Celebrating Forces Families Awards shine a light on inspirational Military families

London, UK – April 26th, 2024 – The Celebrating Forces Families Awards, held on Friday, 26th April, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City, recognised the incredible strength, dedication, and achievements of the UK’s Armed Forces families. This heartwarming event, now in its third year and the only one of its kind within the Armed Forces Network, celebrates the invaluable support these families provide to serving members and the entire military community.

The evening commenced with a moving performance by a combined choir featuring Britains' Got Talent Semi-Finalists Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir and the Military Wives Choirs, performing a brand-new song written specifically for the occasion. Actor and SSAFA Ambassador Antony Cotton MBE co-presented the awards alongside Forces News presenter Sian Grzeszczyk, and their heartfelt and empathetic delivery brought the inspiring stories of the finalists to life.

West Midlands: Cycling Tours across Birmingham

Birmingham and the West Midlands is the perfect place to explore on two wheels, with countless cycle routes through both countryside and city to suit all levels.

Whether you're a casual cyclist or a seasoned pro, our region offers a variety of routes to suit all levels, from Harborne and Digbeth to Solihull and Sandwell.

Click HERE to view a list of cycle tours.

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

'Anxiety Unravelled' - a free course for military parents from Bounce Forward

This programme is funded through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for military parents and carers.

Anxiety Unravelled will support you to understand you are not on your own - if you are in the midst of a growing cycle of worry and concern you would like to be able to unravel, this programme is for you!

We look forward to seeing you across three 1-hour sessions -

June 5th - Session 1: What is anxiety?

June 12th - Session 2: How we talk about anxiety

June 19th - Session 3: Helping my child deal with anxiety

Register for your FREE place HERE

Togetherall - Maternal Mental Health month

 

Maternal mental health can be hard to talk about.

“The biggest takeaway I would want new moms to think about in terms of their mental health is that there is power and comfort in connecting with others. It’s okay to reach out for support even if you are nervous about opening up.” Togetherall Senior Clinician.

If you need support or more information, here are a few resources that could help. You can also join the @Togetherall community today, FREE to anyone in the UK Military, Veterans & Family members aged 16+ at togetherall.com​, talk to others who understand.

FREE to anyone in the UK Military, Veterans & Family members aged 16+

Building Heroes - Supporting the Salute

Staffordshire: 1st Whittington Scouts #Skillsforlife

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
 

Lincoln University research survey for military families with neurodiverse children

 

University of Lincoln are running a tri-Service survey for military families who have neurodiverse children (both diagnosed and not diagnosed). They want to know what support families are receiving, and what support they don't have but that would be helpful.

Researchers hope to have a large response to enable them to move forward with establishing services to support families in the future.

The survey is linked here, which starts with the full information sheet. The survey is entirely voluntary and anonymous. https://unioflincoln.questionpro.eu/t/AB3u0MjZB3vtay

Bovington: Cricket club for ages 5 - 11yrs

 

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Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Stress Awareness Month - Are money worries creating stress in your life?

However much you owe, the sooner you begin to tackle it, the sooner you solve it.

Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme

 

The aim of the Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme (AFBSS) is to provide the children of those whose death is attributable to service a head start in life by enabling them to progress in their post-16 education.

Please click here to find out more​

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - funding to support Military spouses and partners

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce that they have awarded over £790,000 under the Supporting Partners programme, to improve support for Service partners and spouses and celebrate the skills and experiences they bring to the workplace.

In the latest round of grants, 13 projects have received funding across the UK and overseas. The projects aim to improve understanding of Service partners and spouses; addressing their needs and the challenges they encounter as their family transitions to civilian life.

West Midlands: Upbeat Families - Make Some Noise - Donnington/Venning Barracks

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

 

Grantham: SHERMAN Campaign Lincolnshire

The SHERMAN campaign highlights seven factors that put people at greater risk of having a fire, or being less likely to react to a fire:

Smoking
Hoarding
Elderly people or those who live alone
Reduced mobility, hearing or visual impairments
Mental health issues
Alcohol misuse, drugs/medication dependence
Needing care or support

It aims to increase both public and professional awareness of the risk factors. It encourages them to contact with the fire service through a safe and well check.

For more information: SHERMAN

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Wellbeing Lincs

Wellbeing Lincs successes are largely down to early intervention, ensuring that vulnerable people receive help before matters get worse. This not only benefits the clients overall health, it also protects Adult Care services for the most vulnerable.

Wellbeing Lincs

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Lyneham: Village Hall timetable

 

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Alternatively visit the Lyneham Village Hall Facebook page to stay up to date with what's on!

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Batheaston: New Village Hall class schedule

Click here to keep up to date with what's on the at the New Village Hall

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Leuchars: 2345 Sqn Royal Air Force Cadets are looking for Adult volunteers

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2345 (Leuchars) Sqn, Royal Air Force Air Cadets are looking for Adult Volunteer's.

It's not as you may expect we have a variety of roles available in uniform and out of it. We are here to support our cadets to be the best they can be and reach for the stars. 

We can't do it without our staff and you could be one of them! Sound good? 

If you are 20 or above and want to help inspire the next generation, then message us now, email us adj.2345@rafac.mod.gov.uk or visit www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Guides for those bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community

 

Suicide Bereavement UK have developed a series of At Your Side guides for those bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community.

Three guides have been written by the bereaved for the bereaved:

• At Your Side guide for Veterans
• At Your Side guide for families
• At Your Side guide for Serving Personnel

Both the Veteran and family guide were launched on the 17th April 2024. The Serving Personnel guide will be launched shortly.

To view or download the guides, please visit: https://suicidebereavementuk.com/armedforces/​​

New collaboration between Service Police and Crimestoppers

 

Service Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers have teamed up to help further protect Defence people and assets.

Joining all UK police forces and law enforcement agencies, Service Police will now also benefit from access to information reported 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers.

The new partnership provides:

• A data sharing agreement – which means that any information reported to Crimestoppers on crime committed by a person or persons subject to Service law, is shared directly with the Defence Force Intelligence Bureau for allocation to the appropriate Service Police department.

• ​A Service Police Integrity Phone Line – for Service Police to report concerns about a colleague's behaviour. This reflects the bespoke Crimestoppers Police Integrity Phone Lines introduced for other UK police forces in recent years – including the Ministry of Defence Police.​

Please click here to read more about this announcement

Moray: A Parent's Guide to Moving to a Secondary School, online safety tips to support children and young people Wednesday 29th May

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To register 👉 A parents guide to moving to secondary school (morayprotects.co.uk)

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: New bus route from Leuchars village residents to Cupar from 1st July

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The 94 bus route will now include Leuchars village making it easier for residents to get to Cupar.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Richmond: Youth Group first Sunday of every month

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Dementia Friendly Cafe Colburn Community Hub Cafe

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Hereford: Wildlife Watch Club for children aged 8 - 12

Join Herefordshire Wildlife Trust at Queenswood for Wildlife Watch Club. For children aged 8 to 12, explore & learn as a group through hands on activities focused on local wildlife & habitats.
The group is free to members, with membership from £2 per month.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Grantham: Say NO to domestic abuse - Get in touch

edanlincs.org.uk

 Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Discover Grantham & South Kesteven - All you need to know!

discoversouthkesteven.com/grantham/

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Army Carers – supporting Serving Personnel with caring responsibilities

 

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You can also visit the websites via the following links:

• Facebook - Army Carers
• Twitter - search @armycarersnet
  
• SSAFA Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum

Inverness: Pupils from Armed Forces Families at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness have co-produced a ‘Welcome Book’ for new primary aged pupils from Armed Forces families arriving in the Highlands

Pupils from Armed Forces Families at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness have co-produced a wonderful ‘Welcome Book’ for new primary aged pupils from Armed Forces families arriving in the Highlands – but is a wonderful resource for any new Primary School pupil arriving.

The book is designed to be accessible for all, with options to click to listen or read text or both as you go through the book. They have talked about things that they want to highlight that are important to them when moving Schools.

The pupils hope you enjoy the book, that you share with those who will benefit and appreciate it and we can’t wait to hear your feedback. Click the image below to read the book.

To read the book 👉Book Creator | A Book to Welcome You!

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Warwickshire's Artisan Markets - Nuneaton - Third Sunday of the month

Warwickshire's Artisan Markets return to Nuneaton's town centre on the third Sunday of each month between March and September 2024.

Third Sunday of every month from March to September 2024

Queens Road will be full of stalls from various local crafters. Come and take a look.

Information supplied: Central HIVE Hub

West Midlands: Shropshire Family Info Service

Shropshire Family Info Service. The info and resources you need to help your family life run a little smoother. 

Childcare - finding it and advice on paying for it
Local baby and toddler groups
Events, clubs, activities, and fun things to do in the school holidays, for all ages
Getting parenting and family support
Finding health and wellbeing support

Find them on Facebook, Instagram or X. Call 01743 254400 or email ShropshireFIS@shropshire.gov.uk

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Tickets For Troops

 

You are eligible to apply for tickets through Tickets for Troops if:

• You are a serving member of HM Armed Forces
• Have been medically discharged from the Forces since the commencement of military action in Afghanistan in 2001
• You have been awarded a medical pension by the Ministry of Defence and discharged after 2001
• You are the next of kin to a service person who has died as a result of their service

Serving members include both Regulars and Reserves, membership is not open to Cadet Forces, Officer Cadets nor MOD Civil Servants.

Serving members must have a valid MoD 90 (Service ID Card) and Service ID number to register and use the tickets available on this site. Those who have been medically discharged must enter the Service ID Number issued to them whilst serving in the HM Forces.

You will be required to verify that you are eligible to use Ticket For Troops. ​

To sign up or to see the latest events, please visit www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk​

Stress Awareness Month - Is debt making you feel that everything is out of control and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it?

Seek help through your CoC, Padre and Welfare Officers.

West Midlands: Stepway - Supporting all Veterans in civilian life - volunteering roles

Stepway have a number of volunteering roles, some leading to paid employment on receipt of funding.

Click on the link for all the information for the WEST MIDLANDS

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Stress Awareness Month - Struggling with stress?

Togetherall have got your back. 

This Stress Awareness Month, unlock the power of these 4 stress-busting tips. 

You can also join the Togetherall community and get support from likeminded individuals at togetherall.com

Colerne & Lyneham: New opening times as of April 2024

 

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Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE's

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

 

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Buckie: Earth Time meet in the Community Orchard during term - a relaxed group for sitting babies, toddler, preschoolers and their grown ups

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Talent In The Ranks - Artist Development Programme for the Armed Forces community

 

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Alternatively to view this document online, please click here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - almost £3M to support systemic change in Armed Forces communities

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded almost £3 million to nine transformative projects in this year’s round of the Covenant Fund Transformational Grants programme.

Continuing the trend from last year’s awards, the Trust has selected projects which aim to deliver systemic change within the Armed Forces community in a variety of different ways.

Each of the funded projects has a different focus, from supporting older Veterans, to tackling stigma amongst female Veterans. Mental health and wellbeing outcomes are an important element of many of the projects, though the ways of taking on these challenges vary from sports to e-learning, and training to inclusive programmes of activity and new and improved ways of delivering services.

Blackburn: Veteran football sessions in Blackburn on Monday evenings

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Igniting Futures – Careers and Entrepreneurship for Young People

 

As part of Month of the Military Child, we’re pleased to launch Igniting Futures – Careers and Entrepreneurship for Young People.

If you’re 18-24 years old and part of a military family, why not work with one of our experienced career mentors to build your confidence and plan your working future?

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/wVG450RaVlA or contact the social value team at psv@pinnaclegroup.co.uk

Stress Awareness Month - It's tempting to just not think about debt

It's tempting to just not think about debt - it can be uncomfortable and can make you feel guilty, depressed, stressed - or even hopeless.
But sorting money problems out can help you to feel better - and stay well.

Calne: Weekly babysitting courses for ages 14+

 

Click here to visit the Wiltshire First Aid website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE's

DIO Accommodation - stakeholder briefing

 

IDEAL Customer Safety Notice

A safety recall has been issued by IDEAL regarding their Heating Logic 2 gas combi & system boiler range. Around 1,700 homes have this type of boiler installed. Impacted families have been issued a letter and FAQ document informing them of the issue and the next steps to resolve this.

Families are still able to use the boilers, however, IDEAL advise families to repressurise their boiler and ensure they register their details for an upgrade. Instructions on how to do this, can be found on IDEAL's website: https://www.idealsupport.co.uk/

Serve and Protect's new Cash ISA

 

Introducing Serve and Protect Credit Union's new Fixed Cash ISA account! 💼💰

The account offers a guaranteed tax-free return of 4% AER for the 2024/25 tax year so it could be a great opportunity for you to grow your savings.

​Learn more at https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/cash-isa/

West Midlands: Family Hubs Birmingham

 Find out more👉HERE

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub