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There is currently an issue when using MODnet devices to view the images in our blog posts. Whilst we work to get this sorted, please use a personal device to see the posts in full.

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Monday, September 7, 2026

September Quest Magazine is Out Now


To read this issue (and back issues) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/

SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Briefing, Thursday 24th September 2026 09:30-10:45

The next of the 2026 Newcomer's Briefs held by SHAPE Base Support Group is coming up.


This is an informative brief that serves to help you and your family to acclimate to your new community here on SHAPE; with 32 NATO member nations and additional partner and military cooperation nations represented at SHAPE, it truly is a diverse community.

Held in the Alliance Auditorium (Cinema), you with learn all about life on SHAPE, Morale & Welfare Facilities, Med Centre Provision and more. These also include a Guided Tour into Mons and can be undertaken on the same day or at a subsequent session, but a seat will need to reserved in advance. There is even a glass of bubbles on the Mons Tour!

WHEN: Thursday 24th September, 09:30 - 10:45, Tour of Mons follows.
WHERE: The Alliance Auditorium (Cinema)
HOW:
Book your place HERE.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE 

BRUNEI: New to Brunei? Useful social media pages to follow...


BFB Resources on Facebook…

⭐️ BFB Community Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/399693651487140/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

💜 BFB Husbands & Wives https://www.facebook.com/groups/266338930043946/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

📻 BFBS Gurkha https://www.facebook.com/BFBSGurkha/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

📻 BFBS Brunei https://www.facebook.com/BFBSBrunei?mibextid=LQQJ4d

📚 BFB Community Library https://www.facebook.com/groups/1162498561139499/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

📖🧸 BFB Children's Library & Toy Library Facebook & Instagram

📖 BFB Bookworms https://www.facebook.com/groups/598655438126413/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

Brunei: BFBS - Big Salute Op Summit Get involved between now and 8th October 2026

 


Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Friday, September 4, 2026

Brunssum: Recruitment Distribution List

Individuals interested in employment opportunities as a Locally Employed Civilian (LEC) are invited to register on our recruitment distribution list.

To receive information on current and upcoming vacancies, please send an email to: CSOCIGDN-GSO-LECHR-RECRUITMENT@mod.gov.uk 

Registered candidates will receive vacancy advertisements, application forms, and other relevant recruitment information directly by email.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE. 

Tri-Service Contact House Directory – where to find it online, or how to request a copy


Contact Houses, also known as Welfare Houses or Short-Term Families Accommodation, are military accommodation available predominantly for short-term welfare-related bookings, but can sometimes be used by those visiting for leisure reasons. These houses are usually managed by unit staff, where there will be localised policies on priorities for bookings, booking procedures, costs and how to pay.

To access the most up to date version of the Tri-Service Contact House Directory, please use any of the following options:

Go to the Army HIVE webpage at www.army.mod.uk/hives and there is a button to download the Directory at the bottom of the page
Contact your nearest HIVE or RN Family & People Support to request a copy by email. Army HIVEs are listed on www.army.mod.uk/hives, RAF HIVEs can be found on the RAF HIVE Finder at https://www.raf.mod.uk/community-support/serving-families/hive-finder/ and RN Family & People Support local office contact details are at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-support-offices
Contact Army HIVE HQ to request a copy by email via RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Contact us via Direct Message on any of our social media channels – please include an email address so the Directory can be sent as an attachment
Use the Contact Us button on any of the three Army HIVE blogs, where you can submit a request via MS Forms
Go to Army HIVE SharePoint (MODnet access will be needed) to download a copy

Support for LGBT Veterans Impacted by the Armed Forces Ban (27 July 1967–12 January 2000)


Restorative Measures for LGBT Veterans Affected by the Armed Forces Ban (1967–2000)

The Ministry of Defence is delivering restorative measures to LGBT veterans impacted by the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces.

Measures Available are:

• Non-Financial Restorative Measures: Includes letters of apology, replacement discharge papers, restoration of rank/commission, the Etherton Ribbon, and more.

• Financial Recognition Scheme - Dismissed or Discharged Payment of £50,000 for LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Financial Recognition Scheme – impact Payment of up to £20,000 to eligible LGBT veterans to recognise the broader impacts of the Ban, assessed by an Independent Panel.

Further information about the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, Non-Financial Restorative Measures, how to apply and support available can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page: LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK

Financial Recognition Scheme payments are tax-free and will not affect means-tested benefits.

Eligible individuals must apply before both Schemes close at 23:59 on 12 December 2026

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Naples: Welcome to Naples - Here you will find your location guide

 Welcome to Naples HIVE! 


                                                    
Nicki Kewley, Hive Information Officer

I'm delighted to introduce you to the latest Location Guide for Naples -  we have an abundant amount of information to share!

Our mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date information. This new and improved Location Guide, replaces the previous guide and has additional information for you.



If you are already in the area, you will find me at the NSE or the Gas Station - I'm always available for a chat.

Although currently closed, my usual location on Monday/ Wednesday and Fridays is Villa Angela, Contrada Torre Magna 68, Guigliano in Campania, 80014 

If further information is required, please do contact me at Naples Hive on: RC-Pers-HIVE-NAPLES-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Recycling Collection Schedule

 




Collection Schedule


Please note these are the specific days for each collection.

Please ensure that rubbish is put out from 20:00 of the day indicated for collection the next morning.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

The Ripple Pond: Free Thinking Family Autumn E Magazine


As families prepare for a new school year, the return to school can bring a mixture of emotions. New routines, new environments, friendships and the pressures of school can all feel challenging, particularly for children and young people who may already be navigating difficulties at home.

The latest Thinking Family Autumn Magazine is packed with practical ideas to help families through the autumn term, with suggestions for different ages and stages.

Inside you'll find:
Back-to-school ideas to help make the transition a little easier
101 questions to ask instead of “How are you?” to encourage more natural conversations
Board game recommendations for different ages, providing simple ways to spend time together
What to do when school feels hard, with ideas for supporting children when school feels overwhelming
Age-differentiated ideas for younger children through to teenagers
Simple ways to connect as a family and create opportunities for conversation and wellbeingWhether you're supporting a child who is looking forward to going back, feeling anxious about the new term, or somewhere in between, we hope you'll find something useful inside.

To read the magazine online, please go to: Autumn Edition of Emagazine, Thinking Family