Ripon: Storytime at Ripon Library for the under 5s

Did you know that the benefits of being read to and hearing stories regularly go way beyond literacy skills.
Bring your under 5's so they can experience the power of stories, every Wednesday and Friday at 1030 am during term time

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Families First newsletter - issue 20

Please click the images to enlarge

This and previous issues can also be found online at Families First - Issue 20

Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Keyless Car Theft Advice

If you have a vehicle with keyless entry, please check the attached document for some advice about keeping your vehicle secure.

Please see link below
 

https://members.staffordshiresmartalert.co.uk/AlertMessage/Attachment/B36F4BE440160B739C4D68A27FE38383

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Elgin: Moray Council Libraries and Information Services Silent Book Walk Wednesdays

Our Silent Book Group is back!

Come to the library on Wednesday 23rd October from 10:00am and chat with Living Streets about how 'A Wee Walk Works Wonders' - learn how short walks in our beautiful local community can be so beneficial for our mental & physical health and our environment, and how you can get started!

Then meet us outside Elgin Library at 11:00am for our popular Silent Book Group. We go for a walk while all individually listening to the same audiobook. We stop for coffee and cake halfway through at Grampian Furnishings, and talk about what we have heard so far. Then we will walk back along the River Lossie to finish, hopefully around 1:30-2:00pm, and see how many of us will continue listening!

For more information 👉 Silent Book Walk from Elgin Library | Moray Libraries

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Moray: Starting Friday 1st November - Moray Wellbeing Hub Weekly drop-in every Friday 12 noon to 2pm

click on image to enlarge

A new weekly, drop-in space for anyone looking for support with their wellbeing EVERY FRIDAY from 12 noon until 2pm at Foggies Bar in Elgin.

No need to book, just drop by and a Champion from Moray Wellbeing Hub will be there for support. 

We can look at specific things together or just listen to you, whatever feels right in that moment. 

We can also support with digital tools for wellbeing.

There will be free tea and coffee and a cosy space to connect with another human!

We'll be set up in the booths and the address of Foggies is Munro Pl, Elgin IV30 4LL

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

NHS Step into Health: Internship Vacancy now open for Service Leavers and Veterans

NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce that recruitment for their Programme Assistant Internship is now open. To be eligible to apply for the internship you must be in the process of being or have been medically discharged from UK Armed Forces regular service within the last 5 years.

Location: Leeds with agile working (home based will be considered)

Role: Fixed term (12 weeks). Full time, flexible working patterns considered.

Salary: £22,837 (pro rata)

Closing Date: 23:59 17th November 2024

The post-holder will join the Step into Health team and will gain valuable experiences and skills which will be beneficial and transferable into other NHS roles. The full job description can be found via this link, and is also attached here. Although SitH cannot guarantee employment when the internship comes to an end, they are able to support individuals to apply for other roles within the NHS.

To apply, please use the link on the vacancy page.

For more information on how the Step into Health programme can assist Service leavers and veterans into an NHS career, please go to https://www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk/.

South East: Are you being posted to the South East of England?

Are you or someone you know due to be posted to the Aldershot, Pirbright, Minley, Marchwood, Worthy Down, Winchester, Gosport, Thorney Island, Hermitage, Bicester, Abingdon, Windsor, Sandhurst, London or Woolwich areas If so contact South East HIVE Hub to request pre-arrival information.

Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-SEHub-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Core information sheets are available from the South East HIVE Hub and contain useful information on accommodation, employment, health & wellbeing, finance, childcare, schools & adult education as well as location overview of community amenities, facilities and activities etc. There is also help with general queries regarding the local area or alternatively you can access the Army HIVE Info blog and click on one of the many categories depending on what information you need.

If you require any further information then please call in at the Aldershot Garrison Community Hub in North Camp to speak to one of the HIVE information officers or contact us on 01252 347650 or email us on the above email.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Wiltshire: Recycling news

Please click here to read this latest newsletter online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Ross-On-Wye: Monster Books & Wreaths - Friday 1 November

On Friday 1st November Art Studio Ross will be back once again from 10am – 3pm but this time with the opportunity to create Monster Books and Wreaths at the Market House in Ross.

All these activities are free to attend with no booking required and have been supported by Herefordshire Council as part of the Ross-on-Wye Recovery Fund.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Milford Haven: GET AFLOAT! - Join our Junior Sea Cadets!

GET AFLOAT! - Join our Junior Sea Cadets!
Aged 9-11yrs? Join either of our Tuesday or Thursday section Junior Sea Cadets.
Our Junior Sea Cadets have wonderful training opportunities, based right here in Milford Haven!

🔴 Red Module Badge - Experience a safe and fun learning environment at the Unit, learning all about the Unit, how to wear your Uniform properly and learn how to march!
🔵 Blue Module Badge - Get afloat with us learning how to Row, Sail, Kayak & Windsurf, all in a safe way with our experienced and qualified instructors, upon our beautiful waterway!
🟡 Yellow Module Badge - Immerse yourself into our community, visiting lots of different organisations, museums, community groups and get a real sense of what Milford means!
🟢 Green Module Badge - Venture into the great outdoors, learn all the basic skills to be safe and enjoy our amazing outdoors!

There's so much to take part in - get in touch!
recruitment@milfordhavenscc.org.uk
https://www.sea-cadets.org/milfordhaven/get-in-touch
01646 695443

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub. 

Ross-On-Wye: Remembrance Events

Remembrance Events in Ross-on-Wye

Sunday 10th November the Town’s formal commemoration of those that have lost their lives in conflict takes place at the Prospect, 11am. This will be followed immediately by a Remembrance Sunday Service to be held in St Mary’s Church.

Monday 11th November there will be a Short Act of Commemoration, including a 2 Minute Silence, at the Market House. The start and finish of the silence will be marked by the firing of a Maroon from The Prospect.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Richmondshire: Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) - Latest Civil Service job vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

 

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 404 - Service Delivery Officer, Bedford, Cosham and Luton
Job Description
Closing date: 29 Oct

Closing date of below vacancy now extended to Fri 08 Nov 2024

GFIE- 405 - Service Delivery Officer, Matlock and Glossop
Job Description
Closing date: 29 Oct, now extended to Fri 08 Nov 24

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Bovington: BFBS Radio live on air throughout the Garrison

 

The military community in Bovington Garrison can listen to BFBS Radio on 100.8FM.

The schedule brings listeners a great mix of local and global radio, combining the BFBS Blandford Breakfast Show – weekdays from 0630-1000hrs – with programmes from BFBS Radio’s worldwide network.

The BFBS service will continue to be maintained in Bovington on 1287 AM too.

If you have a story or message that you would like to broadcast on BFBS, please contact Producer/Presenter for BFBS Blandford, Jason Herbert, via blandford@bfbs.com.

BLANDFORD CAMP

BFBS radio Namaste, Blandford. BFBS Gurkha 101.5FM

Blandford Garrison radio is live on 100.8FM

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE - 313 DWP Work Coach, Luton

​Job Description

Closing date: 18 Nov 2024

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk).

Military Mortgage Advice Webinars: November to January

Click to enlarge. 

Book your place here: Webinars | Military Mortgage Advice

Stem cell donation - sign up to save a life!

 

Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.

Stem cell transplants are used to treat blood cancers like leukaemia, aplastic anaemia as well as other diseases of the immune system. Chemotherapy can help in some cases, but for many people a stem cell transplant is the only chance of a cure.

30,000 new donors are needed in the UK each year to find matches for the steadily rising number of stem cell transplants taking place in the UK every year. Stem cells are found in the bone marrow – a soft, spongy tissue at the centre of certain bones – and can produce all essential blood cells, including red and white cells and platelets (which stop bleeding).

Give blood and save a life

Sign up today

Supporting each other – give blood and save a life

Royal Wootton Bassett: November events at The Little Gem cafe

Click here to follow the Facebook page and keep up to date with what's on!

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Bovington: Garrison stables - volunteers needed

Do you have the gift of time?

Volunteers are very important to us and giving your time to help us makes a real difference to our work as a charity.
There are various opportunities to join the team, whether it is hands on with the horses on the yard or working with the young people on the Changing Lives Through Horses Programme.

If you would like more information or to join the team please email office@racsaddleclub.co.uk
https://www.racsaddleclub.co.uk/volunteer-with-us/

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Colerne: Pamper party at Colerne Station Community Centre - Fri 15 Nov

 

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

AWS Community Support annual report 2024

 

The Army Welfare service is proud to present the AWS Community Support Annual Report for 2024.

This Report outlines some of the key achievements delivered and challenges faced by our team over the past year. It provides an overview of key areas of work, statistical information and also looks forward to the year ahead. It demonstrates the breadth and depth of the impact that the Community Support team have.​

Please click the image above to read this report online.

Wiltshire: Healthwatch 'Military Health Survey 2024' - extended to Fri 22 Nov

 

This survey has now been extended until Friday 22nd November. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have your say below:

Healthwatch Wiltshire military survey

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

South Cerney & Innsworth: Baby hubs in Gloucestershire

Please click images to enlarge

For up to date details of these and other health visiting sessions across the county, please click here to visit the Facebook page.

Alternatively, details of the services provided can be found here.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Bovington: Garrison jobs

 

Search for full & part time vacancies at Bovington & Lulworth Camp, HERE

(Use the search filters to refine location, contract, job type etc). Please note where it states Wareham this may indicate Bovington Camp. 

• Customer/food service assistants
• Cleaners
• Supervisors
• Department managers
• Facilities operatives
• Chefs/catering roles
• Mess (Accommodation) Stewards

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Returning to workplace scheme for parents with a child under 3

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Bovington: Little Lambs baby & toddler group (Wool village)

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Swindon: Maternity and neonatal services survey

 

What would you like to see from a maternity and neonatal perspective?

GWH Swindon are looking for feedback on their Trust website to help them improve their services. If you could spare a few minutes to complete this survey, we’d be extremely grateful.

To feedback, use the QR code or visit: https://forms.office.com/e/MvJbnxbvKw

To take a look at what they currently have, visit: www.gwh.nhs.uk

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Hullavington: Free Yogalates at Buckley Barracks Community Centre - starting Wed 6 Nov

 

With thanks to VIVO for some generous funding, the 9 Regt RLC Welfare department are now taking bookings for the first YOGALATES session that will take place on Wednesday 6th November 1000-1100.

All sessions will be completely free of charge!

Soft play and the café will be open for the usual coffee morning as well. This is open to all serving families living on the patch.

Interested? You need to register at 9regtwelfare@gmail.com who will book you in for either one session or a few!

Instructor Debbie says ‘the class is a combination of basic yoga and mat-based Pilate moves, designed to improve mobility, flexibility and build body strength. The class is suitable for all ages and abilities, shapes and sizes.'

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Hereford: Rudolph Run 2024

𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 

Calling All Primary Schools, Nurseries, and Groups

This Winter, let your little stars dazzle by dashing around the school fields or playground dressed as red-nosed reindeer, all while raising vital funds for St Michael’s Hospice! 
Find out more: http://bit.ly/SMH_RudolphRun

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Grantham: Badminton free sessions - positivefutures >> in Lincolnshire

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/directory-record/79409/grantham-sports-programme

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Staffordshire: Secrets of the Season - Free 4 week online course starting 22 November

A brand new course FREE for Staffordshire Families! Starting on Friday 22nd November, this flexible, online course will celebrate the wonders of winter, with creative activities and simple, seasonal ideas to connect to nature and this magical time of year. 

To book your place, contact Rebecca on 07525 120117 or communityforestservices@gmail.com
 

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Hereford: Xmas competition - Design the Mayor’s Christmas Card

Each year it is customary for the Mayor to send out Christmas cards to neighboring towns, local groups, friends and family.

The Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Councilor Bev Pope, would once again like to give the young people of Ross-on-Wye the opportunity to design the Mayor’s Christmas card.

The competition is open to anyone under the age of 16, with prizes for first, second and third place.

The overall winner will have their design used as the Mayor’s Christmas Card for this year. The design must include an element of Ross-on-Wye.

The closing date for entries is 12 noon on 11th November. The winner will be selected by Mayor, Cllr Bev Pope, on 12th November.

Forces in Mind Trust post-Service employment research policy & practice summaries

New research and policy summaries focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.

These summaries form part of our commitment to ensuring evidence is at the heart of decision making for the benefit of ex-Service personnel and their families.

The summaries provide easy digestible access to up to date research evidence and an overview of current policy and service provision focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.

A robust methodology has been used to create these summaries meaning they are an accurate and trustworthy source of information which can used to inform and transform policy, practice, and future research priorities.

You can access the full summaries and two-page infographics here:

Research summary: Research | FiMT Research Centre (fimt-rc.org)

Policy summary: Policy Practice | FiMT Research Centre (fimt-rc.org)

Stafford: St John's Nursery Opening January 2025 - funded places are available for ages 3+

Click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Petersfield: Armed Forces drop-in Centre Winton House Centre first Thurs every month 1600hrs - 2000hrs

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Kinloss: BookBug - songs,rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers

click on image to enlarge

Please contact Margaret.duncan115@mod.gov.uk for further details.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Stafford: Seven Trent water bills

To occupants of SFA in Stafford.

If you receive a water bill from Seven Trent Water addressed to DIO Water Billing, or ORBIT please take to Dawn in the HIVE and she will pass them on to the Housing Officers Pooja and Taylor where we will deal with them on your behalf.

Thank you.

Taylor Wright Pinnacle group Housing Officer.

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Dorset: Adult learning courses

For information about courses, learning opportunities, learning at home and more please visit
https://www.webenrol.com/skillsandlearningace/

For details of local courses and information see links below.

Link to our online courses (courses are held online via Teams at specific times with a “live” tutor)

Link to distance learning courses (These are online modules that can be accessed whenever convenient)

Link to courses in Blandford

Link to courses in Poole, Wareham or Dorchester

Information about our employability and careers courses (also known as work skills)

Information about our English for Speakers of Other Languages courses

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blackpool: Vacancies for Service Leavers or Veterans to become a Tram or Bus Driver

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Fife: Bookbug Sessions, free, fun and friendly

Bookbug sessions are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families to enjoy together. 

Coming along to sessions is a great way to spend some quality time with your little one and gives you the opportunity to share stories, songs and rhymes with other parents/carers and their children.

Bookbug is Scottish Book Trust’s national Early Years programme. 

As a national charity, Scottish Book Trust delivers the Bookbug programme locally by working in partnership with local library and education services, the health service and third sector organisations. 

To support local delivery of the Bookbug programme, Scottish Book Trust provides its partners with training, advice and Bookbug bags of books.

Sessions held in Cupar, St Andrews, Rosyth and Dunfermline to find your nearest Bookbug session or more information 👉 https://www.onfife.com/libraries-archives/bookbug-sessions

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Staffordshire Holiday Activities and Food - bookings open 11 November

 Full details can be found HERE

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Vale of Glamorgan: The Homework Hubs - 4 locations in the Vale of Glamorgan

The Homework Hub - Now in 4 locations across The Vale of Glamorgan!

You don't need to bring your own homework; we have lots of fun, educational worksheets, puzzles and games for your child to complete.

Our dedicated, DBS enhanced teachers are here to help your child learn key academic skills, listen to them read and have fun while learning.

Book per session or for a block of sessions.

Starts again after half term, from Monday 11th November 2024.

Book here

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Rural priorities in focus of new dedicated proactive team

A new dedicated team who specialise in tackling the most important priorities facing rural communities has been launched in Staffordshire today (Monday 21 October).

Around 80 per cent of our force area is considered rural. Staffordshire is home to a number of people, businesses and livelihoods that have different demands to those in urban areas.

We’re really proud of our rural footprint and we completely recognise the need for specialist resources in this area, which is why we’ve set up a new dedicated proactive team.

From today, the county proactive and rural team (CPART) will be working proactively to service these demands on a dedicated scale.

What does this change mean for rural communities?

Specialist officers with local experience in tackling crime which impacts those living within rural areas will be working proactively each and every day across Staffordshire to stop offenders and prevent crime

We’ll have a better understanding on the needs of rural communities, including agriculture, equine, wildlife and heritage, meaning a better police service across Staffordshire

Officers can spend more time engaging with rural communities and working with partners to tackle their top priorities, including neighbouring police forces

Lots of officers outside of the dedicated team have also been given additional training in responding to rural crime, allowing us to respond to these issues more effectively

Chief Superintendent Emily Clarke, strategic lead for rural crime, said: “Delivering an outstanding police service to communities in Staffordshire will never be a one glove fits all approach. It’s vital that we adapt what we do to ensure we understand the diverse needs of the people we proudly serve on a daily basis, and our rural communities are no different.

“Rural crime has increased by 8.9 per cent this year, and with it, a cost of more than £1.8-million in stolen items. We know that for many farmers and members of the rural community, their business is also their home, so these types of crimes can have a significant effect on people and families.

“We’ve put a lot of specialist resources and personnel into this new team because we recognise the importance of understanding people’s priorities, and how we can work more effectively to deliver them.”

“This week also marks the first day of the national rural wildlife crime unit’s week of action. Similar enforcement and community engagement will be taking place locally this week, giving the new team a solid base to begin building and making a real difference to rural communities in Staffordshire.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “Staffordshire is a largely rural county, and crimes in these areas will always be a priority for me as they can have a significant impact on communities who may already feel isolated.

“Because of this, the experience for victims of rural crime can be different, and the nature of the crimes themselves may also require a different approach. That’s why I’m delighted that Staffordshire Police have introduced the new county proactive and rural team to offer that specialist level of support to victims.

“Rural crime is a core part of local policing work, and our rural communities should expect the same levels of service and engagement from officers as those in our towns and cities. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the proactive work officers are now able to do in those communities as the team develops.”

If you have any questions or concerns about rural crime in your area, you can ask the team during their online chat on Thursday 24 October: https://app.sli.do/event/ryRhpktLdbtB3XXqsiY1vn

They'll be online from 5pm - 6pm to answer your questions. If you can't make it, don't worry as you can submit your questions in advance and they'll be answered on the night.

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Armed Forces in Policing - online recruitment events

Northamptonshire Police​ have planned the 2025 series of events called National Joining Forces – these are police recruitment events for all police organisations in England and Wales. They are designed to provide insight and understanding into police careers; the recruitment process and the structures in place to support candidates through the process. In particular the events highlights the qualities and skills veterans possess which are transferable into British policing.

​The events are advertised on Eventbrite and are as follows:

Tuesday 14th January 2025 from 1800 x 1900

Tuesday 15th April 2025 from 1800 x 1900

Tuesday 15th July 2025 from 1800 x 1900

​Friday 14th November 2025 from 1800 x 1900

These events are being hosted by Northamptonshire Police as a national recruitment event - regardless of the police area you live in or may be interested in joining.