SHAPE: Save the Date for the Big Events of 2026

Here are a few dates for your diaries! Don't miss out on these fantastic annual big events.

Due to reasons beyond CLO control, BRITFete will be a week later that originally planned, the new date will be Friday 26th June 2026.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Army Mental Health Resources

Your life matters. Help is here. Real people, real support, anytime.

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 Support Guide​
​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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Army Health and Wellbeing Campaign - #SupportIsStrength

 

Your life matters. Help is here. Real people, real support, anytime.

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

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 

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. 

parkrun is held every Saturday, whatever the weather (as long as it is deemed safe by the run director that week) and welcomes all nationalities, all ages and all abilities. Volunteers are needed too, so even if you don't fancy walking, jogging or running the 5km course, you are still welcome to join the parkrun community by volunteering to support this fabulous event.

What's more, parkrun is FREE and a fabulous way to meet new friends. Follow their Facebook Page to keep on top of what is occurring.

The parkrun group are an international, welcoming, friendly, sociable and most importantly supportive group who are always keen to have new participants join the fold.

If you want to take part or get involved in volunteering, simply turn up on a Saturday at 08:45 or email SHAPE@parkrun.com.

See you there!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Climb Mount Kinabalu with Mira and make a difference by supporting the Gurkha Museum

Greetings all! l am gearing up to tackle Mount Kinabalu in support of the Gurkha Museum and I would love for you to join me on this meaningful journey. Together, we can train, enjoy some great moments, challenge ourselves and make a positive difference along the way. If you're interested in being part of this inspiring endeavour, feel free to reach out on WhatsApp +673 8371451.

About Mount Kinabalu

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.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Do you have Secondary School Age Children? Please Read...

Do you have a child of Secondary School Age, either at British School of Brussels or a British Boarding School? Have you received this letter to your Belgian home address?

If so, if they are at BSB, please complete the following section, sign it and email/drop the form to Host Nation Liaison Officer Nadia in the Community Office:

If you have received the letter and your child(ren) are at Boarding School, please complete this section, add proof of registration at the school for this academic year and sign the form, then email/drop it to Host Nation Liaison Officer Nadia in the Community Office:

If you have any questions, do pop into the Community Office and chat to us.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Supply Teacher Cover Supervisor - Closing Date 27 February 2026

Supply Teacher Cover Supervisor Positions
at British Forces School Naples

The British Forces School Naples caters for children aged between 3 and 11 years. TQCS work is on a zero-hours contract as the nature of the need is ad-hoc. This is due to covering short term absences of class teachers for part or full days for emergency and planned cover, or subject to mutual agreement, longer-term absences.

Main duties are:

• 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.

Applicants must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning Skills Status (QTLS) to be recognised as a fully qualified teacher. Some qualifications, without QTS, which are appropriate and recognised, can result in applicants able to be employed on the unqualified teacher rate. They must have a good standard of spoken and written English, be able to show initiative, work unsupervised, be flexible and have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Experience of working in international, UK or MOD Schools is essential

Applications are invited from suitably qualified dependents who hold Full Provision status in accordance with EJSU SO 1023 and have at least 8 months remaining at Naples. Full job descriptions and application forms may be obtained by sending an email to – CPO Italy via the address: GSO-Italy-LEC_HRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk

The employment contract will be for zero hours per week and the rate of pay is € 27.44 per hour worked for qualified teachers and € 17.04 for unqualified. This hourly rate includes holiday pay.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

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.

But Venice is not the only part of Italy famous for its carnival celebrations; there's the famous parade of papier mache floats and political caracutures in Viareggio and an annual orange fight in Ivrea among others.

From Sicily to Tuscany to Marche, the main events and the dates are listed below.

