Planning to register and claim for the UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) from September? Living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? Volunteers needed for the user testing

Planning to register and claim for the UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) from September? The childcare team are asking for volunteers to take part in user testing and provide feedback on some of the products required to register and claim the UKNA reimbursement.

If you haven’t heard about UKNA, read the announcement from March 2026:
Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year - GOV.UK

Criteria for taking part in the testing:

• Service personnel (SP) must be Regular or FTRS (FC)
• SP with children aged 9 months to 2 years old living in Scotland or Wales, and SP with children aged 9 months to 4 years old living in Northern Ireland.
• SP that are currently paying for childcare at a registered childcare provider.
• SP that use a Tax-Free Childcare account to pay their provider.
• SP that have sufficient time available to test the product and provide feedback to the team.

User testing will take place between now and September.

If you fit the criteria and would like to take part in the user testing, please contact the Defence childcare team at people-affs-child-expenses@mod.gov.uk

BELGIUM: Been Extended? Read On……

If you have been extended in your current role or promoted/transferred to a new role, please do visit the NSE to start the ball rolling on renewing your SHAPE and Protocol I.D.s

Just a gentle reminder that you will also need to inform DIO and Healix, renew your SOFA card and re-register any vehicles you may have. 

The NSE can signpost you as needed and SHAPE2Day (ArrivingLeaving: SHAPE ID/Extension) is also a very helpful starting point.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Guinguettes Season is Back for 2026

Guinguettes season is back in Brussels, launching last Friday with Guinguette Maurice in Cinquantenaire Park.

These pop-up bars, open across the city, offer food and drinks as well as various activities, events and concerts. The 2026 programme incudes Yoga, a Repair Cafe, a Lindy Hop and Street Theatre.

To find out more, have a read of this.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brussels Urban Trail, Sunday 28 June 2026, still time to sign-up

If you have never experienced an Urban Trail before, then this is the sign you have been waiting for. It truly is the most incredible way to see a City, even one you think you know.

An urban trail is a running or walking event which passes by and through famous and less well known spots and buildings throughout the city.

With two distances to choose from 7-8km and 11-13km you wend your way around the course at your own pace. The event is not timed so there is no pressure but to enjoy this unique experience.

Last year we ran the 11km with our then 9 year old and it was a thoroughly enjoyable morning; we even scoped out our lunch venue en route!

The course and locations are yet to be announced but it will definitely show you a side to the city you may not have seen before. Spaces are limited so registration is required. 

These are brilliantly organised events, with toilets, bag drops, t-shirt collection, entertainment on the course and of course a goodie bag when you finish. You won't be disappointed.

If I haven't sold it to you yet, have a look at this.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Vestalia Festival 2026, Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th June 2026

The third edition of Vestalia is due to finish this weekend!

Around 40 exceptional stately homes around Belgium will open their doors to the public during the festival.

The theme this year is 'Meeting' to honour the individuals at the heart of these beautiful historic homes.

As well as visits and tours of the homes and gardens, there will be concerts and performances in prestigious settings and some gourmet tasting to be sampled as well.

Find out more here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: BAD Festival, Charleroi on Weekends until Sunday 2nd August 2026

The largest food court space in Wallonia is back, until Sunday 2nd August 2026! 

The BAD Festival spans more than 2500m² in the open air, perfect to meet up with family or friends this Summer.

Come and enjoy 10 street food stalls, a cocktail bar, and more than 25 specialty beers in a unique atmosphere. With live music, DJ sets, fabulous food and awesome atmosphere, this is one summer festival you won't want to miss.

WHEN: Fridays & Saturdays 18:00-23:00, Sundays 16:00-22:30 until 2nd August 2026
WHERE: rue Chausteur 26, Charleroi
HOW MUCH: Free Admission, cost on consumables

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Food Handling Courses, next one Thursday 18th June 2026, 15:00 SHAPE Healthcare Facility

For anyone wishing to volunteer on any food or drink stalls at Britfete, there is another chance to get your Food Handling course in.

WHEN: Thursday 18th June 2026, 15:00
WHERE: SHAPE Healthcare Facility, Building 401, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Washington DC Area.
WHY: Food Handling Certificate is mandatory for anyone manning Food or Drink Stalls at SHAPE Events.
HOW: Book you place by emailing antoaneta.s.lazarova.ln@health.mil

You may not get a reply or confirmation email but you will be booked onto the course.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Learn to Face Paint, NEW TIME Tuesday 23rd June 18:00

The final Learn to Face Paint session is later this month. To make it more accessible, the timing has changed!

This is a great session facilitated by Beccy Player. Don's miss this fabulous opportunity to learn some really impressive face-painting techniques and I promise you it is easier than it looks.

WHEN: Tuesday 23rd June 2026, 18:00 NEW TIME

WHERE: The Britbar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Germany: What's On This Weekend Guide

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in NRW This Weekend

Looking for the perfect way to spend your weekend? Whether you are a dedicated foodie, a car enthusiast, a nature lover, or looking for family-friendly entertainment, Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) region has an incredible lineup of events waiting for you.

Here are the best things to do in and around the region this weekend.

🍔 Food & Music Festivals

Street Food & Music Festival (Dortmund)

* When: Thursday (2 PM - 10 PM), Friday (2 PM - 10 PM), Saturday (12 PM - 10 PM), Sunday (12 PM - 10 PM)

* Where: Friedensplatz, Dortmund

* More Info: Street Food & Music Dortmund

Indulge your tastebuds at Friedensplatz. Over 30 food trucks are gathering to serve up a massive variety of global cuisines and specialty bites. To keep the vibes high all weekend long, a full lineup of live DJs will be spinning sets from the afternoon straight into the evening.

The  Asian Street Food Festival (Düsseldorf)

* When: Friday, June 12th – Sunday, June 14th (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily)

* Where: Rhinepromenade Düsseldorf

* More Info: RP Online Festival Details 

Calling all fans of Asian gastronomy! Düsseldorf is hosting the lastest Asian Street Food Festival. If you love: Japanese cuisine, Thai, Korean, Indian, Ramen, Sushi, and Takoyaki, this is for you . Keep an eye out for event giveaways where you can win free food and drinks!

SHAPE: Summer Camp for kids at the SHAPE Arts & Crafts Centre - sign-up now open

If you are looking for Summer Camp opportunities in the School Holidays, check out what the SHAPE Arts and Crafts Centre have on offer.

Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up soon if you are interested.

Pop in to SHAPE Arts and Crafts Centre to secure your space.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE