Give Us Time: new donor in the NE of England

 

Give Us Time have a new donor in the North East of England – please see the poster for more details and for how to book.

 

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse - Welfare staff interviews request

SafeLives are also keen to speak with Army Welfare Officers and Unit Welfare Officers who have experience of supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse. They want to understand your experiences of providing welfare support, and hear your views on the barriers victim/survivors from military families and relationships may face when trying to access help.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Army Personnel ABF

 

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse victims/survivors interviews request

Survivor Interviews

SafeLives, with support from the Army Benevolent Fund, is looking to improve the domestic abuse response for victim/survivors from serving and veteran families.

SafeLives want to hear directly from victim/survivors who have lived experience of domestic abuse in military families or relationships. Their voices are central to this work.

Victim/survivors who take part will also receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Survivor ABF

Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF): Carers and Careers Survey

Are you juggling life in the Armed Forces while caring for someone with additional needs or a disability? Whether you're serving yourself or you're the partner of someone who is, if you're a carer, the Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) wants to hear from you!

FANDF is collecting lived experiences through a short survey, and the results will be shared directly with the MOD and policymakers at our next committee meeting.

Complete the survey now—it only takes a few minutes but could help shape the future: https://forms.office.com/e/zT65EDwM9

Gov.UK: Emergency Alerts Sunday 7th September at 3pm

 

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.
 
Your mobile phone or tablet will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent. The alert message will confirm this is a test and that you do not need to take any further action.
 
Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency. Find out more at gov.uk/alerts.
 
You can opt out of the Emergency Alerts, including the national test, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety.
 
Emergency Alerts will warn you via your mobile or tablet if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. Only the government and the emergency services are able to send them.
 
There are simple and effective steps we can all take to be more prepared for an emergency. Visitgov.uk/prepare for advice on how you can prepare.

 

Give Us Time: Welfare Summer Update

 

Please see this following link for more information: www.giveustime.org.uk

Alternatively follow on social media at https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

ACORN programme run by Mankind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

This course has less than six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

For further information, please visit: https://mankind.org.uk/for-professionals/pattern-changing-course-male-survivors/

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Our dogs are far more than companions. They are working dogs trained to assist with everyday tasks like opening doors, retrieving dropped items and building confidence in public settings. Just as importantly, they offer loyal companionship and emotional reassurance.

Each dog is carefully matched to their Partner based on individual needs, ensuring a truly life-changing relationship that supports both practical challenges and emotional wellbeing.

Who We Help

We welcome applications from anyone who:

• Is a current or former member of HM Armed Forces or Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard or RNLI)
• Is living with a physical disability caused by illness or injury (this does not need to be directly related to your time in service)

We support a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and independence, including:

• Spinal injuries
• Limb loss or amputation
• Stroke recovery
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Serious illness or injury with lasting physical impact

We understand that the road to recovery and independence can be tough and the last thing we want is for cost to be a barrier. Where needed, Hounds for Heroes can cover the full working life of an assistance dog, including training, equipment, insurance and ongoing support. Each situation is assessed individually and we aim to remove as many barriers as possible.

If you or someone you support could benefit from an assistance dog, we’d love to hear from you. Welfare officers, medical staff and support teams are encouraged to signpost eligible individuals our way. We're here to help. 

To learn more or to begin an application, visit: www.houndsforheroes.com or get in touch at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com.

Together, we can make a difference.

Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course (MBSR), starting 6th October 2025

Annmarie Mckenzie is a Welfare Officer is leading a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course later this year. Mindfulness has been proven to help reduce anxiety and stress whilst improving mental health and wellbeing.

Annmarie’s course is FREE and being held online over an 8 week period.

WHEN: Starts Monday 6th October 2025 at 7pm (Belgian Time)

WHERE: In the comfort of your own home, online.

MORE INFORMATION: Contact Annmarie, email in the poster

The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter: Family Support together

 

Link to read online: Summer 2025 Newsletter

Discounts Galore for Military and Civil Service Personnel

Did you know about all these Discount Opportunities for Military and Civilian Staff?

Blue Light Card:
If you want to make savings on everyday items, holidays, leisure, eating out, why not
sign up to the Blue Light Card which only costs £5 for two years membership? Civil
Servants are also eligible to join.

Current offers include 25% off food in Pizza Hut, Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia, 20% off food
in Las Iguanas, Prezzo, TGI Fridays, zizzi and 5% off at Nandos to name but a few.

Discounts are also available in certain retailers, holiday companies and utility
companies.

Defence Discount Service:
The Defence Discount Service Card is available to Armed Forces and Civil Servants
which offers similar savings to the Blue Light Card above and costs £4.99 for five years.

Did you know that you can visit Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle for free with
your Defence Discount Card! The offer allows the card holder plus 4 guests to visit
once a year which is a saving of £30 per person per visit!

'Discover My Benefit's portal'
The Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk) portal is an easy-to-use tool for those
working in Defence, their families and anyone interested in joining. You can use it to
find out what support and benefits are available to you as a service person or civil
servant.

For Civil Servants:
Offers range from lifestyle schemes that can help to improve your physical and mental
wellbeing and include savings on Private health insurance and savings on gym
membership:

https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/mental_wellbeing

https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/health_fitness

Financial discounts are also available via 'Top Up' cards for retailers such as Tesco and
preferential prices for MOD staff at certain retailers through Edenred. To find out more
and register on the Edenred (UK Group) Limited website.

For Military Personnel:
Service benefits including adventurous training, accommodation, honours and awards
and others. Check out your ‘Discover My Benefits’ page.

For other ways to save money, please visit: Financial wellbeing (sharepoint.com)

Give Us Time: Orlando holiday opportunity - Autumn 2025

Give Us Time have a new opportunity for a two week break in Orlando in the autumn, which is live on their website at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

This is for up to four people in a town house on the Encantada Resort in Kissimmee, to the southwest of Orlando. The resort is close to Disney World and Sea World, and an hour’s drive to both of Florida’s beautiful coastlines.

The dates for this break are Saturday 20 September to Saturday 4 October – they are unable to request alternative dates, although families can choose to arrive a day later or leave a day earlier, depending on flights.

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

 

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

Army Families Federation (AFF) Q1-2025 Snapshot

Have you used the Army Families Federation Rep whilst you have been overseas this year?

This infographic shows the types of enquiries that AFF have received in the overseas space from January to April 2025, and the positive impact that they are making.

AFF use this data to build evidence, analyse patterns and advocate for positive change; the more issues that they are made aware of in the overseas space, the more they are able to drive positive change for serving personnel and their families.

If you want to contact your AFF Rep, email ejsu@aff.org.uk.

Bounce Forward: Raise Resilience Courses starting June and September 2025

Bounce Forward are offering some FREE Raise Resilience courses in June and September 2025.

These are a series of six online, guided sessions, packed full of tips, skills, knowledge, tools and resources that teach children how to face challenges with confidence.

There are three courses starting in June with different time and day options and two courses starting in September also with different time and day options, that should offer flexibility.

Register online at this link https://bounceforward.com/bounce-forward-raise-resilience-hkf/

Give Us Time - new respite breaks available!

 

We are absolutely thrilled to have a new set of donations for 2025 from Meadow Bay Villages!

 

We have 20 breaks available in June, September and October at Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, and Hayling Island Holiday Park, near Portsmouth. That’s 10 breaks at each park, all running Monday to Friday!

 

This is Meadow Bay’s second year donating to Give Us Time and we’re delighted to have their ongoing support for our Forces families.

 

Nikki Rathie, Holidays Director, Meadow Bay Villages, said "At Meadow Bay, we believe in the power of time well spent—especially for those who give so much of theirs in service to others. Donating midweek breaks to Give Us Time is our way of saying thank you to military families, offering them a chance to reconnect, recharge, and make lasting memories in the peaceful surroundings of our parks. It’s a small gesture, but one filled with immense gratitude."

 

Alex Youngs, Operations Director, Give Us Time, said, “We are honoured and grateful to receive another generous donation from Meadow Bay. Thanks to their generosity, we are able to help more families get away to rest, reconnect and strengthen the bonds that are so essential to our wellbeing."

 

For more info, please email enquiries@giveustime.org.uk

 

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

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

 

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

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              

https://work.headspace.com/royal-navy-wellbeing/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.