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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/utility/feedstylesheets/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>Health and Well-being</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/</link><description>Here you will find a variety of resources to support you, including Mental Health, COVID-19, Counselling, lifestyle changes and much more. Read the monthly NHS Armed Forces Healthcare Briefing and tap into bespoke support packages too. </description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>Telligent Community 12</generator><item><title>Blog Post: Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme May 2025 - Recruit For Spouses</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/mental-health-and-wellbeing-programme-may-2025---recruit-for-spouses</link><pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 12:17:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:81a5d5c9-47ac-4020-aaa4-7d18c82dd678</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Two new cohorts for our Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme start this May. This programme is specifically designed to support serving spouses in navigating the unique challenges of military life, including isolation, loneliness, deployments, and solo parenting. Thanks to secured funding, this programme is offered free of charge to all participants. Don&amp;#39;t miss out on this chance to invest in your wellbeing. Register your interest now! (Registered RFS account required) https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in For more info, contact us at careeracademy@recruitforspouses.co.uk</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Forces Additional Needs &amp; Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/forces-additional-needs-disability-forum-fandf-conference-2025</link><pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c9a11920-dfa6-489b-8ad6-b3617bfdbd8c</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>“The Forces Additional Needs &amp;amp; Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025 is taking place on 2 June 2025. This is an empowering and informative event designed for current service personnel and their families with additional needs or disabilities. Hosted by the FANDF committee and facilitated by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity , this conference will offer expert insights and practical advice for service families. The event will be FANDF’s first hybrid FANDF event. You can join in person or virtually, making it accessible for those with caring responsibilities or living further afield. The event will feature guest speakers from Defence (MOD) and support services offering valuable advice, information, and insights on available support for families. Our theme for this conference is 35 years strong: Championing Families, Shaping Change and we hope to celebrate some of the successes of support available for service families, whilst also highlighting how we can continue to shape change. What&amp;#39;s included : Food provided on the day Travel reimbursement available for FANDF members Accommodation available for FANDF members traveling over 2.5 hours Who should attend? FANDF members or those eligible for FANDF membership. Professionals in the sector - please note, priority will be given to FANDF members for in-person attendance. FANDF invite you to attend this important event to hear from experts, ask questions, and access the support you and your family deserve. The FANDF committee look forward to welcoming you to this significant event, designed to shape change and further champion families with Additional Needs &amp;amp; Disabilities within the Armed Forces. Eventbrite booking link: FANDF Conference 2025 If you would like more information, please email: CS.ANDA@ssafa.org.uk For details of FANDF membership, please visit: Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum FANDF | Disability support | SSAFA PDF version below:</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Family Activity Breaks (FAB) - For Bereaved Military Families</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/family-activity-breaks-fab---for-bereaved-military-families</link><pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8c45020c-f2ba-4e87-8da6-121abb4b5e35</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Have you heard of Families’ Activity Breaks (FAB)? FAB is a non-public funded ti-service charity providing fun and challenging activity camps around the UK for bereaved military families which gives a welcome break to meet and socialise with others who have experienced a similar loss. If your child is 19 years old or younger on the first day of camp, and has suffered the loss of a serving loved on in the Armed Forces, then you may be eligible for a FAB camp. More information can be found here: FAB Camps</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Surviving Being a Military Partner Course - Online</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/surviving-being-a-military-partner-course---online</link><pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b214b6e2-6865-4a4a-af22-4e777bcf33a9</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Provided through NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire the Surviving Being a Military Partner course is an opportunity to meet other military partners and learn tips for managing your wellbeing. The 4 session course has been developed by practitioners who are military partners themselves, for anyone who is in a relationship with a serving member of the Armed Forces. In this interactive online course you&amp;#39;ll learn: From each other: We know how important it is to connect with others who understand, so the session is designed to include plenty of peer support. About coping with deployment: We&amp;#39;ll discuss how different stages of the deployment cycle may affect us in different ways. Tips and techniques for wellbeing: You&amp;#39;ll learn some techniques used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that can help you to think and feel better, particularly around stress, uncertainty, and communication. This class is run in partnership with Anchoring Minds Solent Mind&amp;#39;s wellbeing support service for Military Families, g iving Families of Royal Navy and Royal Marines serving Personnel the emotional wellbeing support they need and deserve. See the Classes &amp;amp; Courses page for upcoming dates, and use their online self-referral form to book your place. PLEASE NOTE: It is available for those who live in Hampshire and are registered to a local GP (excluding Portsmouth, Southampton, Fleet and Farnborough), and are NOT currently serving in the Military.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Raise Resilience For Military Families</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/raise-resilience-for-military-families</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Dec 2024 17:58:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a01601ee-5e93-48d2-8937-d6a27452725c</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>You are more than a military spouse, a parent, a child. You are a human being and YOU matter. There is an immediate need to preserve children’s emotional wellbeing and build mental resilience. This course has been designed to support armed forces families to develop the skills, knowledge and strategies to not only face the setbacks that inevitably will come, but also be able to thrive in life. Through Raise Resilience, you can support yourself and your children to communicate effectively, develop empathy, nurture a growth mindset and understand emotions. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Armed Forces Carers Passport</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-carers-passport</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:36:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5c39abe8-ef41-402a-a185-ab4482dc7329</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>The Armed Forces Carer’s Passport is a practical and effective tool to help carers in managing their responsibilities. The passport ensures that when carers move between roles or experience a change in manager, they do not have to renegotiate the necessary arrangements from scratch. By documenting required flexibilities, the passport provides continuity and support, reducing unnecessary disruptions for both the carer and Defence. The passport acknowledges that operational needs will always remain the priority. However, it ensures that the carer’s circumstances are formally considered, fostering an environment where personnel feel empowered to discuss their care-giving challenges, how these might impact their work responsibilities and feel supported in their dual roles by promoting openness and mutual understanding. This whole-force approach ensures that both military and civilian carers receive the same level of support, reflecting the MOD&amp;#39;s commitment to enhance the wellbeing of its personnel and their families. The introduction of the passports will improve consistency in the way care-giving responsibilities are supported, ensuring that all carers are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of where they are serving or who their manager is. If you are an Armed Forces carer, we encourage you to speak to your manager about the Armed Forces Carers Passport and explore how it can support you. More information on this, as well as the range of other provisions available, can be found within the Defence Instruction Notice entitled - Armed Forces Carers Passport Guidance and Implementation (only accessible via MOD networks) or via the Armed Forces Families Support Hub (MOD Sharepoint). Both linked below if logged into a MOD Network linked device. Defence Instruction Notice Armed Forces Families – Health and Wellbeing – Hub For non MOD devices - more information on this and the other support available visit GOV.UK Information will also be added to Discover My Benefits (MOD networks) next year.</description></item><item><title>File: Armed Forces health stakeholder brief Autumn/ Winter 2024</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/m/resources/4054</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 Nov 2024 19:24:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:77eb479d-d1b3-4f14-820f-abba9ee09348</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description /></item><item><title>Blog Post: Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/domestic-abuse/b/announcements/posts/free-travel-for-those-fleeing-domestic-abuse</link><pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4e95ad64-c93b-4cc6-b95d-e86bb1c213ea</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes: Rail to Refuge , a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse. Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse. Women&amp;#39;s Aid Website: Travel to Refuge</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Strengthening Families: Neurodiversity - Making a Difference Together</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/strengthening-families-neurodiversity---making-a-difference-together</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3a09886a-15b8-4797-a310-f99ba3c47ef7</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>RNRMC are holding workshops to engage service families living with Neurodiversity. They are committed to understanding the unique challenges faced by our naval community, especially when it comes to neurodiversity. Whether you&amp;#39;re serving personnel, a spouse, partner, or family member – your voice matters! With support from Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, RNRMC will be holding workshops to hear about the barriers you face and how we can create real change together. Workshops: Portsmouth – Thursday 10th Oct. 09:15 - 12:30. Plymouth – Thursday 10th Oct. 09:15 – 12:30. Online – Monday 7th October, 19:45 – 21:15. Join RNRMC for a relaxed conversation over coffee and pastries or attend online if you can&amp;#39;t make it in person. Strengthening Families: Neurodiversity - Making a Difference Together</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: RNRMC Neurodiversity Team Workshops</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/rnrmc-neurodiversity-team-workshops</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:49:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:d5e8f862-f04d-4449-8fd7-093113206400</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Royal Navy &amp;amp; Royal Marines Chrity (RNRMC) would like to hear from you. Your Voice Matters! The Royal Navy &amp;amp; Royal Marines Charity is committed to supporting families, spouses, and partners of serving personnel living with neurodiversity. Now, with funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, we’re inviting you to share your experiences and help us identify the real challenges – and how we can work together for change! Portsmouth Workshop: Thursday 10th Oct. 09:15 - 12:30. Plymouth Workshop: Thursday 10th Oct. 09:15 – 12:30. Online Workshop: Monday 7th October, 19:45 – 21:15. Coffee and pastries provided for in-person events – come join us in a relaxed setting! Find out more: Strengthening Families: Neurodiversity - Making a Difference Together | The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (rnrmc.org.uk)</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: NHS Blood Donation</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/nhs-blood-donation</link><pubDate>Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:14:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:40e16e11-195d-48b6-a297-8d3cf387d16d</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>The NHS urgently needs you to give blood this summer The NHS has issued an urgent call for serving military and veterans across England to come forward and give blood due to critically low stocks, which have dropped to unprecedented levels. There is a particular need for donors with O Negative blood types, as well as donors of Black heritage to help treat patients with sickle cell. Individuals who already know their blood type, particularly those with the life-saving O negative blood type, are urged to book now. Why the NHS needs your help O Negative blood is vital and in high demand, as it is given to all patients in emergency situations and when the blood type isn’t known. Hospital demand for O Negative blood has remained much higher following a cyber-attack last month which impacted several major London hospitals. The attack impacted the hospital’s ability to cross match patient’s blood and has increased reliance on vital O negative stocks. The NHS also needs at least 12,000 additional donors of Black heritage to help meet the need for 250 blood donations per day, to treat patients with sickle cell with the right ethnically matched blood and to reduce the use of O Negative blood for sickle cell treatment. Every minute the NHS needs three lifesaving blood donations to play a vital role in saving the lives of babies and mums after childbirth, fighting cancer, treating conditions like sickle cell and those injured in accidents. How to donate To find your nearest centre and to book an appointment, you can: Visit the Give Blood website Use the Give Blood app Call 0300 123 23 23 If you can&amp;#39;t find an appointment immediately, please book for coming days, weeks and months – the need for blood never stops.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: The Whispering Winds - Dandelion Military Families</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/the-whispering-winds---dandelion-military-families</link><pubDate>Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:48:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:278329f6-df83-49ab-941d-a79b624275a6</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Dandelion Military Families are proud to present The Whispering Winds. A commemorative installation and garden of reflection for military connected parents who have experienced pregnancy, baby and child loss. Reservations are open for the individual windmill markers that will form part of The Whispering Wind Commemorative Installation and Garden of Remembrance at Beckett House, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 (9-15th October 2024). To reserve a windmill, individuals need to contact them directly via dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com to complete a registration form. On receipt of the completed form, a confirmation that the reservation is secured will be sent. Please note: reservations aren’t confirmed until we have received a completed reservation form and have confirmed your reservation has been successful. Reservations will close when all windmill markers have been reserved or on the 2nd September 2024 (whichever comes first). Windmill markers are allocated on a first come first served basis. Dandelion Website</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Anxiety Unravelled - Online Course</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/anxiety-unravelled---online-course</link><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:28:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3925bbbe-c77f-4472-9686-58f1631f88e3</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Anxiety Unravelled is an on-line course provide by Bounce Forward delivered over three, 1 hour sessions to explore anxiety. You will see the trainer and the content, and use the &amp;#39;chat&amp;#39; function, where you can chat to other parents, ask questions and reflect on the content. October 8th 08:00 PM Session 1: What is anxiety? October 15th 08:00 PM Session 2: How we talk about anxiety October 22nd 08:00 PM Session 3: Helping my child deal with anxiety This programme is funded through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for military parents and carers. October 8th, 15th and 22nd 2024 For more details see flyer below and for registration click Here</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Coffee and Connect - Online Group for RN and RM Parent/Carers of Neurodivergent Children</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/coffee-and-connect---online-group-for-rn-and-rm-parent-carers-of-neurodivergent-children</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2024 11:27:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4177685c-9789-4a4a-83ed-fcaadab135ed</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Run by Kids in partnership with Royal Navy &amp;amp; Royal Marines Charity Held monthly by Navy spouses for RN &amp;amp; RM parent/carers. Each month you will be able to connect with other parent/carers we will talk about different ways and practical steps to support our selves and our children This is an excellent place to come if you want to set some time aside for yourself whilst receiving peer support, gaining insights into supporting your neurodivergent child, and obtaining answers and support. Upcoming Sessions: Monday 13 May, 1PM to 3Pm Monday 20 May,11AM to 1PM Monday 17 June, 7PM to 9PM Monday 22 July, 1PM to 3PM You need to book before attending but you don&amp;#39;t need to come every month, you can &amp;#39;drop-in&amp;#39; whenever you like. email: nurturing.anchors@ldds.org.uk</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Dying Matters Awareness Week: 6-12 May</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/dying-matters-awareness-week-6-12-may</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 10:57:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:eec89bc8-d95a-40ba-9e9e-f9473c3a115b</guid><dc:creator>RN FPS HQ</dc:creator><description>Did you know that Dying Matters Awareness Week is an annual event which aims to make it easier for people to talk about death and dying? This year, the event is held from 6 to 12 May. Losing a loved one is no doubt a difficult and painful experience. The Royal Navy Family &amp;amp; People Support (RN FPS), through their Visiting Officer role, provide timely and sensitive support to bereaved Service personnel and their families. All RN FPS Visiting Officers (VO’s) are specialist welfare workers. VO’s could be military or civilian staff; they are either qualified Social Workers or graduates of the Defence School of Specialist Welfare Course. This means that to be able to take on this role, they must successfully complete the appropriate training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge for their role and engage in continuous professional development to ensure they are best equipped to meet the needs of bereaved RN families. The VO will make contact with a bereaved family, normally within 24 hours, of Kinforming by the Notifying Officer. They will support the family with their grief, and act as a conduit of information and access control between the family, the Chain of Command, and other interested parties. RN FPS will continue to provide direct support to the family until such time it is agreed that it is no longer required and all Service-related matters concluded. VO’s are also appointed to work with Service Personnel who, following diagnosis, receive a poor prognosis. The VO will assist and support the Service Person and their families to prepare emotionally and practically for the challenges ahead. If you would like to know more about the VO role or the support available through RN FPS, please contact navypeople-psrnfpsportal@mod.gov.uk Further support outside the Royal Navy can be found at: GOV.UK : Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel What to do when someone dies: step by step guide Veterans Welfare Service provides professional help and advice to veterans, their families and dependants, as well as those supporting veterans. NHS: NHS UK – Feelings &amp;amp; Symptoms Every Mind Matters - Trauma &amp;amp; Bereavement Support ARMED FORCES CHARITIES: RNRMC provides a grant to families should a Service Person die whilst they are still serving. RMA - The Royal Marines Charity offer a range of assistance aimed at serving and former Royal Marines and their dependants. Royal Navy &amp;amp; Royal Marines Widows Association offer support and friendship to the bereaved whose spouse/recognised partner was serving in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines at the time of their death Scotty&amp;#39;s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military children and young people. NATIONAL CHARITIES: Dying Matters | Hospice UK – provides an overview of the awareness week and various useful resources. Mind offers advice and guidance on bereavement Cruse Bereavement Care is a national charity offering face-to-face, telephone, email and website support. They also have a page dedicated to the Armed Forces The Child Bereavement Network has an online directory of services aimed specifically at supporting bereaved children. Their website also has tips for parents and carers. Marie Curie Telephone Bereavement Support is a free national helpline for people bereaved due to terminal illness. Call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 to find out more,or visit their website. Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults (up to the age of 25) find their feet when their worlds are turned upside down by grief. FURTHER LINKS TO OTHER SUPPORT: The Good Grief Trust is a national charity that has a very comprehensive directory of bereavement support across the UK, listing specific services for people who have lost a child, partner, sibling, parent or friend. Ataloss is a bereavement signposting website which can help people find bereavement support services and resources in the UK.</description><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/tags/Grief">Grief</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/tags/RN%2bFPS">RN FPS</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/tags/Death">Death</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/tags/loss">loss</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/tags/bereavement">bereavement</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/tags/dying">dying</category><category domain="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/tags/visiting%2bofficer">visiting officer</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: Events and Workshops for Parents and Carers of Neurodivergent Children - May 2024</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/events-and-workshops-for-parents-and-carers-of-neurodivergent-children-_2d00_-may-2024</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 10:37:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c83f9d80-f4f8-4349-9b72-24e0905dbde4</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>RNRMC and AFCFT have awarded a grant to Kids to ensure that parents, carers, and neurodivergent children in the Naval community have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. This May, Kids has an incredible lineup of events and workshops for parents and carers of neurodivergent children in the Naval community. To find out more information and how to get involved - CLICK HERE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) Spring Event</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/forces-additional-needs-and-disability-forum-fandf-spring-event</link><pubDate>Sun, 25 Feb 2024 16:33:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8837572a-feaa-42ac-af74-a04baf2ff61d</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Hosted By The FANDF Committee on Thursday 18 April 2024 10:00 to 14:30 at Leuchars Community Centre, Tutor Road, Leuchars, KY16 OJW A free local, tri-Service event for currently serving families and reservists who have a child or immediate family member with an additional need/disability. This is an opportunity to: Meet with the FANDF committee members. Listen to keynote speakers. Raise issues, ask questions and share experiences. Access organisations and individuals who can support with additional needs/disability. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Places are limited, so sign up soon! To apply please click here</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Nurturing Anchors Online Workshops</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/b/announcements/posts/nurturing-anchors-online-workshops</link><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:52:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:196afa5d-3315-4403-b194-76b9f2b473b5</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>As part of RNRMC’s Strengthening Families- By Your Side programme the Nurturing Anchors Workshops are an empowering online programme designed for parent / carers. Led by two skilled facilitators, these group-based workshops hope to achieve RNRMC’s aim of enhancing the health and wellbeing of our naval families with neurodivergent children. Nurturing Anchors&amp;#39; is a Free12-week course, facilitated by Kids Charity, to help parent carers of individuals with neurodiversity to master their own self-care with practical tips and guidance. Kids Charity is commissioned to run three groups over the next 12 months. Next Start date: Thursday, 8 th of February, 7pm - 9pm Commitment: 2 hours a week, for 12 weeks. Delivery: Online, Group-based workshops. To register for the upcoming course: https://forms.office.com/e/hcbSASLdGR To read more about Kids Charity and their work in the Naval community: https://www.kids.org.uk/services/support-for-naval-families/</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: What support is there for Service families facing domestic abuse?</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/domestic-abuse/b/announcements/posts/what-support-is-there-for-service-families-facing-domestic-abuse</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:06:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:bdc22d1e-58fa-429a-aa76-a39732b2a090</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Find out about the domestic abuse support available for Service families. As part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, Defence is encouraging anyone affected by domestic abuse to ask for help and to be aware of the different ways to get support. Armed forces families play a crucial role in Defence and should feel safe and supported. When it comes to domestic abuse, there are many support services available to them – both within Defence and at a local and national level . To help more people get the help they need, it’s also important to understand what might be stopping them from seeking support. There are multiple and very valid reasons as to why domestic abuse victims-survivors can be reluctant to ask for support, particularly in close knit Defence communities. Most victims-survivors live with their abuser, some aren’t aware that they are being abused, and others might fear the repercussions of seeking support. There are also many who don’t know about the support that exists. Breaking down some of these barriers Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender + people may face more barriers to getting support, including discrimination and fears about disclosing their sexuality. Galop is a national LGBT domestic abuse charity that offers confidential, emotional support and information. Men might not reach out to support services as they might think it’s for women only, or they may worry that they won’t be taken seriously. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, and everyone in the Defence community will be supported and treated with respect. Armed forces support exists on many levels In a military context, there can be a perception that support services are only for the Service person and not the whole family. As explained below, many support services also help armed forces family members. Service families can receive initial support and signposting from unit support staff, who understand the dynamics of abuse and have knowledge of local support services. Specialist welfare support refers to the Army Welfare Service, Naval Service Family and People Support, and the RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service. These services are confidential and independent of the Chain of Command. For a list of services and contact details, visit GOV.UK. These specialist welfare services provide a variety of support to Service personnel and their families, including making referrals to external specialist services. There is also support for those who recognise their behaviour is abusive and want to change. Armed forces family members can report domestic abuse to Service Police. The Victim Witness Care Unit then provides support to victims-survivors of domestic abuse during their journey through the Service Justice System. To find out what happens when a report of domestic abuse is made to the Service Police, read the Service Police’s leaflet . Not sure what support you need? The support services mentioned can help victims-survivors to find out what kind of support they need and can help with planning next steps. A list of support services and contact details, inside and outside of Defence, can be found in the JSP 913: Whole Force Policy on Domestic Abuse . These support services have skilled staff in place who understand the significant challenges that victims-survivors face in reaching out for support and the courage required to do this. So, if you have any questions about the support options available within Defence or need further information, contact the MOD Safeguarding policy team: People-AFFS-Safeguarding-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk Useful links: Domestic abuse – how and where to get help Domestic abuse support and guidance for the armed forces community Domestic abuse support organisations and external charities</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: The Red Chair Project</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/health-and-wellbeing/domestic-abuse/b/announcements/posts/the-red-chair-project</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:27:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:92d95b75-3f11-4209-a4b3-75a71c283d6a</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Would you like to take part in the Red Chair Project? The Red Chair Project is a campaign that runs each year during the UN&amp;#39;s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It involves reserving an empty chair in a public place, alongside information about domestic abuse and violence against women. The empty chair acts as a powerful symbol of the many women who&amp;#39;ve been killed through gender-based violence - women who should still be with us today. If you would like to get involved and take part, more details can be found here: The Red Chair Project</description></item></channel></rss>