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August 30, 2024

Wiltshire: Free online Hope Programme for parents of autistic children

 

Are you a parent of an autistic child?

Would you like to cope better, feel more in control of your emotions and be more resilient?

Hope aims to teach you how to become more relaxed, improve your confidence in setting positive goals, learn stress and fatigue management skills and explore any worries you experience.

Please click here for further information

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE's

Gloucestershire: Free bus travel for Veterans seeking employment


The initiative has been introduced by Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus.

The County Council has produced and funded the travel cards, while Jobcentre Plus establishments in the county will issue them.

The initiative was launched at the Veterans Café in Gloucester, which was set up earlier this year with the support of the county council. The café is based at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and provides a space for serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families to gather, socialise and support each other.

The motion said that the Council wanted to take steps to make a positive difference to the lives of veterans in our County, in recognition of their service.

The travel card will be available to veterans over aged 16 who are claiming Universal Credit or receiving a DWP benefit in Gloucestershire. It will entitle them to free bus travel throughout Gloucestershire.

Each card can be used for 50 single free trips and even if a veteran gains employment before the trips on the card run out, they can continue to use it. If the veteran if still seeking employment after the card runs out, they will be issued with a new card.

Please click here to read more

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

North Wiltshire: Local bus links

 

Please note that some timetables may change in September:

Further journeys can be found at the Connecting Wiltshire website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE's

August 29, 2024

New MOD booklet 'benefits and support for Reserve families'

 

Today, Defence launches a new booklet for Reservists, and their families, on the benefits and support available. This includes financial discounts, healthcare, and career support.

Did you know that of the 190,170 total serving military personnel in the British Armed Forces, 18% of them are Reservists? This means that the Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of Armed Forces personnel.

Reservists make a critical contribution in the Armed Forces and are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. Keep reading to find out more about what Reservists do, and how they make a positive impact in the Armed forces.

Do you know what support and benefits are available?

Today, Defence has published a new booklet outlining key benefits, services, and support for Reservists and their families. This includes:

  • Healthcare, including mental health and welfare support.
  • Information and support services.
  • Military and financial discounts, childcare, and other family friendly policies.
  • Career and employment support. For more information, read Defence’s recently published booklet on GOV.UK.

Amesbury: Victim Support Wiltshire - Drop-in service at Amesbury Library


Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Tidworth: Victim Support Wiltshire - Drop-in service at Tidworth Library


Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

August 28, 2024

Serve & Protect financial webinars and episode 5 of the 'Smile and Save' podcast


September Webinars

Free financial webinars this September from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!
  • Managing the Cost of Living
  • Domestic Violence - The Financial Impact
  • Budgeting & Spending
  • Understanding Wills and LPAs
  • Boost Your Credit Score
  • What Lenders Look For
Register: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars

Episode 5 of the Smile and Save Podcast is here, brought to you by Serve and Protect’s Jon who shares learnings from his almost 37 years’ experience in the RAF. 
Discover some tips and things to think about when transitioning to civilian life Watch here: https://youtu.be/ET8BMaOHmeE?si=l1UuQPM-FZ_yZhg5

Lichfield: New Health Visitor Drop-in Clinic at Tesco Community Room


Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub


 

Winchester: nature walks at St Catherine's Hill

We will be meeting monthly on a Wednesday morning to explore how the wildlife at St Catherine's Hill changes throughout the seasons. This cherished protected site stands as one of Hampshire's prime spots for Chalkhill Blue butterflies. We'll be keeping an eye out for potential kestrel breeding in the valley, and enjoy the springtime bird song echoing through the scrub thickets. From our vantage point, we get tremendous views over the city, and with each month, we'll explore somewhere different. 

Everyone is welcome and we can design the walk based around the groups needs. Well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome. 

These walks will be led by reserves officer, Bea Walecki. 

All donations from these walks will support the work of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. If you are unable to donate but would like to attend the walk please email webmarketing@hiwwt.org.uk

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

August 27, 2024

Moray: Active Schools are looking for volunteers

click on images to enlarge

Hereford: Centre Stage - Free drama group for neurodivergent 16 - 25 year olds



 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Upcoming ESOL courses from Wiltshire Family & Community Learning Team

 

Northern Ireland: Veterans News Hub NI Facebook Page to replace Northern Ireland Veterans' Support Office Facebook Page

 
Your one-stop page for all news and events related to veterans in Northern Ireland. The aim is to promote positive stories, upcoming events, and provide an inclusive safe space for veterans to stay informed about what’s happening in their area.

The page has been created and developed by Rachael of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner's Office and Janette from the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office to ensure a continuous stream of news and events.

They welcome news submissions, which can be sent to commissioner@nivco.co.uk, and look forward to keeping you updated and fostering a friendly, veteran-centric community. 

To join please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Scotland: Neighbourhood Watch Scotland

click on image to enlarge


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: QR codes on meters in council-owned car parks - Trading Standards Scotland

Criminals are sticking their own QR codes on top of legitimate ones on meters in council-owned car parks

Rather than scanning QR codes it's safest to pay using an official app downloaded from your smartphone’s app store, or cash/card if possible

More: https://mailchi.mp/bdb7c7596e27/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-2

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Lichfield: AWS CS Afterschool Skills Club - Key Stage 2 and over (school year 3 and up) starting 9 September


 Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

North Yorkshire: POSCH event dates 24/25


 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

August 23, 2024

The Whispering Wind installation for those who have experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss

 
Reservations for windmills for our Whispering Wind event in October (9th-15th Oct 2024 at the Defence Academy of the UK at Shrivenham), are still open, but not for long.

So if you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss, and would like to honour their child's memory through our event, please send them our way. Reservation forms can be requested via DM or emailing dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com

Windmills are free of charge to families, will be personalised and sent out to families once our Baby Loss Awareness Week event has come to a close.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages about their loved ones so far, your strength continues to amaze us and we feel honoured you have chosen to share their memory with us for this event. ​

Fife: NHS Fife Update

🦷DENTAL SERVICES UPDATE🦷
NHS Fife is acutely aware of the challenges facing dental care in the region. The closure of multiple dental practices by corporate providers has significantly reduced NHS dental availability. They are committed to working with local practices to improve access to NHS dental care within their remit. NHS Fife have identified the areas experiencing the most significant impact, as well as regions with planned housing developments. They have proposed these areas for inclusion in the Scottish Dental Access Initiative to attract new dentists. Several strategies to support oral health in Fife are also being implemented including expanding oral health programs for vulnerable populations, exploring the potential of a mobile dental unit, and enhancing the visibility of our Public Dental Service through social media. Despite the complexities of the situation, NHS Fife remains dedicated to managing the impact of declining NHS dental provision and improving access to care for our communities. For more information about the Scottish Dental Access Initiative please visit: https://www.scottishdental.nhs.scot/.../scottish.../....

August 22, 2024

The Duke of York's Royal Military School celebrates GCSE results, Academic Awards and Sport Scholarships

 


Students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School are celebrating outstanding success in their GCSE examinations, with exceptional progress and achievements across the board. With 70% of students achieving 9-5 at GCSE. This year, many students have been awarded highly competitive academic, rugby, and sports scholarships into the Sixth Form, in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication to sport.

Principal Alex Foreman said, "I’m so proud of the staff and students’ accomplishments. Whilst academic achievement is at the heart of what we do, our unique environment allows Dukies to immerse themselves wholeheartedly in a breadth of activities beyond the classroom, developing great character, immense confidence and a diverse set life skills needed to take on life’s challenges. As a result, Dukies’ achievement across all aspects of school remains exceptional. Our Sixth Form university-style accommodation and facilities help prepare our students for their next steps. I look forward to welcoming our Dukies back in September, along with many new Dukies who join us.”

Togetherall - how to manage feelings of loneliness and isolation

 

Is loneliness the new normal? With our means of connection changing over the last few years, we can all find ourselves feeling lonely at times.

Check out this blog by @Togetherall's Chief Clinical Officer, Ben Locke, PHD., where he provides his tips for dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation.

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

August 21, 2024

Catterick: Banana Moon Nursery 5% off for New Military Parents


Is your child eligible for funding from September 2024?

Apply at https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working

Come along and meet our dedicated and experienced team, look around our homely environments and let us tell you about our Early Learning Development Programme, which is play-based.

We have limited spaces available, and we have a waiting list for some days. So don't delay; book a show today, or if you would like more information, please get in touch with us on 01748 876653 or email info@bananamoon-catterick.co.uk

www.bananamoon-catterick.co.uk




 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Hereford: Herefordshire Growth Hub business support surgeries


Herefordshire Growth Hub business support surgeries take place across Herefordshire.

Receive free impartial business support, information, advice & guidance to help your business succeed.

Book a 45 minute slot with an adviser

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Norther Ireland: Northern Ireland Cadet Force are Recruiting

 

If you want a hobby which is different and that will always have something exciting and rewarding for you to tell your friends and family, why not pop along and have a go.
Weekends away at our Cadet Training Centre £15 - includes Transport, Food and a bed to sleep in +all the exciting activities on offer.
See what's on offer https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/
BE MORE - as an Army Cadet in the 1st (NI) Battalion ACF

Information provided by HIVE NI

August 20, 2024

Dorset: Library Services Wool Village nr Bovington

 


We are open:
Tuesday 3.00pm - 5.00pm,
Wednesday 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Thursday 10.00am - 12 Noon
Saturday 10.00am - 12 Noon

Any queries please phone the library during opening hours on 01929 405259.

If you find it difficult to get to the library, we can arrange for books to be delivered to your home free, at regular intervals.
We work with the Royal Voluntary Service to provide this. Large print books and audio books are available. Visits are usually every three weeks and all volunteers carry identity cards.

Click HERE for full services at Wool Library
Wool Community Library, D'Urbeville Centre, Colliers Lane, Wool, BH20 6DL

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Aldershot: Rushmoor repair cafe at The West End Centre


We will try to repair a whole host of things. Most household electrical items, clothing, woodwork, bicycles, toys, metalwork items, computers, small wooden items, even musical instruments will be considered. Aside from the short list below, which we are unable to repair, we will do our best to repair your broken items. We DON'T repair, mobile phones and tablets, microwave and some antiques.

The Rushmoor Repair will be running every third Saturday of the month at The West End Centre, 48 Queens Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD.
10.30am until 1.30pm 
LAST ENTRY at 1pm.

ONE ITEM booked at a time per customer.

The Rushmoor Repair Cafe is run by volunteers, free of charge - donations welcomed!

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: The 5C's



Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Lyneham: MOD Lyneham Chaplaincy Team

Please click image to enlarge

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE




Defence Children Services (DCS) - potential delays for Education Advisory Team (UK) responses

Defence Children Services (DCS) have advised that there may be a delay in responses to enquiries, guidance requests and casework due to current staff shortages. A letter has been provided which explains further, and gives details on potential timelines for service delivery. To read the letter please click HERE.

For further information on DCS and EAT(UK) please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-children-services-dcs ​  

Glencorse: Army Welfare Service, Reading Force book club in the Community Centre


You asked we listened 🎉🎉our survey came back asking for more adult led groups. Evening groups for those working and not just for those with kids. This group is open to all, a chance to meet new people and get out for a couple of hours.

We have teamed up with reading force but even if reading isn't or hasn’t been your thing, why not join us and see where the group goes 🕮 🎧 audible options are available .

Refreshments will be provided.

Looking to start end of September beginning of October and will meet in person once a month in CC in the evening (unless during the day works better for you) also their will be a what’s app group to keep in touch and discuss in between.

Please drop me an email of your want more info.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: When will Carer Support Payment be available in my area?

Carer Support Payment is available in

Perth and Kinross
Dundee City
The Western Isles
Angus
North and South Lanarkshire
Fife
Moray
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
North, East and South Ayrshire

The payment will be available across Scotland in November.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

August 16, 2024

Northern Ireland: Calling All Serving Women

 

Calling All Serving Women - Veterans News Hub NI are working to design a new programme of activity specifically for those ladies who are still serving and they wish to get as much input from you as possible.
Whilst this project will be delivered in Northern Ireland, inputs from women across the UK & working overseas are welcomed.
Feel free to share widely to both full timers and reservists please!

Survey link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/72JZRXG

Information provided by HIVE NI

August 15, 2024

A-Level and BTEC successes at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

 


Students at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School are celebrating success at A Level, with well over half of all of grades being A* - B, BTEC with an average of Distinction*, and 85% achieving A* - C grades.

August 14, 2024

Soldier magazine - Army HIVE article 'Stuck on Camp'

Click on image to enlarge

The August edition of Soldier Magazine features an article on HIVE's support to those staying behind on camp, either on 'rear party' or due to choosing to remain on camp for personal reasons. The article gives signposts and some suggestions to hopefully assist those in this situation, should they be needed.

To view the August edition, please click HERE, the HIVE article is on page ​28.

To find your nearest HIVE for more information or support, please go to  www.army.mod.uk/hives or find us on Facebook, X or Instagram.

Aurora New Dawn & Mankind - Domestic Abuse recovery programmes


As part of MOD's partnership with Aurora New Dawn, they are running a sexual violence recovery programme and an Athena domestic abuse programme for female Army and RN personnel and family members. 

Find out more at Aurora Abuse in the Armed Forces | Support Service | Aurora New Dawn (aurorand.org.uk)​ Course details, including how to register, are in the documents at these links:

Sexual Violence Recovery Programme

Athena Domestic Abuse Course​





​ManKind have received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to run their ACORN Recovery Course for male personnel, family members and veterans. 

Details, including how to register, are on the poster above (please click image to enlarge). 

More information on Mankind is at: https://mankind.org.uk/​

Northern Ireland: Veteran Support in Antrim & Newtownabbey Council Area

 

To read the latest edition online please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

August 13, 2024

Bovington: Pre-School (Wool Village) for aged 2 - 4 years


Please contact the pre-school for more information or to look around. 
Spaces available for 2024 Autumn term 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

 

Dorset: Special Education Needs & Disabilities help and support for ages 0 - 25.

 



Where to get some help and support

If you’re a bit unsure as to where to go first to find some help and advice relating to your child/young person’s needs then we have put together some information about some of the key places for resources and helpful people to speak to:

Our Local Offer provides information, advice and support for children and young people aged from 0 to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Visit SEND Local Offer HERE


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

For more information and support services