Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) Update

Thousands of parents to benefit from more work coach support

 
From 24 July 2023, parents of children aged 1 and 2 on Universal Credit will start to benefit from meeting more frequently with work coaches to help them prepare for work.

 
Parents with a one-year-old will start to have a work-focused meeting with their work coach every three months instead of the current every six months.

Parents with a two-year-old will start meeting with their work coach every month instead of the current every three months.

Army Multicultural Network Conference 2023

The Army Multicultural Network will hold its biennial conference at Churchill Hall, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 20th September 2023, 0800-1700 hrs. 

The event is open to all Regular and Reserve personnel, Civil Servants and members of associated Employee Support Networks. The chain of command and unit welfare/diversity and inclusion advisors are equally encouraged to attend.

Follow this LINK to register for the Army Multicultural Network Conference 2023.

Wochenmarkt This Weekend

The regular weekend market in Paderborn is cancelled this weekend as the city hosts Libori. 

Do not worry, you can still find local markets providing fresh fruit and veg this weekend.

"Drive-In Market" in Elsen (13 mins - Route Map) Friday 7am - 1pm

It's not big, but you can park your car for a short while directly behind the market stalls. "Shop and wech", as the Paderborner says.

The ideal market for everyone who doesn't want to do without products from the market but doesn't have that much time to shop.

The weekly market takes place every Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking area at the Von-Ketteler-Straße sports field.

New on the market you will find Strauss-Hof with a selection of mushrooms from their own production, butcher Müller and the Almetaler Ölmühle with cold-pressed oils.

Sennestadt  In Bielefeld (30 mins - Route Map) Saturday 7am - 1 pm

the Sennestadt market has a good range of fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and regional products.

There are more weekly markets in the Bielefeld area check this link for listings

UK Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude (FamCAS) Survey Results 2023

Tri-service results from the annual families continuous attitude survey can be found HERE​.

Get Safe Online This Summer

 

The Summer Holidays are an opportunity for children to spend more time on a relatively unregulated internet, the Get Safe Online leaflet HERE​, is designed to help parents protect children from online harm.

X-Forces: Spouses and Partners 3 day Self-Employment Workshop

 

Queen Victoria School Open Day - Saturday 23rd September

For further information or any queries you may have regarding the application process please use this link.

Libori 2023 Bike Safe Zone €2 Per Bike

If you cycle to Libori, you don't need to worry about the safety of your bike this year either. 

Google map link 

UK Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude (FamCAS) Survey Results 2023

Tri-service results from the annual families continuous attitude survey can be found HERE​.

The Independent Review of UK Government Welfare Services for Veterans

On 2 March 2023, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) jointly commissioned an Independent Review of UK Government welfare services for veterans. 

The review was to investigate the role, scope and breadth of UK Government welfare provision for veterans, including by the MOD under the Veterans UK banner.​

The review can be read HERE​.

Little Troopers Update - Therapy Programme

 Little Troopers Therapy Programme: new video series for parents 

The charity, Little Troopers, has launched a new online video series for parents as part of its tri-service Little Troopers Therapy Programme. 

Want to Become a Wizz at Microsoft Office? 9th Aug

Are you a military spouse or partner? Want to become a wizz at Microsoft Office? We're teaming up with Netcompany to host a virtual class on the 9th of August to teach you how to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint!

Sign up here places are limited so get in quick!​

Libori 2023 How to Get There and Key Events

Libori 2023 promises to be a massive event for Paderborn. Record crowds are expected in the city from the 22nd - 30th July. 

From apps to maps and event listings, below is some handy information to help you plan for a fun time at this years Libori.

The Libori App

This app is in German language. But it has a handy map and the important dates and events. 

Download on Apple

Download on Android

Parking at the Libori

If you want to use a car to visit the Libori there are 4,000 spaces available in the city.

The parking fees are :

• In the Königsplatz underground car park, a day ticket costs only €9.50 euros
• In the Neuhäuser Tor and the Paderhalle car parks is €7.50 euros per day
• On the Rolandsweg parking lot, the 24-hour rate is a very reasonable 3.00 euros

There are also discounted night rates in many parking areas.
On the Libori weekends, the municipal car parks remain open from Friday to Monday.

View the Libori park plan here

Pinnacle Group Free Coaching & Mentoring

 

Regional Command (HIVE & Family Support) Non-UK National Support

 

Op FORTITUDE

Op FORTITUDE is funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund to deliver a centralised referral pathway to end veteran homelessness. The remit of the team will be to work with individual veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, supporting them either into suitable accommodation, or supporting them to maintain their current home.

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Eligibility Criteria Expanded from Autumn term 2023

FTRS (all commitment types) and personnel Serving overseas unaccompanied voluntarily with family remaining in the UK will be eligible to claim from autumn 23 (so long as other criteria are met).

​Check Discover My Benefits for more information over summer via the relevant link for each Service Discover my Benefits Army.

New Programme to Fund research Into Challenges Facing Armed Forces Families

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) are launching a brand new, exciting programme under the Armed Forces Families Fund. The Research Grants programme, 

now open for applications, is a new and innovative programme which seeks to fund high quality research that can help to develop understanding of the key challenges faced by Armed Forces families. Particular focus will be on educational attainment for Service pupils, child welfare and the welfare needs of Service families.

Mankind: Acorn Recovery Programme for Male Survivors of Domestic Abuse

 

Family Where to go Guide for Our Area

Family where to go map;

What's On This Weekend

Moonlight Cinema - Reitberg-  Puss in Boots Last Wish family film (German language) - Gartenschau Park Reitberg (27 mins from Sennelager- Map link.)

Rhinekirmes - Dusseldorf - Today until 23rd July  Read more about one of the largest street fun fairs in Germany.

Game it out - Saturday - Paderborn July 15, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gaming room of the Central library am Rothoborn and is aimed at ages12 and over. 

Landpartie - Saturday & Sunday - Schloss Neuhaus Crafts, fashion, foods and design. The Landpartie  "Festival of Beautiful things." Combines all these. It is you chance to buy some unique gifts and Garden products.  Tickets available here.

DDC Dog Show - Saturday & Sunday - Schloss Neuhaus

• Saturday,  CAC show of the DDC  start of judging: 12 noon
• Saturday evening: Welcome evening from 7 p.m. on the grounds of Neuhaus Castle
• Sunday, July 16, from 10 a.m.: DDC Club Winner Show. More details here

Floh Market - Bielefeld - Saturday On Leineweberring takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m more details

Street Food Festival - Dortmund - Friday to Saturday. Culinary delights and cool drinks on Dortmund's street beach mile. Save the date, invite friends and spend an unforgettable time together at the Street Beach Festival. More details 

Bentfeld - Family Sports Day - Saturday. Try out new sports, not far from Sennelager. The new bike park is being opened by the mayor. More details.

Greven - Medieval Market & Fayre - 1hr 20mins from Sennelager, complete with Knights, food and face painting entry is €3. Children dressed in costume have free entry.  

Rhinekirmes 2023

 14. July – 23. July 2023

The Rhinekirmes is a massive funfair combined with food and beer tents. Starting today the 11 day event includes a show piece mega firework display on the 21st July.  

Check out the main fair website

Fireworks are on 21st July at 10:30pm

Opening times:

• Mon - Fri 2pm - Midnight 
• Sat 1300 - Midnight
• Sun 1100 - Midnight 

Expect massive crowds at this years event. Parking spots will be at a premium. Here are some links to help with parking.

• Free parking offers
• Parking garages in the old town
• Multi-storey car parks around Königsallee

Organisers advise using public transport to reach Dusseldorf. 

From Paderborn the RE11 train runs direct, taking approx 1hr 45mins on a fast service and 2hrs on a slower service with more stops.

You can also look at changing trains in Hamm. Use this link to the  DB Navigator website to check times and prices. 

Link to Google Map

The journey from the train station take 10 mins using the U-Bhan. Get off at the Luegplatz fairground stop and follow the signs to the fair ground. 

From Dusseldorf HBF you can use the following services to reach the Lugeplatz;

U70, U74, U75, U76, U77.

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) - Veterans' Adjustment Passports

New Adjustments Passports will support hundreds of sick and disabled Armed Forces leavers’ to start and stay in work, delivering on a key Government priority to remove barriers to the labour market and grow the economy.

The scheme, announced by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday 11 July, will help those leaving service with an injury, disability or health condition move more smoothly into employment.

Find out more HERE​

Update: ABF The Soldier's Charity - Race The World 23rd-29th October 2023

 

Now the July race of this years Race The World challenge has ended, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are taking registrations for the next virtual all Army race, running 23 - 29 October 2023 .

If you think your Unit is up for the challenge, You can register for FREE here.

Join ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in supporting the Army family in need. For Soldiers, For Life!

Email the team with any questions you may have to racetheworld@soldierscharity.org

Quest Magazine

 

See what Quest magazine can offer you

Where To Swim Near Paderborn / Sennelager

Where to Find Caves in Germany

 

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Veterans' UK: Unclaimed Medals - Can you Help us Shape our Services?

If you have previously served in the armed forces (or have a relative that has) with an unclaimed medal, we would like to speak to you.​​​​

Find out more HERE​

Non UK Live Q&A Session - 10th July

!!TODAY at 1330!!

Pers Svcs are hosting a Non–UK focused live Q&A session that will be hosted on MS Teams.

When: Mon 10 Jul 13:30-14:15

​Who: The session is aimed at;

• Non–UK Sp and their families
• Members of the Multicultural Networks
• The CoC
• UWOs and Welfare Staff
• Unit administration staff

Join the session on MS Team

​

Civvy Street - July 2023 Edition

The July edition of Civvy Street magazine is available here​.

When Can You Visit Museums in Berlin For Free?

The first Sunday of every month. When 60 museums in Berlin provide free entry. Which, if you are visiting the capital for a weekend trip can come in handy with saving money.

• August 06, 2023
• September 03, 2023
• October 01, 2023
• November 05, 2023
• December 03, 2023

Luckily there is a handy website to help you plan your visit. Find out more.

Defence Children's Services: Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK)

Here is a link to the UK EAT advice .PDF leaflet. It covers contact information. What EAT does and useful links too. 

You can view and download the leaflet here. (Non MODNet only.) 

MODNet users please email RC-Pers-HIVE-sennelager-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk for your copy.

Candle In The Wind - Pam Flora - Normandy Bks

Find out more about the Candle in The Wind project:

  

Pam Flora, had a vision of honouring the fallen by lighting individual candles in remembrance at their gravesides.

 
To date Pam has laid thousands of candles at resting places on the continent.

Pam would like to keep the candle flames lit and reach as many as possible by ensuring that even more candles are lit in honour of those that have paid the ultimate price.

 
If you would like to donate please click on the go fund me link below:
https://gofund.me/c9d250c3

Defence Transition Services: Civilian Housing Briefs Sept to Dec 23

 

Forces Employment Charity: Access to Higher Education Webinar - 13 Jul

Did you know that you can unlock a university education without traditional qualifications, with an Access to Higher Education Course?

​Forces Employment Charity are partnering with Andover College and the University of Winchester to bring you a webinar which will unravel the ins and outs of accessing Higher Education. This event is aimed at military spouses who are looking to pursue a change in career.

A great opportunity to discover the types of courses on offer, from Social Work, Nursing and Health Care to Social Science.

From finance costs and support to the application process, we have you covered!

📅13th July 2023

⏰ 7.30pm -8.30pm

📋 register here https://streamyard.com/watch/Qa8WpFeArrit

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) UK - Communications Update

Update on FDIS  UK performance

For updates on the action DIO is taking to improve the performance of the accommodation contracts, please read the Families First Newsletters which can be found here: on Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Online forms for in-home requests are now available on the Pinnacle website

Online forms are now available at In-Home Requests - Pinnacle Service Families to make it easier for families to submit in-home applications for pets, visitors, nannies/au pairs, minor encroachments or to run a business.

Blind Veterans UK

Welcome to your Blind Veterans UK July update

What a busy few months our veterans have had. There's been art exhibitions, the launch of our Gift a Wreath campaign and a whole host of events to mark national Armed Forces Day. Read on to find out more.

We also give an update on what your fellow supporters have been up to and show you how Aldershot Hive can make a difference to blind veterans, both locally and nationally.

And if you're already supporting Blind Veterans UK, don't forget to send us your news so we can celebrate your successes in future updates and in your local community.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Rebecca, Sian and Viccie

Community Partnerships Team, Blind Veterans UK

Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) Update

 ost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 

Guidance on getting extra payments to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits. 

5 July 2023 - Added guidance on how to report a missing £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. 

 

New law to ensure domestic abuse victims receive child maintenance gets Royal Assent 

A Bill ensuring victims of domestic abuse can receive child maintenance without contact from their abuser has received Royal Assent on Thursday, 29 June 2023. 

 DWP launches new Midlife MOT website 

A new online Midlife MOT has been launched to help older workers with financial planning, health guidance, and to assess what their skills mean for their careers and futures. 

Schidersee Fireworks Plus Kinder & Familenfest 14th -16th July

This family leisure complex is just over a 40min drive from sennelager. the site offers a lake, kids aqua fun park and nearby pony club. 

On the 14th -16th July you can enjoy a music festival, fireworks on the lake and then a family festival at the Funtastico auqa park. 

Schiedersee

• Fri – July 14 BubbleBeats – The Soap Bubbles Open Air – Tickets
• Sat – July 15 SchiederSee in Flammen *SEASONHIGHLIGHT* – Tickets
• Sun – July 16th SchiederSee in Flammen family day with Street Food Festival and family party

Osnabruck Wine Summer 6th -9th July

When the market square becomes a wine oasis, it's wine summer again. The summer highlight for wine lovers from Osnabrück and the surrounding area is imminent. This year the WeinSommer will take place from July 6th to 9th, 2023.

More information at weinsommer.de

Libori Family Events

When Libori is celebrated in Paderborn from July 22 - 30, 2023, Franz-Stock-Platz will be transformed into the "Square of Small Arts". Visitors to this square can look forward to nine special days with a mixture of acrobatics, comedy, theatre, puppetry and musical diversity.

On the Small Arts Square you can experience three hours of family programs every day:

3:00 p.m. - Paderborn puppet shows

3:30 p.m. - Johnman

4:00 p.m. - Jens Heuwinkel - Wheel of Fortune of Artistry

4:30pm - Paspartout and The Baby Elephant

4:45 p.m. - Cie Baltazar

5:15 p.m. - Paderborn puppet shows

At 19:00 there are alternative concerts every day and at 20:30 DJ sets.

All information at www.paderborn.de/pdkk

The toilets are directly below the square. There is the pirate ship with drinks, the potato cult stand, as well as giant fire waffles in sweet and savory

Paderborn Libori 2023

The nine-day Libori Festival, with a unique mixture of church, fair and culture, attracts around 1.5 million visitors every year.

The celebration of a Saint is combined with; freshly brewed beer, a giant street fair and a market. 

The event lasts for nine days each July. Libori is one of the largest folk festivals in Germany. The roots go back to the year AD 836.

AFFS Survey Closes 4th August