BRUNEI: Free Online Courses

The Open University

The Open University offers a wide range of free online courses across countless subjects — perfect for upskilling or exploring a new interest.

Explore courses on OpenLearn

HarvardX

You can also study with Harvard University through HarvardX, their online learning platform that gives free access to world-class courses from one of the world’s leading universities.

Browse HarvardX courses

Coursera

Explore and compare free courses and certificates from leading universities and companies.

Explore Coursera courses. 

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Stray Animals

BFB STRAY ANIMALS

1. BFB personnel, incl LECs, UKBCs and Spouses, have been actively feeding stray animals within BFB estates. This needs to stop immediately
because:

a. By feeding stray animals you are encouraging them to breed uncontrollably which can increase its population at an alarming rate and
when it gets too overwhelming to feed, the strays will starve even worse thus causes further malnourishment and diseases will spread between each other, and possibly to humans.

b. Uneaten leftovers attracts flies and, in some cases, maggots, all ideal vectors for diseases.

c. Stray animals leave excreta where they are known to congregate because what goes in must eventually come out. This is no trifling matter for other BFB personnel who have to endure the odour.

d. Stray animals have caused damage to valuable equipment and buildings eg helicopter engines, store rooms, roofs and many small spaces where it is difficult to determine the extent of damage that may have been
done.

2. Do not feed stray animals just because you want to have the ‘feel-good, warm fuzzy feeling’ inside - it doesn’t end well for the stray animals. If you want to be do-gooders, you must then carry out your good deeds through (i.e. adopting AND neutering) without leaving others to deal with the aftermath. The bottom line is that humans and stray animals coalesce is part of living in Brunei but do not be part of the problem.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei - Indoor Children's Playgrounds

Check out these playgrounds around Brunei. Some of these playgrounds have cafes where adults can sit and have a drink while the kids play. Some of these playgrounds also host birthday parties!

And remember to pack socks otherwise you'll end up having to buy them!

MONKEYBARS CO

Address: No. 3&4, Lot 9189 Jalan Jaya Negara, Kuala Belait KA1931, Brunei

Hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 9pm
             Fri – Closed between 12nn - 2pm

Phone: +673 745 2888

For more information or enquiries, please visit MONKEYBARS CO

BRUNEI: PCMF eConsult

Please scan the QR code above or click HERE to access econsult.

Celebrating the Success of SSAFA’s Togetherness Overseas Parenting Programmes.

SSAFA are delighted to share the success of their Togetherness (Solihull NHS) online parenting programmes, since launching in April 2025.

Togetherness is available to the Service community living overseas, including UK-based extended family members of Service families assigned worldwide. The BF1 postcode linked to the overseas location where the serving family are based will be needed to access.

Royal Navy Sailing Association FREE sailing courses.

Please note that these courses are only available to serving RN, RM and RFA families. To find out more please go to: https://rnsayouthcrew.org.uk/

Gibraltar: Start-Up Hub for new businesses.

The Gibraltar Government Office of Fair Trading has announced a new facility for new business start-ups (for their first year). Based in Europort. The Peter J Isola Foundation will cover the rent of the premises, but the Government will ask businesses to pay the rates and service charges, which is estimated to work out at around £100 a month.

Internet services will be provided by U-mee and security support donated by Focus Security and El Martillo.

If you are interested, contact the Office of Fair Trading through their website oft.gov.gi

BELGIUM: Celebrating the Success of SSAFA's Togetherness Parenting Programmes

As we approach the end of the year, we are delighted to share the success of SSAFA’s Togetherness (Solihull NHS) online parenting programmes.

Launched in April 2025, these courses have grown significantly thanks to your support in promoting and using them. We now have over 100 active users worldwide a fantastic achievement that reflects our shared commitment to supporting families overseas.

What is Togetherness?

Togetherness is designed to support parents at every stage of their journey from pregnancy through to adolescence. These courses empower parents to:

• Understand their child’s brain development and emotional health.
• Decode behaviours and respond effectively to foster positive interactions.
• Develop strong communication skills to nurture confidence, kindness, and emotional awareness in children.

SSAFA Community Health recognises the importance of raising emotionally resilient and socially aware children within our community, particularly for British Forces families living overseas. This programme complements the highly regarded health services delivered by our charity worldwide.

Key Highlights of the Online Learning Pathways:

• Understanding emotional health and brain development
• Reading and interpreting behaviours
• Building effective communication strategies

How Families Can Access Togetherness:

• Website: Home - Home - Togetherness
• Access Code: MILITARY
• Families should register using their BF1 postcode (e.g. BF1 2AG).

Who can use?

Togetherness is available to everyone, including grandparents, aunties, uncles etc of families living overseas. They can also access it by using the BF1 postcode linked to their family members abroad.
There are no restrictions as long as you have a BF1 postcode you can access our courses.

Courses available include:

• Understanding your baby
• Understanding your child
• Teen brain development
• Parenting children with additional needs

For more information on SSAFA and the support they can offer, visit their dedicated page on the SSAFA website.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Give Us Time - 2026 breaks are live!

Give Us Time first breaks for 2026 are live on the website now – there are dates in March and April across the UK, in both glamping pods (which sleep up to 4) and holiday lodges (which sleep up to 6). There are two new locations this year as well, at Malvern View in Herefordshire, and Glendal in Cumbria.

As always, the criteria for breaks is here https://giveustime.org.uk/what-we-do/faqs/ and the registration form is here https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

Breaks are accommodation only – Give Us Time do not cover the costs of travel, food, or entertainment as part of the break.

Breaks are booked on a first come first served basis and they ask families to wait 2 years between bookings, but will always consider exceptional circumstances.

More dates for the rest of 2026 will be added soon – announcements will be made on Give Us Time socials here https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

SHAPE: Free Parking in Mons increased to 2 hours

Driving into Mons? Good News; since September 2025 free parking has increased to 2 hours, Monday to Saturday between 0900 and 1700.

If you are parking in covered parking lots, your first hour parking will be free.

A ticket still needs to be purchased and you will need to put your registration number into the meter but the option to select free parking or adding extra paid hours will come up on the parking meter.

If you are parking using a Blue Badge, remember to put your blue badge number into the parking machine when purchasing a ticket (even it its free parking only).

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025.

The Ministry of Defence published the 14th Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report on 16 Dec.

To view the Report documents, please click this link: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025 - GOV.UK

For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, how it can support you and the upcoming Legal Duty extension, visit the Covenant website.

BELGIUM: Increased number of evening and weekend trains have been introduced

If you travel by train and like an evening out, then this may be welcome news.

SNCB have just introduced an increased number of trains at evenings and weekends including on the suburban S-Network around Brussels and parts of Flanders. More information here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Great News for Students wanting to work, study or undertake training placements in Europe

Great news for Students!! The UK rejoin the Erasmus Scheme so students can undertake work, university and training placements in Europe.

For more information, see this link

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Kids Corner arrives at FSCEP

Did you know that FSCEP (Family Support & Central Processing branch) now has a Kids Corner?

So when you need to in-process, renew SHAPE IDs or Protocol IDs or anything else processing wise, the kids have a safe area to occupy themselves whilst you do the boring bits!

Fantastic ay?

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Brunei - Discover the Green Jewel of Brunei

Please click the image to enlarge.

Click here for the full guide.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei - A guide to birdwatching in Brunei

Click here to access the 84 page guide to Birds on Borneo!

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Togetherness pathways to help understand and manage emotions in every day life

“Togetherness” is a free online learning service giving overseas Military families access to resources to support each stage of parenting, including difficult/challenging times, understanding everyone’s wellbeing and emotional needs.

Togetherness pathways are designed to make childhood development knowledge and psychological principles about containment, reciprocity and behaviour management accessible to everyone. 

The pathways will help families, parents, grandparents, young people and carers to understand and manage emotions in everyday life.

Resources can be accessed using the link: British Forces Overseas | Togetherness - Togetherness

Please use the access code: overseasfamilies

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Advance into Justice: Careers in Prisons and Probation for the Service Community.

One Remarkable Life to Another – a second career for the Armed Forces Family

What is Advance into Justice?

Advance into Justice is a campaign exclusively for the Armed Forces family, which provides second career opportunities within our frontline roles within prisons and probation.

You can apply for a role via the Advance into Justice scheme if you are:
an Armed Forces service leaver within your resettlement period and due to leave the services within 18 months
a veteran of the Armed Forces
a spouse or civil partner of an Armed Forces service leaver or veteran (your current partner must either be still serving or have been discharged within the last 12 months)
an Armed Forces Reservist.

To find out more please visit: Advance into Justice

Brunei: CHRISTMAS ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN 2025

Follow Christmas Road Safety Campaign 2025. “ Drink a little, Risk a lot” for further information.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei HIVEs Closure

Brunei HIVE Notice

The Chit Chat HIVE office will be CLOSED from Monday 15th December 2025 to  Monday 05th January 2026.

Monday 15th December 2025 to Friday 19th December 2025 (Working From Home).

The Chit Chat HIVE office will resume on Tuesday 06th January 2026.

Emails will be responded to upon our return.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

For any queries, please email BRUNEIGAR-SpSvcs-HIVE-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk. 

Please contact your Unit Welfare Team for urgent matters.

The Mumong HIVE office will be CLOSED from Monday 15th December 2025 to  Monday 05th January 2026.(Working From Home)

The Mumong HIVE office will resume on Tuesday 06th January 2026.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Army HIVE Non-UK National Support: Email Address for Enquiries.

Click to enlarge.

Army HIVE has an email address specifically for Non-UK National enquiries. This is available to Service personnel, their families, and line managers/CoC requiring support:

RC-Pers-HIVE-NonUKNat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

BELGIUM: Gluten-Free Bakery ‘Copains Paris’ has opened in Brussels

Incredible news for all gluten-free shoppers. Copains Paris has arrived in Brussels and opened its doors albeit it with the more feminine name ‘Copines Paris’.

Here you will find a huge selection of pastries, breads and of course, waffles. As well as an assortment of gluten-free and vegan baking options.

They also offer a saving scheme for those who are medically coeliac which affords 5% off purchases at ‘Copines Paris’ Belgium, ‘Copains Paris’ France and ‘Copains Paris’ London.

Copines Paris, Brussels can be found at:

• Marché aux Herbes, Îlot Sacré dsitrict
• Rue Jean Stas 3, 1060
• Chaussée de Charleroi
• Place du Châtelain

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Send Mail with the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)

 

The following information must be clearly stated on all packet/parcel mail:
Sender/return address in full
Recipient name and address in full, destination in full
Customs declaration - CN22 must be completed

Address format

BRUNEI: Brunei HIVEs - Keen to increase Travel and Tourism Literature

Both HIVE offices are keen to increase our literature on Travel and Tourism. Both domestically in Brunei, and further afield.

If you are on your travels this Leave, we would really appreciate it if you could pick up a couple of spare copies of any Maps, Leaflets, Booklets, Business cards or further information that we could share with our community.

If you also have any unwanted Travel Guide Books - we would love to take them for the HIVE.

Please drop into either the Chit Chat HIVE Office or the Mumong HIVE Office.

Thank you.

HIVE Team.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Did you know....there are TWO HIVE offices in BFB!

Please click the image to enlarge.

Chit Chat Community Centre (CCCC) HIVE office is located a few doors down from the post office and is run by Rajina Rai.

Chit Chat HIVE Office is open Monday - Friday 0900 - 1300 hrs

The Mumong Community Centre HIVE office is run by Nasreen Akhter and is located on the X1 patch, near the playpark and Mumong Patio Bar.

Mumong HIVE Office is open Monday - Friday 0900 - 1300 hrs.

Pop in to see us and browse our literature, we're here to help!

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFSWS -Togetherness Online Parenting Resources

Please click the image to enlarge.

We are pleased to announce that as part of our new contract BFSWS is now offering Togetherness, an online resource, that follows the Solihull Approach.

Togetherness is a free online learning service giving overseas Military families access to resources to support each stage of parenting, including difficult/challenging times, understanding everyone’s wellbeing and emotional needs.

Togetherness pathways are designed to make childhood development knowledge and psychological principles about containment, reciprocity and behaviour management accessible to everyone. The pathways will help families, parents, grandparents, young people and carers to understand and manage emotions in everyday life.

Resources can be accessed using the link: British Forces Overseas | Togetherness - Togetherness

Please use the access code: overseasfamilies

If you have any issues accessing the link or resource pathways please contact BFSWS on the details below.

0044 (0) 808 168 3111
Lynne.Fedden@forcessocialwork.com
www.forcessocialwork.com

For any queries, please contact 

Rachana Niraula at 3224101 Ext. 3285 / 

email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

NAPLES : Weekend Escape - Pozzuoli

 

Morning - Step Back in Time 

Begin your day at Flavian Ampitheatre, the third largest in Italy. Its underground tunnels and towering arches make history come alive. Flavian Ampitheatre
Get the kids to imagine they are gladiators preparing for battle.

Afternoon - Volcano Adventure

Head to Solfatara Crater , a dormant volcano that still breathes, You'll find bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and a landscape unlike anywhere else. Its a natural science lesson wrapped in pure excitement Solfatara Crater

Evening - Waterfront Dining 

End the day with dinner along the Pozzuoli waterfront, where seafood restaurants line the promenade. Fresh fish, pasta and gelato make for the perfect family meal as the sun sets over the Bay of Naples. Best Restaurants with a view

Practical Tips:-

Travel Time - About 20 minutes
Parking: Available near the ampitheatre and the waterfront, go early if weekend as it gets busy.
Best Season: Spring and Autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Rainy Day Alternative : Visit Rione Terra - Pozzuolis underground city.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Avoid Flooding with the following Tips from DIO

 

As the rain continues to fall - it's relevant to know what to do to avoid a flood.

The DIO is a constant resource of sound advice and guidance.

For further information from them please contact DIO-NAPLES-HousingEnquiry (MULTIUSER)

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Top Tips for the prevention of condensation, damp and mould.

 

More Tips from the DIO.

As a result of the heavy rain recently, it is even more important to keep a check on condensation damp and mould.

Please follow these useful tips and keep your home safe and ventilated.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Olympic Torch Relay

 

A moment in History 

Follow the Olympic Torch Relay from December 6, 2025 to February 6 2026.

As it travels through around 60 Italian Cities.

Follow the Olympic Torch Relay

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Santa's Fun Run 2025

 

Where: South Entrance, Community MWA Building

When: Friday 12 December 2025

Time: 10.00 - 11.30am

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Storytime with Santa - Saturday 19th December 2025

 

Santa is here Saturday 19th December 2025

Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm

Where: JFC Library

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: E-Health Arrival Declaration Form - for travellers arriving into Brunei

As a precautionary measure, in accordance with the Infectious Disease Act (Cap. 204) arrivals into Brunei Darussalam are required to complete a Health Declaration Form within 3 days (including arrival day) before arriving in Brunei.

Please show this to the relevant authority when requested.

Please click HERE for the BruHealth Portal link.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: New to Brunei? Useful social media pages to follow...

BFB Resources on Facebook…

⭐️ BFB Community Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/399693651487140/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

💜 BFB Husbands & Wives https://www.facebook.com/groups/266338930043946/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

📻 BFBS Gurkha https://www.facebook.com/BFBSGurkha/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

📻 BFBS Brunei https://www.facebook.com/BFBSBrunei?mibextid=LQQJ4d

📚 BFB Community Library https://www.facebook.com/groups/1162498561139499/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

📖🧸 BFB Children's Library & Toy Library Facebook & Instagram

📖 BFB Bookworms https://www.facebook.com/groups/598655438126413/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

BRUNEI: E-Arrival Card Declaration - for all foreign nationals arriving in Brunei

Please click the image to enlarge.

The new E-Arrivals card should be completed by all foreign nationals arriving in Brunei. This applies to land and sea borders. This form is replacing the paper version 'form 19'

Effective from 9th February 2023.

To read full guidance on how to apply, click here.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

Please click the image to enlarge.

MALAYSIA DIGITAL ARRIVAL CARD (MDAC)

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a new process that has taken effect. Registration for every e-arrival is needed 3 days in advance. It is required when driving as well as flying to Malaysia.

1. Register HERE.

2. Check registration status after1-3 hours HERE.

3. Check E-Gate Eligibility Status HERE.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

New Travel Credit Scheme.

New Travel Credit Scheme – helping you reunite with loved ones this Christmas

A new one-off Travel Credit Scheme will help Service personnel get home to family and friends during the festive season and months that follow.

From 8 December, eligible personnel can claim for support with the cost of either road or rail travel for a return journey home. The new scheme extends the existing Get You Home (Early Years) provision.