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).

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

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: 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

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: 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. 

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

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