UK Health Security Agency Advice - Be Tick Aware

Ticks can be active all year round, but they are most active in the months April to July, and sometimes later in the autumn.

Don't let ticks stop you from enjoying the outdoors but reduce the chance of acquiring a tick bite by:

1. Using a repellent that prevents ticks
2. Wearing long sleeves and long trousers to reduce direct skin exposure
3. Keep to clearly defined paths and avoid brushing against vegetation
4. Regularly check for ticks and brush off any you find immediately
5. When you’re back indoors, check for any ticks on you, your children and pets
6. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible with a removal device


Find out more, including what to do if you're bitten

The Ripple Pond Spring 2024 Newsletter

 

Use this link to read the newsletter 

Army Cadets Mental Health

Are you struggling with your #MentalHealth ? 

Do you need someone to talk to? 

Check out Kooth.

Kooth are a service that allows you to get help by both talking to someone and accessing advice.

Fighting With Pride Guide to Help & Support 2024

Three of the pillars of action for Fighting With Pride (FWP) are Direct Support, Community Building and Capacity Building. 

In partnership with The Veteran UK we have produced a resource to showcase our community, highlight the direct support we are gaining from partner organisations, government and service chiefs and list the many organisations joining our Pride in Veterans Standard (PiVS), expanding our capacity to reach LGBT+ veterans, serving members, reservists, adult cadet force members and their families.

This is our inaugural digital version, focusing on the community and listing the rapidly growing number of organisations joining PiVS and offering services and support to you. 

It shows organisations, local and national, that offer support from housing to employment, education to therapy, social networks to physical and mental health services and so many others, and who, as members of PiVS, have shown a commitment to the particular help and support needed for LGBT+ veterans and families.

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

 

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.

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 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.

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

.

Pink & Blue Abstract Meeting

 

Visit your Pharmacy first!

 

Defence Victim Witness Care Unit: We Stand With Victims

 We stand with victims. 

A year after its formation, we look at how the Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) supports victims and witnesses of serious crime during their journey through the Service Justice System.  

Here to support 

Whether you’re in the Armed Forces or a civilian, the VWCU is here to support you. If you’ve been affected as a victim or witness of serious crime committed by Service personnel in the UK or abroad, we are here to help. 

Independent from the Army, Navy, and RAF chains of command, the unit is made up of specially trained civilian Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) who act as supportive guides throughout the Service Justice System – from reporting a crime, to the investigation, and any subsequent court martial and outcomes.  

Each referral to the VWCU is allocated a VLO as their primary contact who will remain with them throughout the process, ensuring they are supported in accordance with the code of practice for victims of crime (JSP 839).  

World Sleep Day Friday 15th March

Why is sleep so important?

SLEEP is the Foundation Stone that supports both our mental health and physical wellbeing, which is why we spend a third of our lives asleep.​

The information contained in this Sleep Resource Page will help you to adopt heathier lifestyle choices, these small changes will help you to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. All of ​​​​​​these changes are inside your control.

​Fd Army Sleep Resource Page (cloud.microsoft)

Army Welfare Service: A Message to Domestic Abuse Victims/Survivors

 See the.pdf here

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 Takes Place 18-24 March

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 takes place 18-24 March, and a calendar of online webinars and Q&A sessions has been scheduled as a part of this.  There are events relevant to individuals, parents and carers, employees and employers included; registration is via this link: 

​Recordings of the webinars will be emailed out to those who register, if they are unable to join their selected event(s) at the scheduled time.

For those working within MOD, also have a look at the Neuro Inclusivity Network.

NHS 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' Campaign Launches Today

 

The NHS ‘Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ campaign launched today, and has the following primary messages: 

● High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. 

● You could be one of millions living with high blood pressure without knowing it. 

● An estimated 4.2 million adults in England currently have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

● Left untreated, high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

Breastfeeding Support Groups - A Short Survey for Serving Personnel & Spouses

Please click here for a short survey on potential Breastfeeding Support Groups across the UK.

​This survey was created by FAB (Families And Babies) and is tailored to the military community including spouses, either those who may wish to volunteer/undertake training to run the groups, or those who may be interested in attending​.