Scotland & Northern Ireland: Royal Air Force Cadets

 

For more information on joining the Royal Air Force Cadets in Scotland or Northern Ireland, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Dandelion Military Families - upcoming peer and perinatal support groups

 

Please click here to visit Dandelion's website

Grantham: Lincolnshire Wolds - Physical and mental health benefits

Exercising and spending time outdoors in the countryside is great for both our physical and mental well-being.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Respect Other People

Protect the Natural Environment

For over 100 walks ranging from 2 - 15 miles:

https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coast-countryside

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Discover My Benefits - discover benefits for you and your family – what’s new?

Discover My Benefits now gives a more accurate and tailored financial value for your Army Regular or Reservist total reward package.

Have you ever wondered how much extra you get in addition to your standard salary and, more importantly, what could be available to you and your family in the future? Or have you previously used Army ‘The Offer’ webpages to find this out?

To see how you receive more than just pay, visit Discover My Benefits – with information on pensions, facilities, allowances, discounts and offers, to help with cost of living and the unique demands of military life and operations.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - small grants worth over £450,000 create a big impact for Armed Forces Communities in the final round of Force for Change

The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce grants totalling more than £450,000 have been awarded to 34 outstanding projects in the final round of their Force for Change programme. This small grant programme supports projects that reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - new grants to support Early Years Service children

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce 21 new, targeted projects worth £870,000, that will deliver real change for young Service children in the latest round of the Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme.

That’s a total of more than £2.1 million in grant awards since the programme launched in 2022!

Scotland: You have the Right to Ask - Police Scotland

You have the #RightToAsk.

If you’re concerned for your safety or someone else’s, you can ask confidentially about a partner’s history.

Where we have information that a person may be at risk of harm from domestic abuse by their partner, we have the power to tell them.

Reporting your concerns about someone being at risk of domestic abuse could save a life.

Read more about The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) and access the application form on our website. https://orlo.uk/Dq8C0

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund

 

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund applications are now open!

​Last year, The Open University supported around 28,000 disabled students. And, since the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund was established, more than 300 additional disabled students have been able to access higher education with us.

What is a Disabled Veterans' Scholarship?
If you’ve been injured or disabled in, or as a resu​​lt of, military service, you could be funded to complete a full Open University qualification.

We offer 50 scholarships annually. All undergraduate and postgraduate modules and qualifications are eligible. You’ll have your fees waived for up to 120 credits per seasonal academic year, up to a maximum of 360 credits, which is equivalent to a full honours degree.

Information and eligibility criteria can be found here: Disabled Veterans' Scholarships | How to Pay | Open University

Wiltshire: Exciting news about Carer Support Wiltshire services

 

We are writing to let you know that there will soon be some changes at Carer Support Wiltshire.

As an independent charity, we have been providing services for unpaid carers for more than 10 years in Wiltshire. Additionally, for the last six years, we have also provided services on behalf of Wiltshire Council including carer assessments and the Carers Emergency Card.

However, from 1 April we will no longer be providing services on behalf of Wiltshire Council and will focus on providing services that you have told us you value and want. The Council-funded services will transfer to new providers on 1 April, and they will be in contact with you to let you know what services and support they can offer you.

The new providers will be:

• Young carers (5-25) - Community First
• Adult carers (25+) - Age UK
• Online services including the Carers Card - Forward Carers

Our support for you

Royal Wootton Bassett: New banking hub at The Post Office

 

Please click the image above to enlarge

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Social Media Specialists - free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses

 

The BFBS Academy has announced the launch of Social Media Specialists, a free course open to the broader military community offering the opportunity to upskill in social media marketing techniques.

Click here for further details

Defence Discount Service - Veterans Privilege card video

 

Defence Discount Service have introduced a new video to support Veterans with signing up for a Defence Discount Service Privilege card.

To watch the video, please go to this YouTube link: ​https://youtu.be/KMIHDeVl3Jo?si=WVF-WFCVde-oZIV6

Lichfield: Rose Light Wellbeing Workshops and Art Workshop with Petra - 15% military discount

 Wellbeing workshops and Art workshop with Petra - Military Discount 15% off

Full details can be found: HERE

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Non-UK Nationals - lower minimum income requirement agreed for the Armed Forces

 

• On 4 December 2023, the Government announced that the MIR would be increased to align with the new minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, which is currently £38,700, with an initial increase to £29,000 in Spring 2024. This will no longer include an additional income requirement where a child is included in the application.

• The Ministry of Defence has worked with the Home Office on options to mitigate the potential impact on recruitment and retention the increase may have, and it has been agreed that the MIR will be aligned with the salary threshold for Other Ranks on completion of training, which is currently £23,496. Officers earn £31,304 until completion of Initial Officer Training when their pay increases to £37,425. The MIR for HM Armed Forces will be reviewed in line with the annual pay award.

• The Government introduced the MIR in July 2012 for partners and children of British and settled persons, and in December 2013 for a partner and child(ren) of HM Armed Forces, including the Brigade of Gurkhas, under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules.

• The full Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules can be found at: HC 590 – Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (publishing.service.gov.uk)

• A Q&A document has been prepared and can be accessed at this link

Wiltshire: Home Start North Wiltshire are looking for volunteers

 Information provided by South West HIVE Hub
 

Togetherall - Neurodiversity celebration week support

We all experience and interact with the world in a way that makes sense to us. Neurodiversity highlights the idea that there's no one right way to think, learn, behave or feel.

People think differently, which means we can also utilise different ways to feel better. With Togetherall, members can share their experiences and share community.​

Read more about Neurodiversity in @Togetherall's blog post: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/support-articles/what-is-neurodiversity

Grantham: Victim Lincs

Victim Lincs is a service put in place by the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of their victims strategy. We are here to help ensure that anyone living, working or studying in Lincolnshire gets the support they need if they have been the victim of crime.

victimlincs.co.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Defence Victim Witness Care Unit - we stand with victims

A year after its formation, we look at how the Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) supports victims and witnesses of serious crime during their journey through the Service Justice System.

Here to support

Whether you’re in the Armed Forces or a civilian, the VWCU is here to support you. If you’ve been affected as a victim or witness of serious crime committed by Service personnel in the UK or abroad, we are here to help.

WATCH: Victim Witness Care Unit – who we are, what we do, and how to contact us

Independent from the Army, Navy, and RAF chains of command, the unit is made up of specially trained civilian Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) who act as supportive guides throughout the Service Justice System – from reporting a crime, to the investigation, and any subsequent court martial and outcomes.

Each referral to the VWCU is allocated a VLO as their primary contact who will remain with them throughout the process, ensuring they are supported in accordance with the code of practice for victims of crime (JSP 839).

Home-Start South Wiltshire: Would you like some emotional and practical support?

 Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Amesbury/Boscombe Down: • Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club Brew and Banter - Every Wednesday 1000 - 1245hrs

Please call in for a slice of homemade cake and to support this wonderful group at the Nicolson Community Centre, MOD Boscombe Down.

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Community First - Volunteers Needed

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub
 

Wiltshire: Volunteering with Home-Start South Wiltshire

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub
 

Tidworth: Tidworth Leisure Centre - Lifeguard Recruitment

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Salisbury: Home Start South Wiltshire - Friary Community Centre family group - every Wednesday from 11:30am to 1:30pm

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub
 

Amesbury: Home Start South Wiltshire - Family Group - Tuesdays - 11:30am-1:30pm - Wyndham Hall

 Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Grantham: HAY Lincolnshire

haysouthkesteven.co.uk/

Boosting your mental health and wellbeing!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Visit your Pharmacy first!

 

Please click image to enlarge

Gloucestershire: Monthly Forces Hub in Churchdown

 

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Tell your GP practice if you've ever served in the UK Armed Forces

 

Tell your GP practice if you've ever served in the UK Armed Forces. It could be relevant to your health and means you'll get support that's right for you.

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/veterans-service-leavers-non-mobilised-reservists

Elgin & Nairn: Branching out a programme for adults who use mental health services in Scotland

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Women's Aid services across Scotland

There are more than 30 expert Women's Aid services across Scotland helping women and children every day. 

If you're looking for support, find your nearest Women's Aid here:
https://womensaid.scot/find-nearest-wa-group

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

HIVE Contact House directory

 

Did you know that Army HIVE holds and maintains a directory of all Contact Housing available across the UK and Overseas?

For a copy, or for contact details for a location, do g​et in touch with any HIVE or drop us a message at rc-pers-hivecomms-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

NHS 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' campaign launches today

The NHS ‘Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ campaign launched today, and has the following primary messages: 

● High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. 

● You could be one of millions living with high blood pressure without knowing it. 

● An estimated 4.2 million adults in England currently have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

● Left untreated, high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 1 in 4 deaths in England - around one death every four minutes.

● The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a blood pressure test. 

• It’s a free, simple and a non-invasive procedure conducted in privacy at your local pharmacy, and you don’t need to book in advance.  

● If you're aged 40 and over, you can get a free blood pressure check at a local pharmacy, unless you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has checked your blood pressure in the past 6 months.

Army Welfare Service - a message to domestic abuse victims/survivors

 

Please click image to enlarge

West Midlands: Telford & Wrekin Youth Offer Website

Telford & Wrekin have launched new website Youth Offer to help young people get out and about discovering fun and exciting activities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

It’s a hive of information when it comes to finding things to do from youth clubs and sports clubs to join to holiday activities to take part in.

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Serve & Protect Credit Union - credit and borrowing videos & financial blog

 

• Credit and borrowing videos

​Accessing affordable credit should not be complicated. The team at Serve and Protect Credit Union are here to explain all things credit and borrowing

Watch Serve and Protect Credit Union's credit and borrowing videos here - https://sandpcu.co.uk/videos-credit-borrowing

• Financial blog

Does your credit score need some help?

Serve and Protect Credit Union are here with 10 simple tips to improve your credit score, giving you better options should you need financial support.

• 10 tips to improve your credit score

https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/news/10-tips-to-improve-credit-score/

Grantham: Children's Links

We believe everyone can flourish when treated as an individual, play is the most important work.

children's links

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

​Armed Forces Pension Schemes - Pension savings tax changes and the 2015 Pension remedy

 

A newsletter has today been published on the Armed Forces Pension Schemes Gov.uk website, providing guidance on:

​1. Pensions Savings tax and the latest changes

2. Pensions Savings tax and the 2015 Pension Remedy

Links to supporting guidance and sources of further advice can be found on pages 13-15 of the publication.

Please go to this LINK to view the newsletter, or to Armed forces pensions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)​ for all AFPS-related information and guidance.​

Gloucestershire: Monthly Armed Forces and Veterans Community Carers Cafe in Shurdington

Please click here to visit the Gloucestershire Carers Hub website

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Family Hubs in Staffordshire

The Family Hubs offer a range of information, support and advice for families at a local and county level. This is shared mainly through the Family Hub Facebook pages but can also be answered by individual queries by email, message or phone calls.

We also have produced a wealth of in-house support which has been created by the Early Years Coordination team. Please click on the links below to access:

Family Hub Home Zone - A hub of activities from cooking to craft to inspire and support you and your family within the home

Family Hub School Readiness - Staffordshire Children's Centres and their key partners have created some information, advice and guidance on how you can support your child to become School Ready.

Early Years Volunteering Programme - Interested in volunteering within the children's centre. Click on the link to view roles and to apply.

Staffordshire Children's Centres - Information on how to access your local Children’s Centre and what’s on offer.

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme contact details

If you need to contact us regarding a child's lost HAF registration code, please contact your nearest children's centre.

Cannock district: 01543 469894

East Staffordshire district: 01283 233400

Lichfield district: 01543 512024

Newcastle district: 01782 296100

Stafford district: 01785 854700

South Staffordshire district: 01922 415632

Staffordshire Moorlands district: 01782 297970

Tamworth district: 01827 475222
Further Support

If you need advice and support on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) - A guide to your SEND Local Offer? | Staffordshire Connects

There is also our Family Support Service where families can receive individual 1-1 support. The support offered covers a range of issues families may experience such as potty training, routines or behaviour. They can also give guidance and signpost families on where issues are more complex. Click on the link below for which Family Support provider covers your district.

Staffordshire Moorlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire and Stafford - Family Action - Staffordshire Family Support Service

East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth - Malachi - Staffordshire Family Support Service

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

New Defence Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029

 

The MOD Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-29 is a five-year plan detailing the key actions Defence is taking to tackle domestic abuse. The plan sets out how Defence will prevent, intervene, and partner, to support those affected by domestic abuse and ensure those who perpetrate abuse are held accountable. The Defence approach includes the implementation of a coordinated community response model, data and research working groups and the development of a military domestic abuse practice network.

As an employer, Defence has a moral and legal duty of care for our personnel. But we also recognise a responsibility that extends beyond that, as articulated in the Armed Forces Covenant, that those who serve or have served, and their families, should be treated fairly. This plan reiterates Defence’s commitment to create and maintain an environment that does not tolerate domestic abuse and raises awareness of the work taking place to tackle domestic abuse within the Defence community.

You can access the plan via this link: No defence for abuse: Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Northern Ireland: NIdirect - Dog Licensing in Northern Ireland

NIdirect would like to remind residents that if you own a dog you must ensure it is microchipped and you MUST have a dog licence.

By getting your dog licensed you have a much greater chance of getting your treasured pet returned if it is lost or stolen. A licence costs either £5 or £12.50 depending on circumstances.
Once you have your dog microchipped, you can licence it on line by using the link below or request an application form from Environmental Heath Service.

If you keep a dog without a licence you can be issued with a fixed penalty of £75 and non-payment of this could result in a fine of up to £1000.

For more information and to find your local Council Dog Licensing Office, click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Breastfeeding Support Groups - a short survey for Serving Personnel & spouses

 

Please click here for a short survey on potential Breastfeeding Support Groups across the UK.

​This survey was created by FAB (Families And Babies) and is tailored to the military community including spouses, either those who may wish to volunteer/undertake training to run the groups, or those who may be interested in attending​.