Family Action: Free counselling support for military personnel, veterans, and families

 

In support of the British forces, Relate (part of Family Action) can provide six free sessions of relationship and family counselling, and counselling for military personnel, veterans, and families (via webcam), for the following –

Who’s eligible	Services	How to apply	More info
Serving RAF personnel RAF Veterans Family members of the above Includes personnel posted/deployed overseas	Relationship Counselling Family Counselling Children’s Counselling Young Person’s Counselling	To access Relate counselling services contact RAFBF at support@rafbf.org.uk or by telephone on 0300 222 5703, Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 9.30am – 4pm. Service ID will be needed	The RAF Benevolent Fund – Relate
Serving Naval personnel Serving Marines Naval/Marine Veterans Family members of the above Serving Royal Fleet Auxiliary Includes personnel posted/deployed overseas	Relationship Counselling Family Counselling Children’s Counselling Young Person’s Counselling Psychosexual Therapy	This is a self‑referral service via a short registration form. Service ID will be needed.	The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity – Relate
Serving Army Personnel and families assigned to British Forces Cyprus	Relationship Counselling Family Counselling Young Person’s Counselling	This is a self‑referral service via a short registration form. Service ID will be needed or if not available we can accept provided the client is residing on a Cyprus military base.	relate.org.uk/army‑central‑fund

Career Transition Partnership – Upcoming Employment Fairs in Bristol, Edinburgh, Kent and Plymouth

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 35 Out Now

Click to enlarge.

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available. This issue and previous newsletters can be viewed online on the Defence Homes website.

Blackpool: Blackpool Zoo - March Markdown is back for 2026 - 40% Discount for Locals

Save 40% off tickets this March!

This March, join us for a wild day out and make memories that will last! As a huge thank you to our local supporters, from Sunday, 1st March to Tuesday, 31st March 2026, we’re offering residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, as well as members’ guests, 40% off single tickets!

Residents living in postcode areas FY1 to FY8, PR3 and PR4, or accompanying a zoo member, can take advantage of the March Markdown discount to catch up with their favourite animals, including adorable elephant calf Zaiya and playful orangutan youngsters Jarang and Rufus!

Once you have selected your tickets, enter promo code MARCH2026 (must be entered as uppercase) in the promotion code box at the bottom of the page and click 'apply'; you can then continue the process. Alternatively, you can show up on the day with proof of postcode to receive the same discount.

Please bring a valid ID to show our admissions team on the day of your visit. This could be a recent utility bill, driving licence or 2026 membership card.

Discount does not apply to family tickets.

To book your tickets go to: www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Blackpool: Pleasurebeach Adrenaline Weekends - 7-29 March - £30 all rides

 

Book your tickets @ www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Forces Cars Direct: March Offers

The new 26 reg plate has arrived! Fancy owning one for less? Forces Cars Direct has you covered this March, including the Chery Tiggo 7, saving you £5,038 or the new Toyota C-HR+, with savings of £7,827.

With access to over 28 leading brands, exclusive new car discounts, mainland UK delivery and part exchange welcome, the Forces Cars Direct team is here and ready to help you make the right decision on your next car.

Find out more at: Military Car Sales | Forces Cars Discount | Veterans | Tax Free Cars - Forces Cars Direct

Blandford: Garrison Easter family trip - Wed 1st April

Click HERE for more details on above and to book tickets. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Bovington/ Blandford Garrisons - youth activity trip Thurs 9th April

An activity day for young people registered with AWS CS Youth Clubs - For school years 7 and above. Book now to avoid disappointment. 

This event is a Youth Club trip for young people in school years 7 and above that are registered to our centre.

Young people will get the chance to engage in 3 activities that will stretch their skill set, test the limits and develop their team work and leadership skills at the amazing Calshot Activity Centre. With activities on offer including skiing, rock climbing, velodrome cycling, kayaking, snowboarding, and loads more, this promises to be a day to remember! Activities are weather dependant and not all activities are guaranteed to be delivered.

Travel information & locations

Blandford Pick Up - Royal Signals Museum Car Park - 0820

Bovington Pick Up - Vision Youth Centre - 0850

Click HERE for more details and to book tickets

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Blandford: Mothers day afternoon tea at the (Garrison) Rendezvous cafe Fri 13th March

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Activity based day for parents & young person age 11 -15 - Thurs 26th March

 

Places are limited. If you are a  family with children age 11 - 15 and would like to attend, please apply for places as soon as possible using the ‘Scan to book’ QR code (on poster above)

For anyone who doesn’t have a scan facility on their phone, parents/carers can book online at Living with Parents Workshop registration form and survey – Fill in form. Registration includes a short survey asking parents what they feel communication is like with their child/teen at the moment.

Each child must be accompanied by one parent/carer. To book places for a second child and parent/carer, please rescan and fill in the registration form again.

The workshops are school approved, so don’t affect attendance, however parents must notify their child’s school in advance.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE