AFCFT ‘Supporting Partners Programme’ opens for applications, closes 23rd Sept with notification by end of Nov

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Supporting Partners programme under the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

What’s the programme all about?

Since 2023, the Trust have awarded over £2.5m on behalf of the MOD to 45 projects under the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme which seeks to provide support and solutions to help partners of serving personnel navigate the challenges of service life.

SHAPE: Hough and Lewis Family Leaving Party, Friday 19th June 2026 16:00 onwards

Come and say Cheerio to the Hough and Lewis Families at the Britbar this Friday.

After a fab few years, both families are heading off to pastures new. Please come along for a drink and a natter to see us on our ways.

WHEN: Friday 19th June 2026, 16:00 onwards
WHERE: The Britbar        
WHO: Everyone Welcome

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Coffee & Croissants in the Britbar, Saturday 28th June 2026 10:00-11:00

It's the last Saturday of the Month which can only mean one thing.....

Join us in the Britbar for refreshments post-parkrun, pre- or post-dog walk or in preparation to hit the shops.

WHEN: Saturday 28th June 2026, 10:00-11:00

WHERE: The Britbar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: BFB Children's Library will be closed *TODAY* 15 June 2026

Library is closed today due to temporary maintenance. 

Meet New Librarian

BFB Children's Library Open Times

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: DIO(B) - Hornbill School Access Road Work and Scheduled Water Temperature Monitoring and Chlorine Testing

Hornbill School Access Road Work commence announcement

Pleased be informed that construction works will be carried out in the vicinity of H16 Spg 121.

Scope of works

• Excavation and removal of existing road surface in front of house H16/42A&B, 43A&B,89A&B and 88A&B as indicated in Figure 1 below.
• Extension of laybys

Figure 1

Work Schedule

• Mobilisation Works: Commencing on 1st July 2026
• Excavation commencing on 16th July 2026

Expected Disruptions During Construction

1. Road Access Disruptions

• Temporary road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented
• Access to certain areas may be restricted during excavation and road works

2. Noise disturbance

• Residence in the surrounding area may experience increase noise levels due to hacking, excavation, and other construction activities.

3. Heavy machineries operation

• Loading and unloading of materials will be carried out periodically throughout the construction period.

4. Temporary parking and pedestrian access

• Temporary parking spaces and pedestrian walkways will be designated and made available for residents of the affected houses.

5. Safety measures

• Safety barricades, warning signs, and directional signage will be installed around the work area throughout the construction period.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as these improvement works are carried out.

We appreciate your understanding. For any enquiries, please reach out to the DIO(B) Helpdesk.

Phone Number: 3224130 or military ext 3375
Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk

DIO(B) SCHEDULED WATER TEMPERATURE MONITORING AND CHLORINE TESTING.

1. In Order to Comply with the UK standard, DIO contractor Marsee will be carrying out the scope of works as shown below:

a. Check temperature reading of hot and cold water at the very sentinal point.

b. Check chlorine level in water using site test kit.

c. Visual check and small adjustment of water heater.

d. To record water analysis

e. Duration of work will take 10mins to 15mins.

DIO Scheduled Work

DIO contractors will be carrying out inspection works as shown in the table below. Utilities may be affected during the work, but DIO contractors will try to minimise disruption.

To reschedule, please kindly contact DIO(B) Helpdesk either via phone Calls Ext.3375 or 3224130 or Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk during office hours.

Planned renovation works at H16 Building 1, 2, 7, and 8

As per agreed renovation or refurbishment programme, DIO(B) contractor will start work at H16 Building 1, 2, 7, and 8 for 6 month from next week for the mobilisation works.

For safety reason, please avoid entering and parking surround the construction site at all times. During working hours, the surrounding area may experience increased noise level, loading and unloading activities, and restricted access due to safety measures. All road access to PCMS, accommodation areas, and the thrift shop will remain available. However, all road users are advised to exercise caution at all times when using these routes.

If you have any concerns or issues related to the works, including health and safety matters, please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk as you first point of contact.

• Mon – Sat: 0800 – 1700
• Start mobilisation date: 13 June 2026
• Start construction works: 1 July 2026
• Target completion date: End of Jan 2027

BRUNEI: BFB Ladies Ascend Mount Kinabalu for the Gurkha Museum - Friday, 12th June 2026

Our ladies Mrs Mira, Mrs Nisha, Mrs Lasu and Mrs Samjhana have finished and conquered Mount Kinabalu – the tallest peak on the stunning island of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah.

Their journey was for the Gurkha Museum – a tribute to the Gurkhas who have honorably served Britain for over two centuries.

 

Please support the BFB Ladies as they take on the incredible challenge of climbing Mount Kinabalu to raise funds for the Gurkha Museum.

Please make your donation by Thursday, 11th June 2026, using the link or by scanning the QR Code above. 

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Brunei: JWD 50th Anniversary Families' Day Friday 3 July 1400 - 2100 @ Medicina Lines

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

BRUNEI: PCMF and Dental Patient Information Leaflet

PCMF

English

Nepali

Dental

Please click the images to enlarge.

Dental Centre and the services provided at PCMF Seria. For further information contact: UKStratCom-DMS-DPHC-SER-DenPM@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: The Belgium Military Wives Choir: A community built “on the joy of singing”

Read about the Belgium Military Wives Choir community. Having been founded in 2014, it is now one of the largest choirs in the overseas network, boasting more than 30 members.

Find out about the major events they support throughout the year here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

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