Forces Families NHS Focus Groups

 

AFF 23rd November 1800-1900hrs

AFF 24th November 1000-1130hrs

RAF NHS focus groups 12/13/18 November

Royal Navy families should follow the Naval Families Federation website or Facebook page as no focus group dates have been released yet. To visit the Facebook page, which also links to the website, click HERE

You can also access the NHS survey HERE

RBLI Zoom Art Club - Every Friday 2pm-3pm

 

RBLI invites you to join their Zoom Art Club! This remote club is an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and share your knowledge with the group.

No special skills or materials required just a pen/pencil and some paper. Enjoy learning new skills and find relaxation in creating something. All ability levels welcome!

To join the club please contact Eni Silveira by emailing eni.silveira@rbli.co.uk or by calling 07977 148 150.

To visit the RBLI's Facebook page, click HERE

What's On At The Pound Arts, Corsham

 

As well as virtual events there are many events you can now attend in person at The Pound Arts Centre in Corsham, catering for all ages, including drawing workshops for children and teens, photography for adults and interactive family plays.

Upcoming film showings include Military Wives, Parasite, Little Women and 1917.

To find out more online, click HERE

Autumn Holiday Childcare & Activities For 5-12 Year Olds

Parents looking for childcare and activities during the Autumn half term for their 5 – 12-year olds can now find a wealth of opportunities on the Wiltshire Council website.

The resource has been developed to support those families with vulnerable children and children of key workers who may need to organise additional childcare during the holiday.

We asked local providers to send details of their activities including charges, venues and dates to help parents plan how to keep children busy during the Autumn holiday.

We have also asked all providers to ensure they have the necessary protocols and checks in place including procedures that enable them to adhere to the latest government guidance on social distancing. Parents are reminded to always thoroughly research any childcare provision themselves before booking places for their children.

Families are advised to keep up to date with latest government guidance as they plan their half term holidays.

To visit the website, click HERE

Local COVID19 Alert Levels For The Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

 

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Clinically extremely vulnerable people in England will receive new guidance to help them reduce their risk from COVID-19, tailored to where they live.

The guidance will be tied into the new local COVID alert levels framework, meaning those at the highest risk of serious illness from the virus will receive specific advice depending on the level of risk in their local area, as COVID-19 rates continue to rise.

Wiltshire is in the ‘Medium’ tier so the clinically extremely vulnerable must strictly observe social distancing, meet others outside where possible, limit unnecessary journeys on public transport and work from home where possible, but they can still go to work and children should still attend school. This is on top of restrictions for everyone to only meet in groups of up to 6 people.

If anyone needs help and do not have any family, friends or neighbours who can support them please let us know. Our Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub is here to help with deliveries of food and other essentials and loneliness and wellbeing.

You can request this help by calling our helpline on 0300 003 4576 or via email at wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk. The Wellbeing Hub team are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

To read more on the Gov.uk website, click HERE

AFF Continued Support For Non UK National Victims Of Domestic Abuse

 

Thanks to a grant from the Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund, AFF's Foreign & Commonwealth team will continue to offer a bespoke immigration service, across all three services, for F&C spouses and partners who are leaving abusive relationships.

AFF offers visa advice to all F&C families, but this grant enables us to provide additional services for victims of domestic abuse, such as completing immigration forms on their behalf, writing supporting documentation and liaising with support agencies and the Home Office.

Securing these spouses’ and partners’ immigration status is key to ensuring that they can leave abusive relationships and have access to the benefits and support they require.

To read more online, click HERE

Half-Term Halloween Activities On Colerne Camp

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Don't forget there are also virtual activities being hosted by the Army Welfare Service Community Support team. To read more about those activities click HERE

AFF Non UK Nationals Briefing - Online Only - Tuesday 20th October 2pm

 

Please note that attendance for this event is now online only.

To watch this virtual presentation please click HERE and follow the green link near the bottom of the page.

Alternatively you can find the poster in the Foreign & Commonwealth section of the AFF website.

Latest NHS Armed Forces Briefing

 

To view this 3-page document in full online, click HERE

If you are unable to view the attachment from a MODnet device please email colernehive@armymail.mod.uk and a copy can be emailed to you

Clocks Go Back This Weekend

Remember to put your clock back by 1 hour on Sunday 25 October (2am)

Seasonal Pet Advice

 

For seasonal advice to help keep pets and local wildlife safe, please click the following links:

RSPCA

PDSA

Blue Cross

PetPlan

Leaving Or Left The Armed Forces? Support From Wiltshire Council

 

Leaving the Army soon?

Wiltshire has a history of working with the military and supporting a positive discharge plan for those leaving the Forces and settling in to civilian life. They have produced a leaflet 'Leaving the Armed Forces' which identifies the housing options available and has information about military charities.

To read the above leaflet in full, click HERE

Malmesbury & Villages 'Light Up For Christmas'

 

After all we have been through with lockdowns and gloomy news, we thought it would be good for everyone to put some lights up this year, to brighten not only our lives but for others walking by.

It can be as big or small as you like, in your front gardens or on the wall or in your windows.

It may just bring a smile to someone and then it would all be worthwhile.

People will be able to print out roads / areas partaking and maybe walk around or drive to and bring a little light into their lives.

We have been asked to not have too many flashing lights

​ as some people cannot cope with them.

To visit the website which will soon be updated with a list of streets for the trail, or to add your own street in Hullavington or Stanton St Quintin, click HERE

Facebook Immigration Information Session With AFF - Tuesday 20th October

 

Marama Alliance United Kingdom (MAUK) are back with another immigration session from Army Families Federation - AFF Foreign and Commonwealth Specialist, Katherine Houlston.

This session will focus mainly on new recruits or recruits trying to bring their spouses and families over.

MAUK is a community of Fijian women, journeying together as we integrate into life in the United Kingdom.

Please note that this session should be suitable for all Foreign and Commonwealth families.

To watch the session on the Marama Alliance UK Facebook page, click HERE

National Adoption Week - 12th-18th October

 

Adoption gives children a second chance of stability, permanence, and the love and nurture that all children need. The outcomes for adopted children are better than for those who stay in care. However, adoption is not a silver bullet. The trauma suffered in early childhood is carried with children into their adoptive families. Those families need consistent, specialist support to help them give their adopted children the best possible chance of a brighter future.

If you are considering adopting into your family, please see the links below for organisations that can help to support, inform and guide you through the process-

SSAFA

Adoption West

Adoption UK

DWP Debt Management Update For Universal Credit Claimants

In order to help claimants better direct their queries, the DWP Debt Management phone number is being removed from the Universal Credit claimant statement and replaced by signposting to a new GOV.UK page, which can be found HERE

This new page includes a new tool which will allow claimants to self-serve to find the correct department to contact about any money taken off their Universal Credit. This tool can be found HERE

The Wildlife Trusts 'Big Wild Walk'

 

Get active, discover your local nature reserves, make memories and raise money for your Wildlife Trust! By taking part in the Big Wild Walk, you will be helping us on our mission to return 30% of land and sea back to nature by 2030.

For our new fundraising challenge, we want you to set yourself a walking challenge this October to raise money for The Wildlife Trusts. The level of difficulty is completely up to you: aim for 10,000 steps a day or push yourself to do 150,000 in seven days.

Alternatively you could sign up for the migration or the hedgehog challenge!

To find out more online, click HERE

RSPCA Adoptober & Howl-O-Ween!

 

To read more about this annual awareness campaign, click HERE

For further details of this event click HERE

Scotty's Little Soldiers - Free Overwatch Episode Available To View Online

 

For a limited time only, Scotty's Little Soldiers have made the third episode of their 'Overwatch' series free to view.

Overwatch by Scotty’s Little Soldiers is an opportunity to do the right thing and look out for the children they leave behind. Become a member of the Overwatch community and help provide long term support to the children of the fallen.

You can sign up to Overwatch by pledging a monthly donation to help support bereaved British Forces children. 100% of your donation will go direct to the Scotty’s Little Soldiers Family Programmes as they cover their core costs from other fundraising activities, meaning your donations go straight where they are needed most.

To view episode three, please click play on the video below. Alternatively to visit the website, click HERE

Cruse Bereavement Care - Signposting Pack

 

To view this pack online, click HERE

Alternatively to see further resources on the Cruse website, click HERE

If you are on a MODnet device and unable to view the attached signposting pack, please email colernehive@armymail.mod.uk and a copy can be emailed to you

Domestic Abuse - The Effect On Children

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UK Veterans Rail Card Announced Today

Military veterans of every generation will soon benefit from cut-price rail travel, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today (14 October 2020), as he presented Captain Sir Tom Moore with the very first Veterans Railcard.

Aimed at supporting veterans post-service, the newly unveiled railcard will provide up to a third off all peak and off-peak fares, as well as discounted travel for adult companions and children. It forms part of the government’s commitment to make this country the best place to be a veteran, helping repay the debt we all owe to those who have served.

To read more online, click HERE

 

FAO Visitors To Colerne Community Centre

 

Please be aware that Welfare have setup a QR code to enable a quick 'trace and trace' sign-in when visiting the Community Centre (please note the above image is just an example and is not a substitute for track and trace)

The QR code is located in the main corridor which you must walk past to visit either the HIVE/CDW/youth room or the Welfare office. You will also find handwashing facilities in the main corridor.

Please note that visitors should also wear masks through the Community Centre, unless eating, drinking or medically exempt.

Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub

 

Wiltshire Council is launching the new Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub which will assist people who want to improve their health and mental wellbeing.

The Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub will utilise Health Improvement Coaches that can support people to make practical changes to improve their health and mental wellbeing through one-to-one support.

The new service builds on the success of the current Health Trainer Service which has been running since 2014, and has supported 5000 people in Wiltshire to lose weight and eat a healthy diet, increase physical activity, reduce alcohol intake, stop smoking and improve emotional wellbeing.

The Health Improvement Hub will be a single point of access for referrals to the Health Improvement Coaches, Healthy Me (child and family weight management service), and our new group adult weight management programme, Healthy Us, due to launch January 2021.

To read more online, click HERE

MOD Issues Updated Safeguarding JSP (v5)

 

JSP 834 provides direction and guidance on the safeguarding principles and procedures that apply to all people in Defence, both in the UK and overseas and highlights that safeguarding remains a key responsibility of the Chain of Command.

The policy scope has been extended from children and young people to include adult safeguarding and is designed to be used by everyone in Defence, including staff who have particular roles and responsibilities for safeguarding.

The JSP is structured in 2 parts:

Part 1: Directive, which provides the direction that is to be followed in accordance with mandated policy and statutory responsibilities.

Part 2: Guidance, which provides practical guidance to assist the user in complying with part 1.

To read more online, click HERE

Coronavirus (COVID19) In The UK - Summary & Cases Per Area

 

The above image is taken from the official UK Government website for data and insights on Coronavirus (COVID19).

The latest R number is estimated at 1.2 - 1.5 with a daily growth rate range of 4% to 9%. Data is also available to download as an easy to read document.

Please note this information is a 7–day rolling rate of new cases by specimen date ending on 07 Oct 2020.

Please click HERE to visit the website

Colerne Fireworks - Watch From Home - Thursday 5th November

 

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To visit the event Facebook page, which includes a link to the Just Giving donation page, click HERE

Local COVID Alert Levels

 

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Wiltshire is currently at a MEDIUM level as of 13/10/20.

For further guidance, including a postcode checker for local COVID alert levels, click HERE

JSHAO Online Presentation - Scottish House Purchasing - Tuesday 3rd November

 

Finding & Thanking Our WWII Veterans

 

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To visit the website mentioned above, click HERE

NHS 'Help Us, Help You' Cancer Campaign

 

SSAFA Adoption Virtual Information Event - Thursday 15th October

 

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Latest Updates From 21 Sigs Welfare Team For The Local Military Community

 

The family passes for Puxton Park & Bristol Zoo/Wild Place Project are still available to be pre-booked; these family passes admit up to two adults and two children and due to current COVID19 restrictions, entry must be pre-booked in advance by Welfare. These passes are between £10-£15 per day.

The Welfare House is available to be booked via Welfare, the cost is £25 per night plus a £50 refundable deposit. Bookings are already filling up for the Christmas period so if you'd like to book please call as soon as you can!

The Welfare team also have a carpet cleaner which can be hired for a refundable deposit of £50 and must be returned clean-please call Welfare to book.

The Community Centre is open every weekday but visitors must wear masks please in-line with Government guidelines (unless medically exempt or under 11 years old)

The Tots group is currently open in the Community Centre on a Monday 1000-1200, £1 for first child and 50p for siblings. Masks must be worn as per above rules.

Messy Senses is currently running on a Wednesday morning 0930-1015 but spaces are limited due to the activities involved. Please call Welfare to book a space. £1.50 per child. Masks must be worn as per above rules.

To enquire about any of the above, please contact Welfare on 01225 745210 or pop into the Community Centre to see the Clerk or SSgt. Alternatively email 21welfareteam@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for further information regarding Halloween & Remembrance Day activities!

Wildlife Trust - Simple Things You Can Do To Help Wildlife

From building a bug hotel to creating a garden pond, HERE are some ideas for things you can do yourself to help wildlife all year round.

Updates To The Little Troopers At School Project

 

The Little Troopers At School project is growing and growing!

A brand new free Secondary School resource hub has recently been launched online. There is also a Secondary School military child wellbeing course launching before the end of this term AND Little Troopers are preparing to go on the road next year to deliver a series of Primary School workshops and education conferences! Please share with your children's schools and let's get them involved. You can find out more HERE

Pedal 4 Poppies

On Saturday 24th October the Forces Wives Challenge team are completing the Pedal4Poppies Challenge with the aim of raising money for the Royal British Legion, and they need your help!

As a community (FWC members, their families, friends, supporters, etc.) they are aiming to cycle a total of 2020 miles.

You don't need to be a member of FWC - anyone can take part!

To find out more online, click HERE

TeenTalk Chippenham - Free Weekly Counselling For 10-25 Year Olds

 

The recently-launched TeenTalk Chippenham is a free to access counselling service for young people aged 10-25 and will be available by appointment only at Station Hill Baptist Church every Wednesday.

For more details and to make a referral visit the TeenTalk website HERE

TeenTalk is a service delivered by Melksham based charity Young Melksham and relies entirely on grant funding and donations to deliver its services. All counsellors are trained in working with young people and are BACP registered.

Family Lives - Online Support

 

Need to talk to someone about family life?

People contact Family Lives about stages of a child’s development, issues with schools, and parenting/relationship support. Family Lives also respond when life becomes more complicated and provide support around family breakdown, aggression in the home, bullying, teenage risky behaviour and mental health concerns of both parents and their children.

You can talk to Family Lives over the phone, via email or online from your phone, tablet or laptop. This service is free and confidential.

To access this service on the Family Lives website, click HERE

Colerne Parish Magazine - October 2020

 

To download this latest edition please click HERE

If you cannot open this attachment on a MODnet device please email colernehive@armymail.mod.uk and a copy can be emailed to you

Latest DDS Discounts

 

To visit the DDS website, click HERE