AFCAS 2025 is open – make your voice count!

The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) is open!

The annual Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) gives Service personnel the chance to share your views on working conditions, living conditions, and day-to-day Service and family life. Take part in AFCAS and tell us how to better understand your needs in the areas below:

• Service life
• Accommodation
• Catering and retail
• Deployments
• Allowances and pensions
• Service complaints/Service Complaints Ombudsman
• Armed Forces Covenant
• Factors influencing intentions to stay/leave the Armed Forces
• Defence Estate, e.g., training facilities, opportunities for sport and much more

Who can complete AFCAS, and how?

If you are a Service person who has been invited to take part in this year’s survey, you will receive an email with information on how to complete the survey. Your Service number – which is case sensitive – is the token you need to enter. Please be assured that your responses will be confidential.

Every response counts…

The more people we hear from, the better able we are to improve your Service and family life. Your voice matters. To view previous AFCAS results, visit GOV.UK.

Norther Ireland: Smalls & Talls at Straidhavern Primary returns from Wednesday 2nd October

 

For more details please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Weeton: Monthly Book Club in the Community Centre

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Northern Ireland: NIdirect Cost of Living Information and Advice

 

Information and advice about support with the cost of living, including:
• help with energy costs
• help with your income
• help for families and children
• help for older people
• help with housing
• help with other costs
Find out more: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Jobs & Benefits Northern Ireland

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland - Health and Social Care NI - Phone First Before Going to Accident & Emergency - Antrim or Causeway Hospital

 

For more details please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

South Cerney: AWS Play & Youth Clubs have re-started!

 

Please note the new timings and change in age groups

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Weeton: Take part in a monthly litter picking - keep Weeton tidy

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Weeton: AWS Youth Club Sessions

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Weeton: HomeStart sessions

Weeton Camp HomeStart sessions

New venue - new times

Every Friday 9am-11am - Weeton children’s Centre

Tuesdays 1.30pm - 3.30pm - Weeton Community centre

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum - Winter Events

www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com/
 

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

West Midlands: Donnington Community Hub - Veterans' Lunch Offer

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

 

West Midlands: Visiting Shrewsbury or Ludlow Town Centres Park & Ride £1 return until 31 March

Visiting Shrewsbury or Ludlow town centres?

Park and ride costs just £1 return until 31 March - and in Shrewsbury is FREE for accompanied under-16s.

In Shrewsbury the fare applies to passengers boarding at Harlescott, Meole Brace and Oxon park and ride sites.

 In Ludlow the fare applies to passengers boarding at the ECO park site.

https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/public.../park-and-ride/

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Veterans Gateway Website to be retired - Mon 30 Sep

 

The Veterans Gateway website will retire on 30 September.

Find guidance for veterans and their families: www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-support-for-veterans-and-their-families

Search for veteran support services: www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans

The Military children’s charity, Little Troopers, is celebrating ten years of its ‘Little Trooper of the Month’ award scheme

 

Established in 2014 to recognise children of our British Armed Forces the charity has awarded medals to 120 children who have been especially brave and resilient in the face of adversity.

The Little Troopers winners are all children who have parents serving in the forces and understand first-hand how challenging life can be growing up with a serving parent. Many of the youngsters have experienced long periods of separation from their serving parent due to deployments and military exercises, as well as frequent house and school moves, on top of other challenging life circumstances at home.

Previous winners have included eight-year-old Rubi Smith from Scotland, who has permanent hearing loss in one ear and has amazed her family by continuing to compete in singing competitions; as well as three-year-old Austin Porter from Chippenham who copes with daily pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and has undergone surgery on several occasions while his Dad has been deployed overseas multiple times.

Stafford: Staffordshire County Council new careers website

 Where you can make a difference!

Our new careers website is live! It has a new design and a new ambassador programme that lets you hear directly from our employees about what it's like to work here.

The website, which is the best place to learn about all the jobs and opportunities we have on offer.

On the new website, you can:

➡ Explore our different departments and find out what we do
➡ Search for jobs that match your skills and interests
➡ Learn more about our benefits and career development opportunities
➡ Meet our ambassadors, real employees who talk about their experiences working here.

We're especially excited about our new ambassador programme. We asked colleagues to tell us their career stories, and we were blown away by their passion and dedication.

See link here

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Blandford: Garrison volunteers needed

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Northern Ireland: Blue Light Card Discounts in Northern Ireland

 

Blue Light Card provides those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces with discounts online and in-store.

Blue Light Card also works with small and large companies across the UK to get involved in supporting the blue light community through offering their members discounts through Blue Light Card.

For more details on what discounts are available and to sign up, click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Staffordshire: Staffordshire network for mental health - 'New journey to wellbeing programme'

On behalf of Staffordshire network for mental health, I am delighted to share with you all our exciting news of our new 'Journey to Wellbeing programme'.

I have attached our flyer with details and we are now accepting referrals.

Please feel free to share with your colleagues or anyone who may benefit from our support.

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Non-UK Nationals: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution

 
A news article was published recently on Gov.uk, highlighting that people dealing with the death of their partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement waived.​ The implementation date in the article is 9 Oct 24.

This update applies equally to the Armed Forces community including veterans: "Bereaved partners of members of HM Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans (discharged before 1 July 1997) may also benefit from this fee waiver.​"

To read the article in full, please go to: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Army HIVE's Non-UK National team can be contacted for further information via this email address: rc-pers-hive-nonuknat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

West Midlands: Are your a Key Worker? - Barratt or David Wilson Homes - Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme

www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/shropshire/shawbury/

www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands-homes/shropshire/

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
 

Chepstow: Free Swim for Under 16's at a MonLife Leisure Centre

Under-16’s can enjoy a free swim at your local MonLife Active Leisure centre during the following times:

Chepstow Leisure Centre: Saturdays from 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Abergavenny Leisure Centre: Sundays between 10.30am – 11.30am
Monmouth Leisure Centre: Saturdays between 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Caldicot Leisure Centre: Saturdays between 11.30am – 12.45pm

Find out more by clicking here.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Celebrating the exam success of our Defence Children Services schools

Proud GCSE students at St John’s School

Mr Richard Sproson (Head Teacher) and Myles at King Richard School (GCSE student)

Defence Children Services (DCS) schools, which support Service children in education and care, are pleased to share the recent exam success of their pupils.

Defence Children Services schools, which are attended by children while their parents are stationed overseas, have some great news to share…

St John’s School and King Richard School in Cyprus are proud to announce the Summer 2024 exam success of their secondary school pupils. These results represent the dedication, resilience, and hard work of students and staff alike.

Applauding the A Level and BTEC results 

The results for both schools demonstrate improvements for Year 13 students, made up of 17 and 18 year olds. This year, the average A Level grade for both schools is a grade C. While this has been maintained by King Richard School, it is an improvement for St John’s School, which scored an average D grade in 2023.

Similarly, the outcome for Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) students at both schools has increased from last year and is above the average English national score for 2024.

All students at these schools have been successful in securing a place in their further educational choices, with 98% of students getting their first choices.

Weeton: Mini Mover in the Family Hub - every Tuesday during term times

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Fleetwood: Meet Father Christmas at Farmer Parrs Animal World

Meet Father Christmas at Farmer Parrs Animal World this December.....

As a special offer we have reduced the price of admission for some of our midweek time slots to help with the increasing cost of Christmas.

Tickets for the week commencing the 2nd of December will be a cheap as £5 per person and under 1s go FREE.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/farmer-parrs-animal-world

HOHOHOHO!

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Service families - help us to better understand the needs, wants, and wishes of children, young people, families, and individuals overseas

Service families, have your say!

Defence Children Services (DCS) has responsibility for the functions, in support of service families related to education and care, previously undertaken by Defence Children and Young People (DCYP). DCS provides a single focus for all issues related to Service children and young people, providing high-quality education at 22 schools and settings in locations around the world. DCS also directly supports Service families, providing advice on a wide range of educational, safeguarding and social care matters both overseas and in the UK.

On behalf of the Defence Safeguarding Partnership Board (DSPB), DCS are undertaking a Local Needs Analysis to inform the future delivery of social work, family support and personal support for all children, young people, families and individuals whilst both assigned and accompanying on overseas postings.

The existing social work and personal family support is provided through a contracted provision by British Forces Social Work Services (BFSWS) who seek to replicate UK (English) “statutory type social care support”. The DSPB wish to consider alternative delivery models to focus on early intervention, prevention and family/individual support, still ensuring the safety and protection of our most vulnerable individuals.

To help DCS consider what the support service needs to look like, we need the help of those who we seek to support. By completing the Local Needs Analysis Feedback Form, which should take no longer than 7 minutes, you can help to shape the future of social care, family support and personal support for you, your family and any entitled individuals overseas.

Please submit your forms by Friday 4th October 2024.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme dedicated to supporting specific communities of Veterans

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are proud to introduce the Fulfilling Futures Programme, part of our ongoing rollout of Covenant Fund programme launches.

Based on feedback from the Trust’s consultation findings, this programme has been designed to fund projects to improve the quality of life for Veterans who have experienced significant, negative impact which is evidenced to be related to their experience during Service.

What is the Fulfilling Futures programme all about?

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘ensuring our Armed Forces communities are not disadvantaged.’ This new programme will focus on supporting Veterans who have faced significant and evident challenges during their Service, which has created barriers or compromised their ability to have a fulfilling Service experience. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

West Midlands: Volunteers needed for AWS Donnington's Youth Forum

 

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Grantham: Wellbeing Cafe

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Grantham: Supporting transparency in SEND

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Chepstow: Join the Army Cadets at Beachley Barracks

Double click image to enlarge.

Action, Adventure, Fun & Friendship. For a life changing experience, join the army cadets! If you are aged 12 - 18 years of age, join us on Tuesday evenings 7 - 9 pm.

For further information call 01873 813756,

Email: gwentandpowysacf@fca.org.uk or visit the website by clicking here.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Chester: The Magic of Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo

RETURNING FOR 2024, GET READY TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF LANTERNS AND LIGHT AT CHESTER ZOO

15 NOVEMBER 2024 – 1 JANUARY 2025

For more Information and to book tickets:  www.chesterzoo.org/lanterns-and-light

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

AGAI 50 and the 'Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support' - updated and re-published

 

Both AGAI 50 and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support have been republished. The AGAI may be found here, while the Guide is available on both the Personal Services SharePoint site and Defence Connect. The SharePoint site also contains copies of the unit letters featured in the AGAI and Guide and a version of the PowerPoint presentation for annual briefings.

​Please note that these links are only accessible via MODnet/Defence Gateway. Please contact HIVE if assistance is required.

Aberlour: Nature walks, a stroll a cuppa and connect

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - news update

 

Please see below for new updates on how you can catch up on the recent Covenant Fund Webinar if you missed it, and also their launch of three new Covenant Fund programmes - read on for the full details on Supporting Serving Families Overseas, Family Focus and Fulfilling Futures.

Missed our recent Covenant Fund webinar? You can now catch up on our website... Find out all about our new programmes and our new funding framework, plus an in-depth Q&A session where attendees had the chance to put their questions to the Trust team. Find out more here

Supporting Serving Families Overseas is dedicated to recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by partners, young people and children posted overseas. With grants between £3,000 and £20,000 available, we aim to support projects that enhance emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections and overall family dynamics. Find out more here

The Family Focus programme is designed to support family members who care for serving personnel and Veterans who are wounded, injured or sick by improving access to support and building resilience to those with a caring role. Grants of between £50,000 and £100,000 to fund projects that address their needs beyond their roles as carers and consider the wellbeing of the whole family unit, enhancing quality of life. Find out more here

Fulfilling Futures will focus on supporting Veterans who have faced significant and evident challenges during their Service, which has created barriers or compromised their ability to have a fulfilling Service experience. Organisations can either apply for a project lasting 12-18 months for grants between £50,000 and £100,000 or projects lasting three to four years for grants up to £300,000. Find out more here

You can find full details of all programmes currently accepting applications on our current programmes page

Northern Ireland: Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team, SSE Arena

The Belfast Giants are a professional ice hockey team based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

They compete in the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League and play their home games at the SSE Arena.

For a great evening out for all the family click here to book your tickets

Information provided by HIVE NI

Leuchars: Community Use Football Pitch

Leuchars Station (MOD), with the help of Mitie landscaping team and funding from Pinnacle Housing, have turned part of Earlshall Playing Fields at Leuchars into a 7-aside football pitch that can be utilised by members of the Military and local community. 

The facility is currently well used by children after school, at evenings and weekends – a great example of a community-based project that will enhance community cohesion and spirit here at Leuchars (football nets are held in the Guardroom and can be booked out and returned after each session).

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dunfermline: Are you ready to upskill with 154 Scottish Regiment RLC?

📌 Wednesday Nights
📌 Weekends
📌 Annual Camp
📌 Adventure Training
📌 Tax-Free Bonuses

Get Paid to Learn New Skills 😎

Interested? 🤔

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...

also see: https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/royal-logistic-corps

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

London: Veterans Partnership Better Together

Click on image to find out more.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Operation Signature Hampshire Constabulary - help protect against fraud

Click image for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Sandhurst: Army Welfare Service - Kid Zone

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Home Start Hampshire in Rushmoor & Hart

At Home-Start Hampshire we run a range of family groups which are by referral only, third party or self-referral. The groups are supported by trained and experienced volunteers who will ensure you and your little one(s) are welcomed, feel safe and have a positive experience.

All of our groups provide a safe non-judgmental environment where families can make the first steps to regular social interaction and peer support.

To refer a family to one of our groups, or make a self-referral please complete and return a referral form, which can be found HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Surrey: funded childcare in Surrey

From April 2024, funded early education will be expanding. By September 2025, most working families with children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support. 

The new entitlements will be introduced in phases: 

- From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2 year olds can access 15 hours funded early education and childcare (over 38 weeks a year) from the term after their child's 2nd birthday

- From September 2024, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3 year olds can access 15 hours funded early education and childcare (over 38 weeks a year) from the term following their child turning 9 months

Catterick: Stay & Play at Colburn Village Hall every Weds

We meet every Wednesday 0900 - 1115 hrs, free to attend and snack/ tea & coffee is provided

Information provided by North HIVE Hub