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HiVE NEWSLETTER 1 HiVE Newsletter May & June 2014 RAF Henlow 1930’s looking North

Henlow hive newsletter may june 14

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Page 1: Henlow hive newsletter may june 14

HiVE NEWSLETTER 1

HiVE NewsletterMay & June 2014

RAF Henlow 1930’s looking North

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Station Commander Forward

Dear all,

Firstly I’d like to thank our HIVE Information Officer (HIO), Lynda McFarlane for her years of service to our community at Henlow and she will be greatly missed. She leaves us on her retirement which we hope will be long and active. However, we must now welcome Nerys Bell who has taken over as our HIO. Nerys comes to us from RAF Northolt and is very experienced in the ways of the HIVE.

Nerys is perfectly placed to move the HIVE into bigger and better premises. Along with CDO, Siggy Hillman, the new Stn Community Support Officer, WO Sarah Tuckwell and Pam the SSAFA social worker, Nerys will move the HIVE into the recently renovated room which previously held the library in building 58. This new, fully integrated welfare facility will become known as the Stapleton-Cotton Centre (SCC) after the first ever Stn Cdr at Henlow in 1918. There will be no change to Monthly community coffee which will still be served in the Community Centre next to the Coffee Pot. However, we hope to be able to offer a once a week drop-in coffee session, for everyone and anyone, within the SCC. More details to follow. I will endeavour to attend as many of these coffee mornings as I can, as I get a good deal of feedback from them. So, dependents, SFA residents, Livers in, Stn personnel and contractors, if you want to air your views directly to me, over a free cup of coffee, these are great opportunities to do so.

I know there has been a great deal of angst over the kitchen and boiler upgrade programme brought to us by DIO. Please continue to complain over issues you feel have been badly handled. Please be as forceful in these complaints as you feel necessary in order to get your message across. If we fail to complain, there is a real chance that lessons will not be learned by the mistakes of this programme and we will continue to suffer from the same issues for years to come.

Over the last year we have spent £135, 000 on Local Initiative Grants. This money is allocated by Air Command to benefit RAF Personnel and their dependents (sorry Army and Navy). These have included equipping our new Whittle Inn flats with furniture, decoration and kitchens as well as grants to clubs and sections for things like garden furniture, TVs, coffee machines, Music Club instruments and equipment, paint for self-help and infrastructure changes to the SCC to accommodate our community support staff. We have secured £100,000 again next year. Of this, we have allocated £60k for some planned infrastructure improvements and the rest for grants to clubs and sections. LIG bids are requested on the Community Support MOSS page and this is live again now. If you think you have a good cause, please feel free to put in a bid. It takes moments to do and, if successful, could improve things for our community.

Take care.

Pete Marshall

Stn Cdr

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Community Support Team

Service Community Support Officer (SCSO)WO Sarah Tuckwell is the Service Community Support Officer for RAF Henlow. For advice and guidance with regard to Service Families Accommodation (SFA), Single Living Accommodation (SLA) or to chat about any community issues.

Contact details Mil: 95381 7617 Civ: 01462 851515 Ext 7617 Email: [email protected] in the Community Centre - Building 32

HIVE Information Officer (HIO)Nerys Bell is the HIVE Information officer. RAF HIOs support the Chain of Command and tri-Service community through the provision of up to date and relevant information. HIVE staff network worldwide, resourcing national and local information as needed. Information on future relocations is one of the key areas of information support and is available either in advance or on arrival at the receiving unit. HIOs are also involved in providing Operational deployment support, including information on ways of communicating with deployed personnel and other useful information. HIOs are not trained in welfare counselling, however, they are able to offer initial support to individuals and can advise referral to those professional agencies best suited to the individual’s circumstances. All RAF HIVE staff are bound to a Code of Confidentiality.

Contact details Mil: 95381 Ext 7964 Civ: 01462 851515 Ext 7964 Email: [email protected] in the Community Centre - Building 32

Community Development Officer (CDO)Siggy Hillman is the Community Development Officer at Henlow, the CDO’s role is to act as a link between the local community services and the service families, ensuring they receive the same opportunities afforded the local community, other roles involves ensuring the community has a voice in decisions and are represented in meeting with the Stations Management. The CDO is always in liaison with the local schools PSO’s, children centres and other voluntary organisations. The CDO other roles involve being responsible for the Station Youth Worker ensuring they delivers a high quality service to the young people in the youth club, the CDO and SYW work together to deliver the holiday activities available to the families and young people during the year. Siggy as she is known will be leaving RAF Henlow to take up a new job at RAF Wyton on 2nd June 14, she would to pass on her thanks to all the young people and families who have helped her over the last five years, also a special thanks to all the staff at the Youth Club, who whether paid or volunteers, past or present continually do outstanding work.

Contact details Mil: 95381 Ext 7304 Civ: 01462 851515 Ext 7304 Email: [email protected] in the Community Centre - Building 32

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Community Forum

Community News

Community Forum Coffee MorningsCommunity Centre - Building 32

May 7thJune 4thJuly 9th

August 6th

September 10thOctober 8th

November 5thDecember 10th

Timings 1000-1200

Free Refreshments available!

For further information please contact the HIVE office on 01462 851515 Ext 7964.

Community Coffee morning open to all personnel and dependants, welcoming new arrivals to the Station and those already insitu.

Come along to meet the Community Support Team, ask questions on the Station facilities/support, raise any Station issues you may be encountering, or simply a chat.

Tax Relief on Uniform Laundry Expenses forNon-Commissioned Service Personnel

The annual level of tax relief has been agreed at £100 for Army, RAF and RM personnel and £80 for RN personnel. Relief will be given at the appropriate tax rate for an individual, i.e. currently; Basic rate (20%); Higher rate (40%) or Additional rate (45%).

Tax relief from April 2014 onwards will be delivered by a Net Pay Arrangement, which is a monthly adjustment to a Service person’s gross taxable earnings. This will commence automatically with effect from 6 April 2014 for entitled personnel.

HMRC has agreed that the entitlement to tax relief will be retrospective to FY 2008/09.

Service personnel will receive the tax relief due for 2013/14 and all relevant earlier years by adjustment to their PAYE tax code number operating against their pay. This adjustment will include an amount in respect of interest paid by HMRC for late repayment. Personnel will pay less tax in the month their revised tax code number is operated – for the majority, would have been March 2014, although a few cases will have taken effect in February 2014.

There is no need for personnel to take any action to claim the tax relief, and claims should not be made to HMRC as the adjustment to PAYE tax codes will deliver the tax relief due to each entitled Service person.

Further information on these changes is available from the SPVA helpline on 0800 085 3600.

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Lifeworks Families aims to give military spouses and partners the tools they need to get a job; not just any job but one that it right for them, that they will enjoy and that they will succeed in.

Visit their website to find out how the Lifeworks Families programme can help you or someone you know that needs that extra lift to get onto the employment ladder.

www.rblilifeworksfamilies.co.uk

Veterans UK The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) will now be known as ‘Veterans UK’

Veterans UK (formerly Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA)) delivers Armed Forces pensions, compensation schemes and welfare support services.

www.veterans-uk.info

The spring issue of envoy is out now!Available from the HIVE

or website www.raf-ff.org.uk

Military Wives ChoirsSymbol of Strength

Claudia Bradby Jewellery and the Military Wives Choirs are thrilled to launch their ‘Stronger Together’ bracelet.

The bracelet, made of cultured pearls and silk ribbon, features the Military Wives Choirs logo on a pretty sterling silver disc charm.

£5 from each sale of the bracelet will be donated directly to the Military Wives Choirs Foundation, who provide funding and support for individual choirs, as well as bringing choirs together for national projects.

The bracelets can be purchased online atwww.claudiabradby.com

and cost £36.

Community News

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Publication of the Service Complaints Commissioner’s Sixth Annual Report

Community News

Service Complaints Commissioner’s Sixth Annual Report The sixth annual report by the independent Service Complaints Commissioner (SCC) on the fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of the Service complaints system has been published.

Some of the key findings are:The Commissioner judges that delay remains the principal reason why she cannot yet give an assurance that the Service complaints system is working fairly, effectively or efficiently, and is concerned that the goals she set for the end of 2013 have not been met.

The report does however welcome the announcement by Secretary of State on 13th March on the proposals for a Service Complaints Ombudsman (SCO), and acknowledges the introduction in 2013 of the flag reporting system that identifies complaints that have/or are likely to be in the system for 24 weeks.

In presenting the report to Parliament, Minister (DPWV) has welcomed it, and confirmed how much the MOD values the independent oversight the Commissioner has brought to the Service complaints process over the past six years. The findings and recommendations made will be fully considered and the SCC will be provided with a formal response in due course.

The report makes seven recommendations and acknowledges the areas where improvements have been made.

The full report can be viewed on the Service Complaints Commissioner’s website;http://armedforcescomplaints.independent.gov.uk/linkedfiles/afcindependent/

newsandpublications/37155modsccreport2013v0.9.pdf

Armed Forces Pension Rights for Same Sex MarriagesFollowing the extension of marriage to same sex couples by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 the MoD has amended the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Pension scheme rules so benefits for surviving same sex spouses are provided on the same basis as those for surviving civil partners. Effective date 13 Mar 14.

Further legislation to ensure couples wishing to convert their civil partnerships into marriages, and married people wanting to change their legal gender while remaining married, is being drafted. The aim is to implement these arrangements by the end of 2014.

If you require information about your pension entitlements following a same sex marriage, please write to the Service Personnel & Veterans Agency; their address is:

Mail point 480, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow G2 8EW

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Community News

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Community News

Discounts on Cars for Service Personnel The Defence Discount Service car programme (DDS Cars) could help our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families save up to £7,170, with average savings of £3,250 on each new car purchase. These exclusive deals are being backed by 11 of the biggest names in the car industry in a show of their support for those who serve their country.

The exclusive discounts include: ·up to £7,170 on a SEAT Alhambra up to £6,100 on a Peugeot 5008up to £4,300 on a Renault Scenicup to £3,500 on a Kia Sportageup to £3,200 on a Kia Carensup to £2,400 on a Renault Clio

DDS Cars is just one part of the Defence Discount Service, which over 2,500 companies have now joined and pledged generous discounts to show their support for the Armed Forces community. Service personnel, veterans and their families wanting a new car will now be able to view the full range of unique bargains online via the new DDS Cars website or simply walk into their local dealer and order one at a significantly reduced price.

The Defence Discount Service launched in October 2012 and is open to members of the Armed Forces community, including serving Regular and Reserve personnel, veterans, spouses/partners of service personnel, bereaved spouses/partners and MOD staff.

www.ddscars.co.uk

Wings Video Mail Wings Video Mail is the RAF Association’s latest innovation to allow RAF personnel serving in Afghanistan stay in touch with family and friends, offering a secure, personal way to send a one-minute message free of charge back to the UK.

With MoD policy, real-time visual communication such as video calls and Skype aren’t practical on the front line so Wings Video Mail will offer the perfect alternative to all RAF personnel wanting to feel as close to home as they can.

A total of 8 of the distinctive blue, touchscreen Video Mail recording booths are now located in specific areas across Afghanistan such as Bastion and Kandahar.

If you’re about to head off to Afghanistan, find out more at your pre-deployment briefing, or, to use Wings Video Mail whilst on deployment, look out for the Wings Video Mail sticker on the communications cabins.

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Community News

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Community News

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NHS England Commissioning PoliciesNHS England has published national commissioning policies for services aimed at serving Armed Forces personnel and their families. These policies are interim and will be subject to full public consultation next year. Visit www.england.nhs.uk and click on ‘Service specific policies’ to go through to the policies applicable to the Armed Forces.

Community News

British Forces Post OfficeThe British Forces Post Office (BFPO) provides a mail service to serving British forces personnel and their families worldwide, including exercises and operations.

The BFPO headquarters is based in a purpose built facility at RAF Northolt, in North West London. BFPO also has a number of defence mail centres at Andover, Aldershot, Catterick, Colchester, Donnington, Glasgow, Central London, Northolt, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Wyton.

BFPO also provides the e-bluey hybrid mail service. BFPO are increasingly seeing instances of damaged tablet computers/iPads due to insufficient packaging. Senders are using Jiffy bags and or bubble wrap which is not adequate to protect the screens from damage within the postal system. After April 26th BFPO will not accept new claims for damaged screens where inadequate packing was used. Senders should where possible use the manufacturers original packaging or as a minimum standard a rigid cardboard box and solid polystyrene foam blocks to cushion against impact and keep the item from moving inside the box.

BFPO mobile app https://www.gov.uk/british-forces-post-office-servicesThe new BFPO app is free and easy to use.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/205633/20130423_BFPO_Info_App_trifold.pdf

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Storybook WingsFor serving RAF personnel who are deployed overseas, one of the most difficult things to do is leave loved ones behind – particularly when parents leave their children for extended periods of time.

Storybook Wings provides a vital link between these parents and their children. It enables parents to record bedtime stories, along with personal messages, for their children to listen to while they are away, helping to ease the anxiety caused by separation.

The RAF Association provides recording equipment to parents for them to record their chosen stories. Thanks to generous donations received from members and the general public the Association is able to fund the special editing and sound mixing equipment needed by our volunteer editors. Once edited, a soundtrack is added to give each story a really special feel. The completed CD is then sent to the children in a personalised CD cover, and is ready for them to listen to whenever they like.

The RAF Association now supports 32 stations who participate in this growing and popular project, and RAF personnel are also able to record stories while in Theatre, with two recorders in Afghanistan plus another at RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands.

RAF Henlow hold one of these recording equipment please contactPSF on 01462 851515 Ext 7408 to book or for further for details.

Community News

Housing

Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body— SLA / SFAFor SLA & SFA the following increases in cost:

Grade 1 – 3.7% - this is in line with the rental component of the national retail prices index (RPI) as of November 2012

Grade 2 – 2.5%

Grade 3 – 1.2%

Grade 4 – no change

Garage rental and furniture hire – 3.7%

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Housing

Single Living Accommodation for Service Couples

Personal Status Category 1s (PStatCat 1s) & 5s (PStatCat 5s) personnel - Single Living Accommodation (SLA)/Substitute Service Single Accommodation (SSSA) entitlements.

JSP 464 (Tri Service Accommodation Regulations) and JSP 754 (Tri Service Regulations for Pay & Charges) have been amended to give the entitlement to SLA/SSSA, to both married personnel/civil partners who are both serving members of the Armed Forces at their respective duty stations, when serving married unaccompanied.

This policy amendment follows the judgement by an Employment Tribunal and as directed by a Service Complaints Panel, both of which found the said policy was discriminatory due to the protected characteristics of marriage, by reference to the individual’s lack of entitlement to SLA/SSSA and attendant additional housing costs relating to such individuals entitlement to SLA/SSSA. The effective date of this amendment was 20 February 2014.

As a consequence of this amendment, those Service Personnel who are serving married unaccompanied at their permanent duty station have an entitlement to Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and Substitute Service Single Accommodation (SSSA). Additionally those designated PStatCat 5s/c are exempt from payment of SLA/SSSA charges from 20 February 2014. SPVA have been directed to ensure this change is enacted from this date.

In 2010 JSP 464 policy was amended to introduce eligibility to SLA for the PStatCat 1s partner of a Service couple when they maintained a ‘family home’ in a location that precluded either of them living in it at their permanent place of duty.

This note highlights a further amendment to this policy within JSP 464 and JSP 754 and gives entitlement to SLA/SSSA at their respective duty stations, to married personnel / civil partners who are both serving members of the Armed Forces and serving married unaccompanied. In addition it removes the requirement for the PStatCat 5s/c partner to pay accommodation charges when serving married unaccompanied.

SFA Welcome pack updated

The SFA Welcome pack, provided to customers by Housing Officers at the Move In appointment, has been updated to include new customer guides and information

about where to find the new A-Z of SFA on the website, which aims to make it easier to find a range of information.

The latest copy is always available on the SFA website.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/servicefamily-accommodation-welcome-pack

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The Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO)

has now moved to Aldershot.

The JSHAO Advice line is:Military: 94222 7574

Civilian: 01252 787574The new JSHAO postal address is:

Joint Service Housing Advice OfficeMontgomery House

Hammersley BarracksQueen’s Avenue

ALDERSHOTHampshire GU11 2JN

The JSHAO is there for Service personnel and their families to discuss their civilian housing needs. They can advise on local and national Social Housing regulations and procedures, as well as your options for purchasing your own property.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-service-housing-advice-office-jshao-key-documents

Housing

SFA Additional Needs Adaptations Guidance - updated

HASC Closure – Early Advice

The MOD privilege day to celebrate the Queens birthday will take place this year

on Tuesday 27 May, following the late May Bank Holiday Monday.

The Housing Allocations Service Centre (HASC) will close at end of business

on Friday 23 May and will re-open on Wednesday 28 May.

A message will be placed on the phone system a few weeks before reminding all

callers of the closure.

If you need information about the SFA additional needs process please read the dedicated flowchart which provides step-by-step guidance for Service families to request adaptations to an SFA property. The guide has recently been updated.

If you are already housed in SFA and identify a new additional need within your family you should now contact the relevant Housing Allocations Service Manager at the HASC rather than the Centre Manager.

The email addresses of the four Service Managers are listed in the flowchart. The revised flowchart is available on the SFA website at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/additional-needs-adaptations-flowchart

Henlow Access House RAF Henlow has a 2 bedroom furnished Access House (Welfare house for Single Service personnel with access rights to children) Whilst not being utilised for access or welfare visits any RAF Henlow Service personnel may rent the facility for family visits or during march in/out, bookings are made on 851515 Ext 7511.

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Insurance and SFAIt is strongly recommended that all occupants of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) holds appropriate insurance in case they cause accidental damage to their property.

Accidents, such as major spills and damage to carpets, overflowing baths leading to flooding, and putting holes through ceilings from lofts, do unfortunately happen. The MOD has determined the maximum potential liability of the occupant to be £20,000.

Many insurance companies offer tenant liability insurance, but this may not cover SFA occupants who are classed as licensees and not tenants.

The Services Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel (SIIAP) has provided a webpage with details of insurance providers who can provide specific policies for SFA occupants.

www.siiap.org

Fly TippingSomeone recently dumped several bags of garden waste in the copse of trees at the rear of The Oval. It would appear that in the hours of darkness presumably someone made several trip to the area to dump the garden waste. This behaviour is totally unacceptable in any environment but is particularly poor on a military establishment where standards of personal discipline are expected to be much higher then seen in civilian council housing estates.

As with my previous letter about dog fouling, could I ask that if you see instances of fly tipping you obtain the details of those involved? If this is not possible please record any details you can and I will track down those responsible.

Car Parking in SFA

It is recognised that the SFA areas do not have good parking provision and as a result there is a degree of parking on the grassed areas including gardens. In most cases this is not an issue but some grassed areas have been damaged particularly during the very wet winter we have suffered. DIO and MHS have a programme for repairing public areas but could I ask that where personnel have parked on their SFA garden area they repair those areas on a ‘self-help’ basis. April and May is an excellent time to reseed bare areas. A good repair will not only make the area look better but may also prevent a bill for repair at March-Out.

Station Warrant Officer - WO John HarrisMil 95381 Ext 7433

Civ 01462 851515 Ext 7433

Housing

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Housing

Welfare

Forces Help to Buy SchemeSince 1 April 2014 Regular Service personnel will be able to borrow up to 50% of their salary (to a maximum of £25,000). The ‘Forces Help To Buy’ (FHTB) loan is interest free and will be repaid over a period of 10 years. The loan will be available to married, civil partnered and single Regular personnel.

SSAFA In-Service Community Volunteers

RAF Roman Catholic Retreats A RAF Roman Catholic Retreat will be held at Hawkstone Hall, Shropshire, from 16 -19 Jun 14. The Retreat is primarily for RAF personnel serving with the Regular and Reserve Forces but members of the RN, Army and immediate dependants will be considered depending upon availability.

A RAF Roman Catholic Retreat will be held at Worth Abbey, Sussex, from 6-9 Oct 14. The Retreat is primarily for RAF personnel serving with the Regular and Reserve Forces but members of the RN, Army and immediate dependants will be considered depending upon availability. Jun 14 Retreat

Oct 14 Retreat Wg Cdr Leah Griffin E-mail: [email protected]

Did you know that we have a SSAFA In-Service Committee and Community Volunteer Project here at RAF Henlow? The RAF Henlow In-Service Community Volunteer Project of SSAFA supports those local people who are currently serving in our Armed Forces at RAF Henlow and Chicksands, and their dependants. Our volunteers offer experienced, non-judgemental and friendly advice. Your local SSAFA community volunteers are skilled befrienders who can provide low-key practical and emotional support.

Do you have some time to spare? On average they give just an hour or two per week but we guarantee that every minute our volunteers can offer will help. There is a wide range of volunteering options available and SSAFA provides full training for many of them, from dealing with sensitive welfare issues to being a publicity officer. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and do not need to have a service connection.

Whether it is meeting a client to provide low-level practical or emotional support, helping out at one of our many local events for raising awareness, or participating in organisation and administration on the service committee, there is a role to suit just about everyone.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with SSAFA Forces Help contact your RAF Henlow In-Service Committee at [email protected] or the Community Volunteer Coordinator on 07923 492807, or visit the SSAFA website at www.ssafa.org.uk

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Welfare

Holidays for Service Children with Additional

Needs SSAFA Forces Help are organising a series of short breaks during summer 2014 for Service children with additional needs and disabilities. Events are also being held for siblings and young carers. These adventures give children a break away from home, where they can gain independence, make friends and have fun. The breaks also give family left at home a rest, to spend time together and recharge their batteries knowing that their child or sibling is having a wonderful time. Applications close on 15 April 2014.

For further information visithttp://www.ssafa.org.uk/how

Your Personal & Family support Worker for RAF Henlow is Pam Evans.

SSAFA provide advice, support and practical help to all Service Personnel and their families, in confidence, on such matters as: Benefits, Marital Difficulties, and Bereavements.

RAF Ben Fund Liaison, Child Care Issues, Referrals (i.e. to Relate, Cruse etc.) Finance, Housing, Children with Special Needs. Reports (supporting Service Personnel on compassionate grounds) Additionally if you are seeking assistance for ex-service members and/or their families they can refer you on to the appropriate SSAFA Branch Office.

For more information, or an appointment,95371 7097 or 01480 52451 ext 7097.

www.ssafa.org.uk

Mental Health First Aid Rolls out Training for Armed Forces Community

In April 2013, the Government launched the Armed Forces Mental Health First

Aid (AFMHFA) programme – a new initiative that will ultimately train 6,600 members of the wider Armed Forces community in the mental health equivalent of first aid skills.

Those with an interest in mental health, and who have the capacity to deliver the course to other individuals, are now being urged to apply to join one of the fully funded Instructor training courses running throughout 2014.

The AFMHFA programme is a collaborative initiative with military charities, SSAFA, Combat Stress and the Royal British Legion (RBL) and will be targeted at Veterans and serving personnel, as well their family, friends and organisations who work with them.

Further information about the Armed Forces Mental Health First Aid programme and how to apply can be found at:

http://mhfaengland.org/instructor-training/instructor-armed-forces

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Welfare

Big White Wall is an online mental health service for anyone over the age of 16, and free to all UK serving personnel, veterans and their family members.

It provides a community support network with trained counsellors available at all times, 24 hours a day.

The service provides:

- Safe and anonymous support

- Trained counsellors (called Wall Guides) online at all times

- Community, group and 1:1 peer therapy

- Guided programmes on smoking, alcohol, managing anxiety and more

- Clinical tests and a broad range of self-care resources

UK Military can logon at www.bigwhitewall.com (just follow the ‘join now’ buttons)

RAF Poppy Adventure Breaks 2014

EDALE YOUTH HOSTEL

Week 1 Sun 17 – Fri 22 Aug 2014 - Action Adventure and Future Leaders

Week 2 Sun 24 – Fri 29 Aug 2014 - Action Adventure and Equine Adventure

As part of their Poppy Breaks programme, the Royal British Legion are kindly sponsoring two weeks of activity breaks for Service dependants in August 2014. These Poppy Breaks, organised by RAF Community support and delivered by the Youth Hostels Association at Edale Youth Hostel, Derbyshire, provide excellent opportunities for young people to participate in a wide range of activities appropriate to their age and abilities.

The Action Adventure programme for young people aged 10-16 yrs is available during both weeks. The programme will include Canoeing, Raft Building, Bridge Abseiling, Hiking, High-Ropes, Jacobs Ladder, Low-Ropes, Weaselling (a cross between scrambling and caving), Leap-of-Faith, Archery, Orienteering and Hill Walking.

https://www.yhasummercamps.co.uk/action_adventure.php

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Welfare

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Welfare

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Welfare

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Station Events

OPEN TO RAF HENLOW FAMILIES ONLY

RAF Henlow Families Fun DayWednesday 30th July 2014

1200hrs - 1700hrs

WILLIAMS F1 CAR STATIC AIRCRAFT & CAR DISPLAYS

CAPTAIN NEVILLE’S FLYING CIRCUS & OTHER FLYING DISPLAYS

AN ENSEMBLE OF THE BAND OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE COLLEGE

INFLATABLE FUN POLICE DOG DISPLAY

BFBS ICE CREAM VAN FOOD & DRINK..... and much more fun and entertainment!

G14936U

Royal Air ForceBenevolent FundTHE HEART OF THE RAF FAMILY

1200hrs - 1700hrs

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Officers’ Mess 4th June - D-Day 70th Anniversary Dining In Night 11th June - Annual Reception 19th June - Dining In Night 18th July - Summer Ball

Station Events

Station Activites

May Half Term ActivitiesFollow us on our facebook page for the half

term events updates.

www.facebook.com/rafhenlowyouthclub

Contact CDO on01462 851515 Ext 7304

or Station Youth Worker on01462 851515 Ext 7828

for further details.

Military Wives Choir The choir meets in the Church at the Gilbertine Centre, Chicksands every Wednesday 1930-2030 and is always

looking for new members.

No previous singing experience necessary.

Sunday Family Swim1030-1230

By kind permission of the Station Commander, Henlow Blue Sharks Swimming Club sponsor the Family Swim on Sundays between 1030 and 1230.

All Service Personnel and dependants are welcome to attend.

Cost: Adults - £2.00 Children over 3 - £1.00

Blue Sharks members plus 1 adult swim free.

Please enquire at the pool on 851515 Ext 7099, for more details.

Sgts’ Mess 1st June - Families Sunday Lunch13th June - Dining In/Out Night5th July - Summerball

6th June - Family Disco: 1900 - 230012th June - Bring A Boss Disco: 1900-23304th July - Family Disco: 1900 - 2300

Bar open Sunday, Monday Thursday & Friday 1900-2300

Follow Whittles app or facebook page with up to date info

http://myapp.is/Whittleswww.facebook/Whittles.RAFHenlow

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Bowling Henlow Bowl is situated on North Site opposite the Dog Kennels. We are open for league bowling on a Monday and Wednesday evening from 7pm, which anyone over 18 is welcome to join. Winter leagues (doubles) run from Sept to May and Summer (doubles) run from June to August (which is ideal if you want to try it out - we’re not too serious in our leagues!!) Anyone is welcome to pop in and use the bar.

Both station and civilian personnel can book the bowl for private functions for any other available evenings.

We have open bowling night on the first Thursday of every month from 7pm and a Families open bowl is held on the first Saturday of each month (new option - currently under a trial period)

We also have ever-growing requests for children’s parties on Saturday afternoons from 12pm.

Our OICFlt Lt Pipa Le Cras 01462 851515 x6093

ManagerSylvia Sterling 01462 813663

Dept Mngr/TreasKim Baird 01462 851515 x7331 Bowling Alley 01462 851515 x7844

 

Station Activites

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Station Activites

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KitchenGardens

allotmentsto rent

Available to all personnelworking or living onRAF Henlow Camp.

Contact Simon Beckett 01462 851515 x6300

Boxercise Classes Monday 1830 -1930 - Ladies only class

Wednesday 1830 -1930 - Mixed class

Whittles

Contact Dave on 07745202321 for further details.

Zumba Classes Tuesday 1900 -2000

WhittlesContact Donna Hartley for further details

on: 07730512391.

Youth Activities Wednesday

Senior Youth Club 1845-2115 12yrs +

ThursdayJunior Youth Club 1745-2015 8-12yrs

Volunteers are needed for Craft Club, if interested please contact CDO on 01462

851515 Ext 7304 or Station Youth Worker on 01462 851515 Ext 7828 for further details.

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Adverts

HairforceLADIES & GENTS HAIRDRESSERSHairforce located within Whittles

RAF Henlow

Mon & Fri 9.30am – 1.00pmTues CLOSED

Wed & Thu 9.30am – 5.00pm

For more information or to make an appointment call 01462 851515 Ext 7299.

Fayngel Healing Angelic Reiki for a sense of freedom and well being.

20% off to Military Personnel & Dependants.

Tel: 01462 701737www.fayngelhealing.co.uk

Craft ClubStondon Village Hall, Hillside Road,

31st May & 21st June 2-5pm£5 - includes tea/coffee & cakes.

All welcome; bring your own craft projects whatever they maybe.

Demos & tables to buy or sell craft items.

for more information email: [email protected]

or call Tracey on 07747774181.

Quick CutSFA lawn cutting service - free quote

available.

Call Callum Sworder on 07473123113or email: [email protected]

ROAD REP’s VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

CALLING ALL SFA OCCUPANTSRoad reps play a vital role in the heart of community life and are hugely valued by

the station. A road Rep volunteer role would welcome new SFA arrivals & the delivery of

the HIVE newsletter & Stn flyers.

If interested please contact the HIVE office on 01462 851515 Ext 7964.

Thrift ShopOpen Thursday

1000-1300Building 58

Tel: 01462 851515 Ext 7247

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Adverts

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Adverts

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Adverts

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Adverts

Interested in CPD for working with the very young?

CACHE Unit CYPOP1 Work with babies and young children to promote their development and learning.This accredited Level 3 CPD unit is for workers who wish to specialise in working with children in the baby room and the under 2’s.To achieve this accredited unit you need to be working in an early years setting in an under 2’s environment working with babies and children aged between 0-2 years.You will attend the mandatory course Supporting the Very Young. This course will ensure the worker has those essential skills and understanding to enable good practice. You will understand how to meet the needs of, identify and plan for individuals and reflect on suitable environments for babies and toddlers. Following the attendance on the course, you will complete written tasks and be observed in your work place.Our next course starts on Thursday 26th June 2014 in Dunstable. For further information or for an application pack please contact us on:Telephone: 0300 300 8131Email: [email protected]

Interested in supporting children’s speech, language & communication?CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and CommunicationSpeech, language and communication skills are essential for learning and social and emotional wellbeing. This qualification develops the knowledge and the skills necessary for effective communication and how to identify development needs and support for individuals. It has been designed for practitioners in a wide range of settings who are looking to improve their practice and specialist learning in this critical area. You need to be working or volunteering in a Central Bedfordshire Early Years setting, School or a childminder. We are delivering this Award in partnership with the Communication Trust on their Platform 3: Study, learn, qualify pilot project. Consisting of two mandatory and one optional unit, the Award enables the children’s workforce to develop knowledge and skills needed to effectively encourage all children’s speech, language and communication and identify and support those who are struggling. The Award must be completed in 4 months, as well as studying on line you will be supported by an assessor to gain your qualification.This course is being delivered free of charge in Partnership with the Communication Trust funded by the DFE’s VCS Grant scheme.

For further information or for an application pack please contact us on:Telephone: 0300 300 8131Email: [email protected]

Central Bedfordshire Learning and Development Centre www.centralbedfordshirechildrenstrust.org.uk

Central Bedfordshire Learning and Development Centre www.centralbedfordshirechildrenstrust.org.uk

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Adverts

RAF Henlow HIVE Newsletter

Editor - Nerys Bell HIVE Information Officer

Community Centre, RAF Henlow, SG16 6DN

Tel: 01462 851515 Ext: 7964

Email: [email protected] submit any article of interest or advert in Word or PDF format via email.

Closing date for the July/August 14 edition will be Fri 13th June 14.

THE DISPLAY OF ANY BROCHURE OR ADVERTISEMENT BY RAF HIVES DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SEAL OF APPROVAL REGARDING THE ITEM OR SERVICE DISPLAYED OR ADVERTISED. THE

ACCURACY OF BROCHURES DISPLAYED IS NOT GUARANTEED. THE CONTENTS OF ANY BROCHURE OR ADVERTISEMENT DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT

THE POLICIES OR THE OPINIONS OF HM GOVERNMENT, THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OR THE SINGLE SERVICES.

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USEFUL CONTACTS: RAF Henlow Bedfordshire SG16 6DN

BT: 01462 851515 Mil: 95381

Guardroom Ext 7432

RAF Police Emergency (24Hrs) 07768 065238

Duty Officers (Contact The Guardroom) Ext 7432

SSAFA (Wyton) 95371 7097 / BT 01480 52451 Ext 7097

SSAFA 02074 639358Out of Hours ONLY 1700 – 0830 Weekends & BH

SSAFA RAF Henlow Community Volunteer 07923 492807Co-ordinator

Padre (RAF Wyton) 95371/BT 01480 52451 Ext 7040

Hive Information Officer (HIO) Ext 7964

Service Community Support Officer (SCSO) Ext 7617

Community Development Officer (CDO) Ext 7304

OC PMF Henlow Ext 6093

Chief Clerk Henlow Ext 7411

Henlow Access House Ext 7511

Housing Allocation Service Centres (HASC) 0800 169 6322

Modern Housing Solutions (MHS) 0800 707 6000

Gym Ext 7472

Swimming Pool Ext 7099 / 7472

Bowling Alley Ext 7331 / 7844

Thrift Shop (Thursday Only) Ext 7247

Hairforce Ext 7299

Merry Poppets Nursery Ext 7009 / 7012

Derwent Lower School 01462 812047

Henlow Church of England Academy 01462 813733

Samuel Whitbread Academy 01462 629900

Central Bedfordshire Council 0300 300 8000

Bedfordshire Borough Council 01234 267422

NHS Direct 0845 4647

RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) 01780 781650

Army Families Federation (AFF) 01980 615525

The Naval Families Federation (NFF) 023 9265 4374

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