Generic and local information for the UK Military community in Sennelager including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
Thursday, November 30, 2023
DWP - Benefit Payment Dates December
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.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
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.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Saving Energy, Money and the Environment
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!
Survey for Schools in England
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
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.
Monday, November 20, 2023
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.
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
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.
MOD Bullying, Harrassment and Discrimination Helpline
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
What's on This Week?
- 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 market opens 11am - 9pm Mon- Thurs & Sun and 11am -10pm on Fri & Sat.
Images copyright of Dortmund Stadt
Paderborn Weihnachtsmark 2023
Monday, November 13, 2023
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?
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
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.
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.
Monday, November 6, 2023
Centrica - New Job Roles
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
Friday, November 3, 2023
Bielefeld Christmas Market 2023
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.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust: Over £500,000 Awarded to Support Local Armed Forces Communities
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to have to have awarded more than £500,000 to 42 outstanding projects in the latest round of the popular Force for Change programme, which aims to reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.
Free Nationwide Rail Travel for Veterans and Serving Personnel Attending Services of Remembrance
The offer will benefit people travelling to and from services anywhere in Britain on Remembrance Sunday on 12 November.
And veterans and serving personnel attending the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph can travel to any London terminal for free on Saturday 11 November or on the day itself – and be able to return home for free afterwards.
To find out more click HERE