Tips to help navigate this blog:
- 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:

February 28, 2023

Colchester: Armed Forces Community Employment 12 weeks programme – Careers in the NHS



A range of non-clinical vacancies need to be filled at East Suffolk and North East Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) within various admin departments.

Join our 12 weeks free course providing real observational work placements, training and a guaranteed job interview on course completion!

Who is the course for?

The project has been co-designed with ESNEFT to provide the family dependents particularly spouses/partners of serving armed forces personnel and veterans to a range of administrative and clerical roles within ESNEFT, particularly at Colchester Hospital.

You do not need to have any prior experience or knowledge to enter this work programme.

 Full details: HERE

Hereford: Things to do in Herefordshire

 


Things to do in Herefordshire

Here you’ll find Herefordshire’s historic Castles and Country Houses, gorgeous Gardens, Museums and places of interest, as well as Activities, Shopping destinations and lots of inspiration on what to see, explore and enjoy.

Information provided by Hereford HIVE 

February 27, 2023

Chester: Cost of Living Support - Advice from Cheshire West & Chester Council

 

Are you worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food, and transport? You are not alone, the cost of living is rising and this could have an impact on all aspects of your finances.

You may want help accessing welfare rights, benefits and debt advice, support getting all the money you're entitled to, or simply want to know more about the Government's recent support measures.

Whatever your money worries may be, we've put together some useful information to help you.

Click HERE for further information.

Information provided by Chester HIVE

Chester: Cheshire West & Chester Council - Local Adult Learning Opportunities


Want to improve your chances of getting a job? Find out about local adult learning opportunities - many courses, including basic maths and English, are free.

Click HERE for further information

Information provided by Chester HIVE

February 24, 2023

Rutland: See something, Say something

Leicester and Leicestershire & Rutland’s safeguarding adults boards have produced a video about how to spot signs of abuse and neglect in people with care and support needs, and how to report concerns: Watch the Video

Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE




 

Victory Services Club London - Veterans

Victory Services Club London

February 23, 2023

Location Guides

Location Guides

Please note that these are kept up-to-date by HIVE staff - the month of the latest version is shown within each guide. The date of the post is simply the date when this service was set up.

England - North


Dishforth

Fulford

Harrogate

Leconfield

Newcastle

Preston

Ripon

Strensall

Topcliffe

Weeton


England - Central

Colchester

Cottesmore

Grantham

Hereford

Lichfield

Stafford

Wattisham

Wimbish


England - South



Blandford

Bovington

Bulford

Chatham

Colerne

Dover

Larkhill

Lyneham

Maidstone

Pirbright

Shorncliffe

South Cerney

Thorney Island

Tidworth

Winchester / Worthy Down


Northern Ireland

Please contact RC-Pers-HIVE-NI-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk if you require any information


Scotland

Edinburgh

Kinloss

Leuchars


Wales





Kirkham: Veterans' Cafe returns - every last Friday of the month


Our Veterans' Cafe returns this Friday at @fyldesportsec, 10am - 11am!
The cafe is a great chance to meet like-minded people and access further support from Foundation staff
For more information, please email
Lee.Geraghty@afcfylde.co.uk, call 01772 598 856 or visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Chester: FREE Family Fitness - Ellesmere Port Sports Village - Tuesdays 4-5pm


Interested in improving your fitness as a family? 

Join us for our free family fitness group at Ellesmere Port Sports Village! 

Suitable for families with school aged children (4-16 years old)

For further information or to book, please CLICK HERE

Information provided by Chester HIVE

February 22, 2023

Blackpool: Sandcastle Waterpark


Sandcastle Waterpark is open at weekends then daily from Easter, for splashtastic fun, whatever the weather. Book online now!

https://www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk/

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Fife: Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland will be exploring the Fife Pilgrim Way

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Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland will be exploring The Fife Pilgrim Way which follows a medieval pilgrim trail across Fife.

Modern day walkers can enjoy this 64-mile route starting at North Queensferry and Culross and finishing in St Andrews.

Three walks are planned over the days 9th of May, 28th of June and the 17th of August;
Walk 1 Queensferry to Dunfermline 8.5 miles
Walk 2 Dunfermline to Lochore 10 miles
Walk 3 Ceres to St Andrews 9 miles.

To register your interest please email vcs@wpcscotland.co.uk.



Information provided by Leuchars HIVE 

February 21, 2023

Kent Community Health: Support Throughout Your Pregnancy and Beyond

 


Find out how the Kent Health Visiting Service is here for the whole family, from pregnancy to starting school.
 
With lots of tips to keep your child healthy and happy at every stage.

Information provided by Chatham HIVE

St Andrews: Looking to Improve your Mental Wellbeing?

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Join us for "Planting For Your Piece", a new project based at St Andrews Botanic Garden, supporting people in North East Fife to improve their mental health through gardening sessions - exploring the process of growing and creating food from patch to plate.

Sessions will run every other week, on Wednesdays at 1:30pm-3:30pm, starting from Wednesday 1st March

If you could benefit from connecting with nature, learning new gardening skills and meeting new people, please get in touch with Rebecca at rduncan@standrewsbotanic.org


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

February 20, 2023

Lyneham: Zumba Class

 Click HERE for more info

Information provided by Lyneham & Colerne HIVE

Corsham: Puxton Park family pass available to book for free!


Please click image to enlarge

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Fylde: Are you a Young Person Not in Employment, Education or Training? Fylde Council and AFC Fylde Community Foundation are Here to Help


Fylde Council have announced a new partnership with AFC Fylde Community Foundation to support the delivery of their ‘Fylde Focus’ programme across the borough, made possible following approval of the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) project plan.

AFC Fylde Community Foundation have a wealth of experience of working with young people between the ages of 16and 24, who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) and understand the obstacles and barriers that can prevent them from finding a job. Their knowledge and expertise can help young people explore their options at this pivotal time.

The UKSPF Funding has given this project a vital boost, helping the Community Foundation continue their mission to empower young residents in a broad range of ways, from building confidence, improving mental health and wellbeing and improving abilities and skills to boost employability. Mentoring, training and getting ready for work opportunities are also provided.

Councillor Roger Small, Deputy Leader of Fylde Council, said: “It is our great pleasure to be able to work with AFC Fylde Community Foundation to lend crucial assistance to young members of our community. The UKSPF allows us to invest into our young people by helping equip them for the future, and alongside the business support measures it offers the Investment Plan details, will help Fylde move towards more and better employment opportunities.”

Wes Partington, Director of AFC Fylde Community Foundation, said: “Improving employability is one of our strategic aims therefore we are delighted to be working alongside Fylde Borough Council to achieve this. Fylde Focus will give young people the support and skills they need to improve their prospects of securing employment.”

To find out more information on the Fylde Focus programme, please contact AFC Fylde Community Foundation on 01772 598856 or email community@afcfylde.co.uk.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

February 17, 2023

Rutland Cottesmore: Use your Rutland Library via Amazon and save £££s!

 

Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE

Rutland Cottesmore: Oakham Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club.


 Oakham Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club.

A group of veterans & serving members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, & like other Clubs around the country & overseas (click http://www.afvbc.net/find-a-club/ ), our ethos is mutual support; it works because we all have a similar humour & outlook, & the social life we now enjoy is like our service days. Our club meets on the 1st Saturday of the month, 09:30 at:

Grainstore Brewery
Station Approach
Oakham
LE15 6RE
Club Admin - Mark Taylor - Army
Tracey Taylor

07548 902756

Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE

Corsham: Find local activities, groups and more with Corsham Connections

 

Do you want to know what’s on in Corsham?

Are you new to the area, recently experienced a change in circumstances or illness or just feel isolated and alone?

Corsham Connections is here to help.

Our aim is to help people of all ages find local activities and build mutual support in the community. Evidence demonstrates illness and crisis can be dramatically reduced by better community networks. Strong networks improve wellbeing and reduce health risks.

Click here to visit the website

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

February 16, 2023

Chester: Cheshire West & Chester Council - Domestic Abuse open access groups


Our open access groups for women affected by domestic abuse run weekly at venues in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Winsford.

The groups are all supported by qualified IDVA’s (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) who are able to offer confidential advice and support to women relating to a range of subjects surrounding domestic abuse.

The groups provide somewhere for women affected by domestic abuse to go, so that they can seek advice, interact with others, share experiences and allow their voice to be heard. The sessions offer a safe environment where women can also enjoy refreshments and social sessions such as arts and crafts, beauty and wellness.

