An inspirational drama & music project for young people of Hampshire

This is potentially a life-changing opportunity. By the end of the project as well as performing in front of a live audience, these young people will have created rousing pieces of music, achieved an Arts Award, recorded interviews for oral history use in the future, created banners for display across Hampshire and, most importantly, made some friends for life. The EDGE Project, an initiative of Hampshire Museums & Galleries Trust and the Winchester based, Discarded Nut Theatre Company are offering young people from Armed Forces families... More information

Calling 14-18 yr olds for high adventure on the Annington Challenge

After a hugely successful trial of the Annington Challenge last year. Children of Service parents are again invited to take part in an 8 day outward bound adventure. With only £50 to pay, it would seem too good an opportunity to miss... Find out more by reading Josh Booth's account in the RAF FF magazine, Envoy. Aged 14 and living at RAF Benson, Josh said: "I had an amazing time and met some great people...More information »

The House of Commons Defence Committee invite your views

The House of Commons Defence Committee invites Service personnel and their families to take part in an online forum they have set up. The National Audit Office is running two online surveys for the HCDC until the end of Feb 13 or you can access them through the parliament website. They are keen to hear your views - please take this opportunity to tell them your experiences of: The education for Service children and The education of Armed Forces personnel...More information »

Do you know about the Defence Medical Welfare Service?

DMWS is a charity that has been providing practical and emotional support to the Armed Forces, their families and other entitled civilians who serve Defence since 1943. It became an independent charity in 2001. The mission of the charity is to provide a high-quality hospital welfare service to the military community both serving and their family members...More information »

Your Views on Service Childrens Education - DEADLINE EXTENDED

Several parents have asked us to extend the deadline on this - so we have! The House of Commons Defence Committee is conducting an Inquiry into ‘Educating the Children of Service Personnel’. We have very little time left but this is your opportunity to tell us your views. The Committee would particularly like to hear your experience and thoughts on: The difficulties facing Service families in achieving the same standard of education for their children as they would if they were civilians; The provision of education for all Service children from pre-school to age 19; The transfer of information about pupils between schools, in particular pupils with Special Educational Needs; The effectiveness of the financial support schemes for all Service families; The adequacy of oversight and monitoring of Service Children’s education. Please let us know your thoughts before the 22 Jan 13. Click here to register your views...More information »

The House of Commons Defence Committee is conducting an Inquiry into ‘Educating the Children of Service Personnel’. We have very little time left but this is your opportunity to tell us your views. The Committee would particularly like to hear your experience and thoughts on: The difficulties facing Service families in achieving the same standard of education for their children as they would if they were civilians; The provision of education for all Service children from pre-school to age 19; The transfer of information about pupils between schools, in particular pupils with Special Educational Needs; The effectiveness of the financial support schemes for all Service families; The adequacy of oversight and monitoring of Service Children’s education. Please let us know your thoughts before the 10 Jan 13. Click here to register your views...More information »

Why Mental Health matters to Service Families - Woman's Hour (Thu)

The Centre for Mental Health has been invited to contribute to a piece on BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour' tomorrow (Thu 10 May 12). Being discussed is Matt Fossey’s report, 'Unsung Heroes: Developing a better understanding of the Emotional and Psychological needs of Service Families' The programme is on the air from 10-11am...More information »

MoD Too Slow at Dealing with Complaints

Dr Susan Atkinson, the Service Complaints Commissioner for the Armed Forces has criticised the MoD in their dealing with Service complaints, saying they take far too long to resolve. Dr Atkins also said the system was not efficient, effective or fair and called for it to be simplified. She added that it was hugely stressful for Service families and corrosive in the workplace...More information »

Pupil Premium Deadline is 19 Jan 12

The Department of Education are keen to remind Service parents that the deadline for registering their child in order that their state funded school in England can claim the £200 pupil premium is drawing closer. Registration must be made at the school by Thu 19 Jan 12...More information »

A Chance to win Christmas Dinner

Red Lion Foods have launched a competition in partnership with BFBS to provide two lucky Service families with Christmas dinner and all the trimmings. The company hope it will make Christmas just that little bit easier. The competition is open to anyone who has a family member serving abroad this Christmas. Last entries must be received on Tue 13 Dec 11...More information »