HRH The Duchess of Gloucester visits Northern Ireland

Follow the link to the BFBS website for the full story: www.bfbs.com/forcesnews. Scroll down to the 'Duchess of Gloucester in NI' link.

Checklist for this page

Condensation/Damp in SFA
New builds in Lisburn
Security advice for families in NI
Your Child's Education
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Support Centre
SSAFA Community Volunteers

Go to 'Moving to NI' page

Condensation/Damp in SFA

We are aware that many families are experiencing high levels of condensation or damp within their SFA. AFF NI is currently working with families and DE to ensure families are aware how to combat the problem.

For further advice on controlling condensation or on how to deal with mould, read page 29 of the Winter 2009 Journal or contact the Housing Repairs Helpdesk.

New builds in Lisburn

Here is a selection of pictures showing the new houses in Lisburn. The article to accompany the images is on the NI page in the Autumn issue of the AFF Families Journal.

Select thumbnail to view. Click large picture to view full size.

Select thumbnail to view. Click large picture to view full size.

Security advice for families in NI

AFF NI has asked the chain of command to provide regular security briefings for families on their arrival in the Province about the current security situation. Every family should now receive a security brief from G2 who are responsible for intelligence and security matters. The Security advice for families in NI factsheet provides some background and will help families in NI understand what steps to take to make their lives as secure as possible.

Your Child's Education

Do you live in NI and have a child in Primary 7?  Would you like to send them to Grammar school?

If your answer to both questions is “yes”, you must apply for the new Common Entrance Assessment.

The closing date for applications for the September 2011 academic year is September 17th 2010.

Assessments will take place between 13th November 2010 and 4th December 2010, and results will be sent to parents on 5th February 2011.

If you know you will be moving to NI after this date and would like your child to attend Grammar school please contact AFF Branch Office on 028 922 66875 or Paula Armstrong (Children’s Education Support Officer) on 028 922 66347 for more information.

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Support Centre

NI-ADD, the Northern Ireland Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Support Centre, is a community based support service situated in South Belfast. NI-ADD was established as a support network for parents, children, and young adults affected by AD/HD in NI. It is a registered charity which provides:

• AD/HD focused behaviour management courses
• Monthly parent support meetings
• Practical support to children and young people through AD/HD groups
• Individual counselling for children, young people, and adults
• Telephone help/advice line
• Information service
• Book and video library
• Research projects
• Conferences to highlight awareness

If you would like to know more about the NI-ADD Support Centre and its services please go to www.ni-add.org.uk

SSAFA Community Volunteers

Being away from your family, and possibly away from home for the first time, can often be difficult. In such circumstances, SSAFA Community Volunteers may be able to help. Community Volunteers offer practical and emotional support to individuals and families during periods of difficulty such as isolation, and illness. Support may be provided in the following ways:

• Visiting isolated and lonely families when the spouse is away on duty
• Befriending those who need someone to listen, and putting them in touch with an appropriate agency, where necessary
• Supporting the bereaved
• Practical tasks such as transport to local hospitals, and other agencies as necessary
• Helping estranged families
• Advice and welcome to newly weds, who may be unfamiliar with service life

Volunteers are members of the local service community, including family members and service personnel, and may be either male or female. They are carefully selected, undertake mandatory training, and work to a clear code of confidentiality.
If you would like to find out more about using the Community Volunteer Service, or becoming a volunteer, then please contact Margaret Dent on 07971 255079. Email: margaret.d@ssafa.org.uk