The Ripple Pond - November Newsletter

 November Newsletter (ourmailserver7.com)

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Schloss Neuhaus Winter Magic This Weekend

Paderborn Stadt has shared more information for this weekends Christmas market in Schloss Neuhaus.  Santa will be there on Sunday afternoon at 5pm to meet the kids. 

“Christmas Magic in the Castle Park” sprinkles a good pinch of glitter on the second weekend of Advent. Visible from afar, the large light star on the castle not only makes children's eyes shine.

The loving decoration transforms the entire park into a truly magical setting for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region."

Classic Christmas market offer

In addition to the classic Christmas market food stalls  there are also market stalls with glass, textile and woodwork, unusual jewelry and Christmas decorations. The traders mainly bring their own handcrafted goods with them.

Domestic Abuse: MOD Guidance on Where to Find Help

The MOD’s Safeguarding Team have released a video providing advice for anyone in the Armed Forces community affected by domestic abuse.

Contacts for those in the Army Community Overseas:

As a survivor:

Contact your local military/civil police, Unit Welfare Officer or the Army Welfare Service. AWS are informed of all incidents reported to the chain of command.

Civil Servants should inform the civil police. The Defence Business Services - Employee Wellbeing Service can provide welfare support.

Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Compensation Schemes

When things go wrong​

Pinnacle administer the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes. You may be entitled to compensation under one of DIO’s compensation schemes if you have experienced;

• ​Missed appointments
• Incorrect Tradesperson
• Failed move in
• Total loss of heating/cooking facilities
• Hotel subsistence

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date the issue occurred.

​More information is available HERE​

Find a Flying Santa

We have found three Christmas markets where you can watch Santa and a reindeer team fly across the rooftops.

Kassel

A one and half hour drive from Sennelager. Kassel home to the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe.hosts a great Christmas market each winter.

This year at the Kassel Fairytale Christmas Market, the internationally known high-wire artists Falko Traber and his son Fernando are presenting their spectacular show every day at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In downtown Kassel, near GALERIA. The project is supported by the city management of the city of Kassel.

Bochum

The “Flying Santa Claus”: daily at 5 and 7 p.m. on Dr.-Ruer-Platz, additional show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hamburg

Hamburg’s city centre is dotted with Christmas markets, the largest of which is located on Rathausmarkt Square. Against the mesmerising backdrop of historic City Hall, abundantly decorated stalls sell handmade toys, glassware, jewellery and a large variety of international delicacies. What’s more: Santa Claus regularly makes his appearance, hovering above the market in his sleigh.

Dates
27 November - 23 December, 2023

Opening hours
Sun - Thu: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fri - Sat: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Blind Veterans UK - December Newsletter

Please click here to read this update online​.

Defence People Communications: Child Benefit – Get Financial Help if you Have Children

 

With the rising cost of living, the Government are offering parents and carers up to £1,248 a year to help with the cost of raising their first child – and up to £826.80 for any other children. This means that by the time a child is 16 years old, their child benefit claim could be worth almost £20,000.

GamCare: Christmas Gambling Harms Awareness

 

Would you know how to spot the signs of gambling harm and where to get support this Christmas? GamCare can help with some practical steps.

The festive period can be a difficult time for people affected by gambling harms.

For many, Christmas can expose financial issues, social isolation and mental health difficulties that often surround or worsen gambling harms. An early December payday can also add extra temptation to gamble, alongside the influence of alcohol, changes in routine and high-profile sporting events. Altogether, the holiday season can bring about increased risk for people struggling with their gambling.

Whatever it is, GamCare is here to help. We support anyone who has an issue with their gambling or someone else’s. We're available 24/7, we operate the free National Gambling Helpline, and provide treatment in all regions across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Our trained Advisers will help you find the right kind of support – whether it’s free tools to block gambling sites; forums and groups where you can get support from people in the same situation; or free confidential treatment in your area or residential treatment. 

The National Gambling Helpline offers 24/7 free confidential support all year on Freephone 0808 80 20 133, via Whatsapp on 020 3031 8881, or via online chat at gamcare.org.uk.

Defence People Communications: What Support is There for Service Families Facing Domestic Abuse?

Find out about the domestic abuse support available for Service families.

As part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, Defence is encouraging anyone affected by domestic abuse to ask for help and to be aware of the different ways to get support.

Armed forces families play a crucial role in Defence and should feel safe and supported. When it comes to domestic abuse, there are many support services available to them – both within Defence and at a local and national level.

Fundraising Prize Draw for Bruce Springsteen Concert Cardiff May 25th 2024

Tickets for Troops are organizing a special prize draw, where the prize is a pair of front pitch standing tickets to see the legendary Bruce Springsteen in concert at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on May 5th 2024. 

All funds raised in the draw will go towards building a new Tickets For Troops website.  To enter the prize draw please use this LINK.

Togetherall: Mental Health Support for the Armed Forces

  to register: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces​​

DIO Families First newsletter - issue 11

 Link for the Newsletter 

Travel Safely by Car in Winter

Every winter  Polizei NRW launch a campaign to remind drivers about winter safety rules. Below is a translation direct from the Police website. (Use this link to read the original)

The days are getting shorter, the weather is becoming more unstable. Rain, aquaplaning, wet leaves, fog, wind, snow and black ice are a real challenge for drivers almost every day in autumn and winter. Important: Adjust the vehicle and driving style to the adverse weather conditions in good time. 

Santas Grotto

 

DWP - Benefit Payment Dates December

DWP Benefit payment dates over Christmas are as follows:

Payments due 25-26 December will be paid on Friday 22 December.

Payments due 27 December: Universal Credit paid as normal, all other benefits paid on Friday 22 December.

Payments due 1 January will be paid on Friday 29 December.

Civilian Housing: An update on the MOD Referral Scheme Service

 

Last year, the services provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) were transferred to the Defence Transition Service (DTS), part of Defence Business Services (DBS), to deliver. 

This followed a review as part of the MOD’s ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’ to bring efficiency to the co-ordination and delivery of housing services.

The MOD Referral Scheme provided advice and guidance on accessing social housing and has now become part of the existing services provided by DTS and Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). 

This has been done to simplify and widen access and eligibility across serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) Winter Newsletter

 

Saving Energy, Money and the Environment

Saving energy is not only good for the environment; it also saves you money. 

DIO Service Delivery (SD) aims to procure properties that have good energy efficiency ratings or improve the energy efficiency of our own properties in the last few years; including installing energy efficient boilers, improving loft insulation and adding insulated exterior cladding.  

ENERGY SUPPLY

DIO SD will pay the utility bills for your SFA. You will be charged the equivalent UK rate for the type of property that you require.

The Fuel and Light and XY schemes are designed to reward you for energy efficiency but ensure that any excessive use is paid back to the MOD.

If your property is supplied by Oil or LPG using local tanks then please ensure that you arrange for supplies to be topped up through your local repair helpdesk.

However, you can still do a lot yourself to save energy.  Follow these simple tips to ensure you aren’t wasting energy - and more importantly money.

Recruit for Spouses Career Academy: ACCESS Programme Online Information Sessions Dec & Jan

What can ACCESS do for you …..Come and meet some of the JPMorgan team keen to understand your employment challenges and to talk about a new programme they hope will overcome some of these. 

ACCESS will create a platform alongside other key partners to provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies enabling you to overcome unique challenges and achieve career success in whatever you choose. 

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and ask as many questions as you want to the team to understand the programme and make sure it's right for you.  The specific programme details will be shared at this meeting.  We are running 3 sessions so hope you can fit one in your schedule!

• 14th December 12.00-13.00pm zoom link
• 14th December 20.00-21.00pm zoom link 
• 11th January    12.00-13.00pm zoom link 

Survey for Schools in England

SCISS (Service Children in State Schools) are asking maintained schools in England to complete a survey on SEND Support for children from military families.

SCISS Voice of Schools - SEND Support Survey (surveymonkey.co.uk)

Latest Going Forward Into Employment Vacancies

New roles for Veterans, Service Leavers and Military Spouses available within DWP in the following locations – Ilford in London and Kilmarnock in Scotland 

Vacancy details and application form attached

For more details see Visit the Blog to find out more about our work.​

GFIE- 281: PC Interventions Case Cleanse Officer - DWP - Kilmarnock

GFIE- 280: Intervention Administrative Officer - DWP - Ilford

Veterans Housing - Armed Forces Covenent Trust Fund

New major funding programme to support Veterans’ housing needs

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce a new, major grants programme supporting new builds and significant refurbishment, including extensions, of rental accommodation offering high quality support for Veterans with a housing need.

On behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, the Trust will award grants of £75K to £500K under the Major Capital Grants programme, across four rounds of funding, to projects that contribute to the aims of the Government’s ambition to reduce Veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.

NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast

Welcome to the NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast, a six part series aims to help you, the Armed Forces Community, access the NHS services available. Released every Wed on Youtube.

Winter Prepardness Announcement SFA

Earlier this week, Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps outlined the steps being taken to ensure DIO and our suppliers are prepared to provide the right level of service for families over the colder months, recognising the challenges we faced last winter. 

Full details of the announcement can be found here.

Little Troopers - Christmas Smiles for Service Children

 

Families First newsletter – issue: 10

Families First newsletter – issue: 10

Issue 10 of the Families First newsletter was published on 31 October. You can find it on Defence Connect or GOV.uk It includes:

Performance update on accommodation contracts

• Tackling Damp and Mould Programme in SFA – an update
• Winter safety guide
• Key dates to note
• Useful links

Accommodation Provided by MOD for ARAP Afghan Families

Vice Admiral Phil Hally

Chief of Defence People..

"You may already be aware that the MOD is supporting the relocation and resettlement of Afghan nationals who, due to their support to the UK over the past 20 years, now face threats to their lives in their home country. As a result, some of you may observe Afghan families moving into some Service Family Accommodation (SFA) where it is located ‘outside of the wire’. 

QUICK REMINDER OF GERMAN AND SFA REGULATIONS

MAINTENANCE OF OUTSIDE AREAS

All occupants are reminded that gardens, paths, driveways, hedges and immediate outside areas must be kept in a clean, tidy and weed free condition, i.e., grass, shrubs and hedges are to be cut or trimmed and disposed of as necessary to maintain a respectable appearance. Occupants should check with their Estate Manager to ensure that they comply with local rules governing garden maintenance times and disposal. Tasks outside the normal responsibility of the occupant, e.g., tree husbandry, hedges over 1.8m in height at March-In, should be referred through your Estate Manager/Housing Officer DIORDOSTrg-GerHousSennelager@mod.gov.uk.Compost heaps of a reasonable size are acceptable, they must be removed on vacation.

Pathways, driveways, gardens, road gutters, pavements, from your front door to the middle of the road are the occupants’ responsibility, also in front of your garage if allocated. These must be weeded, kept clear of any debris, rubbish, and in winter free of snow and ice. Rubbish is not to be swept into drains, as they are easily blocked.

In accordance with German Law, occupants may be subject to a fine imposed by Federal Police if local regulations are not adhered to i.e., clearing pathways in winter etc. 

Estate Managers may also raise charges on vacation if grounds/gardens/hedges have not been maintained to a satisfactory standard.

MOD Bullying, Harrassment and Discrimination Helpline

You can also access support by visiting the Workplace Wellbeing Platform at MOD | (workplacewellbeing.com).

What's on This Week?

This weeks highlights include:

• Opera in Horn Bad Meinburg - Three tenors from Napoli will wow the crowds on the 17th Nov.  Singing much loved songs like "Nessun dorma" and even some Frank Sinatra. Tickets here

• "Black week" sales are underway in most German stores so expect busy stores and parking in major shopping areas. But often a good time to use tax free forms.

• Build up to Christmas has started, most markets begin on the 23rd Nov.  Paderborn, Bielefeld and Dortmund have the full markets planned for this year. Plus the Lichterfest event in Dortmund

Dortmund Weihnactsmarkt 2023

The worlds largest Christmas tree makes it's return for the 124th Dortmund Weihnactsmarkt. Dortmund will have new lights displays and 250 stands to see.

The market opens 11am - 9pm Mon- Thurs & Sun and 11am -10pm on Fri & Sat.





Images copyright of Dortmund Stadt

Paderborn Weihnachtsmark 2023

 

The Paderborn Christmas market is open from November 24th to December 23rd on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on all other days from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Businesses selling handicrafts and Christmas items as well as rides are free to close the business at 8 p.m. 

The Christmas market will be closed on November 26th because of the Sunday of the Dead.

This year the shopping Sunday on the 1st of Advent is also open for shopping. On December 3rd, the shops will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Fantastic Lights Christmas Market Dortmund 2023

This themed Christmas market kicks off on the 23rd Nov in the Fredenbaum park Dortmund. 

Dragons, knights, bagpipes, fire acrobats, strange steampunk companions, pirates, jugglers and a “capsized” prehistoric shark* – how much more fantastic can a Christmas market get? 

How to get there:

Drive time is around 1hr 20mins

Using the Deutschland ticket from Paderborn is about 1hr 30 mins by train/  local transport. Use this link

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust 'Supporting Partners' Programme Reopens for Applications

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is pleased to announce the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme has reopened for applications.

The Trust is working with the MOD to deliver funding to high quality projects that will have significant impacts for Armed Forces families through the Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3). The Supporting Partners programme is the latest of the AF3 programmes to launch this year.

GamCare: Safer Gambling Week 13th to 19th November

This year, the 13th to 19th of November is Safer Gambling Week; a national, cross-industry initiative to raise awareness of safer gambling.

Have you been worried about your gambling, or affected by the gambling of someone else? Are you looking for a safe and secure place to explore your relationship with gambling? GamCare provides information, advice & support for anyone affected by gambling harms.

GamCare can offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential. Call their free 24/7 helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk

You can learn more about Safer Gambling Week on the Safer Gambling Week website and find GamCare resources at gamcare.org.uk.

RBLI: The Great Tommy Sleepout March 2024

Use this link to join The Great Tommy Sleep Out in March 2024

Job vacancy - Head of Out of Hours at HUC, East England

An opportunity has arisen to join HUC’s management team, as the Head of Out of Hours.

2024 Civilian Housing Briefs from Defence Transition Services

 

Register for the briefing here

Visit the help for se4rvice leavers web page from DTS

Updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regs (TSARs) JSP 464

The recently updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, (JSP 464) are available on .Gov at the following Link:

Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) NEW Allowances

The Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) SWAY now includes information on NEW Allowances.

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) now including NEW Allowances. If you are being posted to one of the limited locations use this link to find out more.

Defence Home and Dry Christmas Campaign 2023

The Defence Home and Dry Christmas Campaign 2023 was launched this week – the Key Message is: Get home safe this Christmas. Don’t drink and drive.

Quest Magazine November Edition

 Read the magazine online here

Are you a veteran? Share your views now!

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) have launched a new consultation to gather evidence on the experience of Armed Forces Veterans.  

If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, visit GOV.UK​ for further information and details of how to respond to the survey before it closes on 4 January 2024.   

Get ahead with early Black Friday Deals from Defence Discount Service

The biggest shopping event of the year is back again - Black Friday is just around the corner, and to help members snap-up major savings, Defence Discount Service has revealed a list of exclusive offers military personnel will be able to get their hands on from as early as 13 November. 

The official MoD discount provider for the British Armed Forces, veterans, military partners and the defence community will be granting members access to a whole host of exclusive heightened deals this Black Friday (24 November). Offers include savings from big name brands, such as Curry’s, Hotpoint, Ninja, Samsung and Shark. 

Victory Services Club: October Newsletter & Club Talk Magazine

 

Read more here

Title The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New fund to support Veterans’ and their families’ employability

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce the launch of the The Veterans’ Career Development Fund, supporting Veterans and their families to enter stable long-term employment, by delivering qualifications and training. 

Under this new Fund, the Trust will award grants on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) towards projects that help Veterans, and their families achieve recognised qualifications, which help them access employment that matches their skills and interests. 

Civvy Street - November 2023 Edition

The latest edition of Civvy Street is available here​.

Centrica - New Job Roles

Centrica currently have a huge drive for customer service vacancies, 

 “At Centrica we embrace diversity and actively seek to attract individuals with unique backgrounds and perspectives. 

To build a more sustainable future, we need the best team – a team with a diverse mix of people and skills, where everyone feels welcome and able to succeed. 

We are dedicated in helping to close the diversity gap and would love to see more females, people of colour and LGBTQ+ employees, as well as those from a variety of cultures and ethnicity to veterans and the differently abled. 

Supporting diversity and inclusion is a big part of who we are, we are not looking for people to fit into our culture but to add to it!”

New job roles being recruited include:

https://www.centrica.com/job/?jobreference=R0050191&t=2 Leicester

https://www.centrica.com/job/?jobreference=R0050521&t=2 Stockport

https://www.centrica.com/job/?jobreference=R0046093&t=2 Brighton​

To search all roles please go to: Careers | Centrica plc

Ripple Pond Oct 2023

 The Ripple Pond October Newsletter: Now With A New Look! 

Bielefeld Christmas Market 2023

The Bielefeld Christmas market starts in the city center on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Copyright Bielefeld marketing

The Christmas pyramid as a new eye-catcher on Jahnplatz, the ice rink with curling on Klosterplatz, the “House of St. Nicholas” in the old town church park and the hut village on the historic Old Market make the Bielefeld Christmas market the number one visitor magnet in the region. 

Across the entire city center, more than 110 lovingly decorated houses give the city a pre-Christmas magic.

SSAFA Forcesline