Fano - February 16th, 24th and March 2nd - The sweetest of the festivals

Viareggio - February 8th, 16th,22nd,27th March 2nd 4th - The Masked Parade

Cento - February 16th, 23rd, March 2nd,9th ad 16th - Twinned with Rio de Janeiro

Sciacca - February 22nd,23rd,28th, March 1st, 2nd - Burning of the Carnival King

Ivrea - March 2nd -4th - Annual Orange fight

Acireale - February 15th, 16th,22nd,23rd, March 2nd,3rd - Elaborate flower/light parades

Putignano - February 16th,22nd March 2nd 4th - One of Europes oldest and longest

 Information Provided by NAPLES HIVE                                                                                                                                                                            

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

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

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

BELGIUM: Children applying for University this year?

 

Do you have children who are applying for University this year?

If so, please contact the HISO on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk or pop into the Community Office for further information.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Fleraqua School Holiday Camps, Registrations Open Now

Searching for School Holiday Camps for your Children? Good News, Registrations are now open for Swimming & Multi-sports Camps at Fleraqua.

Whilst swimming is at the heart of the program, fun multi-sports and aqua activities complement it; a great combination of learning and leisure.

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

WHEN: During the spring/carnival school holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fleraqua swimming pool, 20 Rue Marie Joyle, Mons (Havré)

MORE INFORMATION: Here

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 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Gov.UK Armed Forces Pensions Update: Pension Scams

The over-arching link for all Armed Forces Pensions information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans

Link to Pension Scams

Steps to stay scam safe

'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

After its annual closure period for maintenance, Pairi Daiza is due to re-open on Saturday 7th February 2026.

Have you visited the zoo yet? Coined the best zoo in Europe, Pairi Daiza is a zoo and a resort all in one. Set in the grounds of an old Cistercian Cambron Abbey, you will find over 7,500 animals from all 7 continents across the globe, beautiful gardens and impressive exhibits dotted throughout the zoo.

The Pairi Daiza Foundation are huge advocates for conservation, support scientific research & education and seek to protect & restore nature. They are involved in multiple conservation and research projects across the globe and have reintroduced & supported the Yellow-Bellied Toad and European Tree Frog populations here in Wallonia.

At the zoo itself, they have thought of environmentally supportive measures too, like the insect homes in all the Recycling and Waste bin casing and Solar Panelling covering the car park (genius idea, keeping cars cooler in Summer and drier in winter!).

The Pairi Daiza Resort also enables you to spend a night close to the animals. From hobbit houses in the Last Frontier and face-to-face rooms in the Penguin House to farmyard views from the Farmhouse Lodges and newly added windowed rooms into Shark Cove, there is something for everyone.

New for 2026 is Edenya, the recently completed (and world's largest at four hectares) Tropical Greenhouse which is home to Jaguars, Tapirs, Sharks, Manatees, Butterflies and more. Don't miss the Subaquatic Caves, the Dry Forest or the Suspended Walkways and to complete your visit, lunch in the Abyss, a unique underwater restaurant, has to be an absolute must.

Pairi Daizi hold two incredible annual light shows, one for Halloween and one for Christmas. In October, the zoo becomes a haven of enchanting decorations, animations and performances with visitors coming bedecked in their finest Halloween Costumes. 

The animals even join in with the celebrations as they enjoy some seasonal treats. 

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!

Parking is €12 per day, so adding that to the Membership is also a top tip.

If you haven't made it to Pairi Daiza yet, be sure to put in on your to-do list when it re-opens in February.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: NAAFI - Chautari Menu

Chautari Menu

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BRUNEI: Discipline - Muslim Customs in Brunei

DISCIPLINE - MUSLIM CUSTOMS IN BRUNEI 

1. It is against the law of Brunei to: 

a. Give alcoholic beverages to Muslims. 

b. Have sexual intimacy or any other relations with a married or unmarried Muslim woman. 

c. Gamble in public. 

2. If any service person is in contravention of these specific laws of Brunei, he/she will automatically have disciplinary proceedings taken against him/her irrespective of whether the Brunei Government demands his deportation or not.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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.

NAPLES : Community Volunteers Needed

Community Volunteers provide emotional and practical support to serving personnel 
and their families. 