The sessions don’t require a formal referral from any organisation, women who are affected by domestic abuse can drop into any session at any time during the two-hour timeframe.

The sessions run on a weekly basis, with potential for change on bank holidays and during the school holidays.

Dates can be found HERE 

Information provided by Chester HIVE

February 15, 2023

Rutland Cottesmore: WAC - Military families benefitting from £3,400 of childcare support

 

More than 5,500 children of military personnel are now enrolled in the Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme, which gives service families funded childcare worth around £3,400.

To read more click HERE



Rutland Cottesmore: Kendrew Station Coffee Morning all welcome


Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE

Staffordshire: New Era - Domestic Abuse (DA) service operating across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent




Valentine’s day may be over, but domestic abuse continues…


We are encouraging victims, individuals and families who have concerns to report abuse and get support from New Era’s Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 303 3778 or access their 24/7 live chat facility at https://orlo.uk/auBWS

Act now to stop domestic abuse…

New Era is the new holistic Domestic Abuse (DA) service operating across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent since 1 October 2018.

Offering help to all those affected by domestic abuse in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent, New Era provides free and confidential support for victims, perpetrators and their families. 

#ccdcitsneverok

Information provided by Lichfield HIVE

February 14, 2023

Colchester: Kiddi Caru Day Nursery


To find out more contact: colchester@kiddicaru.com or visit www.kiddicaru.com

Information provided by Colchester HIVE

Colchester: New book corner at the CESSAC Community Café

Come and have a look at our lovely new book corner in the CESSAC Café, a lovely area for children

Information provided by Colchester HIVE 

Colchester: White Label Detroit Pizza offering 25% discount

As residents of Colchester, and with family who serve we have so much respect for what you Heroes do! We want to show you our support with 25% discount on collections from The Prettygate Pub

Just drop us a WhatsApp on 07450897522 and we will make it happen.

To get the 25% discount you must contact us on the WhatsApp number and collect it showing your ID card, to check pour menu out visit www.whitelabeldetroitpizza.co.uk.

Information provided by Colchester HIVE

February 10, 2023

Rutland: Green Waste Collection News

 


Would you like to have your garden waste collected from 1 April? You can now sign up to our green waste collection service for 2022/2023. Find out more and subscribe on our website: www.rutland.gov.uk/greenwaste

Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE

Rutland Cottesmore: Royal British Legion Here if you need them

 

Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE

Medway Council: Safe Spaces Across Medway

 



Did you know there are currently over 75 safe spaces, including libraries, community hubs and businesses, across Medway offering a place to wait or call for assistance if you were unwell, lost or a victim of crime?

Find out more HERE   

Information provided by Chatham HIVE

February 9, 2023

Rutland Cottesmore: 10% Discount with valid ID


Tap the image

Information provided by Cottesmore Hive


 

NHS Armed Forces Health



For information on healthcare for the Armed Forces community, visit www.nhs.uk/armedforceshealth

Follow us on Twitter @NHSArmedForces​

Scotland: NHS 24 Mental Health Hub

click on image to enlarge



Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Tom Harrison House Liverpool


Tom Harrison House provides a specialist addiction recovery programme for UK Armed Forces veterans and emergency services personnel.

Our bespoke 12-week residential programme is designed specifically for those who have served and who may struggle to engage with mainstream, civilian rehabilitation services​.

Further information can be found HERE​


 

Edinburgh: Oxgangs Library Daily Events

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

February 8, 2023

Medway Council Apprenticeships

 



It's National Apprenticeship Week

This is Paige Maryott – Child Health Apprentice and Apprentice of the year

"Becoming apprentice of the year has been a really good way of being recognised for my work and has given me a real confidence boost. I feel like by deciding to do this apprenticeship I have developed many skills that I may not have if I had gone to collage/Uni.
 
I feel that by doing this apprenticeship it has given me the opportunity to put any skills I have learnt into practice in real situations".


As an apprentice with us you'll get the opportunity to learn from experts in their field and gain insights that can only come from real work experience. You'll be encouraged and supported to realise your potential.

Find out more about Medway Council apprenticeships: https://orlo.uk/My8oW

Information provided by Chatham HIVE

Veterans Dashboard Launched


First-of-its-kind veterans dashboard launched as new census data emerges​​

The Veterans Data Dashboard from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, allows the public to scroll through data in areas such as population, housing, mental health and employment.

The dashboard will provide a snapshot to the public, veterans and service providers so they can learn about the community, as well as the different services offered by the government to support veterans.

It comes as the Office for National Statistics released new data from the 2021 Census on the veteran population. The data covers areas such as age, health, gender and ethnic and religious breakdown.​

​​​CLICK HERE​ to view

Chester: Cheshire West & Chester Skills for Life - Multiply Programme


Multiply is a new programme helping people brush to up on maths skills. 

Find out more http://cwac.co/kfd2S

Information provided by Chester HIVE

February 7, 2023

Colchester: Colchester Tyre & Exhaust Centre Ltd


Information provided by Colchester HIVE

Colchester: Two Early Years Practitioner SEND Support Key Person Job Vacancies in the Pre- School classes – St Nicholas Pre-School and Nursery

 

Date: 17th January 2023

Two Early Years Practitioner SEND Support Key Person Job Vacancies in the Pre- School classes – St Nicholas Pre-School and Nursery

We are recruiting 2 experienced Level 2 or above, Early Years SEND Support Key Persons’.

Position 1: Hours Monday and Friday afternoon 12.00pm to 2.30pm: to be key person to one child and support the child and to support the class team. This is term time only and job contract is until 21st July 2023 as this child will leave to start school. The contract is with funding from Essex County.

Position 2: This is in a different classroom, Hours as follows: Tuesday and Thursday 09.00am to 2.30pm or 09.30am to 2.30pm and Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12.00pm to 2.30pm, to be Key Person to one child and support the child and the class team. This is also term time only and job contract ends on 21st July 2023 as this child will also leave to start school. The contract is with funding from Essex County.

 We offer as follows to our team members

·         Discount for team members children attending our setting

·         Access to continuous online training and in house training

·         We have a team members only well-being area for use in the settings garden

·         We have Mental Health First Aiders in the setting

·         We promote and actively support all our team to take charge of their emotional well-being and have activities and resources to support this and we have well-being events as a team

·         Team members have access to ‘administration time’ on a Monday and Wednesday evening: 3.45pm to 5.30pm (not compulsory but there as and when needed)

Requirements:

·         You must be aware of the EYFS Statutory Requirements (September 2021) and be aware of the SEND Code of Practice

·         Safeguarding Training and to know and understand the ‘Prevent Duty’, ‘FGM’ and be fully aware and understand your statutory responsibilities within the role of Safeguarding all children.

·         First Aid trained with an up-to-date qualification would be an advantage (training can be given for the right applicant)

·         Must be Level 2/3 or above trained

·         Have an understanding and knowledge of Health and Safety within an early years setting

·         Be able to work as part of a team in a very busy early years setting

·         Food Hygiene training would be an advantage but not essential as training can be accessed

·         You must have a genuine passion to teach children and to ensure children receive excellent learning experiences within the setting as children are our future

·         Be able to work with other Early Years Professionals to support children on our SEND register

·         Be able to observe, assess and evaluate children’s learning and complete reports when needed and be aware of one planning – training can be given

·         You must have a clear DBS and 2 good references we can ask for.

·         Must be able to work as part of a team and with other Early Years Professionals

If you are interested, please contact the setting on 01206816597 or email

mgt.stnicholas19@btconnect.com. Thank you. All is subject to an interview and safer recruitment checks including a DBS clear check and 2 good references. To start as soon as possible.

Rutland Cottesmore: Oakham Visions Young Parents Group


Information provided by Cottesmore HIVE



February 6, 2023

Chester: Time to Talk Session - Calm Coffee at Rage Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, Blacon - Wed 22 Feb 1-3pm

Rage Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, Blacon Adventure Playground, The Activity Centre, Shelly Road, Blacon, Chester.

Join Rage Fitness & Wellbeing Centre (Calm Coffee) for a FREE Time To Talk session this month Wednesday 22nd February 2022 from 1pm through until 3pm, no need to book just turn up.

This session is designed for everyone who attends to take away some strategic coping mechanisms, tools and support to help your personal mental health or family and friends.

They will also have a psychotherapist doing a talk regarding our own mental health and how we can improve it daily.

This is FREE to anyone and everyone and who doesn’t love free coffee and cake.

Information provided by Chester HIVE

February 3, 2023