Forces Employment Charity: Spring into new opportunities

 

In this edition, we’ve got plenty to help you explore what’s next, whether you’re curious about getting into tech, thinking about a fresh start in manufacturing or logistics, or simply want to stay connected with what’s happening across our community. We’re also proud to share that nominations are open for this year’s Heropreneurs awards, celebrating the exceptional talent, ambition, and impact of the UK’s Armed Forces entrepreneurs. Read on and book your next career-changing event...

Spring Opportunities

Brunssum: Local Accommodation at The General Eisenhower Hotel

The General Eisenhower Hotel

Looking for accommodations for your new delegation members or visiting family? Look no further!

Welcome to The General Eisenhower Hotel, nestled within the JFC Conference Center. Our reasonably priced 20-room operation offers convenient access to both the JFC HQ and Brunssum City Center, all within walking distance.

Set in the picturesque Brunssumer Heide area of the Netherlands, our hotel is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Take leisurely walks, invigorating runs, or scenic bike rides right from our doorstep.

Experience comfort, convenience, and the beauty of nature all in one place at The General Eisenhower Hotel.

View more detail and book your stay here.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

NAPLES: British Forces Clinic opening hours

 

BFC Opening Times and Important Patient Information

Quick reminder of our surgery opening hours and how to access care:

If you need to be seen urgently on the same day, please call +39 081 721 2336 between the hours of 8am and 9am.

Helps to prioritise patients who need immediate care.

Boarding School Parents:-

As per the JSP 770  We are happy to see boarders for :-

Urgent cases
Unexpected illnesses or concerns

However for all routine medical care please arrange this through your child's registered GP in the UK.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Underground City 100 feet under the bustling streets of Naples

The Bourbon Tunnels (Galleria Borbonica)

Imagine walking underground and finding :

Vintage cars and Taxis from the 1940's (rusted and abandoned)
Old Vespas covered in decades of dust.
WW11 Bomb shelters where thousands survived

Please note:-

Its not claustrophobic (huge space)
Perfect escape from the heat or rain.

For Tickets

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : A 7 Day Road trip through Puglia

 

Day 1 - Bari and Polignano a Mare

Start in Bari's old town (Bari Vecchia) where nonna's still make orecchiette by hand. Then head to Polignano a Mare for that iconic cliffside view.

Day 2 - Monopoli

A hidden gem. Think colourful fishing boats, a charming harbour, and way less crowds than other coastal towns.

Day 3 - Alberobello

Walk through a real life fairytale - the famous trulli houses make this one of the most unique towns in Italy.

Day 4 - Ostuni

"The White City" perched on a hill with insane view. Come at sunset.

Day 5 - Lecce

Known as "The Florence of the South" baroque architecture, amazing piazzas, and incredible food scenes.

Day 6 - Otranto

Historic seaside town with crystal clear water and a stunning castle right on the coast.

Day 7 - Gallipoli & Salento Beaches

End your trip with some of the best beaches in Italy

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

Wifinity Armed Forces Offers: eSIM for travel and deployment.

The current MOD offers from Wifinity include:

Low cost eSIM for deployment and travel - Wifinity | Explore our low cost eSIM plans

• Cheapest options on the market for MOD personnel and families going abroad
• 10% discount for MOD personnel and families using code HIVE10
• 20% discount for existing Wifinity customers. Customers can log into their ‘My Account’ to get their code

Celebrating 30 Years of Army Welfare Service

On 01 April 2026, the Army Welfare Service (AWS) marked its 30th anniversary - three decades of dedicated support to soldiers, their families, and the wider Armed Forces community in the UK and overseas. Since its re‑rolling in 1996, AWS has grown into a dynamic organisation that unites Specialist Welfare, Community Support, and Business Support, bringing together civil servants and Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) personnel under one mission: delivering exceptional welfare support to the Army family.

The AWS has its origins in the Families Housing and Welfare Service (FHWS), established in 1977 within the AGC. The first male SNCOs joined FHWS in 1993, and the service became the AWS on 1 April 1996. The introduction of civilian Army Welfare Workers (AWWs) in 1999 strengthened the civil–military partnership, while the 2001/02 Welfare Review shaped the modern structure recognised today.

Brunssum: Online Learning Pathways for your parenting journey and important relationships

 

What is Togetherness?

Dual Accommodation Waiver – Information update on changes effective from 1 Apr 26

The Defence Accommodation Policy team have provided updated information on the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) in line with changes that took effect from 1 Apr 2026.

Dual Accommodation Waiver applies to Service Personnel who live in SLA during the week as their Residence at Work Address and can also evidence a Privately Maintained Property, family home or formally retained Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the UK.

The policy changes relate to timelines for claims, including backdating. This new information is available within the following Sway: Dual Accommodation Waiver Explained (Previously Extended SLA Waiver)

JSP references and key points of contact are included in the Sway for further enquiries, and HIVE can also be contacted for further information.

Brunssum: Warning Sirens - first Monday of the month

 

When are the public warning sirens tested?

All over the Netherlands, the public warning sirens are tested at exactly 12.00 noon on the first Monday of every month. The siren sounds for 1 minute and 26 seconds without interruption. This is a test signal so there is nothing to worry about. The sirens are never tested on a national or religious holiday or Remembrance Day, even if they fall on the first Monday in the month.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.