Family Action: Free counselling support for military personnel, veterans, and families

In support of the British forces, Relate (part of Family Action) can provide six free sessions of relationship and family counselling, and counselling for military personnel, veterans, and families (via webcam), for the following –

Who’s eligible

Serving RAF personnel

RAF Veterans

Family members of the above

Includes personnel posted/deployed overseas

Career Transition Partnership – Upcoming Employment Fairs in Bristol, Edinburgh, Kent and Plymouth

CTP Employment Fairs are open to:

Service leavers
Veterans
Reservists
Partners and spouses

Service leavers/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Family members/veterans: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com

To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 35 Out Now

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available. This issue and previous newsletters can be viewed online on the Defence Homes website.

Forces Cars Direct: March Offers

The new 26 reg plate has arrived! Fancy owning one for less? Forces Cars Direct has you covered this March, including the Chery Tiggo 7, saving you £5,038 or the new Toyota C-HR+, with savings of £7,827.

With access to over 28 leading brands, exclusive new car discounts, mainland UK delivery and part exchange welcome, the Forces Cars Direct team is here and ready to help you make the right decision on your next car.

Find out more at: Military Car Sales | Forces Cars Discount | Veterans | Tax Free Cars - Forces Cars Direct

BELGIUM: Monuments & Moments 16 June 2026 until 11 November 2028

In commemoration of the anniversaries of major memorial sites throughout the West Flanders region, a new First World War Tourism campaign is planned.

The commemorative programme includes anniversaries of the Menin Gate, the Last Post ceremony and Tyne Cot cemetery.

I hope you are able to visit and reflect during this poignant campaign.

For more information, please see https://www.toerismewesthoek.be/nl/monuments-moments

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Helping Your Children Make Sense of the News

Bounce Forward are the leading charity for building psychological fitness. Here are their three top tips on helping your child makes sense of the news....

When big stories are in the news, children hear about them - at school, online, from friends, and sometimes in ways that can feel confusing or worrying.

You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is helping your child think clearly, feel safe to ask questions, and respond in ways that protect their wellbeing.

Here are three simple ways you can support them at home:

1. Help them become a “detective”

If a story sounds dramatic or blames someone, pause together.
You might ask:

• What do we actually know?
• Where did this information come from?
• Could there be another side to the story?
• Is this using words like “always” or “never”?

This builds flexible and realistic thinking - and helps children avoid jumping to conclusions.

2. Use ‘what’ questions, not ‘why’

When emotions are high, “why” questions can sometimes feel blaming.
Instead try:

• What have you heard?
• What do you think about it?
• What worries you most?
• What would help you feel clearer or calmer?

“What” keeps the conversation open and supportive.

3. Choose hope and kindness

It’s easy for children (and adults) to feel overwhelmed by difficult world events. Remind them that choosing hope and kindness doesn’t ignore reality - it helps us move forward.
You could ask:

• What’s one small positive thing we could do?
• How can we show kindness right now?
• Who is helping in this situation?

Even small actions help children feel less powerless and more resilient.

You don’t need to solve the world’s problems in one conversation. Simply listening calmly, asking thoughtful questions and modelling balanced thinking makes a powerful difference.

For more information, resources, support and learning materials, check out the Bounce Forward Website

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Youth Spring Soccer Registration

Please click here to view a larger version of the above image.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Bunco Game Night Friday 27th March 2026

Join us for a fun-filled Bunco Game Night! It's all happening on Friday, March 27th at 6 p.m. at The Hub.
For just $15 per person, you'll enjoy a night of laughter, snacks, and refreshing beverages. Plus, we'll have fantastic prizes for our top players!

Never played Bunco before? No problem! It's an easy and social dice game that's perfect for everyone.

RSVP by March 20th to secure your spot. Scan the QR code or click here to confirm your attendance.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Castle Arcen

 

Enjoy the castle and gardens where every season has its own charm. 
You can combine your visit with a bike ride or a creative workshop.

Plenty for children to do - they can go on a discovery tour in the park with a treasure hunt, have a game of mini golf, play on the man-made beach and feed the animals in the petting meadow. 

The Coaster Connection: Your 2026 Guide to Europe’s Best Thrills

Living in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands offers a major perk: easy access to some of the world's top-tier theme parks. You are close to record-breaking hyper-coasters and immersive, cinematic fairytale worlds.

Check the discount website freizeitparkdeals.de, and get ready for the 2026 themepark season.

🇩🇪 Germany: The Heavy Hitters

Germany dominates the European park scene with precision engineering and massive scale.

Europa-Park (Rust): Frequently voted the best in the world. It’s divided into European themed lands.

Season Opens: 21 March 2026

Link: europapark.de