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Monday, October 5, 2026

Building Heroes: Training Close to Where You Plan to Resettle





Training Close to Where You Plan to Resettle

One of the most important decisions during transition is where to build your next chapter. Building Heroes programmes are delivered through a growing network of academies, helping members of the Armed Forces community access funded training in different parts of the country.

For Service Leavers preparing to resettle, this can be especially helpful. Training in or near the area where you hope to live after service can provide a practical introduction to the local construction and built environment sector, as well as the chance to meet employers and understand the opportunities available in that region.

Building Heroes academies are currently active across locations including Darlington, Reaseheath, Ibstock, Heybridge, Wembley, Drayton, Andover, Salisbury and Plymouth, with programmes shaped by local employer demand, academy facilities and available course pathways.

Learners may gain hands-on construction skills, recognised qualifications, sector insight and employability support, while also building confidence alongside others from the Armed Forces community. For many people, this combination of practical training and peer support helps make the move into civilian life feel more focused and achievable.

Whether you are exploring a trade, considering a career in retrofit or infrastructure, or simply looking for a positive first step into the sector, Building Heroes can help you understand your options and take that next step with support around you.

Places on our upcoming programmes are limited, and some cohorts are already attracting strong interest. Our next courses begin from 9 November, with further programmes starting in January and continuing at each half-term across our academy network. Anyone considering training for a new career in the region where they plan to resettle is encouraged to register their interest as early as possible.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses

SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Briefing, Thursday 22nd October 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 22nd October, 09:30 - 10:45, Tour of Mons follows.
WHERE: The Alliance Auditorium (Cinema)
HOW:
Book your place HERE.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support Collaboration with SSAFA - BFB Children's Christmas Celebration 2026 on Friday, 27th November 2026, 1430 - 1700 @ Chit Chat Community Centre


🎅 BFB CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 2026 🎄

In Collaboration with *Army Welfare Service Community Support x SSAFA*

Come and Join Us!

📍 *CHIT CHAT COMMUNITY CENTRE*
📅 *FRIDAY, 27th NOVEMBER 2026*
⏰ *1430 - 1700 HRS*

🎟 *TICKET PRICE: BND 5.00 per person*

📲 *Please BOOK & REGISTER your child by scanning the QR code on poster or click the Link : https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/BHKih6j2Bs?origin=lprLink BEFORE 08/11/2026*

🎫 Tickets can be purchased at:
- AWS-CS
- BFB Children Library
- SSAFA
- HIVE Offices

Starting 12th October 2026

📧 For info: BruneiGar-SpSvcs-AWS-MAILBOX@mod.gov.uk
📞 Duty Phone: +673 8330235 Ext 3785

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS-CS & BFB Children’s Library Collaboration for ‘’Halloween Spooktacular’’ Friday, 23rd October 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon @ Chit Chat Community Centre


AWS-CS and BFB Children's Library Collaboration - *HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR*

Date: 23rd October 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: Chit Chat Community Centre
Ticket: $10 per child
Ticket Sale: Starts on 01/10/2026 at AWS-CS office and BFB Children Library

✨ Fun games
🎨 Spooky arts activity
📚 Story telling
🍬 Treats & surprises!

🏆 BEST DRESSED WINS PRIZE
🧙‍♀️ Come dressed in your favourite Halloween costume!

⚠️ Limited tickets available at AWS-CS office and BFB children library
Join us for a Spooktacular morning!!


Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Children's Library - Dashain Creative Competition Submission by Friday, 16th October 2026


DASHAIN CREATIVE COMPETITION

Calling all our BFB Community Stars,

We invite all our little stars to take part in this exciting competition, get creative, have fun and show us your amazing talents.

Exciting prizes for Top 5 winners, and every participant will receive a certificate.

Submission by Friday, 16th October 2026.

Winner will announced on Tuesday, 20th October 2026.

let’s make this Dashain extra special and fun together.

Children’s Library

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Adult Library - Blind Date with a Book Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM @ Adult Library, Tuker Lines

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Friday, October 2, 2026

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 2 October 2026


Military families invited to help shape the future of Service Family Housing

The MOD has today launched the Red Tape Challenge, inviting families to tell us about processes that are getting in the way of them enjoying their homes, so that we can work to change them.

This is just one of a series of new pledges setting out clear commitments to Service families on the quality of their homes, customer service, and ensuring their voices are heard.

For more information and details on how to make a submission, click here.

DIO: Families First Newsletter – 2 October 2026 edition now available



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/

Girls Brigade: 'Forces Connect' free online group launched for girls aged 13+ from military families




The Girls' Brigade is currently partnering with the Methodist Forces Board to provide opportunities for girls and young women in military families. You can read all about the project on their website.

Are you aged 13+ and part of a military family? Join online for a fun, relaxed, and welcoming Girls’ Brigade session via Zoom! This special event is a great opportunity to connect with other young people from military families across the country, share experiences, and make new friends.

Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families
When: Thursday 15 October • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE!
What to expect: We'll be diving into the fantastic Girls' Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions.

No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life.

How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance. https://girlsbrigadeonline.eventbrite.co.uk