To get involved, Apply Here

Community Volunteers can provide an all-important listening ear when it is most needed or a more hands-on approach such as when a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping is required. 

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. 

Our Community volunteers receive robust support and supervision to ensure they are fully supported with the support they are providing to the community. 

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?

To be able to meet the unique needs of Armed Forces personnel and their families, SSAFA provides volunteer support to local serving communities both in UK and at British military bases overseas. 

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. 

To get Involved, Apply Here

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: Saraswati Puja (Goddess Saraswati - Symbol of Wisdom) - Friday, 23rd January 2026, 1530 - 1630 hrs @ BFB Temple

SARASWATI PUJA (GODDESS SARASWATI – SYMBOL OF WISDOM) – Friday, 23rd January 2026

1. Event – BFB Temple service will take place to conduct Saraswati Puja on Friday, 23rd January 2026.

2. Time – The puja will take place between 1530-1630hrs (be seated by 1525).

3. Request – All available SPs, Families and children from across the BFB garrison are encourage and warmly welcome to attend.

4. Dress - Comfortable smart casual or working dress

5. Sequence of Events:

• Puja

• Bhajan

• Prabachan

• Arati, Phool, Prasad & Tika

6. Significance of Saraswati Puja. As usual every Puja in Hindu culture/religious has its significance, the Saraswati Puja, which marks the first day of spring, falls in between January and February. In Nepal, it is mostly known as Saraswati Puja which means the day to worship Goddess Saraswati, the symbol of wisdom. Schools, children and musicians celebrate this blessed day very excitedly. In fact, in front of the Goddess, all of us are students, because we are always in the path of studying and learning. Throughout our life we face new changes and challenges where we never stop learning and becoming wiser. So we are not more than the mere pupils of that supreme power, thus, we all pray, sing and worship the symbol of wisdom observing the day as a good start or improvement for education with all skills.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Basic Sewing Workshop - Every Wednesday or Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM @ Pandan B Kuala Belait

Basic Sewing Workshop

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.

Wednesday or Friday Classes
Limited slots only!
 IG golden.needle15

Message our page to enrol!
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

Are you leaving Brunei and posted to Scotland? Gov.scot have produced a service families guide covering all things Housing, Education, Healthcare, Employment and other useful information to get you started. Click HERE to access the full 17 page booklet.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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. 

To view the document in full please follow the link below:

Support for serving Armed Forces personnel and their families | GOV.WALES

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Application for Transfer of Residence relief (ToR1) Guidance

SPs should be aware of the application of transfer of residence relief (ToR1) when they are moving back to the UK on completion of their assignment. Individuals should get email when they apply for removal through agility.

Please click the link below for Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/application-for-transfer-of-residence-relief-tor1

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: The Art of Living - Intuition Process Program 16th January - 01st February 2026

Please click the image to enlarge.

A Gift of a Lifetime for Your Child

Material gifts like mobile phones, smartwatches, gaming consoles, or bikes may bring temporary joy, but they don’t last forever. What truly lasts is a strong inner intuitive voice—one that can positively shape your child’s life and, ultimately, the world.

Children have a natural ability to tap into their sixth sense, which gives them inner strength and clarity to make the right decisions and choices in life.

This leads to improvement in academics, sports, physical and mental health, and helps them develop extraordinary abilities.

Please follow the link to register. 

For further information, please contact:
Swati: +673 7411423

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: The Art of Living: Advanced Meditation Program 16th - 19th January 2026 @ Panaga, Seria

Please click the image to enlarge.

Please follow the link to register. 

For further information, please contact:
Ravi: +673 8731503
Swati: +673 7411423

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

SHAPE: International Library Regular Events for Children and Young People

Have you discovered SHAPE International Library? Well, it's called a library but it is so much more than that. If M&S did libraries, it would be SHAPE International Library. If Carlsberg did libraries, it would be the SHAPE International Library. You can hire books, board games, power tools, cake tins and everything in between. 

They host regular monthly events too...

Some of these events require registration, please check the poster.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE