E m e r g i n g I s s u e s Emerging Issues Fly the Flag 27 June 09 T


he MOD is encouraging councils, businesses and homes to show their support


for Britain’s Armed Forces by flying a special flag designed for Armed Forces Day. The Prime Minister said: “Britain’s Armed Forces are second to none, and the whole country owes them an enormous debt of gratitude. Armed Forces Day is our chance to say thank you.”


Free from the FSA T


he Financial Services Authority (FSA), the independent non-


governmental body that regulates the financial services industry in the UK, and is bringing a programme of financial education to all serving personnel. The roll out is now under way on units.


The ‘Money Made Clear’programme aims to provide people with impartial guidance on money matters. You will have an opportunity to book a one-to-one session with a FSA Money Guider who will be able to discuss your personal financial matters in confidence. The FSA encourage you to make the most of this opportunity when they visit.


Information on NHS Dentists


he NHS have issued leaflets and posters giving information on how NHS dental services work,


how to find an NHS dentist, what to expect when you go to the dentist, where to go for more information or support from and the likely charges.


Order Your Uniform Items On-Line


F 4


ollowing the Canadian Armed Forces lead, Defence Clothing are


Summer 2009 CEA Claims for Sep 09 C


laimants are reminded that the application process for CEA,


the Children’ Education Eligibility Certificates & Mobility Certificates takes 6-8 weeks to complete. The CEAS office must be contacted in plenty of time to obtain the certificates for children starting school in September.


Female Support F


rolling out a new web-based clothing solution allowing serving personnel to order their items of uniform on-line rather than queuing at clothing stores in the hope of them having what you require in the correct size.


Reservists T


Annington to the Rescue! T


en years ago, the Annington Trust made its first grants to projects for


those living ‘on the patch’. At the time a trust fund of £500K was set up by Annington, to produce income that has helped fund over 300 groups and projects.


he RAF Families Federation is keen to ensure that Reservist personnel and their families are


aware that the Federation exists to represent their views as well as those of their Regular counterparts. See separate article on Reserves.


The decline in interest rates looked likely to present problems to the Trust but the Board of Annington have decided to make an annual payment of £25K for the next three years to ensure that the Trust’s work would not be affected. The Company has made significant contributions in both cash and kind to Service communities and this donation now makes it possible for the business to continue to support projects and activities for families. For more information and how to apply go to: www. anningtontrust.org


RAFA Skydiving and Parachuting


minimum sponsorship amount for RAFA (£360) you can participate for FREE! For further details contact Rachael Snutch at RAFA 0116 268 8777.


I


orces Girls is an online community run by and for UK Armed Forces


wives, fiancées and girlfriends. The forum offers useful advice, chat, laughs, news, debates and locally arranged meet ups. The site is free to join and welcomes all, regardless of partner’s rank or service. www. ForcesGirls.co.uk


News from BFBS B


FBS Radio can now be heard on DAB Digital Radio in the UK as well as in overseas locations. It is


also available online atwww.bfs.com, on Sky Guide Number 0211 and Freesat Channel 786.


BFBS have launched two new TV channels, BFBS3 KIDS and a movie channel on BFBS4.


Change to Pension Sharing W


here an Armed Forces Pension Sharing Order is in place,


former spouses now have the option to have their pension actuarially reduced and paid from age 55, or immediately, if already over 55. To enquire about this option write to: SPVA, Pensions on Divorce Section, Mail Point 480, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX.


Read Bedtime Stories from OOA


R


AFA, in partnership with RAF Community Support, announce ‘Storybook Wings’ which enables deployed parents to record stories onto CD for their children to listen to while they are away. For more information go to www.storybookwings.org.uk


Further information on all these stories can be found on the Federation website. 


www.raf-families-federation.org.uk


f you would like to try skydiving or a parachute jump by raising a


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