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March 29, 2024

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

March 28, 2024

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:



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.

DIO Families First newsletter - issue 15

Please click images to enlarge

In this issue:
  • A Message from DIO Director of Accommodation, Phil Riley
  • Modernised Accommodation Offer survey
  • Investment across the estate
  • DIO SFA Townhall sessions
Families First newsletters can be viewed online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-infrastructure-organisation-service-family-accommodation​

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.

March 26, 2024

Dundee: LEZ (Low Emission Zones) will be enforced from 30th May 2024 - check your vehicle is compliant

Live in Dundee? 

Have you checked to see if your vehicle complies with the Low Emission Zone?

Simply visit the website and enter your registration.

Blue Badge holders can also apply for exemption.
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

March 25, 2024

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!

West Midlands: Upbeat Families - Make Some Noise - Ranger's Community Centre, Ternhill



Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

 

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

March 23, 2024

Northern Ireland: Royal Naval Reserve Unit Lisburn

 
Do you wish to join the Royal Naval Reserves? If so scan the QR code from a non MOD device for more details.

Information provided by HIVE NI

March 21, 2024

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

March 20, 2024

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

National Adult Social Care recruitment campaign - Made with Care

 

23red is the partnerships agency working with DHSC on their national adult social care recruitment campaign Made with Care.

The campaign aims to highlight the amazing opportunities which the care sector can provide for a fulfilling career, showcasing the amazing difference you can make every day and demonstrating that it is easy for people without any previous experience to get started.

As part of their work DHSC have recognised that a career in care could work incredibly well for those leaving the armed services and the partners of those currently serving in the armed forces.

As such we have been working with Forces Employment Charity and the Career Transition Partnership to create a suite of resources which can help to showcase the benefits of a career in care and direct people to the national campaign site where they can find out more about the roles on offer and search for relevant jobs in their area.​

The resources, including posters, leaflets and social media assets, are free to download and will hopefully provide useful support for those currently looking for flexible careers or considering their next step.

March 19, 2024

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.
  • 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.



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
 

Aldershot: Safe Haven NHS



An evening and weekend drop-in service for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or their carer.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Home Start support for military families

 


Home Start volunteers help families with children age 0-11 years deal with the challenges they face. They support parents (including military families) to learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

Click on the QR code to access further information of other areas of support that Home Start can help with.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Volunteering with Home-Start South Wiltshire



Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

 

Salisbury Plain: Wiltshire Council - Private Fostering


 Information provided by South West HIVE Hub 

To read click on poster 

Wiltshire: Family and Community Learning - general information


Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

To read click on poster

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

Larkhill: AWS Community Support - Larkhill Little Munchkins



 Information provided by Salisbury Plain HIVE

Larkhill: AWS Community Support - Supertots


 
Information provided by Salisbury Plain HIVE

Larkhill: AWS Community Support - Youth Nights - Larkhill Community Centre



 Information provided by Salisbury Plain HIVE


Larkhill: Youth Club - Larkhill Community Centre


 

Information provided by Salisbury Plain HIVE

March 18, 2024

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - final round of 'Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme' brings total grant funding to over £11.8 million in two years

 
Final round of Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme brings total grant funding to over £11.8 million in two years
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce that they have awarded over £2.8 million to 32 targeted projects that will deliver real change within Armed Forces communities in the final round of the Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme.

That’s a huge total of more than £11.8 million in grant awards since the programme launched in April 2022!

Grantham: HAY Lincolnshire




Boosting your mental health and wellbeing!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE