The Long Night of Museums Bielefeld and Dusseldorf 27th April

Enjoy a  fantastic night of museum visits, shows, outdoor exhibitions and much more. 

Started in 1997 by Berlin. Then night of museums now takes place in most major German cities each year.  

These events include lighting up areas of the city with 

On April 27th you have the choice of visiting Bielefeld or Düsseldorf. 

Bielefeld

Over 50 Bielefeld cultural locations will be working a late shift for night owls and art fans on April 27th from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

The event show cases a packed list of exhibitions, fascinating light installations and  performances.

tickets for bielefeld are cheaper when pre purchased online. They include use of a shuttle bus between venues. Age under 14 go for free.

Book tickets here.

Highlights in Bielefeld:

At the Wiesenbad interactive experience stations immerse the outdoor pool area in new worlds of lights.

The magical walks are possible after dark. Just come in, press the buzzer, “paint” with your cell phone light, let bubbles fly using your bike and much more.

Sennelager QM to Ride 100 Miles for Charity

 

The Quartermaster for the Sennelager Garrison will be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation riding 100 miles through London/Essex on Sunday 26 May 24. 

You can help raise funds here in Sennelager in the following ways:

• Charity tins for donations are located in NAAFI stores and dinning areas
• Drop off items for a Flohmarket at Brydon House Welfare hub by the 8th May
• Donate via Just Giving using the QR code in the poster above
• Donate cakes (Homemade or purchased)  and join a garrison coffee morning on the 8th May. Bacon rolls, cakes tea and coffee available 

Any support that the community can provide will be gratefully received. 

Guides for Those Bereaved by Suicide in the Armed Forces Community

Suicide Bereavement UK have developed a series of At Your Side guides for those bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community.

Three guides have been written by the bereaved for the bereaved:

• At Your Side guide for Veterans
• At Your Side guide for families
• At Your Side guide for Serving Personnel

Both the veteran and family guide were launched on the 17^th April 2024.  The Serving Personnel guide will be launched shortly.

To view or download the guides, please use this link

New Collaboration Between Service Police and the Independent Charity Crimestoppers

Service Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers have teamed up to help further protect Defence people and assets.

Joining all UK police forces and law enforcement agencies, Service Police will now also benefit from access to information reported 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers.

UK Armed Forces vs North of England Select XV - Sat 22 Jun

Use this link to find out more about this event.

Dragon Boat Race Charity Fundraiser for The Felix Fund - Sat 06 Jul

Taking place on 6 July 2024 on the River Avon in Monkton Park, Chippenham, this event promises a fun-filled day with your colleagues or friends whilst making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have risked everything to keep us safe.

Interested in taking part, or just fancy spectating on the day?

Read more about how it works or click here to visit the website!

Last chance to take the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS)

This year’s Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) – which is open for a sample of civil partners/spouses of regular serving personnel – closes on Monday 22 April 2024.

With the deadline fast approaching, there’s no time like the present to check the online eligibility tool to see if you can take part, and then go on to complete the survey. These work best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Where the survey and eligibility tool ask for a token/access code, please enter your partner’s Service number. This is for security reasons only; all responses are anonymous.

Army Carers – Supporting Serving Personnel with Caring Responsibilities

 

Tickets For Troops

You are eligible to apply for tickets through Tickets for Troops if:

• You are a serving member of HM Armed Forces
• Have been medically discharged from the Forces since the commencement of military action in Afghanistan in 2001
• You have been awarded a medical pension by the Ministry of Defence and discharged after 2001
• You are the next of kin to a service person who has died as a result of their service

Serving members include both Regulars and Reserves, membership is not open to Cadet Forces, Officer Cadets nor MOD Civil Servants.

Serving members must have a valid MoD 90 (Service ID Card) and Service ID number to register and use the tickets available on this site. Those who have been medically discharged must enter the Service ID Number issued to them whilst serving in the HM Forces.

You will be required to verify that you are eligible to use Ticket For Troops. ​​

To sign up or to see the latest events, please visit www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk​.

You have one week to complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey

This year’s Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) – which is open for a sample of civil partners/spouses of regular serving personnel – closes on Monday 22 April 2024.

With the deadline fast approaching, there’s no time like the present to check the online eligibility tool to see if you can take part, and then go on to complete the survey. These work best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Where the survey and eligibility tool ask for a token/access code, please enter your partner’s Service number. This is for security reasons only; all responses are anonymous.

Paderborn Family Hiking Day

On Sunday, May 5, 2024 The City of Paderborn is organizing the fourteenth family hiking day together with the Eggegebirgsverein.

From 9.30 a.m. all Paderborn families are invited to come to the town hall square. Prior registration is not necessary. 

The approximately seven kilometer long hike starts at 10 a.m. at the historic town hall and leads over the Pader spring area and the Schützenhof to the “Merschweg” water playground in Neuhaus Castle. 

Along the way, small and large tasks await the participating families at five children's playgrounds.

From 1 p.m. there will be a final round-up for all participants at the water playground in Schloß Neuhaus with a free snack for well-deserved refreshment at the “House of the Guilds”. 

There will also be a raffle at the end for all the children who hiked with us. What might the prize be?

All Paderborn families are warmly invited to join in the hike. Further information can be found at familienservicecenter.de. 

The Family Service Center, the Children and Youth Office and the Eggegebirgsverein Paderborn are looking forward to a wonderful day of hiking.

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

 

Family Action: FamilyLine Jobs

Helpline Coordinator, FamilyLine - Full Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)

Full Time (37 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

Helpline Operator, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)

Part Time (30 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

​Data Analyst, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)

Part Time (18.5 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

More Ideas for Places to Visit

Here are some more local attractions to check out. As always you can find a mix of free and paid for places. 

Schiedersee/ Funtastico Park (Drivetime 38 mins)

Funtastico is a small fun park which sits on the shores of the Schiedersee just under 40 mins drive from Sennelager. 

BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by VINCI Facilities - Thu 25 Apr

 

Hosted by VINCI at the London Stadium and attended by 40 of our key industry employers, this is an excellent platform to explore the sector further, discuss transferable skills and UK-wide opportunities. 

Please note this is not limited to London as all employers have a national presence and as such are recruiting for all skillsets nationally.

Please note that all in the military community are welcome to attend, including Veterans, Reservists, Service Leavers and spouses.​

Reserve your spot at: BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by VINCI Facilities Tickets, Thu 25 Apr 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

Stress Awareness Month - Toegtherall

Struggling with stress? 

@Togetherall have got your back. 

This #StressAwarenessMonth, unlock the power of these 4 stress-busting tips. 

You can also join the Togetherall community and get support from likeminded individuals at togetherall.com.

Almost £3M to Support Systemic Change in Armed Forces Communities

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded almost £3 million to nine transformative projects in this year’s round of the Covenant Fund Transformational Grants programme.

Continuing the trend from last year’s awards, the Trust has selected projects which aim to deliver systemic change within the Armed Forces community in a variety of different ways.

Each of the funded projects has a different focus, from supporting older Veterans, to tackling stigma amongst female Veterans. Mental health and wellbeing outcomes are an important element of many of the projects, though the ways of taking on these challenges vary from sports to e-learning, and training to inclusive programmes of activity and new and improved ways of delivering services.

School Admissions: Which primary/ Secondary School will My Child Attend?

The UK Government website has information and guidance on school admissions with links to support those who have applied for school places in each of the four countries.

To view the and download the document use this link. (Google Drive.)

If you are viewing this from an MoD computer the Google Drive Link will not be accessible. please contact your local HIVE and they will be happy to send you a copy.

Talent In The Ranks - Artist Development Programme for the Armed Forces Community

 

Military Youth Voice Survey for 8-17 Year Olds - Closes Fri 31st May

The Tri-Service Youth Survey is open to anyone aged 8-17 who lives, or has lived in a family that includes a Serving person.

It’s really important that we reach as many children and young people as possible. Please share the survey with as many people as you can and ask them to support the service children and young people they know and/or work with to complete the survey by 31st May 2024.

The results of the Survey will help the Youth Voice Steering Group focus their priorities, inform professionals, policy makers and help improve the experience of children and young people living in service families.

Link to survey - UK Tri-Service Youth Voice Survey 8-17 years (office.com).

Stress Awareness Week and Debt

 

Serve and Protect's new Cash ISA

Introducing Serve and Protect Credit Union's new Fixed Cash ISA account! 💼💰

The account offers a guaranteed tax-free return of 4% AER for the 2024/25 tax year so it could be a great opportunity for you to grow your savings.

​Learn more

DIO Accommodation - Stakeholder Briefing

A safety recall has been issued by IDEAL regarding their Heating Logic 2 gas combi & system boiler range. Around 1,700 homes have this type of boiler installed. Impacted families have been issued a letter and FAQ document informing them of the issue and the next steps to resolve this.

Families are still able to use the boilers, however, IDEAL advise families to repressurise their boiler and ensure they register their details for an upgrade. Instructions on how to do this, can be found on IDEAL's website.

Two Wrap Around Childcare Q&A Sessions for Families 18th and 30th April 2024

The WAC Team are holding two Q&A sessions for Service Families:

• 18 April 2024 11.30-12.30
• 30 April 2024 10.30-11.30

Sign-up via MS Forms to allow participants to be kept aware of any date/time changes.

Stress Awareness Month - Togetherall

Ready to conquer stress and worry?

This #StressAwarenessMonth, take charge of your mental well-being with @Togetherall's self-help course 'Managing Stress & Worry'.

