

MOD: Victim Witness Care Unit

 

Link for more information: Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) - GOV.UK

 

CSSC Benefits

Are you a Civil Servant? Have you joined the Civil Service Sports Council yet? If you are heading back to the U.K. any time soon, there are so many reasons why this is a good idea and a few if you are shopping online from overseas too…

 

• FREE annual family entry to English Heritage
• FREE annual family entry to Cadw
• UNLIMITED access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst Wild Botanic Gardens
• FREE entry to National Trust for Scotland with corporate cards* and discounted entry to Historic Scotland
• FREE use of our comprehensive exclusive health and wellbeing app - CSSC life.
• Discounted TOTUM Pro retail card and Fabyouless hair and beauty card.
• Great value tickets to all the UK’s most popular theme parks and attractions.
• Huge savings on cinema, gyms, holidays, travel, utilities, insurance, tuition.. and much more.
• Up to 10% cashback at thousands of online & high street retailers with our mobile savings app.
• Local events, community groups and volunteering opportunities.

For just £4.99 a month (just 17p a day), not only could save over £1,000 a year but you’ll find the inspiration and motivation to start making some amazing memories with your family.

It’s so easy to join.

→ No contract or minimum terms, just a simple monthly Direct Debit

→ Doesn’t matter if you change employer

→ Reduced rates for retired members

→ Start enjoying benefits in under five minutes

→ Follow us on Facebook & Instagram - To get all the latest offers and activities available.

You can join at: https://cssc.site/MOD

 

 

Serve & Protect Credit Union: 2025/2026 Cash ISA now launched!

Serve and Protect Credit Union's latest Fixed Cash ISA is here 📢

Secure a guaranteed and tax-free 4% AER return on your savings for the 2025/26 tax year, while supporting the wider community of those who serve and protect.  Here’s how the new Fixed Cash ISA benefits you:

• Start Small, Save Big: Deposit as little as £5, with contributions up to £20,000 for this tax year.

• Tax-Free Growth: Enjoy a guaranteed 4% AER return to maximise your savings effortlessly.

• Peace of Mind: Your savings are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).

• Community Impact: Your savings make a meaningful difference by supporting others within the credit union.

Learn more at: https://sandpcu.co.uk/isa-hs-email

Recruit for Spouses: Free programmes designed to empower and guide you every step of the way

The latest Recruit for Spouses flyer outlines a range of upcoming free employability, industry insights, and financial workshops available to members of the Armed Forces community.

The link to sign up is: RFS Portal

In addition to these workshops, RFS are now accepting applications for two further free programmes offering additional support:

 

1. 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

 

2. 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.

 

For further information please visit: Recruit for Spouses - Championing Military Spouses for Career Success

 

Let’s Walk! parkwalk every Saturday, 08:45 for 09:00 start, Rue Vauban

Spring has Sprung, the clocks have leapt forwards and the sunshine has woken up. What better time than now to start with a lovely Saturday morning walk? 

Did you know that every Saturday, there is a fun 5k walk that starts from behind the Conti Mess at 09:00? Why not come along and meet some new faces?

WHEN:  Every Saturday, 08:45 from wha 09:00 start
WHERE: Rue Vauban, behind the Conti Mess
WHO: Open to Everyone.
HOW MUCH: Absolutely FREE

On Saturday 26th April 2025 there is a record breaking attempt for the most parkwalkers walking the parkrun route. 

Simply Register at: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ using a British Address or use Postcode BF1 2AG and bring your Barcode along to be a part of this Record Breaker!

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!

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!

Brocantes/Flea Markets in Belgium, April - December 2025

Love a Flea Market?

Then check out these Belgique Brocantes running from April onwards.

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