Gibraltar: Meningitis Vaccination Reminder

The Gibraltar Health Authority is reminding students studying at UK universities to check that their meningitis vaccinations are up to date, following reports of cases affecting students at a university in Kent.

The GHA is not aware of any confirmed cases linked to Gibraltar at this time, but is issuing the advice as a precaution given that a number of Gibraltar students study in Kent and the wider Canterbury area.

Students are encouraged to arrange vaccination *before returning to university after the Easter holidays*, as meningitis can spread more easily in settings where large numbers of young people live or study together.

*Not yet vaccinated?*

Contact the Primary Care Centre on *200 66966*, between 9am–3pm, Monday to Friday.

Students who have already received the vaccine do not need to be vaccinated again.

BELGIUM: NAAFI Online Shopping Order and Delivery Dates

Are you signed up for NAAFI Online Shopping?

If so, here are the Order By and Delivery Dates for the next 6 months. 

If you are not signed up yet but wish to order your British faves from NAAFI including Marmite, Baked Beans, Squash and more, drop into the Community Office or email CSOCIGDN-GSO-BELGIUM-CMNTY@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Family Park, Mondo Verde, Landgraaf

 The park covers 25 acres, allowing families to have fun, learn and relax. 

World gardens - Each World Garden has something unique to offer.

Zoo - so many animals to admire, so much to learn

Attractions include: log flumes, variety of rides, giant bouncing cushion, mini cable car ride, playgrounds, pirate splash water pool with 6 slides.

For more information to prepare for your visit, click here

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BRUSSELS: Walk-In Blood Tests not available at the Sterrebeek Clinic, Appointment Required.

Please Note: Blood Tests on a Walk-in basis at the Sterrebeek Clinic are not currently offered. Please book an appointment.

More below.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Brunei Shell Retail Stations Business Hours during Hari Raya Celebrations

       

For further information, please visit BSM's Instagram page. 

The public may also contact BSM's call centre at 2244739.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Brunssum: Visit Nuenen - Van Gogh's Village

 

The pretty Village of Nuenen is a 20-minute drive from Eindhoven airport - well worth a visit if you are in the area.

From 1883 to 1885, Vincent van Gogh lived and worked in Nuenen; you can take a walk and connect his paintings with real places in the area, which is dotted with 23 locations directly linked to the artist. There are interactive information signs around the village where you can read and listen to stories about Van Gogh and the locations you’re standing in front of.

To learn more about Vincent's life in Nuenen and the importance of his Brabant period to his first masterpiece, 'The Potato Eaters', visit the Van Gogh Village Museum

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BELGIUM: Spring Flower Festivals across the country

Spring is springing and the flowers are celebrating...

Don't miss the gorgeous flower and plant festivals going on across Belgium this season. Find out more HERE. 

Locally to SHAPE is the incredible Amaryllis exhibition at Chateau Beloeil, where you will find over 7000 flowering bulbs styled into beautiful floral creations throughout the castle's rooms. Running from Saturday 4th to Sunday 12th April. 

On the outskirts of Brussels, don't miss Floralia at the Castle of Groot Bijgaarden. In the beautifully landscaped grounds of this 12th century moated fortress you will find over one million Tulips, Daffodils and Hyacinths blooming from their bulbs creating the most stunning flower carpets and flower beds. Running from Friday 3rd April to Sunday 3rd May.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: BFSWS ‘Togetherness’ A Parenting Course - Starting from Tuesday, 17th March 2026. Every Tuesday & Thursday, 09:00 - 10:30 AM @ BFSWS Training Room, CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.

For any queries, please contact 

Rachana Niraula at 3224101 Ext. 3285 / 

email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Non-UK Nationals: New digital record of exemption for those in the Armed Forces from 19th March 2026

The Home Office has informed the MOD that from 19 March 2026, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will no longer issue physical exempt vignettes in passports as evidence of their exempt status.

Instead, all new recruits and Service personnel in the UK and serving overseas who are renewing or replacing their passports will be able to apply for a digital record of exemption (DroE). The document below summarises the application processes for applying in the UK and from overseas.


Non-UK Nationals: New digital record of exemption for those in the Armed Forces

PAPYRUS: Fully funded Suicide Prevention Training for Veteran communities

PAPYRUS has been awarded funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to provide fully funded suicide prevention training for those working with or supporting veterans. The aim is to equip participants with skills to identify warning signs, intervene effectively, and reduce stigma around mental health and suicide among veterans. The training is available across the UK. If you work with or support veterans, please do book onto a course: Armed Forces (Veterans) Training | Papyrus

Also see: Funded suicide prevention training in your area | Papyrus

HOPELINE247: HOPELINE247 advisers work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They also want to provide you with a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe. For anyone under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and for anyone concerned that a person could be thinking about suicide visit HOPELINE247 | Papyrus