Join the empowering community and equip yourself with the tools to thrive. Let's turn stress into strength, together join today at togetherall.com.

Schloss Auenpark Summer 2024 Events

Schloss Neuhaus offers a range of  great events every summer. Below are just a handful you can enjoy. to see more visit the complete list here.

Paderborn Ceramics Market Neuhäuser Castle

• Sat 27th  - 28th April  11:00 - 18:00

 

    

Stands from a wide range of suppliers from all over Germany line up along the paths of the baroque park and present an intoxicating variety of colors, shapes, techniques and ideas.

Suggestions for Free Places to Visit

Olderdissen Zoo - Bielefeld (Drive time 31mins) - Free entry

This family favourite Zoo is free to enter  365 days a year. At Olderdissen Zoo around 450 animals live, 35 species of mammals, 42 species of birds and three species of fish.

From mice to bears – many different animals live in the Olderdissen Zoo including  as wolves, chamois, alpine marmots and otters. 

Some zoo animals came and stayed even without fences. The free-living storks and herons have chosen the zoo as their center of life. The Alpine marmots consider the entire zoo their territory.

Your dog is also welcome in the zoo. Please keep him on a short leash. Other animals are not permitted.

You cannot bring bicycles, scooters, e-scooters, skateboards, etc. inside.

Bilsteintal: Tropfsteinhöhle und Wildpark - Warstein (Drive time 51 mins)

This free wild park is home to some exciting animals hills and trails. (Not the easiest access for prams and wheelchair users.) 

but if you do make a visit you will find not just the animals but one of the best caves in Germany. 

Visits to the Tropfsteinhole are paid for tours €7.50 for adults & €5 for children.

in addition Lynx feeding and archery tours are two additional paid for activities in the wild park.

Stress Awareness Month - Toegtherall

As #StressAwarenessMonth comes to a close, let's keep the momentum going.

Reflect on your journey with @Togetherall's journal tool, celebrate your progress and plan for the future with their goal setter, and continue prioritizing your mental well-being.

The supportive community and resources are here for you every step of the way. Let's keep shining brighter together. Join today at togetherall.com.

Stress Awareness Month - Togetherall

Feeling the weight of stress? You're not alone. 

This #StressAwarenessMonth, take a step towards better #mentalhealth with @Togetherall. 

Join a supportive community where you can share, learn, and grow together. Your well-being matters - let's navigate this journey together. Join today at togetherall.com

.

BFBS Social Media Specialist?

*Ring ring* 📞 It's the social media police calling! 🤭

We think it's time to 'up' your social media game. 💻✨

In case you didn't get the memo, BFBS are now offering FREE social media courses to...

✨ Partners of UK military personnel

✨ Bereaved forces families

✨ Veterans

✨ Partners of veterans


Sign up for any (or all) of our seven courses 

Pink & Blue Abstract Meeting

 

DIO Families First Newsletter - Issue 15

In this issue:

- A Message from DIO Director of Accommodation, Phil Riley
- Modernised Accommodation Offer survey
- Investment across the estate
- DIO SFA Townhall sessions

Families First newsletters can be viewed online 

Discover My Benefits: Discover Benefits for You and Your Family – What’s New?

Discover My Benefits now gives a more accurate and tailored financial value for your Army Regular or Reservist total reward package.

Have you ever wondered how much extra you get in addition to your standard salary and, more importantly, what could be available to you and your family in the future? Or have you previously used Army ‘The Offer’ webpages to find this out?

To see how you receive more than just pay, visit Discover My Benefits – with information on pensions, facilities, allowances, discounts and offers, to help with cost of living and the unique demands of military life and operations.

Victory Services Club: March Newsletter

Home - Victory Services Club (vsc.co.uk).

View the Newsletter here

Candle in The Wind - D- Day 80 Remembrance Service at the Mohnesee

 

What's on Over Easter

Fort Fun Easter Event 31st March & 1st Apr  standard admission tickets get kids access to the Easter Egg hunt. Drive time from Sennelager is approx 1 hour.

A fun treasure hunt in the amusement park for little explorers up to 12 years old on the large playground near the Adventure Area (opposite the Dark Raver attraction).

Who finds the golden egg and wins a basic annual ticket for a year of fun at the amusement park.

Safari Land Stuckenbrucke - The Easter Bunny will out and about in the Park

In the Safariland the African safari feeling is guaranteed, even without traveling to another continent. With us you can experience over 600 animals directly plus enjoy the amusement park and indoor play area. Drive time is approx 15 mins from Sennelager

Wisentgehege Wildpark-  Easter Sunday Funday 

Easter skill games for children, puzzles and crafts. Drive time from Sennelager is approx 1hr 25 mins.

 

 Dippemess

Frankfurt's  spring festival "Dippemess" is one of the largest folk festivals in the Rhine region. 

You can find the main fair on the Festplatz Am Ratsweg . This year the fair opens between 3rd -22nd Apr.

The Dippemess dates back to a medieval market called the Maamess. Potters from the Westerwald, Kannebakerland and Urberach also sold their products at the market, especially ceramic bowls and containers.

These are called "Dippe" in the local dialect and over time the name changed to the Dippemess.

Opening hours:

• Monday closed (except Easter Monday)
• Tuesday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m
• Friday to Saturday 2 p.m. to midnight
• Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m
• Every Tuesday between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., children up to the age of 12 receive two tickets for the price of one at all participating children's rides.
• Parking is not available at the site organisers suggest using public transport to arrive by train or bus. 
• Frankfurt Hbf is about 20 mins by U-Bhan

"freDOlino" Dortmund

"Fredolino", the Dortmund Easter fair. Entry costs 1 euro.© Andre Schuchert

The Dortmund spring fair opens between 1st Apr - 16th Apr.

You can find the fairground at the Fredenbaum park . 

Parking is available directly at the Poco fairground car park – Eisenhüttenweg 11.

Entry to the fairground €1 - Pay per ride in addition.

• Monday and Tuesday: 2pm to 10pm
• Wednesday: 2pm to 11pm
• Maundy Thursday: 2pm - 11pm
• Thursday: 2pm to 10pm
• Friday to Saturday: 12 pm to 11 pm
• Sunday: 12.00 to 10.00
• Closed on Good Friday

The highlights this year are the firework evenings on Saturday 30th Mar & 6th Apr.

On Family Days - every Wednesday (March 27th and April 3rd) - families can look forward to a 50 percent discount on all carousels, a great incentive for trips with the whole family.

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund

Fund applications are now open!

​Last year, The Open University supported around 28,000 disabled students. And, since the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund was established, more than 300 additional disabled students have been able to access higher education with us.

What is a Disabled Veterans' Scholarship?

If you’ve been injured or disabled in, or as a resu​​lt of, military service, you could be funded to complete a full Open University qualification.

We offer 50 scholarships annually. All undergraduate and postgraduate modules and qualifications are eligible. You’ll have your fees waived for up to 120 credits per seasonal academic year, up to a maximum of 360 credits, which is equivalent to a full honours degree.

Information and eligibility criteria can be found here

Disabled Veterans' Scholarships | How to Pay | Open University

HIVE 40th Anniversary: Request for Anecdotes and Memories

 

Social Media Specialists - Free BFBS Social Media Training

Free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses.

The BFBS Academy has announced the launch of Social Media Specialists, a free course open to the broader military community offering the opportunity to upskill in social media marketing techniques.

Free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses.

Click here for further details

Join the RBL at the National Memorial Arboretum to Mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

The Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on 6 June as RBL host WW2 veterans and their families, and commemorate the service and sacrifice of all those involved in the Normandy Campaign.

Members of the public can watch the D-Day 80 Service of Remembrance in the grounds, with seating available on a first come, first served basis.

Entry to the Arboretum is free, but booking your visit in advance is recommended to guarantee entry, and save on parking (£4 in advance, £6 on the day)

Defence Discount Service: Veterans Privilege Card Video

Defence Discount Service have introduced a new video to support veterans with signing up for a Defence Discount Service Privilege card.  To watch the video, please go to this YouTube link. 

National Adult Social Care Recruitment Campaign - Made with Care

23red is the partnerships agency working with DHSC on their national adult social care recruitment campaign Made with Care.

The campaign aims to highlight the amazing opportunities which the care sector can provide for a fulfilling career, showcasing the amazing difference you can make every day and demonstrating that it is easy for people without any previous experience to get started.

Family Action Job Vacancy: Practice Development Support Office - Part Time & Home Based

Starting at £24,724 FTE per annum, raising to £27,232 FTE per annum

Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum

Permanent Contract

UK home based with some travel

Part time – 22.2 hours per week

To apply: fill out the Application Form & send to: completed.application20@family-action.org.uk

To learn more about the role and requirements, read the job advert and the job description and person specification

Closing date: Friday 12th of April at 5pm

Accommodation Survey - ARMY 2024

Army - Accommodation Survey - ARMY 2024

Extension to Closing Date: Modernised Accommodation Offer Review – don't miss the opportunity to have your say!

1800 Tues 9th April.

Modernised Accommodation Offer Review – don't miss the opportunity to have your say!

The MOD is undertaking a review of the Modernised Accommodation Offer (formerly New Accommodation Offer), following the pause in rollout of elements relating to Service Families Accommodation (SFA).

As part of the review, we want to gain a clearer picture of your personal circumstances and your future accommodation choices. We will use this data to improve our understanding of the potential demand for family accommodation, including where, how and with whom Service personnel would like to live. It will help us to create an improved accommodation offer for the Armed Forces.