AFF Germany Families' Conference 2013
The AFF Germany Families’ Conference – Thursday 27th June 2013, Herford
Do you have questions or concerns about your quality of life in BFG (British Forces Germany)? Are you interested in what the future holds for Army families in Germany and Western Europe? Would you like to know more about allowance cuts, redundancy and the drawdown of troops? If so, why not come to the AFF Germany Families’ Conference 2013? It’s your chance to say what you think and hear what senior Army personnel have to say in response. It’s fun, informative and free – we even give you lunch!
What is it?
The Conference is a unique opportunity for Army families to express their views and hear about recent changes to policy which affect you. This is your chance to debate issues directly with the senior officers responsible for implementing the decisions that affect Army families’ lives. The Conference offers families and serving personnel the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers on issues concerning them while living in Germany.
You will hear from key speakers and there will be two open forum debates with an expert panel, during which you are invited to ask questions or raise concerns on topics which may include (but are not limited to) health and education, pay and allowances, and foreign and commonwealth issues.
This year, the impact of redundancies and re-basing is likely to provoke significant comment, given recent announcements regarding redundancies and the planned drawdown from Germany. Childcare, housing, deployment, operational tempo and welfare support may also be key topics.
How do I ‘have my say’?
The morning and afternoon debates give you the chance to speak directly to the chain of command and to hear what they have to say. Areas for discussion might include:
- Pay and allowances
- Redundancy
- Re-basing
- Childcare
- Housing
- Education
- Additional needs
- Medical/dental
- Foreign and commonwealth
- Postings
- Employment
Who is it for?
People like you!
The Conference attracts a wide range of people from the Army community in Germany, including Army family members, serving military personnel, Unit Welfare teams and representatives of welfare, health, education and community organisations associated with the British Armed Forces in Germany.
Maybe you are an Army family member living in Germany, or a serving soldier with an interest in the quality of life for Army families? Perhaps you work with or represent an organisation closely associated with British Army families? The AFF Germany Conference is for you!
Who else will be there?
A range of organisations and agencies associated with the Armed Forces will be represented at the Conference and many will be running stands for delegates to browse during the morning registration period and at lunchtime.
There will also be a chance to meet the AFF Foreign and Commonwealth Specialist, Katherine Houlston and the AFF Housing Specialist, Cat Calder as well as to come and have a chat at the lunchtime Redundancy Clinic.
The Conference will be hosted by Patrick Eade from BFBS and BFBS will be covering the Conference on radio and television.
Where and when?
The AFF Germany Conference will be held at the Divisional Conference Centre in Wentworth Barracks, Herford on Thursday 27th June 2013. The Conference will start at 10.00 am (registration and coffee from 9.30 am) and finish at 15.45 pm. A light buffet lunch will kindly be provided by Naafi. There is no charge for attendance or lunch, although places must be reserved in advance (see below).
Do I need to book a place?
Places are free but must be reserved in advance by 21st June 2013. Please register online. If you are applying for tickets after 14th June, please call AFF Germany Office on: 0049 (0)5221 29 79 644.
You can also obtain more information from your local AFF Co-ordinator.
How do I get there?
Address: Divisional Conference Centre, Wentworth Barracks, Herford. The DCC is on the right-hand side as you enter Wentworth Barracks.
SatNav users and internet maps: 3 Liststrasse, 32049 Herford. This is on the junction with Vlothoer Strasse. Click here for the Google map.
Parking
Car parking for Conference attendees will be signposted to Wentworth Barracks. Please then follow the instructions of the personnel at the gate as to where to park.
The Anne Armstrong and Sodexo Unit Welfare Awards
This year’s Anne Armstrong Award and Sodexo Unit Welfare Award will also be presented at the Conference.
The Anne Armstrong Award
This award recognises an individual who has given their time and effort towards helping others and has made a real difference to the quality of life in their local Army community. The winner will be presented with the Anne Armstrong Rose Bowl. All nominees will be published at the Conference.
The Sodexo Unit Welfare Award
This award seeks to acknowledge the exceptional hard work of our Unit Welfare teams in supporting Army families round the clock. We’d like to recognise their resilience, imagination and dedication. So if your Unit Welfare team has gone the extra mile, come up with innovative ideas or kept their sense of humour against all odds, why not nominate them for the Unit Welfare Award? The winning team will receive €500 from Sodexo to use towards a community project.
