The Army Families Federation is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families worldwide on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.
Top stories
Telford HIC closure
Due to industrial action and planned absences, phone lines at Telford HIC will be closed today and tomorrow.
The remaining staff will continue to deal with work already received. Any urgent requests should be faxed to 01952 215948 or emailed to westallocations@hd.de.mod.uk.
The Forces Additional Needs Disability Forum
The Forces Additional Needs Disability Forum (FANDF) have organised a seminar to allow families and service providers to come together to discuss ways of ensuring that children and adults with Additional Needs in the armed forces community have access to the best support and opportunities available.
The national seminar is being held on the 12th May 2010 at MoD Main Building, Whitehall, London and all Service families where someone is disabled or has additional needs are invited to attend.
For those travelling a distance, free accommodation can be provided at the Union Jack Club. Delegates must pre-book and are expected to pay for their own travel costs.
To book a place contact Marlette Bennett on 0207 463 9250 or email marlette.b@ssafa.org.uk
For further information about the seminar or for other enquiries regarding additional needs within the military community, please contact Jane Barnes, SSAFA’s Special Needs & Disability Adviser, on 020 7463 9234 or email jane.b@ssafa.org.uk
Votes for Armed Forces personnel
The Army Families Federation have been working on the issue of voting for 
Service Personnel and their dependants for some time, especially in AFF Germany where there has been a recent campaign to get people registered. BBC Wiltshire devoted their entire breakfast show to the issue on Friday 26th Feb (20% of the Army is based in Wiltshire). Click here to learn more
A NEW telephone helpline is now available in Hampshire for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Hampshire council chiefs have joined forces with the Ministry of Defence to launch the helpline, which aims to provide a one-stop shop for information and advice about healthcare, housing and education services as well as help with transport for the disabled, such as Blue Badge schemes.
Hampshire is the second county council to pilot the Welfare Pathway scheme after Kent. The aim is to roll out the project across the country in 2011.
The single free national telephone helpline is 08000 223366. People can also call HantsDirect, the county council’s call centre, on 0845 603 5630.
Easter Poppy Adventure Breaks
Easter is fast approaching and there is still availability for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Adventure Breaks. During the school holidays they will be taking groups of young people aged 12 – 17 years to Worksop College in Nottinghamshire and Finborough Hall in Suffolk. Click here to read more
Ideal Home Show supports The Soldiers’ Charity to raise £100,000 for ‘Ideal Homes for Heroes'
The all-new Ideal Home Show today announced a ground-breaking partnership with the new-look Soldiers’ Charity to raise £100,000 to fund grants and home improvements for soldiers returning from conflict. The Ideal Home Show, which starts on March 20th and will include a special Troops Day as a tribute to the Armed Forces, is joining forces with ABF The Soldier’s Charity, which devotes its work to supporting serving soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Click here to read more.
