February 28, 2022

NHS Food Scanner App


Scan, swipe, swap!

Just scan the barcodes of your family's favourite foods, swipe to see the healthier options available, and make a swap next time you shop!

Get the NHS Food Scanner app

Download the free app and start finding healthier swaps today.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): List of Temporary Job Centres continues to grow


The DWP continues to set up temporary jobcentres to deal with increased demand.

The new jobcentres will provide services across the country where they are needed. 

They will increase capacity to provide tailored face-to-face support and help support more people back into work and progress into new roles.​

UK Government, Visa fees scrapped for Non-UK Service Personnel


In recognition of the immensely valuable contribution that thousands of overseas personnel make to the UK while serving, the Government has announced that visa fees will be waived for those who have served in the UK Armed Forces for a minimum period of six years or been discharged due to an illness or injury attributable to their service.

NHS Cervical Screening Campaign

February 24, 2022

The Little Troopers: Free Affirmation Cards for military children

The Little Troopers Affirmation Cards are free to download from our website and feature 35 bright and colourful positive affirmations.

Click HERE​ for more information

February 22, 2022

Catterick: Minibus Hire Available




Information provided by Catterick HIVE

 

Army HIVE Instagram


To follow us on Instagram go to 👉 www.instagram.com/ArmyHIVEinfo ​

Service Families Accommodation - Utility Bills


SFA Utility Bills

As more small energy suppliers enter administration, it can sometimes be challenging for DIO to engage with the replacement supplier, appointed by Ofgem, when a family moves out of their SFA.

To avoid DIO incurring unnecessary costs, families must ensure they take a meter reading at the Move-In appointment and at the Move-Out appointment. Families must also inform their energy supplier of their final meter reading at Move-Out and supply a forwarding address.

Families are responsible for utility bills from the date of Move In until the date of Move Out, unless the home falls under an MOD fuel supply arrangement. Families can choose to remain with the existing suppliers to their SFA or negotiate their own utility provider for gas and electricity.

February 18, 2022

Update on Veterans ID Card scheme


Update on Veterans' ID Card Scheme
The Veterans’ Recognition Scheme has a two-phase rollout. Phase 1 is complete; with Service leavers receiving a recognition card as part of the discharge process.

Phase 2 is to extend the scheme to existing veterans so that they can more quickly, easily and securely prove they served in the UK Armed Forces so they can access the services they need.
There is a need to future-proof the roll-out and ensure that we are giving ID cards only to those with verified service to guard against fraudulent use as veterans become able to access a wider range of benefits.

The government is still committed to delivering ID cards but cannot give a timescale for final delivery as this work is in progress.

To read in full, click HERE


 

SSAFA Support Groups


To see what support groups are available click on the above image

 

February 17, 2022

Changes to Highway Code

 


Rules for all types of road users have been updated in The Highway Code. For more information, click here​.

February 16, 2022

Chester: American Football - Cheshire Bears - Saturdays 10-12:30

Feeling inspired after the Super Bowl? Why not give American Football a try?

They train at Sport Tattenhall in Chester. You will need boots, water, a mouth guard and be prepared for whatever the weather brings!

Pop along and give it a go and see what it is like being a Bear!

See event below for more details! Get in touch with them if you have any questions, or email: marketingofficer@cheshirebears.co.uk

Go give their pages a follow:
Twitter: Cheshirebears
Tik Tok: CheshireBears
Instagram : Cheshirebears

Website: Www.cheshirebears.co.uk

Northumberland: Northumberland National Park


Sheep farmers are currently tending pregnant ewes & new lambs in and around the National Park. Dog owners please avoid livestock & keep dogs on leads at all times when in, or close to, fields with pregnant ewes & newborn lambs.
#TakeTheLead

 

Protecting Grey Matter - Mental Health support


Click on the image above to access the links.

Please note some of the links are to connect on Defence Connect which requires an MOD login



 

February 15, 2022

February 14, 2022

NHS Cervical Screening Campaign



Togetherall: Self Compassion


We can all be hard on ourselves sometimes. Today and every day, it's important to practice self-compassion. Check out @togetherall's Dr Ben Locke's top tips💡


​If you need more support, Togetherall has resources dedicated to knowing your worth & improving your self-esteem. Join today at togetherall.com armed forces

February 11, 2022

Edinburgh: City of Edinburgh Council

We can pick up your bulky waste for £5 per item.

Please don't leave unwanted furniture or other waste beside bins. Use our uplift service, take it to a recycling centre, or donate.

Book your uplift here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/bulkywaste



Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Restructure of Defence Children Services (DCS)


Generals, Sirs, Ladies and Gentlemen 

Restructure of Defence Children Services 

Following the separation of the policy and delivery elements of the Directorate of Children and Young People, I am to be able to share details of Defence Children Services (DCS). 

Please click here to read more information

February 10, 2022

Armed Forces Families Strategy - Support for Military Families

click on image to read in full

The Families Strategy, a new 10-year plan recognising the unique nature of military life and setting out bespoke support for service families, has been published 19th January.

The strategy will deliver lasting, cultural change over the next decade as it brings together innovative policies on health and wellbeing, education and career support.

Improving access to childcare is one of the main workstreams within the Families Strategy, with Wraparound Childcare pilot sites expanding to include Woolwich and Lincolnshire. 
This means an additional 500 children are now benefitting from the scheme, bringing the total number of children with access to childcare before and after school to 1,500.

To read more go to

February 9, 2022

RBL Employment Advice and Job Support

 


Staffordshire: IT and Digital Courses - Community Learning Service


Whether you’re an absolute beginner or have some existing digital skills, we have a range of courses to suit.

Learn new skills from the comfort of your own home with support from Staffordshire Community Learning Service. We will support you to feel more connected, gain confidence online, acquire new skills, improve your wellbeing and make new friends.

Our accessible and free IT and digital courses are for adults 19+ living in Staffordshire. Most of them are fully funded by Staffordshire County Council, and so are free to you. A selection of the kinds of courses available are listed below. Or you can also search all current courses running and enroling now here.

View Courses Now

Information provided by: Lichfield HIVE

 

February 8, 2022

Calling Service Personnel who joined the Army from Non-UK countries


Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Veterans and Families' Institute is doing research into your experience of life in the UK, the UK immigration system and life in the military. Please see the links below and get in touch if you would like to take part.

Non UK Personnel Invitations

NCOS – OFFICERS FOCUS GROUP DATES

PRIVATE TO CORPORAL FOCUS GROUP DATES


 

Togetherall: SAD - feeling low?


It can be common to feel down and demotivated at this time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect anyone but there is help available.

​@togetherall has a course on managing low mood and articles on seasonal depression that could help. Join today at togetherall.com armed forces

February 7, 2022

Little Troopers launches free affirmation cards for military children

 




To find out more click Here

Nominate now for Inspirational Woman In Defence award 2022

 


Our Inspirational Woman In Defence award is back for 2022!

We want you to nominate a servicewoman who has truly gone above and beyond this year. If your nominee is crowned the winner, they'll win a £500 Virgin Experience Days voucher.

​Nominate now - Here

Scotland: Enquire, Scottish advice service for additional support learning

 

If your child has Additional Support Needs and is starting school, or you’ve only recently found out they need extra help with their learning, you might be confused about what this means and how to get the right support in place.

Enquire can help with lots of advice and info including our Additional support for learning: Key facts factsheet.

Download our factsheet here: 👉 https://enquire.org.uk/publications/asl-key-facts/

Get in touch with our helpline: www.enquire.org.uk/contact

Way to Work - Employer Guidance

 

Calling Commonwealth Veterans and Military families

 Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Veterans and Families' Institute is doing research into your experience of life in the UK, the UK immigration system and life in the military. Please get in touch if you would like to take part (see attached poster)


February 3, 2022

Wimbish: Carver's Bouncy Castle : Available to hire


Maximum number of users : 4 to 6 children
Dimensions : 15 x 12 Ft
Contact Alex
NB: This has to be set up/taken down by a member of the Welfare Team.  

Only local bookings can be taken.

Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

Forestry England Something Super has Arrived at the Forest

Brand new family activity trail. 

For more information CLICK HERE

HIVE Supports your Issues and Concerns

February 1, 2022

Wimbish: Family Friendly at the Redwing Diner


Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

Wimbish: The Parish Pump (Debden)

The Parish Pump was founded in 1979, bringing together the Church and Village magazines into a single publication to reflect the life and news of Debden. It is financially supported jointly by the Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council, and is distributed free to each home in the village by volunteers. Each published edition can also be viewed online at www.debden.org

The magazine has two editors but no official reporters. Consequently, an interesting magazine depends on articles coming from people in the village. The closing date for submitting content for publication is the 12th of each month.

Information provided by Wimbish HIVE

NHS - Protect your child from MMR


Around 1 in 10 children in the UK aren’t vaccinated against measles, mumps or rubella (MMR).
The MMR vaccine is safe and offers the best protection for children and their community. If you can’t remember if your child has had their MMR vaccines, check their personal child health record (red book) and speak to your GP practice to book their first or second dose. Visit ​NHS-MMR vaccine for more information.​

Weeton: Armed Forces Community Support Group - Service Leavers and Veterans Support sessions

The Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of our #VeteransSupport Group.

Sessions are open to anybody due to leave the Armed Forces, and will be taking place Monday and Thursday at Weeton Barracks.

For more info, email lee.geraghty@afcfylde.co.uk

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Kirkham: Walking Football sessions for men and women every Wednesday


Walking Football!

  From 10-11:30.
  Refreshments afterwards.
  First 4 sessions free of charge!
  Fylde Sports and Education Centre, PR4 3JZ

OurWalking Football sessions are for men and women 50+ and no need to book!

For more information e-mail Michael.Whittle@afcfylde.co.uk 

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE