Information provided by SHAPE HIVE
Generic and local information for the UK Military Community, including Serving Personnel, their Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians, when considering an overseas post or already based overseas
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
SHAPE: Save the Date for the Big Events of 2026
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE
BELGIUM: Been Extended? Read On……
If you have been extended in your current role or promoted/transferred to a new role, please do visit the NSE to start the ball rolling on renewing your SHAPE and Protocol I.D.s
BRUNEI: Army Mental Health Resources
If you are struggling or are worried about a mate, reach out to get help or get them to talk to someone.
Support is always available!
Where to get help is in the AID booklet AID Suicide Prevention Booklet, AID Suicide Prevention Poster or:
Armed Forces Support Line 24/7 - Call 0800 323 4444
Samaritans 24/7 - Call 116 123
Text SHOUT to 85258 –Text messaging service, available 24/7
You can also speak to your family and friends who know you best, your Unit Medical Officer, Chain of Command, Unit Welfare Team or Padre.
Other information and resources can be found below. Some links will take you to Sharepoint so only Modnet users have access.
British Army - Ask For Help
Army Health and Wellbeing Defence Connect.
Vulnerable Service Persons
Mental Fitness and Resilience Toolbox
Ask, Intervene, Disclose - Suicide Prevention Poster
Protecting Grey Matter Poster
Support Is Always Available
Army-Health Promotion - Home – Sharepoint page
Army Official Health and Wellbeing – Defence Connect
Army Health and Deployability – AKX
Remember TEAMWORK - ‘Stronger Together’. This is what makes us stronger together. #SupportIsStrength
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Army Health and Wellbeing Campaign - #SupportIsStrength
If you are struggling or are worried about a mate, reach out to get help or get them to talk to someone.
Support is always available!
Where to get help is in the AID booklet, available on the Army website at https://www.army.mod.uk/media/v4nn31fj/20260119-suicide-aid-booklet-ac64672.pdf Also available on Defence Connect via these links: AID Suicide Prevention Booklet , AID Suicide Prevention Poster or:
Armed Forces Support Line 24/7 - Call 0800 323 4444
Samaritans 24/7 - Call 116 123
Text SHOUT to 85258 –Text messaging service, available 24/7
You can also speak to your family and friends who know you best, your Unit Medical Officer, Chain of Command, Unit Welfare Team or Padre.
Other information and resources to support can be found at: British Army - Ask For Help, Army Health and Wellbeing Defence Connect.
#SupportIsStrength #BritishArmy #AskForHelp
Monday, January 26, 2026
Gibraltar: Walking Tours of the Northern Defences
The Gibraltar Heritage Trust have announced a series of walking tours of the Northern Defences in collaboration with Fortress Attractions Gibraltar. Tours of the complex, which comprises of medieval, 18th and 19th century military defences through to WWII installations, will be led by Carl Viagas who continues to lead on the task of recovering the site for public benefit.
The tours will take place on the last friday of each month, with the first taking place this Friday 30th January. Attendance is free but booking via the Gibraltar Heritage Trust is essential. Call now to book your spot and see firsthand this awe inspiring feat of defensive engineering.
Please note that photography and video recording may take place during this first tour for promotional and social media purposes.
For more information, please visit www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi
Friday, January 23, 2026
BELGIUM: Official parkrun at SHAPE, Every Saturday, 08:45 for 09:00 start
Did you know SHAPE has its own official parkrun? The only parkrun in Belgium no less. As a closed event it is only open to Shapians and their sponsored guests but it is held weekly on camp, departing from behind the Continental Mess.
Gibraltar: Commemorating the centenary of the discovery of a Neanderthal child's skull
The second Neanderthal skull to have been found in Gibraltar was excavated by Dorothy Garrod from Devil’s Tower Cave one hundred years ago, 1926. The skull belonged to a four-year-old Neanderthal boy. In recent years, after the wonderful forensic reconstruction done for the Gibraltar National Museum by the Dutch brothers Kennis & Kennis, leaders in this field, the Neanderthal child has been known as Flint. Flint has become a household name, popular in particular with schoolchildren visiting the museum.
The Gibraltar National Museum will be marking this landmark year with a series of events which will culminate with a milestone Calpe Conference to be held in Gibraltar from the 1st to the 6th of September. Major researchers and speakers in the field of human evolution, and Neanderthals in particular, will be presenting the latest findings at the conference, which is also seen as marking a pivotal moment in which we will be able to reflect on how our understanding of these ancient humans has changed in recent years. In this respect, the work carried out in Gibraltar has been critical in changing our views of the Neanderthals and their cognitive capacities.
This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the inscription of the Gorham’s Cave Complex on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the first and only time that a site in Gibraltar has received such a major international accolade. The celebration of this particular anniversary, for a site that is the only World Heritage Site to be exclusively dedicated to the Neanderthals, will fit in well into the overall centenary theme.
A series of events are being organized for the year, and details of these will be released during the course of the year. They will include a special themed museum open day on the 9th of May and a specific highlighting of the day of the discovery itself – the 11th June. A new set of displays is also expected for the museum. The commemoration of the inscription of the Gorham’s Cave Complex will be marked during the Calpe Conference, which will guarantee the presence of an international, as well as local, audience.
BRUNEI: Climb Mount Kinabalu with Mira and make a difference by supporting the Gurkha Museum
Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is one of Southeast Asia’s most famous peaks and part of Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its highest point, Low’s Peak, reaches 4,095m above sea level, offering spectacular views and the chance to see sunrise from near the summit.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
BELGIUM: Do you have Secondary School Age Children? Please Read...
The Families Hub – an information portal to help navigate Service family life
For the first time, Armed Forces families will be able to access a “one stop shop” digital platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations – to help you navigate Service family life.
The Families Hub is for all Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) families and personnel – from the moment of entering the Forces, through to leaving.
Visit the Families Hub today and explore a range of topics, including partner support, housing, health and wellbeing, childcare and finance.
Families Hub – empowering you to make informed choices about Service life
Armed Forces families are at the heart of the Defence community and play a crucial role in making sure that Defence is secure at home and strong abroad. Being in the Armed Forces community can be highly rewarding, but it can come with challenges, particularly in times of deployment and separation.
The Hub will direct you to a breadth of family friendly Defence policies and organisations that provide support, to help you face the unique demands of Service life.
See what help is available:
NAPLES: Supply Teacher Cover Supervisor - Closing Date 27 February 2026
at British Forces School Naples
- Teach classes, when required, to cover for staff absence and ensure that pupils make good progress.
- Deploy appropriate behaviour management strategies in line with school policy ensuring that children learn effectively
- Encourage and support pupils to develop their personal wellbeing.
- Adhere to the school policies to ensure consistency of practice
- Sustain a safe environment and employ safeguarding practices that promote children’s health, safety and wellbeing.
NAPLES: Carnevale Season - February
February is carnevale season in Italy and the most famous events of all held in Venice with celebrations set to run from January 31st to February 17th 2026.
NAPLES: Little Passport with NATO - Learn about different cultures
Have you been to the library yet? Its absolutely beautiful!
Look out for the FREE event designed for children aged 6 - 14 years old.
Come and learn about NATO community culture, their countries, history, language, food, traditions etc
First Country to discuss - CANADA
When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where: JFC Library
Time: 10.00am - 14.00 pm
Registration limited to 20 only - For further details Click Here
NAPLES: Is this the romantic view on Earth?
Most travellers visit the Amalfi Coast for the beaches of Positano or the lively streets of Amalfi. But if you want to find the true soul of the coast, you have to go much higher.
Welcome to Ravello, the City of Music and romance. Ravello sits 365 metres above the sea and hidden in the medieval town lies a place that feels like a dream : Villa Cimbrone.
Walking through its gate is like stepping back in time. You wander through beautiful English style gardens, past blooming wisteria, ancient temples and marble statues, until the path suddenly pens up to the sky.
