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Generic and local information for the UK Military community including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
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- TOP: Blog posts by area; subject-specific information sheets; links to HIVE's Social Media, and a map of contact details for our worldwide information centres and their Location Guides.
- LEFT COLUMN: Use the search engine; sign up to receive our weekly email updates, or find information by subject.
- RIGHT COLUMN: Contact HIVE with your specific query.
- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:
August 7, 2020
July 28, 2020
July 1, 2020
Armed Forces Domestic Abuse Support and Guidance
This website provides information and support on Domestic Abuse to the Armed Forces Community including serving personnel, their friends and family, veterans, the Chain of Command and civilian and military support providers.
CLICK HERE to view more
Living in our shoes: understanding the needs of UK Armed Forces families
A review commissioned by the Ministry of Defence into the concerns raised by armed forces families and recommendations for change.
To view the full report please click HERE
May 20, 2020
How to Talk to your Child about Emotions
Children’s social and emotional skills begin to develop from a very young age. Building a good understanding of emotions when you’re young helps you relate to others and manage your own mental health later on. Talking openly with children about how they feel and why, enables them to start recognising and understanding different emotions. Follow these simple steps from our friends at Feeling Better to start a conversation.
If you have young children that are suffering and are a bit down due to the lockdown and are finding it hard to express their emotions.
For further Information please www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies
May 15, 2020
NHS Mental Wellbeing Audio Guides
You can listen to a series of mental wellbeing audio guides to help you boost your mood.
You can listen to them privately, in your own time, to help you through feelings such as anxiety or a low mood and overcoming sleep problems.
Click here for the audio guides.
You can listen to them privately, in your own time, to help you through feelings such as anxiety or a low mood and overcoming sleep problems.
Click here for the audio guides.
May 13, 2020
May 11, 2020
Overseas Nursery Authority - rename from Overseas Nursery Allowance
Overseas Nursery Allowance renamed to Overseas Nursery Authority
Parents of 3- and 4-year olds in overseas locations where MOD schools and settings are not available can apply for reimbursement of nursery fees by means of Overseas Nursery Allowance (ONA)
Formerly referred to as ISODET Nursery Allowance, Overseas Nursery Allowance has been mislabelled. It has never been an allowance, but rather a reimbursement of fees paid.
Following consultation with stakeholders across all three Services and Families Federations it was decided that Overseas Nursery Allowance, moving forward, will be known as Overseas Nursery Authority to avoid confusion.
The application process will not change. Parents will continue to apply via Army Res and if approved, are issued with an Authority to claim.
Overseas Nursery Authority DIN (2020DIN01-046) refers and information can also be found at DCYP GOV.UK page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childcare-for-service-children
Parents of 3- and 4-year olds in overseas locations where MOD schools and settings are not available can apply for reimbursement of nursery fees by means of Overseas Nursery Allowance (ONA)
Formerly referred to as ISODET Nursery Allowance, Overseas Nursery Allowance has been mislabelled. It has never been an allowance, but rather a reimbursement of fees paid.
Following consultation with stakeholders across all three Services and Families Federations it was decided that Overseas Nursery Allowance, moving forward, will be known as Overseas Nursery Authority to avoid confusion.
The application process will not change. Parents will continue to apply via Army Res and if approved, are issued with an Authority to claim.
Overseas Nursery Authority DIN (2020DIN01-046) refers and information can also be found at DCYP GOV.UK page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childcare-for-service-children
May 6, 2020
HM GOVERNMENT - The Skills ToolKit FREE Courses
The Skills Toolkit
Free digital and numeracy courses to build your skills.
The Skills Toolkit offers a selection of free, high quality digital and numeracy courses at all levels, to help you build up your skills and get ahead at work. From online safety to coding, there's something for everyone.
Get started now ➡️ gov.uk/theskillstoolkit
May 5, 2020
National Army Museum Learning Resources
The National Army Museum's website has learning resources for KS3 (Age 11-14)
Please click HERE to see
Children And Family Court Advisory And Support Service (CAFCASS)
About Cafcass
If you are a young person, please see the ‘About Cafcass for young people’ page.
Cafcass stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.
Cafcass represents children in family court cases in England. We put children’s needs, wishes and feelings first, making sure that children’s voices are heard at the heart of the family court setting, and that decisions are made in their best interests. Operating within the law set by Parliament (Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000) and under the rules and directions of the family courts, we are independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies.
Our duty is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children going through the family justice system. Our experienced Family Court Advisers may be asked by the court to work with families and then advise the court on what we consider to be the best interests of the children involved in three main areas:
- divorce and separation, sometimes called ‘private law’, where parents or carers can’t agree on arrangements for their children
- care proceedings, sometimes called ‘public law’, where social services have serious concerns about the safety or welfare of a child
- adoption, which can be either public or private law.
For full information and support please see www.cafcass.gov.uk
May 1, 2020
Veterans Gateway APP
Veterans Gateway Launches New App to Support Armed Forces Community
The new Veterans Gateway App will allow ex-Service personnel who are in need to get help from the palm of their hands.
Veterans’ Gateway, a 24-hour point of contact for veterans’ support, has launched a new app enabling any ex-Service personnel who are in need to get help from the palm of their hands.
The Veterans’ Gateway app has been funded by the Ministry Of Defence and the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.
Using a smartphone or tablet, the Veterans’ Gateway app helps veterans find organisations within their local area to help with issues such as finances, housing, employment, relationship, physical and mental health.
he directory, which is intuitive and easy to use, groups all NHS facilities across the country, and over 2,000 charitable organisations, allowing veterans and their families to access local support.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer, said:
“I’m delighted this new app is now available to support veterans. It provides helpful location based signposting to the support and current services that are available.”
“We want to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran, and that includes a digital future where every veteran can easily access the support they need at the touch of a button.”
Since being set up in 2017, Veterans’ Gateway has received over 47,000 calls, signposting ex-forces personnel and their families to the wide range of support available, including the medical care in the NHS. Assistant Director of Veterans’ Gateway, Mark Collins said:
“This new app is a great way of enabling the veteran community to find information and gain advice on the go. Our team are here for them 24/7 and this technology means they can access local information quickly or use it to contact the service. By showing them the help and support available locally, it strengthens the fact that Veterans’ Gateway is the a key point of contact for veterans and their families.”
Northumbria University has developed the app alongside American based software designers Ripplenami. Associate Professor of Mental Health and Veteran Studies from Northumbria University Dr Matt Kiernan PhD said:
“This is the first time that this type of mapping technology has been available on an app. We are proud that through this excellent collaboration we have been able to create something bespoke to the veteran community. It will benefit veterans and their families as they use it and it will allow us to better understand the needs of the veteran community across the UK and use that information to develop future services.”
The Veterans’ Gateway app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
April 30, 2020
April 28, 2020
HeadFIT For Life
Mental fitness is all about the good management of good mental health.
HeadFIT for Life helps defence people stay mentally fit and on top of their game at work and at home.
April 27, 2020
Hub of Hope - Chasing Stigma
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is a first of its kind, national mental health database which brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place.
Further details can be found HERE
April 22, 2020
Army Parents Network Facebook Page
The Army Parent Network page on FB at
is in place to provide information and guidance to Army Parents' and includes useful information on a range of topics. Visit the link above to join the group.
April 15, 2020
UK Parliament - FREE Teaching Resources
Welcome to your UK Parliament
Award-winning free education services for schools, colleges,
communities and home educators.
Download award-winning learning resources
to engage young people.
For more Information and resources
Child Trust Fund - BFPO Addresses
All children born between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011 will have received a government voucher for between £50 - £250 which was used to open a Child Trust Fund (CTF) on their behalf. These CTF accounts are due to start maturing on 1st September 2020 when the first children turn 18, however CTF providers have BFPO addresses where mail has been returned, (around 25,000 in total) so they do not have up to date contact details.
Do you have a child born between those dates and do you know where your child’s CTF is held? CTF Providers are asking you to make contact with them if you have not received a CTF statement in the past year to ensure they have the latest address for your child.
This is to ensure they can receive their money when they turn 18. If you don’t remember who your child’s CTF is with you can contact HMRC (but will require a Government Gateway account to do this).
April 6, 2020
NHS Apps Library
Find apps and online tools to help you manage your health and wellbeing through NHS Apps Library.
Visit : https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/
March 31, 2020
March 9, 2020
Vets UK - Urgent help for Veterans
Veterans needing urgent help in a crisis can use our new website to access support and assistance - https://www.gov.uk/
February 12, 2020
UK Gov: Living in France? Need to Know Information
Official information British people moving to and living in France need to know, including residency, healthcare and driving. Living in France
EU exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
EU exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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