MKC Heroes

Our Family Nights are back!
Join us next Monday for Safari Fun with Mark & Letty.
Crafts, games and food all on a safari theme, let us feed you and send you home at bedtime.
Open to all military families - please book so we can cater accordingly.
www.aggies.org.uk/family-night

Aggie's Community Waves Plymouth are holding a Candle-Making and Mocktails evening. Ideal for Adults and mellow teens. Places are expected to fill up fast for this event so book your place today by following the link:
www.aggies.org.uk/evening-events

For any further information contact: [email protected]

Mount Wise Family Fun Day – Don’t Miss the Last Splash of the Season!

📅When? Saturday, 14th September from 2pm
📍 Where? Mount Wise Swimming Pools
How to Book: Book online in advance at www.plymouthactive.co.uk as spaces are limited.

Join us for a spectacular end-of-season celebration at Mount Wise Family Fun Day!

This Saturday marks the penultimate day the pools will be open for the season, so make sure to come down and enjoy the sun, water, and fun with the wider Mount Wise & Devonport Community

🕶️ What’s happening?

Free entry to the outdoor pools! 🏊‍♂️
Games, activities, and entertainment for the whole family 🎉
Free delicious food & drink 🍔🍦

This event has been made possible thanks to the support of the Devonport ward councillors, in the words of Councillor Mark Coker;

“Mount Wise pools are really important to our community, and we have campaigned to keep the core hours free and have delivered on this. Last year an end-of-season gala was very well received. This year, working with the Labour Group of councillors and the Cabinet member for sport and leisure, we are delighted to offer our support to fund this amazing day. We are grateful for community support and local businesses for making this possible. So please come along and enjoy the afternoon.”

Come celebrate the last day of the season with us and help make this a day to remember!

New in Town Mens Shed, at Improving Lives Plymouth in conjunction with Royal British Legion, Open to all Male Veterans,
Can you help, Can you support other veterans with general DIY Skills and Crafting?
If so come along to Mens Shed on 11th and 25th September 24 1530 to 1830 at Earnest English House.

Reservists - are you making the most of the benefits & support available to you?

Find out about the practical, financial, career, medical & wellbeing support for you & your family.

New Reserves Booklet from the MOD > https://bit.ly/4dMgqpv

“𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 ... 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝!” Michael Scott.

“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐲. . .𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞”. Bestselling author Christina Lauren.

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐬!*
𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐲 by Sarah Hogle and 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 by Miranda Malins.

Reading Force book clubs are a fantastic way to have fun and make connections. You could be a book worm, a first-time book club member or anywhere in between – everyone is welcome.

“It’s been wonderful to take part and I eagerly look forward to our next book.”

Member of an adult book club set up through Reading Force.

Reading Force is tri service, and we welcome Veterans/Reservists and their families as well as ex-service families (due to separation, divorce or bereavement). We can post books to overseas locations using the BFPO service. The coordinator and each book club member will receive three free books - https://www.readingforce.org.uk/book-club-suggested-titles/

For more information about our book clubs, pm Nicola Reading Force, email [email protected] or call 07519 665410.
*whilst stocks last.

In addition to honouring those affected by su***de, we wanted to play our part by standing with the Samaritans and contributing to the conversation this ***depreventionday.

Su***de figures for last year are at a 20 year high, meaning that more than ever su***de prevention needs to be everyone's business.

1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts, and yet only 45% of people feel comfortable discussing them. If we're to change the odds on su***de, we need to get better at talking about it.

You don't have to be an expert to help someone open up; being present and willing to listen is what counts. Also, don't be afraid to go further with your conversations and address su***de directly. Asking whether someone is having suicidal thoughts doesn't put those thoughts in their head, and actually those who have felt suicidal often say they are glad that someone has asked and that they've had the opportunity to share difficult thoughts.

Conversations can break down the barriers that prevent people from getting the support they need. So let's all commit to having the difficult conversations; you never know how important they might be.

If you're struggling yourself or worried about someone you know, we're always available to listen or help with access to further support 💜.

***depreventionday

🎧 We are recruiting Contact Officers to join the team in Exeter or Plymouth.

👮‍♀️ This exciting role puts you at the heart of the police, where you make a difference every day.

✅ Find out more below and take the first step in your new career.

https://orlo.uk/Contact_Officers_mRJDF

KIDS FINALLY BACK TO SCHOOL - NOW IT'S TIME TO FOCUS ON YOU!

Whether you're looking for a professional space to work or a quiet place to study, or simply an opportunity to escape your home and a change of scenery, our coworking hubs are just the place to go.

They offer everything you’ll need to get your momentum back after the summer break, feel like a professional again, and be productive away from the distractions of home.

They're also a great way to meet and connect with like-minded people just like you, and be part of an awesome community.

Watch as networking transitions into socialising, as coworkers become friends, and your life on base improves in so many ways.

Professional workstations, fast and reliable Wi-Fi, unlimited coffee and printing.

And all for just £30 per year! Now that's a bargain if ever there was one.

So, if you think that coworking is the solution for you, then why not come and see for yourself with a free trial session.

Head to https://www.militarycoworking.uk/hubs, select the hub of your choice, and book. We just know you’re going to love it.

And if we've already convinced you, they sign up and start coworking today.

When you make a Storybook Waves recording your special child will also receive a FREE goody pack. For more information or to get in touch to make recording visit: www.aggies.org.uk/storybook-waves

BlogSpot - Putting down roots - Army&You A blog from Army&You's summer 2024 edition by Geri Dougall

This Thursday, I will be at Southway Community Hub and Cafe from 10.00 for Breakfast and a chat if anyone would like to come along and join me.

National Film Club - October📽

To watch at the cinema - ‘Lee’ the biographic story of Elizabeth Miller Or. To watch at home - ‘Girls Trip’ a comedy about the reunion of four college friends.

The National Film Club is a great opportunity for service communities to get together once a month to share thoughts and views on the film chosen, with an opportunity to request FREE Odeon Cinema tickets.

Please go to the RN Forum for full details of how to get involved:
👉 https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/things-to-do/b/announcements/posts/national-film-club---october-2024

🧑‍🎓 Is your youngster between Reception and Year 11? Make sure their school knows they are a Service child before the autumn school census closes on 3 October.

If you do the school will be able to claim extra funding from the Department for Education in the form of the Service Pupil Premium (SPP) to provide pastoral support for children from military families.

Schools are using the money in a range of ways, including building links with their local barracks, helping families through mid-year admissions, running clubs and staging mental wellbeing courses.

For full details about the scheme and information about eligibility 👉
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-service-pupil-premium/service-pupil-premium-what-you-need-to-know

‼️TECHNICAL ISSUES‼️
If, in the last month, you have requested help via our online form on our website, or ordered any of our resources and have yet to receive them... We are so sorry!

Sadly, our web forms have not been getting through to us. Don't worry, we have our top pup on the job, and it will soon be fixed 🤞 In the meantime, please email your requests, along with a service number to [email protected].

Thank you for your patience ⚓💙

Join the learning and development organisation for their first online event, where you can find out more about the learning opportunities available to you. The event is online, via Defence Gateway across 1 and 2 October

Service families, have your say!

On behalf of the Defence Safeguarding Partnership Board (DSPB), DCS are
undertaking a Local Needs Analysis to help us to better understand the needs, wants, and wishes of children, young people, families, and individuals overseas. The form should take no longer than 7 minutes to complete and can help to shape the future of social care, family support and personal support for all of our population overseas.

You can complete the form here 👇https://ow.ly/sC6V50TjgIC...

Plymouth Families - Messy Church is making a return TOMORROW. Aggie's are working in Partnership with Plymstock Chapel to bring you this wonderful event a the Radford Community Centre. There will be food, crafts, fun and a story.

Booking is essential - www.aggies.org.uk/messy-church

📢 Job Opportunity: Senior Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser!

The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is on the lookout for a passionate Senior Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser to join our amazing team. You'll help us build partnerships that raise vital funds for serving and veteran Navy and Marine personnel, along with their families.

If you’ve got experience in corporate fundraising and want to make a real difference, this could be the perfect role for you!

📍 Location: Hybrid - Portsmouth
💼 Salary: £33,000- £36,000
⏳ Apply by: 23/09/202

Ready to apply? Click here 👉 https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/senior-corporate-partnerships-fundraiser

Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools -

​In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families.

The British Army recognises the unique circumstances faced by our serving personnel and that frequent mobility can disrupt children’s education. The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps by providing the children of serving personnel with a stable education that wouldn’t otherwise be available in the state-maintained school sector. The Army are working closely with the Army Families Federation (AFF) to better understand the full impact of the removal of the VAT exemption on independent schools from 1 January 2025.

Recognising not only CEA claimants but many other Service families who depend on private schools to provide stability to their children whilst they meet the day to day demands of Service life, and those who may consider this in the future, this survey is designed to provide all SP with the opportunity to submit their views on the matter.

The survey should take no more than 4 minutes to complete.

SP and Families are warmly encouraged to complete this short poll which can be found here 👇https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/258417?lang=en

The survey closes at midnight on Monday 23 September 2024.

Did you know that Little Troopers has two FREE school workshops that can be accessed online at any time? They can be done with one or two students or a whole school hall full! Have your children done our workshops? What did they like about them? https://www.littletroopers.net/little-troopers-at-school/primary-workshops/

Taking place this weekend is the Corps Families weekend from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th September 2024 at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM).

This event is open to all members of the Corps Family, and we encourage you to register your interest to avoid disappointment.

Register or to see the full itinerary, use the link below⬇️
https://rma-trmc.org/events/corps-family-weekend-2024/

On World 'Read a Book' Day we're celebrating our favourite author - Donna David. Donna is a military spouse and used her experiences to write all of our Little Troopers books. There are two series as well as a book for early years. We've also got lots of other recommended reads for military children here https://www.littletroopers.net/treasures/recommended-reads/