
Generic and local information for the UK Military community including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
September 30, 2024
September 28, 2024
September 27, 2024
West Midlands: Donnington Community Hub - Veterans' Lunch Offer

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

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
September 25, 2024
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
September 24, 2024
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.
September 23, 2024
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme dedicated to supporting specific communities of Veterans
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.
September 19, 2024
AGAI 50 and the 'Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support' - updated and re-published
Please note that these links are only accessible via MODnet/Defence Gateway. Please contact HIVE if assistance is required.
September 18, 2024
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.
Dunfermline: Are you ready to upskill with 154 Scottish Regiment RLC?
📌 Weekends
📌 Annual Camp
📌 Adventure Training
📌 Tax-Free Bonuses
Get Paid to Learn New Skills 😎
Interested? 🤔
September 16, 2024
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
Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals
Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals
If you or your family hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, you will need to replace it by registering for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account, but you do not need to wait to be contacted to take action. If you or family members have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email, but you can still register for an account.
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
A BRP is proof of an individual’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, it can also be used to confirm an individual’s identity and right to any public services or benefits they may be entitled to whilst in the UK. Currently a Biometric Residence Permit is required by anyone who comes to the UK for:
- longer than 6 months,
- extends their visa beyond 6 months,
- applies to Settle in the UK,
- transfers their visa to a new passport,
- or applies for certain Home Office travel documents.
September 12, 2024
North Yorkshire: North Yorkshire Sport - Understanding the importance of physical activity
North Yorkshire Sport are completing consultations with Military Families, Veterans and Military Personnel across North Yorkshire to understand the importance of physical activity within the network and identity any potential gaps in services. If you want to go along and share your views, please complete the attendance form. https://forms.office.com/e/s1JEjMQL2m
West Midlands: Wolverhampton Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Surveys for the Armed Forces Community
As part of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) City of Wolverhampton have launched surveys to capture the experiences and understand the needs of the Armed Forces Community in Wolverhampton. Your input is invaluable in helping us support you better. Please select the appropriate survey below:
The surveys are now open until Monday 19 September 2024.
Information provided by Central HIVE Hub
September 11, 2024
Stafford: Did you know that Stafford station has two contact houses
Please note the email address should read SSU-Contact-House@mod.gov.uk
Information provided by Stafford HIVE
September 10, 2024
Reading Force Book Clubs
Reading Force is tri service, and we welcome Veterans/Reservists and their families as well as ex-service families (due to separation, divorce or bereavement).
We are looking for volunteers to run a book club with our support. My role is to share ideas on how to run a book club and help you to choose suitable books from our available titles. We have a great selection of books available and we will send out 3 books to each member from this list. These books are free of charge for each book club member to keep.
I can help with questions to ask at the book club meetings, how to keep your book club going after the three free books from Reading Force and much more. Email: nicola@readingforce.org.uk
See attached links to our website which will give you some more information.
https://www.readingforce.org.uk/online-book-clubs-supported-by-reading-force/
https://www.readingforce.org.uk/book-club-suggested-titles/
Staffordshire: Free Couch to 5K mental wellbeing beginners running group in Lichfield

Do you live in Lichfield and want to start running ? buxtonanddistrictmind and buxtonwater to deliver a FREE 12 week beginners running programme in Beacon Park. Interested? Or know anyone who might be?
Register here
www.burtonmind.co.uk/contact-us
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools
The British Army recognises the unique circumstances faced by our serving personnel and that frequent mobility can disrupt children’s education. The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps by providing the children of serving personnel with a stable education that wouldn’t otherwise be available in the state-maintained school sector. The Army are working closely with the Army Families Federation (AFF) to better understand the full impact of the removal of the VAT exemption on independent schools from 1 January 2025.
Recognising not only CEA claimants but many other Service families who depend on private schools to provide stability to their children whilst they meet the day to day demands of Service life, and those who may consider this in the future, this survey is designed to provide all SP with the opportunity to submit their views on the matter.
The survey should take no more than 4 minutes to complete.
SP and Families are warmly encouraged to complete this short poll which can be found here: School Fees Poll (mod.uk) . The survey closes at midnight on Monday 23 September 2024.
September 9, 2024
Co-ordinated School Admissions - Top Tips for Parents in England
This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).
To access the School Admission Top Tips please click here.
To access the School Admissions Code please click here.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme to support serving families overseas
The Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme is now open for applications for grants of between £3,000 and £20,000, for projects that aim to assist serving families stationed at overseas bases and defence locations, focusing on addressing and recognising wellbeing issues faced by partners, children and young people during overseas posting.
What is the Supporting Serving Families Overseas 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 family- focused programme will support serving families overseas by addressing their needs, including emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections, and overall family dynamics. The aim is to better assist those deployed overseas alongside their Service personnel. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.
September 6, 2024
Wiltshire: Apply now if your child is starting school in September 2025
If so, applications are now open for you to apply online.
The deadline to apply for a primary school place is 15 January 2025 and you can find out the result on 16 April 2025.
The deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31 October 2024 and you can find out the result on 3 March 2025.
Togetherall - behind the smile
Behind every smile, there can be a story others can't always see, but you don't have to face it alone.
At Togetherall, you can talk about what you're going through anonymously and connect with others who understand.
Join the supportive community today and start the conversation that could make all the difference.
To find out more visit https://togetherall.com/en-gb/mental-health-support-for-all-uk-armed-forces-veterans/
September 3, 2024
Lichfield: School Nurse Drop-in Clinic - Tuesdays 13.00-15.30

School Nurse drop-in clinic has opened at Lichfield Family Hub. If you are a parent or carer of a 5-19 year old then this is for you! Pop along (you don't need an appointment) to discuss their health and wellbeing, every Tuesday 1.00-3.00pm
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
Wales: Helpline Numbers
Hereford: Wellness Watchers Volunteer Hub
Have you discovered our new Wellness Watchers Volunteer Hub?
Are you passionate about health & wellbeing? Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? Look no further than our brand new Wellness Watchers Volunteer Hub which is now live on the Healthwatch Herefordshire website. Whether you're an experienced volunteer or someone looking to get involved for the first time, our Volunteer Hub offers a wealth of opportunities to help you contribute to the health and wellbeing of Herefordshire. Take a look here.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
September 2, 2024
Lyneham: Welcome packs now available to collect!
Please click image above to enlarge
Upon moving into SFA in Lyneham, you should have received an A6 postcard with contact details for Lyneham HIVE as well as a QR code for the Lyneham HIVE Location Guide.
Welcome packs have now been created with additional local information including Welfare contact info and bin collection details, plus posters from the AWS CDW and Welfare teams regarding what they can offer in the area.
If you would like a pack but are unable to collect, please email rc-pers-hive-lyneham-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk.
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE
North East: Veterans at Ease Mental Health Support
Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or depression, we’re here for you. Pick up the phone and make that call today 0191 249 9944 (option 2).
Innsworth: Community activities at Churchdown GL3 Community Hub
Please click images to enlarge
Alternatively click here to visit the GL3 Community Hub website
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

























