AFF’s Overseas Manager, Esther Thomas, was recently invited to visit British Forces Brunei (BFB) by Commanding Officer of 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles, Lt Col Standford Tuck.
BFB is the second largest overseas command location and the distance from the UK and time difference makes it a remote location.
Lt Col Standford Tuck highlighted challenges with immigration processes, lack of spousal employment and reduced household income. He was keen that members of the military community in Brunei understand what AFF could do for them and that our independently gathered evidence would be useful to help challenge some of the issues they were experiencing.
While in Brunei Esther briefed serving personnel on the ranges and spoke to families. She offered one-to-one question and answer sessions, successfully trialling virtual link-ups with the AFF Specialists. They were able to advise on and resolve several queries immediately.
Esther also spent time talking to the headteacher of Hornbill School, Caroline Neal, about several subjects, including how the new tighter UK policy of ’Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024‘ has affected extracurricular activities.
She had meetings with several medical professionals about supportability, mental health, prescription charges, and emerging additional needs for some young children.
You can read more about Esther’s visit in the next edition of Army&You magazine, which will be out in July.
POSTED ON 22 MAY 2024