Northern Ireland: Defence garden Scheme - Spring Programme

 

Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS) warmly invites veterans, service leavers, and family members to take part in our Recovery & Resilience Horticultural Therapy Spring Programme.

Ashes to Gold, 251 Dunhill Road, Macosquinn, Coleraine BT51 3QJ
Starting Wednesday 15th April
10 weeks – one day per week

This supportive, nature-based programme offers a calm and welcoming space to:
Rebuild confidence
Improve wellbeing
Connect with others who understand your journey

Through guided gardening and horticultural activities, you’ll learn new skills, strengthen resilience, and experience the healing power of nature.

We would be truly honoured to welcome you into our growing community—where together we nurture strength, connection, and wellbeing.

Rooted in nature and guided by evidence-based practice, this programme supports the Armed Forces community while bringing together People, Place, and Purpose.

Contact details can be found on the poster.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Scotland: Leuchars HIVE Easter closure

Leuchars HIVE will be closed Friday 3rd April and re-open Monday 13th April. 

 

If your enquiry is urgent please contact our North HIVE Hub via email 

📧RC-Pers-HIVE-NorthHub-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Lichfield:AWS CS World Cup Fun Competition

 

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Ministry of Defence’s survey for Armed Forces families closes soon…

Ministry of Defence’s survey for Armed Forces families closes soon…

The Ministry of Defence’s Families Continuous Attitude Survey closes in two weeks, on 15 April 2026. Don’t miss the chance to have your say on life as an Armed Forces family.

Armed Forces families make extraordinary sacrifices and contributions to support serving personnel and keep Britain safe. Your dedication and support underpin the operational effectiveness of the UK Armed Forces.

At a time of rising global uncertainty, your support has never been more important. With increasing demands on serving personnel and families, it is essential that the Armed Forces community feels safe and supported at home.

The Ministry of Defence’s Families Continuous Attitude Survey is an opportunity to share thoughts and shape policies to enhance your family’s experiences, as valued members of the Armed forces community.

Hounds for Heroes: Latest Newsletters

Click image to enlarge.

Hounds for Heroes latest newsletters are now available:

Winter edition

Autumn 2025 edition

The Hounds for Heroes mission is to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured or disabled service personnel and veterans, helping them to regain independence, confidence, and companionship.

To find out more about Hounds for Heroes please go to: Hounds for Heroes Assistance Dogs | Hounds for Heroes

Wifinity Armed Forces Offers: eSIM for travel and deployment, and SFA Forces Fibre

The current MOD offers from Wifinity include:

Low cost eSIM for deployment and travel - Wifinity | Explore our low cost eSIM plans

• Cheapest options on the market for MOD personnel and families going abroad
• 10% discount for MOD personnel and families using code HIVE10
• 20% discount for existing Wifinity customers. Customers can log into their ‘My Account’ to get their code

Ultrafast broadband flexible for families into SFA homes - Wifinity Forces Fibre

• Monthly rolling contracts available
• Cheaper than major providers such as BT
• Faster installation times than the UK average
• 26% faster speeds than the UK average
• Currently available at Kendrew, Chicksands, Lyneham, Marham and Aldershot
• Further SFA sites being rolled out in 2026
• Get your first 2 months free when sign up for 12-month plan

Celebrating 30 Years of Army Welfare Service

On 01 April 2026, the Army Welfare Service (AWS) marked its 30th anniversary - three decades of dedicated support to soldiers, their families, and the wider Armed Forces community in the UK and overseas. Since its re‑rolling in 1996, AWS has grown into a dynamic organisation that unites Specialist Welfare, Community Support, and Business Support, bringing together civil servants and Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) personnel under one mission: delivering exceptional welfare support to the Army family.

The AWS has its origins in the Families Housing and Welfare Service (FHWS), established in 1977 within the AGC. The first male SNCOs joined FHWS in 1993, and the service became the AWS on 1 April 1996. The introduction of civilian Army Welfare Workers (AWWs) in 1999 strengthened the civil–military partnership, while the 2001/02 Welfare Review shaped the modern structure recognised today.

Department for Work & Pensions Update

Do you know your State Pension age?

DWP is running a campaign to encourage everyone to check their State Pension age on GOV.UK.

Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960.

Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK  to find your State Pension age — you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record.

Remember, your State Pension doesn't start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply.

*HIVE note* For Service community spouses and partners with NI gaps due to overseas postings, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-credits-for-partners-of-armed-forces-personnel-overseas. There is information on NI credits that may apply, and an online form to complete.

Introducing Tax Confident

HMRC has launched ‘Tax Confident’ – a new website designed to help customers fill their tax knowledge gaps.

The website offers simple, easy to understand information on tax basics through engaging formats. Current resources are aimed at pensioners and small business owners, but there's something useful for everyone.

GOV.UK remains the place for detailed guidance but Tax Confident helps customers feel ready to take that next step. Find out more at Tax Confident.

BFBS Esports: The BFBS Pro League Returns featuring Rocket League, F1 25, League of Legends, New Activations, and a Grand Final in London

The UK Armed Forces’ flagship esports competition is back.

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has announced the return of the BFBS Pro League, launching Season Two, today, 2 April, following the success of last year’s historic inaugural competition for the UK Armed Forces community.

Following the breakthrough first season that attracted more than 700 players from across the British Armed Forces community, the BFBS Pro League returns with an expanded esports line-up, adding F1 25 and League of Legends for 2026. This year’s Grand Final will be featuring Rocket League with players battling through a series of tournaments before the action culminates on Sunday 27 September at the Royal Air Force Museum, London.

Dual Accommodation Waiver – Information update on changes effective from 1 Apr 26

The Defence Accommodation Policy team have provided updated information on the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) in line with changes that took effect from 1 Apr 2026.

Dual Accommodation Waiver applies to Service Personnel who live in SLA during the week as their Residence at Work Address and can also evidence a Privately Maintained Property, family home or formally retained Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the UK.

The policy changes relate to timelines for claims, including backdating. This new information is available within the following Sway: Dual Accommodation Waiver Explained (Previously Extended SLA Waiver)

JSP references and key points of contact are included in the Sway for further enquiries, and HIVE can also be contacted for further information.