BELGIUM: Please be aware of the Rogue BFBS TV Player App

Be aware: rogue BFBS TV Player App

BFBS have become aware of a fake, (rogue) copy of their TV Player app on the Amazon app store. This is the app that users download to access BFBS tv services via the internet.

The app 'look' has been cloned to appear like the legitimate app, with a copied logo and information describing the app, which includes being available to armed forces personnel.

Users can distinguish between the rogue app and the genuine app as, when searching for the BFBS app on the Amazon app store, the legitimate app is the first returned. On the genuine app, the develop is listed as ‘BFBS.’ On the rogue app, the developer is listed as ‘parifo5508@wivstore.com.’ The rogue app release date shows as November 2025 and on some screens and is distinguishable by white 'pillar box' bands left and right of the BFBS logo.

What to do if you have been caught out:
Personnel who believe they may have entered service details or MODNET user name and email addresses into the rogue app should change their passwords immediately and report the incident via a Security Incident Report Form

Further information on securing personal devices can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre site (www).

Brunssum: Josie's Cafe menu and opening times

Josie’s British Themed Cafe Opening Times

Mon-Thur 1000-1330
Orders Welcome by Phone Ext 2247

The Josie’s British Themed Café can also cater for small events & meetings. For further information please speak to a member of staff.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

OPERATION BULLSEYE – Qualifier events up to May 2026.

OPERATION BULLSEYE is a unique darts event that pairs professional players with serving personnel and veterans in a knockout tournament like no other.

Details of registration for competitors, and all other events, can be found on the posters and within the below link.

More details to follow for spectators but it is shaping up to be a great event that is open to all three services and veterans, please share around your departments.

https://www.defencedartscommunity.co.uk/registration

NAPLES: Make sure your kids stay safe online

 

Get Safe Online states, “today’s children are growing up in a connected world – but that doesn’t mean they always know how to stay safe in it. As a parent, grandparent or guardian, your guidance can make a huge difference”. Get Safe Online has produced a new leaflet, which provides some practical ways to help your child explore the internet with confidence and care this summer holiday.

Alternatively, take a look at the advice on the Get Safe Online website: Are you in touch with what your kids do online?

The leaflet can be read and downloaded from this link: Parents Leaflet

Tips to help navigate this blog

The blog is best viewed on a personal device because the MODnet firewall blocks access to some links.

Top header: 

• Links to HIVE's UK blog and its social media platforms

• Link to a map providing contact details for all Army HIVEs within the UK and Overseas

• Overseas Location Guides include both local guides produced by our Overseas HIVEs about their location, and guides about the vast majority of other overseas locations that UK Tri-Service personnel may be posted to

• Most recent posts will always take you back to the homepage of the blog

Left hand side column:

• Search engine - search for anything on the site. 
• If you want to look at posts uploaded by a specific Overseas HIVE, use the following search phrase in inverted commas: 'information provided by x HIVE' eg 'information provided by SHAPE HIVE'
• And if you only want posts about eg Brussels that SHAPE HIVE has uploaded, try: 'information provided by SHAPE HIVE' and Brussels. 

• Sign up to receive regular email updates: you can select as many of the Army HIVEs as you wish, both those Overseas and in the UK

• Find information by country using the hyperlinked labels

• Blog archive: search for information by year and month

Central column: all the posts in date order from the most recent first.

Right hand side column:

• Link to enquiry form: use it to ask HIVE for further information. An email address or mobile phone number is required

• Find information by subject using the hyperlinked labels

• Points of contact: each of the Overseas HIVEs has a mailbox if you want to contact them directly with your enquiry. If your overseas location doesn't have a physical HIVE information centre then please send your query to our International HIVE (iHIVE) mailbox.

Digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad.

Click on the link below to find out more -

New digital tool - Overseas allowance planning now easier

Cadets - sign up for Defence Discount Service savings!

Are you a cadet over the age of 16? Sign up to Defence Discount Service and start saving!
Tell your friends too!
Just follow these simple steps on our website or app to sign up:
Click register on our home page
Select 'Cadet Forces'
Fill in your details, including the name of your cadet unit
Hit register
Sign up and save today @ https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/

Army Cadets mental health.

Are you struggling with your #MentalHealth ? Do you need someone to talk to? Click here to check out Kooth.

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

The Ulysses Trust.

Click image to enlarge.

The Ulysses Trust provides support and funding to encourage challenging and adventurous activities by members of the Volunteer Reserve and Cadet Forces.

To find our more: www.ulyssestrust.co.uk​.

SaluteMyJob - Pathways programme to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for Veterans.

 

SaluteMyJob expands their innovative pathways programme with exciting partnership with Ofsted-skills provider to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans and police officers

For a decade, social enterprise SaluteMyJob has been helping ex-military personnel upskill into areas with a notable cybersecurity skills gap, with many candidates going on to make their mark in multi-national companies. And now, an exciting partnership is set to fast-track more veterans and police officers into a career in cybersecurity with their Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway.

Barclays - Military Spousal Founders Programme.

Military Spousal Founders Programme:

For military spouses with dreams of starting or growing a business.
Are you part of the armed forces community with plans to become a business founder? Barclays Military Spousal Founders Programme is designed just for you.

What is the Barclays Military Spousal Founders Programme?

Barclays have partnered with Eagle Labs Academy to run this specially designed programme for military spouses who want to start and grow a business. Continuing our ongoing commitment to the armed forces covenant, the programme aims to assist spousal business owners establish a foundation to be successful in starting their own business.

Eagle Labs Academy is a digital learning platform that helps founders start and scale their business at their own pace.

For more information and to apply please click HERE.

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs.

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs. Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

DWP news update: Children to benefit from funded childcare.

The Government has delivered its pledge to fund childcare for 30 hours a week – saving parents £7,500 a year per child.

Take-up is expected to be over and above initial projections, with over half a million kids on track to be more school ready by age 5, giving every child the best start in life.

The Best Start in Life website brings together trusted information, guidance, and support into one place where parents will be able to check what childcare help they’re eligible for, find their local family services, sign up for tailored weekly updates, and access advice from everything from pregnancy to preparing a child for school.


Click this link to Read the full press release

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

Digital version of Veteran Card launched for quicker and easier access to support.

Nearly 2 million veterans can now get and benefit from a digital version of the Veteran Card, which will make it easier and quicker to access key services and discounts via their smartphones.

From today, Friday 17 October, it will give veterans a seamless way to confirm their status in person and will include information already featured on their physical card - displaying their name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.

Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone.
From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online.
Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change.

To view the news update in full, please go to this LINK

Headspace App – Five FREE family & friends subscriptions available for Army Personnel and Army Civil Servants.

Click poster to enlarge. Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.
To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.gov.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

Headspace says, “We make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience. Through our flagship Headspace app, we provide mindfulness tools for everyday life, including meditations, sleepcasts, mindful movement and focus exercises. Our enterprise offerings combine this experience with a human-centered model of care, with coaching, therapy, psychiatry and EAP services under one roof. Our team of experts ranges from mental health clinicians, to Emmy award-winning producers and data scientists, working together as one to help millions of people around the world be healthier and more productive.”

Headspace - New Ebb Chat Service now available.

Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.mod.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

Families Posted Overseas – have you nominated a Trusted Contact?

Little Troopers: SQUAD Podcast is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors

SQUAD Podcast - Series

SQUAD is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year 7+ could take part as contributors.

The Little Troopers podcast – SQUAD – is created especially for
young people aged 11–18 who are part of a military family.
As we get ready to launch Series 2, we’re on the lookout for young contributors to feature in the new episodes! Recording will take place throughout November and the podcast will launch in January 2026. You’ll be able to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other major platforms – as well as on the Little Troopers website.

🎧 This is a fantastic opportunity for military young people to share their experiences and join conversations alongside an inspiring line-up of guests – including celebrities, sports stars, and musicians who also grew up in military families.

We’d love to hear your story and your questions for our guests about how being part of a military family has shaped their lives and careers.

For more information and application form

SQUAD Series 1 episodes can be found here

Gibraltar: Mobile phones to be banned in Gibraltar classrooms for January 2026

The Gibraltar Government has just announced a new policy affecting all Gibraltar public schools. A statement from the Government follows below:

Gibraltar is introducing a system-wide policy on phones being used in schools. Starting January 2026, The Minister for Education has announced a reinforced approach that strengthens the existing school policy and aims to further reduce classroom distractions and support pupil wellbeing. 

The programme rollout is being fully funded by the Government and has been announced in Parliament by the Minister for Education. The strengthening of the phone-free policy marks a significant step in Gibraltar’s efforts to create a more focused and productive learning environment. 

The two secondary schools, each with approximately 1,400 pupils, have previously relied on rules requiring phones to be ‘out of sight’, and the new programme builds on this by introducing a consistent, school-wide system supported by the Yondr programme, which uses secure pouches where individual pupils can store their phones during school hours. 

Dr. John Cortes, Minister for Education, said the decision follows growing awareness of the impact of smartphones on pupil behaviour and learning: “If children have their phone in their pocket, they’re going to be distracted. This measure will help students focus on learning and improve the classroom environment.” 

Highlighting Gibraltar’s leadership on the issue, Sir Nick Gibb, former UK Minister for Schools, said: “Smartphones have no place in schools - they fragment attention, fuel anxiety, and crowd out the face-to-face interaction that both education and friendship depend on. 

“Gibraltar is taking a bold step as a first mover, setting an example for others to follow. Every child deserves an interruption-free education, and initiatives like this show it can be done.” 

The move also reflects broader debates in the UK and internationally over the role of smartphones in schools. Schools in England implementing similar measures have shown improvements in pupil behaviour, classroom atmosphere and teacher wellbeing. 

A UK survey conducted in February 2025 by Public First, commissioned by Yondr, found that 72% of teachers view phone use as a persistent school problem and say lesson time is regularly affected. The research also showed that 80% of parents support making schools phone-free environments.

Gibraltar’s pupils will join a growing number of schools internationally that use phone-free days to support better focus and a calmer classroom environment.

 

Brunei: Urgent notice from RMP

The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) have requested assistance relating to an incident IVO of the Electrical Substation within H14 / H15, between the late evening on Saturday 22 November and around 1100 hrs on Sunday 23 November 2025. If any BFB personnel have any information to share in relation to this incident, it would greatly assist the Royal Brunei Police Force.

1. RMP Duty Mobile +673 833 0252
2. This number is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and member of the team will record the information.

The A to H person description mnemonic will assist you in providing an accurate description:

A – Age
B – Build
C – Clothing / Colour
D – Distinguishing Marks / Features (think big nose, bushy eyebrows, or tattoos)
E – Elevation (Height)
F – Face (Bearded, Round, pointy chin)
G – Gait (How do they walk? Liam Gallagher strut, limp, etc)
H – Hair

This vehicle mnemonic will aid with an accurate vehicle description:

S – Shape
C – Colour
R – Registration
I – Identifying features (dents, additions to the vehicle eg lights, spoiler)
M – Make/Model

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE. 

BRUNEI: Notification of withdrawal from International Schools

Notification of withdrawal from International Schools

Please note the dates below for those wishing to withdraw their child from the international schools (ISB/JIS/Panaga) in the academic year 25/26.

Please note: Failure to report your child as leaving may incur charges to the SP/UKBC.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BRUNEI: Car Passes

CAR PASSES

Reference:

A. BFB Standing Order 1007 Annex A dated 16 June 2025.

1. All personnel are to be in possession of a valid car pass.

2. Car passes are to be displayed at all times when a vehicle is within Medicina or Tuker Lines.

3. When directed on Part One Orders for either safety or security purposes, car passes are to be displayed in the following areas in addition to Medicina and Tuker Lines:

a. NAAFI Car Park.

b. Swimming pool car park.

c. Primary Care Medical Facility (PCMF).

d. SSAFA compound.

e. BFBS compound.

4. Compliance. Non-compliance of the above in accordance with BFB Standing Order 1007 may result in:

a. Fines or criminal court proceedings issued by the Bruneian authorities;

b. Disciplinary Action; and / or

c. Administrative Action.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

NAPLES: Fill your December with Operation Holiday Cheer - starting next week

 

Family movies are FREE!

So many activities at Support Site to get involved with.

For further details click on the link Operation Holiday Cheer - Naples Edition

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Clean your Radiators before Winter

 

More Tips from DIO

An excellent way to ensure you get all the heat you require from your radiators.

The better they function , the warmer you are!

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Snowman Making at Teddybear club - Wednesday 10 December 2025

 

Do you want to build a snowman.....

Join in the Festivities and come down to Support Site Community Centre

Bring your child's favourite teddy bear and the little ones will paint their very own wooden snowman decoration which will live for years to come :-)

When: Wednesday, 10th December

Where: Support Site Community Centre

Time: 10:00 - 11.30am

 
Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Festive meet up with military spouses

 

'Tis the Season to be jolly'

Meet new friends, support each other and bring out your creativity.

Join the Military Spouses at Support Site and create your very own snow globe.

Where : Support Site

When: Friday 5th December

Time: 10:00- 11:00 am

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: 8 Greatest Rail Journeys in Italy

 

Something Different?

Make the most of your time in Italy and plan your trips.

Here are some ideas of the different train rides you can get in Italy.

If the Orient Express is on your bucket list - you've never been better placed to catch it :-)

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Breakfast with Santa Sunday 14 December

 

Ho Ho Ho - book it in :-)

Santa Claus is coming to town on Sunday 14th December.

Book yourself in and get your photo with Santa.

When: Sunday 14 December 2025

Where: Support Site, HS Cafeteria

Time: 09:00 - 11:00 AM

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: PCMF UPDATE - HOSPITAL CARE PROCEDURES

1. Brunei Hospital Care. If you seek care (including attendance at the Emergency Department in KB or BSB) or have therapy planned (e.g. surgery) in Brunei hospitals without having gone via or having informed the PCMF as soon as practicable, please note that you will likely not be eligible for having this treatment funded. If you are in in this category, please inform the PCMF at the earliest opportunity. For out-of-hours presentations or admission to Brunei hospitals, please call the PCMF Duty Nurse as your first point of contact at: +673 8330246. For less urgent cases, please book an appointment through the PCMF reception. You need to keep the PCMF informed otherwise you may have to pay the hospital bill.

2. Overseas Hospital Care (leave/travel). When you receive medical treatment away from an MOD approved setting (e.g. on leave in the UK or Nepal) this should be for emergency management only and not for routine care. Where you have received care away from the PCMF - please ensure that you inform the PCMF on return from leave or sooner depending on the severity/urgency. Please make every effort to collect healthcare records (notes, scans, prescriptions etc) from your attendance, so that these can be reviewed and recorded at the PCMF. Routine care should wait and be delivered through the PCMF. Do not seek medical care when you are on leave unless it is an emergency.

 Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BELGIUM: Best of Belgium Combo Pass

Seeking a Belgian Christmas Gift with a Difference? Want to immerse yourself in Belgian Culture?

The new ‘Best of Belgium’ Combo Pass could be just what you are looking for. Providing access to four museums dedicated to Beer, Fries, Chocolate and Comics!
 
This pass costs €49, saving you 20% on combined entry to all four museums in the Historic City Centre.
 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Departure Pack for SHAPE & Brussels now available, Other Places to Visit Sheets also available!

Departure packs for SHAPE and Brussels Now Available!

To request yours simply pop into the office or drop me an email on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk. 

Printed and E-Copies available.

Other information sheets available are:

• Belgian Castles
• Water Parks & Wild Swimming
• Woods and Walks
• Local Hotels (SHAPE)
• Swimming (Mons)
• Dog Walks
• Trollenbos
• Underground Palace, Brussels
• Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Primary School Aged Childcare Overseas (PSACO) Allowance

PRIMARY SCHOOL AGED CHILDCARE OVERSEAS (PSACO) ALLOWANCE

1. What is the PSACO Allowance?

a. The PSACO Allowance is the final phase of the Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme. Providing a reimbursement of before and after school childcare costs for 4–11-year-old children (4-16 years old if in receipt of certain UK disability benefits), in overseas locations where due to local rules or regulations the WAC Allowance eligibility criteria cannot be met or because Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) accounts are not available.

b. Service personnel that meet the eligibility criteria could claim around £3,400 per child, per year, for before and after school childcare costs.

c. The PSACO Allowance does not provide childcare spaces, it is a reimbursement of costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

2. Where to find further information? The eligibility criteria, further guidance and resources are available on the Defence Childcare Information page, Families Hub Information Portal, Defence Connect Childcare Information Page and 2025DIN01-122.

3. When will Registration be available? More information regarding registration and claims guidance will be available from January 2026.

4. Have questions? Personnel and Service families can email the policy team at PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

5. A poster relevant to the subject can be found at [Annex B].

BRUNEI: Pets in SFA Policy

References: 

A. Tri-Service Accommodation Regulation - JSP 464 

B. License to Occupy SFA

1. All dogs and cats kept in the SFA must be registered with the SSO Housing and Welfare Department. Obtain the prior written consent of the SFA sponsor’s local housing staff or station unit commander (as relevant to local instructions) before acquiring or bringing a pet into the SFA. 

2. The Head of Household must keep pets indoors and clean the quarter area, with the owner responsible for cleaning. It is strongly advised not to release your pet outdoors and let it roam around the estate. Pet owners must always take sensible safety precautions and be alert to risks that may affect their dogs and cats outside. Your dogs must be walked on leashes and keep your pet attended when outside to prevent them from being attacked by other animals. Be considerate and think of the health and safety of your pet, you, and the people surrounding it. 

3. All animals in the estate, if found without a collar, will be removed. You are required to have a collar fastened on your dogs and cats at all times with the Garrison Serial Registered No. on a metal identity disc stamped on it. 

4. Occupants caught keeping unregistered pets and feeding stray dogs and cats will be dealt with first by the CoC and then by HQ BFB as required. 

5. At the end of your license, the house must be fumigated and the carpets cleaned before you move out. Proof of the fumigation and cleaning receipt must be provided to the Housing Estate Warden. 

6. Your collaborative responsibility is highly anticipated. All inquiries on this matter should be addressed to the SO2 G1 Welfare/Garrison Support Officer and BFB Health Safety Advisor.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Relocation Checklist – for moves within the UK and to/from overseas’ .

“Army HIVE’s Relocation Checklist covers moves to and from the UK, and also moves to and from Overseas locations. This information sheet is provided to enable the Service community to consider actions pre-move, and to support them with the relevant links to assist with achieving those actions. HIVEs can assist if needed.”

View Relocation Checklist.

BELGIUM: HIVE Departure Packs for SHAPE and Brussels

When you are due to move on from SHAPE or Brussels, don’t forget to request your HIVE Departure Pack in plenty of time.

Complete with Moving Checklist, Vehicle De-Registration Checklist and other useful hints and tips, you can request yours either in person in the Community Office or by dropping an email to RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Never Such Innocence: Online Military Kids Choir

🎤 Military Kids Choir - The choir is open to tri-service children 8-18 years old, located across the UK and overseas. The group meets online to see friends and write songs and there are fun opportunities for the choir to come together to record and perform their songs throughout the year. Here is the link to sign up: https://form.jotform.com/221313741394047.

For more information please visit: https://www.neversuchinnocence.com/

BELGIUM: Father’s Mental Health in the Perinatal Period

SSAFA, together with BFBS, is proud to promote an important initiative focused on fathers’ mental health during the perinatal period. This work reflects our shared commitment to inclusive, evidence based family support and improving outcomes for all parents.

We invite you to promote and  watch Invisible, a short, powerful film exploring fathers’ experiences of the perinatal period, Invisible’ is a powerful new film, launched by the Institute of Health Visiting in 2025, to raise awareness of the complex interplay of factors that impact men in the transition to fatherhood. 

The film, funded by The Burdett Trust for Nursing and produced in collaboration with Inner Eye Productions, follows Luke’s journey as he becomes dad to baby Josh. 

You may find the film upsetting, particularly if you have been affected by any of the issues raised.  Please do reach  to your GP, Health Visitor, Welfare, Padre or  MIND (0300 102 1234) www.mind.org.uk for support 

Studies show that many new dads feel ignored and left out by services, which may mean they don’t ask for help when they’re struggling. With at least 1 in 10 men experiencing mental health problems around the time of birth, and suicide remaining the leading cause of death in men under 50, there can be unique opportunities for midwives, health visitors and other professionals like yourselves to identify any concerns and offer timely support. 

Why this matters:

• Up to 1 in 10 fathers experience postnatal depression, often unrecognised.
• Fathers’ mental health strongly influences infant bonding, child behavioural outcomes, and maternal wellbeing.
• Engaging fathers early improves attachment security, supports co-parenting, and strengthens protective networks around the child.
• National guidance, including the NHS Long Term Plan and Best Start in Life, emphasises the inclusion of fathers as equal caregivers.

This Useful Guide also provides some excellent advice: How Dads Can Get Involved

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: PCMF - Ordering Your Repeat Prescription

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: PCMF - Unwanted or Expired Medicines?

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei Adventures At Your Doorstep

Rich in nature and wildlife, Brunei is a fascinating place for families to go out and enjoy adventures right at your doorstep.

Destinations under 70 km