MOD Veterans Services: New online form now available for referrals and self-referrals

A new online form is now available, making it easier and quicker to refer to Veterans Services, who provide information, guidance and welfare support to those who have left or are transitioning out of the Armed Forces.

The form offers a simple and secure way for veterans, serving personnel, and those supporting them to request assistance and supporting guidance. It removes the need to download and complete paper or PDF forms, allowing referrals to be submitted directly to the Veterans Services team who will build and manage your case.

Most referrals can be completed in just a few minutes if you have the relevant information to hand. This may include contact details for you or the person being referred, such as a telephone number, address, Service number, National Insurance number, and date of birth. If you have not served, you can still make a referral – just provide the details of the serving person or veteran you are supporting.

To find out more about the new online referral/self-referral process, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/make-a-referral-to-veterans-services

BRUNEI: New Defence Dads Network

All Services • All Ranks • All Grades • All Locations

Calling all dads, stepdads, single dads, adoptive dads, foster dads, non-custodial dads, granddads, and other male carers.

We are looking at establishing a new pan‑Defence Network for Dads, and we’re seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to help join and shape this community.

The proposed DAD Network would aim to:

• Connect Fathers across all of Defence

• Provide peer support for navigating parenthood alongside Service life, deployments, mobility, shift patterns, and other pressures

• Create a safe and supportive space to share experiences, challenges, and good practice

• Champion the voice of Dads in policy conversations and wellbeing initiatives

• Build an inclusive community for biological fathers, adoptive/foster parents, step‑parents, carers, and those supporting fatherhood roles

Whether you’re a new Dad, an experienced parent, or simply passionate about promoting positive fatherhood and family inclusion across Defence, we want to hear from you.

How to express interest

Complete the MS Form HERE and help us shape a network that supports Dads across the Whole Force and strengthens our Defence community.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Swimathon - 24hrs Charity Event Friday, 26th - Saturday, 27th June 2026 @ Swimming Pool, Tuker Lines

BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI (BFB) SWIMATHON (24 HRS CHARITY) EVENT, 26 - 27 JUNE 2026

Swimathon is an annual charity event in which volunteers from across BFB participate in a continuous 24 hrs swimming challenge. The aim of this charity event is to raise funds for the Pusat Ehsan (Brunei Charity organisation for Special needs) and the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). Administrative Instruction and Risk Assessment will follow NLT end of May 26.

Please click the link HERE for donation.

Further details of BFB 24 hrs Swimathon event are as follows:

What: BFB 24 hrs Swimathon 26

When: Start: 0700 hrs, Fri, 26 Jun 26. Finish: 0700 hrs, Sat, 27 Jun 26.

Where: Swimming Pool, Tuker Lines

Who: A, B, C, D, HQ Coy and GST SP (Participants must have MST pass competency recorded in JPA)

Why: Raise fund for Pusat Ehsan and ABF

How:
a. A group of 12 volunteer swimmers from each Coy will relay.
b. Only one swimmer to swim at one time and can use any stroke.
c. Total distance covered within 24 hrs will be recorded for each team.
d. Attractive prize to the winning team (longest distance covered within 24 hrs).
e. Team entry fee of BND 120 ($10/pax) to be submitted to the Event Coord (cash preferred).
f. Entertainment provisions throughout the event – music, food and drink stalls (pay as you dine), bingo, raffle, etc.
g. First aid point with duty medic on standby.
h. 1x Lifeguard present throughout the event.
i. Provision of sleeping area for swimmers.
j. BFBS live broadcast of the event.
k. Advertisement via flyers, emails, HIVE and BFBS in due course.
l. JustGiving page will be set up for online donations which will be published via official and social media means. Also, there will be charity pots put around the venue for cash donations.

Entries

Unit team Captain is to submit entry form to register for the event by NLT Thu 25 Jun 26.

1. Each team should have a maximum of twelve swimmers in total.

2. Trophies will be awarded to the winning team with the longest distance.

3. Medals are available for the first, second and third placed teams.

4. Each team must pay or raise a minimum entry fee of BND 120, which will be donated to Pusat Ehsan and the ABF.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

National County Lines and Child Exploitation Awareness Webinar – 26 June

The National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and Ivison Trust webinar on County Lines and Child Exploitation awareness for the military community has been confirmed as Friday 26th June, from 10:00 to 12:00.

You can book places via this link.

This online session will be available nationally and overseas and is intended to complement the recent Escapeline face-to-face sessions.

The webinar will include presentations on social media awareness for welfare teams, parents and all teaching staff. It will also feature shared lived experiences from military families impacted by County Lines.

BRUNEI: Bingo Night - Friday 26 June 2026, 1900 hrs @ Patio Bar

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Teen Life in Brunei!

🌴 Living in Brunei: What Teens Wish They Knew

Moving to Brunei? Here's the real talk – straight from other teens who’ve been through it.

🏠 Military Life & Moving

• Life here moves fast – most families are posted for just 2-3 years. That means lots of hellos... and goodbyes.
• Friendships can feel a bit temporary. But you’ll also meet people from all over the world.
• Missing home is normal – the snacks, the weather, your mates. But it does get easier.
• Stay open to new people – you’re not the only one figuring it out.🏫 School

Brunei: BFB Blood Donation Drive Thursday 2 July 2026 10.00 - 14.00hrs @ Main Gymnasium, Tuker Lines

BFB Blood Donation Drive

BFB warmly encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming Blood Donation Drive. It will be held on Thursday 2 July 2026 from 10:00 to 14:00 at Main Gymnasium, Tuker Lines. Your contribution can help save lives and make a meaningful difference to those in need.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

NEW VACANCY - GFIE-496 - Cabinet Office - Business Administrator - London, Glasgow, York, Newcastle, Manchester - Closing Date: 15 July 2026

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (1 vacancy but multiple locations):

GFIE-496 – Cabinet Office Administrative Officer position in either London, Glasgow, York, Newcastle, Manchester - Closing Date: 15 July 2026

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EoI Form (also see Guidance Notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

NEW VACANCIES: GFIE-494 DWP Administrative - Bristol, Camberley, Gloucester, Maidenhead, Staines, Swindon - Closing Date for applications: 12 July 2026

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (8 vacancies in total):

GFIE-494 – DWP Administrative Officer positions in Bristol, Camberley, Gloucester, Maidenhead, Staines, and Swindon

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EoI Form (also see Guidance Notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

DIO: Families First Issue 39 Published

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/