'the imjin' magazine Summer 2020 | Page 20

WELFARE – HOUSING Home Service Occupants’ meetings The regular SFA occupants’ meetings organised by the Welfare Office have also fallen foul of the coronavirus. The gatherings, which deal with various issues ranging from security matters, maintenance problems to hedge-cutting around the estate, have been cancelled until further notice. Help with military housing issues during COVID-19 crisis The organisation responsible for looking after Service Family Accommodation (SFA) has introduced a number of changes to how it can be contacted during the coronavirus outbreak. Amey Defence Services, better known as ‘AMEY’, is committed to providing a full service to military personnel throughout the crisis, despite staff in their Customer Service Centre in Liverpool now working remotely. A spokesman for AMEY said: “Our teams are fully committed to delivering the highest level of service to our customers during this challenging time.” Until further notice, AMEY Occupancy Services have moved to a ‘digital- only’ service. Personnel requiring assistance with SFA applications, allocations or house moves now have the option of sending a text message to 07860 063410. All other services including repairs and maintenance can be accessed via the details below. AMEY Customer Service contact details: Website www.ameydefenceservices.co.uk Twitter @Ameyplc Housing Repairs [email protected] Housing Allocations [email protected] Customer Care [email protected] Take cover We all know that we should have insurance to cover our home contents and personal possessions. But are you aware that you also need specialist cover for you and your family while living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA)? Service personnel are required to have specific insurance for ‘SFA/Licence to Occupy’ liability, which needs to cover: • potential liability up to a maximum of £20,000, to cover any damages to the SFA caused by themselves or their family • personal property and that of any spouse/Civil partner and child/ children • liability to third parties in respect to injury to them and damage to their property. Standard home insurance policy may not cover all of this, and a specialist policy may be required. The Services Insurance & Investment Advisory Panel (SIIAP) can help and assist with finding companies that provide insurance for Service personnel that includes ‘SFA/Licence to Occupy’ cover. Information and details can be found at their website www.siiap.org 20 SUMMER 2020 the imjin Occupants are instead being encouraged to send any concerns regarding the military housing estate to the new Welfare e-mail address [email protected] or access the ‘Imjin Gophers’ Facebook page. Welfare officer, Captain Gareth Dibble, said: “We apologies for the inconvenience. The Station Commander and I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting in the very near future.” State of play Please note that all play parks around Imjin Barracks are currently out of bounds during the COVID crisis. Patch Watch A special ‘WhatsApp’ group called Patch Watch has been launched for personnel and families living in the Churchdown and Innsworth SFA areas – to help warn of any suspicious activity or persons in the area. The Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) from the ARRC Support Battalion runs the WhatsApp group. If you wish to be added, send a text message to the RSM on 07824 509492. You will need to have the ‘WhatsApp’ app on your mobile.