Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk

A new team is ready to help you with questions about Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Moving around for your work in the Armed Forces can make it hard to keep your children's education on track. This is where CEA comes in – helping your children stay settled in education, even when Service life means your family must move.

Civvy Street Magazine – Apr/May 2026 Issue Out Now

To read this issue online, please go to this link: Civvy Street

To find out more or to read back issues, please visit: https://civvystreetmagazine.co.uk/

Recruit for Spouses – Latest Newsletter with FREE support resources and upcoming events

The latest newsletter from Recruit for Spouses includes the following articles:
Free counselling support for military personnel, veterans, and families
Upcoming online events, such as Making Sense of Pensions: Support and Guidance for Military Families on 22 Apr, and Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome: Confidence Building Workshop on 7 May
Information and a survey invitation regarding the Foreign & Commonwealth Programme To view the newsletter in full, please go to: Recruit for Spouses Newsletter – Mar 26

DIO Families First Newsletter - Issue 36 Published

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.

Brunssum: Brunssum Lions Rugby Club Needs You!

 

BRUNSSUM LIONS RUGBY CLUB NEEDS YOU!

We welcome any level of experience, at ages over 18 years, from the full NATO community! Join us every Wednesday from 1600hrs at the NATO Sports Complex.

We play local teams around the Tri-Border region and plan for more wider matches taking place soon.

If you would like to support the team please visit our shop where you can purchase clothing and accessories that will directly support the Rugby Club: BLRFC Shop

Thank-you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at training!

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Anchoring & Military Minds Spring Newsletter 2026

The Anchoring & Military Minds Spring Newsletter is now available. It’s packed with updates, upcoming events, family‑friendly activities, and information on the support available to serving personnel and military families.

Anchoring & Military Minds offers free, confidential support to anyone connected to the Armed Forces community. Whether it’s guidance around mental health, family wellbeing, navigating services, or simply needing a chat—please feel free to get in touch or pass their details on to someone who may benefit.

To read the newsletter in full, please CLICK HERE

To find out more, please visit https://www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/our-services/military-minds/

Brunssum: Tri-Border Sailing Club - 2026 season open

 

The NATO Tri-Border Sailing Club (NTSC) is a recognised Club of the Allied Joint Force Command HQ Brunssum (JFCB) Morale and Welfare Activity.  

The club has a variety of boats for beginners and advanced sailors. One membership cost allows the unlimited use of boats throughout the season (April - October) at the sailing location in Roermond. Training is also available.

For more information please visit: https://www.sailnato.org/

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Kids’ Swimming Lessons at JFC Brunssum

 

We’re thrilled to announce exclusive swimming lessons for NATO children at the JFC Brunssum pool! Whether your little ones are new to the water or ready to perfect their strokes, our program is designed to make every splash count.

Why Choose Us?
- Expert instructors focused on building water confidence and respect.
- Lessons follow the esteemed Dutch swimming ABC, ensuring a structured and effective learning experience.

From water safety basics to advanced techniques, we start lessons for children at the age of 4!

Have questions? We’re here for you! Email us at info@swimschool-aquazuyd.com or visit our website: swimschool-aquazuyd.com.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

SHAPE: Community Openings at the BritBar April to July 2026

Here are your Community BritBar Openings from April to July 2026.

Come along after work, have a drink and decompress with friends. 

Uniform accepted, All Welcome.

See you there!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Military Connected Children and Young People – Survey invitation: Our Health, Our Community, Our Voice

We need your help! We're asking children and young people from military families to answer some questions and we'd really love to hear from you!

What is it all about? We want to find out what life is like for children who have a parent or guardian in the military. We're asking questions about your home, your school, your friends, and how you feel. This helps us understand what's great about military life, and where young people might need more support.

What are Social Determinants of Health? These are just the things around you that can affect how healthy and happy you feel, like where you live, who you spend time with, whether you feel safe, and whether you can get help when you need it.

What will I need to do? You'll be asked to fill in an online survey. It's not a test and there are no right or wrong answers! It will take about 10–15 minutes and you can do it at home or at school.

Everything you say is private. Your name won't be shared with anyone.

Why should I do it?Because your opinion really matters!
To help other children in military families get better support
Hundreds of young people all over the UK are doing it too and you'll be part of something really important

Please use the relevant QR to your age group in the poster attached. Or follow the links below to the survey:

Age 8-11 – Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Age 12-15 – Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Age 16-18 - Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding opens to help young service children get the best start in life

New funding opens to help young service children get the best start in life

Young children in serving armed forces families often experience change in their early years before they even start school.

Frequent moves, long periods of separation, and the pressures of service life can all affect a child’s sense of stability at a critical stage of development.

A new round of funding has now opened to help early years providers and local authorities respond to these challenges and give service children the strong, nurturing start they deserve.

BELGIUM: Brocante de l'Espace Vert J-C Carpentier, Saturday 25 April 2026 06:00 - 17:00

Love a forage in a flea market or browse around a boot sale? Good News, the 16th edition of the Brocante de l'Espace Vert J-C Carpentier is coming up!

WHEN: Saturday 25 April 2026, 06:00-17:00
WHERE: Rue Henri Dunant

WHAT: Flea Market, Bar, Snack and Restroom available

Map below:

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Trips and Tours Itinerary is here

The SHAPE Trips and Tours Schedule is here!

Whether you are looking for a day trip or seeking a longer getaway, check out the itinerary available.

Click on the photo to enlarge or see here for more information about specific destination.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: British Donations required for Make-A-Wish Hamper of Nations

Make-A-Wish 2026 is booked for June (along with some good weather for this year) and all nations are asked to put together a hamper for raffling off at the event. So we would be grateful for any 'British' donations please!

Hamper Items can include:

• Food and Drink (sealed and non-perishable)
• Games and Books
• British Memorabilia (Items from popular TV shows/movies etc.)
• Health and Beauty Items

If you have a Basket Hamper that you are willing to donate, this would also be very much appreciated.  

Last year the British Community raised the most out of all the nations!

If we have any duplicates or receive too many items, these will be passed on to the Britfete event. Please bring your donation into the CLO’s Office.

For further info please feel free to contact Anne.Myers108@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: the 1st SHAPE Sea Scouts are recruiting both children and adults!

The 1st SHAPE Sea Scouts are recruiting!

There are spaces for BEAVERS available now and both CUBS and SCOUTS will have spaces open soon.

The team are also recruiting adult volunteers to help support the Scouting movement here on SHAPE and a new Trustee is required too.

To sign your child up, please scan the QR code in the poster.

For further information on volunteering or trustee positions, please contact: 1stSHAPE@britishscoutingoverseas.org.uk    

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Cycling in Zuid-Limburg

 

There is much to discover when you cycle through Zuid-Limburg. The network of cycling routes takes you through the forests, heaths and along the water. There may some challenging hills, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views all over the region.

For maps and useful information about popular routes, click here

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BELGIUM: A Women's Health Symposium - Save The Date, Friday 29 May 2026

In celebration of Women's Health Month, we are pleased to announce the upcoming Women's Health Symposium. 

Please mark your calendars for this special event on Friday, 29th May 2026 which will be held at the SHAPE Healthcare Facility.

Further details regarding the symposium's agenda and location will be shared in the coming weeks.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: AI Skills for Military Partners hosted by BFBS Academy

AI Skills for Military Partners hosted by BFBS Academy.

This is a first‑of‑its‑kind AI skills course, created especially for military spouses and partners, and it is:

Completely FREE
Open to all levels – no prior AI or technical experience needed
Focused on practical, real‑life skills

Participants will explore what AI is, how it is already being used, and how these skills can support learning, personal development, and future opportunities - whatever their background or aspirations.

As part of the programme, the BFBS Academy team will also be delivering a series of free, live and interactive webinars, starting in March 2026.

These sessions will give spouses and partners the chance to learn directly from experts, ask questions, and build confidence in using AI in everyday life.

Details of how to register to take part can be found at:
https://sms.bfbs.com/course/ai-skills-for-military-partners

We would be incredibly grateful if you could share this opportunity as widely as possible, using all the methods and channels available to you. This is a fantastic chance to reach and empower a wide range of military partners and spouses across our communities.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BFBS Box update

Key information to help you stay connected to all your favourite shows, movies and sport on BFBS TV.

On Tuesday 31 March, local time 1215, there will be a change to one of our satellites. If you’re using a Technisat set top box, you’ll need to retune your box on or after this date to continue watching.

Please note: you won’t be able to retune your box before 31 March.

 If you have any issues or queries, please visit your local BFBS office for assistance.

Transformative new childcare support could save Armed Forces families up to £6,000 a year

(images UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024)

A new Ministry of Defence scheme to transform support for Armed Forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary has announced on 20 March 2026.

This major boost could save eligible Armed Forces families up to £6,000 per year for each child, depending on where you are in the UK.

Defence is committed to supporting Armed Forces families, wherever you live and work. This scheme will help with the cost of living and navigating life as a family in the Armed Forces, recognising the demands placed on Service personnel and the critical roles families play in support of them.

Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme.

Defence UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) – launches Sept 2026

To access any document links, please view the document online here.

Further information will follow in due course, but please contact HIVE with any queries in the meantime.

Welcome to International HIVE

Welcome to International HIVE, our mission is to provide you with the most up to date information, the Overseas Locations Guides are an in-depth collection of that information.

Brussels - Click here for the Overseas Location Guide.

Brussels - Local Location Guide from the Belgium HIVE.

SHAPE - Click here for the Overseas Location Guide.

SHAPE - Local Location Guide from the Belgium HIVE.

If further information is required, please contact your nearest HIVE or the iHIVE, details below:


SHAPE HIVE Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Call: +47 (0)1611 678


iHIVE Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Call: +44 (0)7974 287738

NAPLES: British Forces Clinic Update re Meningitis B outbreak

 💉British Forces Clinic Update 💉

 

We’re aware of the current Meningitis B outbreak in the UK and understand that this may be worrying for some families.

At present, guidance from the UKHSA indicates that this is a localised outbreak linked to the University of Kent, specifically involving individuals who attended Club Chemistry between 5–7 March 2026. Those identified as being at risk will be contacted directly by the appropriate authorities.

 

The situation is being closely monitored by UKHSA, the NHS, the Defence Public Health Unit, and Defence Primary Healthcare.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

 

At this time, there are no plans to offer the Meningitis B vaccine outside of the affected area, and vaccinations will continue in line with the NHS routine immunisation schedule only. Should there be any changes to current guidance, we will share updates and any necessary actions as soon as possible.

 

📞If you would like to discuss any concerns, please arrange an appointment with a nurse by calling us on +39 081 721 2336.

❗For families with children attending boarding schools in the UK, we kindly ask that any queries are directed to the GP practice where your child is registered, as we do not have access to their medical records. This helps ensure safe and consistent care.

🖥️For more information on symptoms and meningococcal disease, please visit the NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

 

Thank you for your support, BFC. 🩵

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: NEW Vacancy - Learning Support Assistant - Closing Date 10 April 2026

 

DEPENDANT EMPLOYMENT VACANCY  

 British Forces School - NAPLES  

Learning Support Assistant at British Forces School Naples 

2 or 2Q (Qualified) 

 

There is a vacancy for a Learning Support Assistant within BFS Naples School. The employment contract will be for 25 hours term time only.  

 

The initial casual hourly rate of pay for an unqualified LSA2 – 1 is € 14.63 whilst the casual hourly rate of pay for a qualified LSA2-1 is € 16.83.  

 

This job vacancy advert is intended for family members of UK Military personnel or of UK Ministry Defence civilian employees referred to in Article 1 of the NATO SOFA.  

The Post is not open to others. 

 

The British Forces School Naples caters for children aged between 3 and 11 years.  

 

Job purpose 

To work under the instruction/guidance of teaching/senior staff to undertake work/ care/ support programmes, to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.  The post holder may be required to work in any class at the school or outside the main teaching areas including off site as directed by the Head Teacher.  

The role also involves delivering programmes of teaching and learning activities for children identified as needing additional support, including support programs aimed at providing for the social and emotional needs of pupils within the school.   

You will need to enjoy working with children and be a good team member as well as being flexible and reliable.  

Safer recruitment practice will be followed, and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.  

This post requires a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service which will be arranged for the successful applicants also the successful applicants will be expected to undergo Security clearance checks. 

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  

 

Once filled in, the application may be sent to the same address:  

GSO-Italy-LEC_HRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk 

 

 

Closing date and time for applications is 17.00 hrs 10/04/2026. Please be aware that in line with GSO recruitment policy, shortlisting will take place prior to interviews.  GSO recruitment policy will be observed at all times. 

 

 

  

Melanie Anne Giannolo 

Melanie Anne Giannolo 

Civilian Personnel Officer Italy 18/03/2026  

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE