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

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

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

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.

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

 

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

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

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.

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

Sessions are:

Wednesday 16th Oct @ 11am 1-pm - Pickering

Thursday 17th Oct @ 9am – 11am - Harrogate

Wednesday 17th Oct @ 3pm - 5pm - Colburn/Catterick

Refreshments will be provided and a voucher of £15 available to thank people for their participation.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

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:

Personnel/Veterans: For individuals currently serving or who have served in the armed forces, including both full-time personnel, reservists, and veterans.

Family Members: For families of serving or former armed forces members, including spouses and partners, widows and widowers, wider family members, and adult (18 years or older) children.

Service Children: For children (including adopted children) of serving or former armed forces families who are younger than 18 years.

The surveys are now open until Monday 19 September 2024.

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Colerne: Weekly schedule of community groups on camp at Azimghur Barracks

 

Please click the image above to enlarge

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

The Business Launch Accelerator Course from the Milspo® Network - Empowering Military Spouses to thrive

 

The life of a military spouse and partner is full of unique challenges – from frequent moves to deployments and unpredictable schedules. But amidst these challenges, a desire to build a business and pursue financial independence often burns brightly. The Milspo® Network recognises this and has created the solution: The Business Launch Accelerator Course.

This comprehensive 8-week online programme is specifically designed for military spouses, partners, and other-halves eager to start and grow a business.

Why choose The Business Launch Accelerator Course?

Weeton - Army Cadets - Kirkham & Weeton Detachment

 

Grantham: Breastfeeding Support Group

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

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

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

Grantham: One You Lincolnshire - We can help you

To read more:

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools

In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families. 

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.

Co-ordinated School Admissions - Top Tips for Parents in England

Click image to enlarge.

What is co-ordinated admissions?

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 Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched Supporting Serving Families Overseas Programme under the Covenant Fund exciting three-year Funding Framework.

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.

Wiltshire: Apply now if your child is starting school in September 2025

Is your child starting primary or secondary school next year?

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.

Click here to apply online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

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/

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

 

If you are in need of urgent support you can call/text one of these free phone helpline numbers.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub. 

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

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

Mental health is as important as physical health, especially for veterans who have faced the challenges of military life.

At Veterans at Ease, we believe that mental health care should be accessible to all who have served our country. That’s why our therapy services are completely free for the HM Armed Forces Community, be it Veterans, Reservists, Serving Military Personnel or their families. 

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).

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

 

Lyneham: Charity bingo nights Sep-Dec 2024

 

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

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