The Infinity Terrace (Terraxxa dell'Infinito) This isn't just a balcony. It is a masterpiece of nature and architecture. Lined with 18th century marble busts, the terrace offers a view so vast that the blue sea melts into the sky.
Describes as "the most beautiful place in the world" it has been a hideaway for the elite for decades . From Great Garbo, who famously eloped here in 1983 to find privacy to Winston Churchill and Virginia Woolf. They all came here for the same reasons: the silence and the view.
What will you go for?
Information provided by NAPLES HIVE
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
BELGIUM: Children applying for University this year?
Do you have children who are applying for University this year?
SHAPE: Fleraqua School Holiday Camps, Registrations Open Now
Your child(ren) will make progress in the water thanks to professional supervision, with groups adapted to their level, whether they are beginners or improving their skills.
WHO: Children from 5 years old
WHERE: Fleraqua swimming pool, 20 Rue Marie Joyle, Mons (Havré)
WHAT ELSE: Fleraqua also offers swimming lessons for children ages 3+ and adults, baby swimming lessons for 6 months upwards, birthday parties, aquabike classes, pilates, aquatic preparation for birth and room or pool rental, with many more activities coming soon
Gov.UK Armed Forces Pensions Update: Pension Scams
'Travel to Refuge' scheme - free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse.
Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes:
Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse. Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.
For more information please visit: Travel to Refuge
BELGIUM: Pairi Daizi Re-Opens on Saturday 7th February 2026
From late-November until early-January, as the sun sets, the zoo is transformed in a magical world lit up by illuminated animals, video mappings and thousands of fairy lights. You will also see the Illuminated Train travelling the zoo, can visit Santa's Post Office and enjoy the Christmas Market in the Land of the Cold.
An annual ticket is a popular choice among Shapians; being only 20 minutes up the road, the annual access enables a quick after school visit to burn off steam, leisurely strolls on an otherwise quiet day or a full on day trip. The Halloween and Christmas Spectacles are all covered with the ticket and it will even give you 10% off purchases in the refreshment stalls, gifts shops and eateries throughout the zoo!
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
BRUNEI: Discipline - Muslim Customs in Brunei
DISCIPLINE - MUSLIM CUSTOMS IN BRUNEI
BRUNEI: SSAFA Health Watch Week - When health information needs more than translation
In British Forces Brunei, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, supports families through its Community Health Team by helping ensure health information is understood, culturally appropriate and meaningful. For some families living overseas, access to health advice is not just about language, but about how information is explained, framed and discussed.
Health information is most effective when families can relate it to their own experiences and cultural understanding. In British Forces Brunei, much of SSAFA’s Community Health Team work supports Gurkha families, where Nepali cultural and linguistic context shapes how some health concepts are understood and discussed.
Germany: Take A Hike
We are blessed with some fantastic trails in our area of Germany. Though the weather may stay cold in the next week or so it should also stay dry.
The English language version of the Tutoburger wald website is a fantastic tool for finding hikes and days out in our part of Germany. Not far from us we have the low mountains of the Tutoburg forest and the Egge mountains.
If you wanted to get started on the local trails here are some routes for hiking.
BELGIUM: Claim your VAT back from UK Amazon orders to the BFPO address
Did you know that you can claim back your VAT from UK Amazon orders that have been delivered to the Belgium BFPO 26 address?
Below is a basic draft email for you to copy and edit. Once you’ve written your email, you need to send it to: vat-refund-requests@amazon.co.uk to claim back your VAT from UK Amazon orders to the BFPO address.
NAPLES : Community Volunteers Needed
and their families.
Military life can bring its own unique challenges; a loved one deployed or frequent
moves due to postings. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or
unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a
little help and support.
This is where our Community Volunteers can step in to provide emotional and
practical support to serving personnel and their families. Community Volunteers are
part of SSAFA’s volunteer-led Serving Community Teams that operate in 41 locations on
military bases around the UK and overseas.
Community Volunteers are fully vetted and receive dedicated training and support via e learning modules and a trainer led webinar, with the option to earn a recognised
accreditation through the Open College Network.
A referral can be made by the client, the Community Volunteer or another welfare
provider on behalf of the client.
To find out more, contact the Serving Community Support Team –sct.interest@ssafa.org.uk or speak to Nicki on 07900 959946
NAPLES : What is SSAFA?
Our volunteer-delivered Serving Community Teams (SCTs) help the serving community access financial, practical and emotional support whenever they need it.
Separate from the chain of command, SCT volunteers provide a confidential service to those in the serving community, including Reservists, serving personnel and their families whether living on bases or in their own homes.
Raising awareness and funds are important elements of the work Serving Community Teams do. All monies raised go back into the local serving community through grant giving. Depending on your location, other types of support available could include:
• Community Connection events - groups that bring community members together
promoting connection and reducing loneliness and isolation.
• Community Volunteer support – a listening ear, practical help with odd jobs, or
signposting to other organisations.
• Community Grants – small grants to assist services as they deliver support to the
serving community.
• Individual Grants – small one-off grants to support individuals with urgent needs
that are not funded by welfare or statutory agencies.
• Fundraising activities and events – from bingo evenings to cake sales, craft activities
to running a stand at a families day. Anything that engages the community to raise funds
and awareness of SSAFA.
• Loan stores (mainly overseas) – hire equipment to help service families in their own
home.
The SCTs will benefit:
Current serving personnel and immediate family members including long-term partners (as defined by Service Family Accommodation (SFA) criteria), Reservists and their immediate family members.
Information provided by NAPLES HIVE
BRUNEI: Saraswati Puja (Goddess Saraswati - Symbol of Wisdom) - Friday, 23rd January 2026, 1530 - 1630 hrs @ BFB Temple
3. Request – All available SPs, Families and children from across the BFB garrison are encourage and warmly welcome to attend.
- Puja
- Bhajan
- Prabachan
- Arati, Phool, Prasad & Tika
BRUNEI: Basic Sewing Workshop - Every Wednesday or Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM @ Pandan B Kuala Belait
Make it a Perfect Fit!
From measurements to mastery — learn how to draft skirts, tops, and dresses that flatter every form.
Expect face to face classes with hands-on learning.
Or
WhatsApp: 8844912
Golden Needle Dressmaking & Arts Training Centre - Pandan B Kuala Belait.Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: MOD Staff Bank - Are you a healthcare professional? Can you support the PCMF here in Brunei? - Register as Temporary Staff
Staff bank provides temporary assignments to Healthcare Professionals in support of the MOD at times when resource cover is required.
If you a Non-Serving person, medically trained, doctor, nurse, carer, healthcare worker or ambulance driver you may be able to secure temporary work at the PCMF SHOULD temporary positions become available.
To find out more, scan the QR code on the posters.
Register your skills on Staff Bank here: hcrg.uk.com/staff-bank
Staff Bank team email: fhrbanksupport@hcrg.uk.com
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: A Guide for Service Personnel & Families moving to Scotland
BRUNEI: Posted to Wales? Welcome to Wales guide for serving Armed Forces personnel and families
The Welsh Government Welcome to Wales guide for Serving Armed Forces Personnel & their families has been published to the Welsh Government website.
Support for serving Armed Forces personnel and their families | GOV.WALES
BRUNEI: Posted back to England? Check out the Welcome to England guide
Did you know that Welcome Guides have been produced to help Service families as they move across the UK or return from overseas?
The guides have been provided by the Nation States of the United Kingdom to explain what support and services are available to Service personnel and their families when they move between the Devolved Administrations or return from overseas. The guides include information on key topics such as housing, education, healthcare and employment.
The Welcome to England Guide can be accessed HERE . Other guides are also available via the Armed Forces Covenant website








Wednesday or Friday Classes
Limited slots only!
IG 
