Staffordshire: Aiming High Activities for Young people and children with SEN

 

February 2026 Aiming High activities will be available for booking from Thursday 1st January 2026 at 7:30am on the EEQU booking platform: Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.

You can browse February’s activities now, but you won’t be able to book until 1st January at 7:30am. Please note that we will not usually send reminder emails each month before bookings open, but we wanted to reiterate that bookings will always open on the 1st of the month at 7:30am, regardless of whether this is a weekday, weekend or bank holiday.

If you would prefer the booking team to make bookings on your behalf, please call 0300 111 8007 (option 2, then option 3). However please be aware that phone lines will not open until Friday 2nd January at 9:00am. Other people can make online bookings on your behalf via the EEQU booking platform.

If you want to cancel a booking, please log in to your EEQU account to do this as soon as possible. This helps providers plan their sessions and enables your space(s) to be offered to other young people and their families.

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Grantham: Shine Connect Winter Support 2025

As we approach the festive season and look ahead to 2026, we are pleased to launch our Shine Connect Christmas and Winter Support Magazine which can be found here: Christmas Shine Connect 2025. It’s a practical information guide designed to support people who may be struggling, feeling isolated, or in need of extra help over the Christmas period.
The magazine brings together a wide range of key services from health, care and community VCFSE partners, all in one place.
It includes information on local support available over Christmas and New Year, warm and welcoming spaces for those who need them, free phone helplines offering a friendly voice, and community services that help people connect with others and reduce loneliness and isolation during the holiday period.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Carers UK Winter Magazine

Carers UK have just shared their Winter Magazine, it has some great carer stories and information -Carers UK

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy

 
Defence sets out commitments to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a new cross government strategy published on 18 Dec.

To view the Strategy documents, please go to: Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy - GOV.UK

Celebrating the Success of SSAFA’s Togetherness Overseas Parenting Programmes

SSAFA are delighted to share the success of their Togetherness (Solihull NHS) online parenting programmes, since launching in April 2025.

Togetherness is available to the Service community living overseas, including UK-based extended family members of Service families assigned worldwide. The BF1 postcode linked to the overseas location where the serving family are based will be needed to access.

What is Togetherness?
Togetherness is designed to support parents at every stage of their journey from pregnancy through to adolescence. These courses empower parents to:

• Understand their child’s brain development and emotional health.
• Decode behaviours and respond effectively to foster positive interactions.
• Develop strong communication skills to nurture confidence, kindness, and emotional awareness in children.

Royal Navy Sailing Association: FREE sailing courses for 8-17 year olds – 2026 dates now launched

Please note that these courses are only available to serving RN, RM and RFA families. To find out more please go to: https://rnsayouthcrew.org.uk/

New Awards Made under The Armed Forces Families Fund: The Early Years Programme

600K Early Years Funding Supports Youngest Service Children

Speaking at the SciP Alliance conference in November, Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones reminded attendees that “Service is rarely an individual act. It’s a collective commitment shared and shouldered by a wide network of people who themselves have to develop the same qualities of strength and resilience that we ask of those family members serving in the military.”

But how does this translate to our youngest service children aged 0-5 years?

In the latest round of the Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded 11 projects a share of just over £600,000 to tackle this challenge.

From SEND support and sensory spaces that build emotional wellbeing, to creating stimulating outdoor spaces that extend the learning environment for young service children at childcare settings. The Fund has once again shown the breadth of work taking place to ensure service children get the best start, despite the challenges of being part of a military family.

Getting out and active

Supporting service families at various sites across the country including RAF Valley, RAF Honington and RAF Shawbury, RAFAKidz is the largest provider of early years childcare to the RAF. They’ve received three awards in this latest round of funding to transform the outdoor learning environment at their settings - something they have recently received a National NMT Nursery Award for their Medmenham site in High Wycombe.

Josie Mapes, Executive Director of RAFAKidz, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the AFCFT and the MOD for awarding us these generous grants. We’re dedicated to creating environments where the children we care for can grow, play and thrive, and this funding will help us do that. We know from our other settings that having access to outdoor spaces is vital for children’s development and for teaching them about the natural world. RAFAKidz Valley and Shawbury are relatively new to the RAFAKidz family, so we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance the outdoor spaces at these settings, giving our children space to enjoy outdoor play.”

Supporting military families ‘needs

Scotland: Poppy Scotland Cycle Challenge

Take our Poppy Cycle Challenge and help raise vital funds for veterans and their families in Scotland. 

Your challenge is to cycle between different War Memorials in Scotland. 

There's an incredible 4,900 to choose from! 

You set the distance, the pace and the difficulty level and decide whether you want to cycle the physical route or complete the distance on a gym bike.

For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-cycle-challenge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Grantham: Community Pharmacy Lincolnshire

Pharmacy

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025

The Ministry of Defence published the 14th Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report on 16 Dec.

To view the Report documents, please click this link: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025 - GOV.UK

For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, how it can support you and the upcoming Legal Duty extension, visit the Covenant website.

Recruit for Spouses Upcoming Session – Wellbeing Programme

Wellbeing Programme:

• Expert-led support
• Genuine peer connection
• Practical tools for mental wellness

Register now to secure your place or join the waiting list:

https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in

Recruit for Spouses Upcoming Session – “Routes into the Industry" webinar

Recruit for Spouses upcoming sessions:

 "Routes into the Industry" webinar.

Start 2026 with clarity, direction, and a solid plan for entering the National Cyber Force ecosystem.

What's included: 

•  Complete training pathway overview 
•  Application process demystified 
•  Real opportunities for 2026 
•  Community and support networks

Tuesday, 10th February 2026 | 12:30 PM 

Final places: https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk

New Awards Made under The Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Hidden Voices Programme.

Major Boost: The Hidden Voices Programme awards almost £600K in 26 New Grants

For generations, many within the armed forces community have carried burdens few could see and even fewer fully understood. LGBT+ veterans, foreign and commonwealth personnel, survivors of military sexual violence, and older veterans in care homes have faced challenges that too often went unspoken.

Their stories were whispered in quiet rooms, softened or silenced beneath the louder narrative of service and sacrifice.

But today, those voices are rising.

In the latest round of the Hidden Voices programme, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) have awarded nearly £600,000 to 26 projects dedicated to changing that narrative for good.

Across every corner of the UK, remarkable organisations are stepping forward with compassion, courage, and innovation - ensuring that no one who has served is left without support, understanding, or community.

From trauma-informed courses that help veterans rebuild after difficult experiences, to weekly fitness and wellbeing sessions tailored for female veterans; from amplifying the voices of children affected by domestic abuse to early intervention programmes addressing loneliness among older veterans in care - these projects are paving the way toward a more inclusive and supportive future for all who have served.

Scotland: The latest Army Cadets in Scotland newsletter is here

The latest Army Cadets in Scotland newsletter is here: tinyurl.com/ACFScotNews

Published by the Scotland Branch of ACCT UK.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Catterick: RESET - Helping Military Personnel address problematic behaviours and addictions every Tues

Information provided by North HIVE Hub
 

North East England: Mental Health Charity for Veterans

 

Anxious Minds is a mental health veterans charity based in the North East.

Their counselling centres in Wallsend, North Tyneside and Blyth, Northumberland offer free counselling to veterans and family members for an agreed period.

Services are accessed through referral to the Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College.

Programmes include tailored therapeutic courses, one-to-one counselling, peer-led groups and outdoor therapy such a woodland walks.

Their Hope Recovery Centre runs drop-in events open to all, with events including mindfulness and Tai Chi, along with a veterans and community kitchen offering nutritious, low-cost meals and a weekly breakfast club

North East Counselling & Community Mental Health Services

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Bath, Swindon & Wiltshire: Free Wellbeing Workshops with BSW Recovery College

 

The course list for January '26 to March '26 has now been published on the BSW Recovery College website.

Upcoming online courses include:

• ADHD - Minds Of All Kinds
• Managing Anxiety
• Building Resilience
• Managing Intense Emotions
• Self Kindness

Other sessions are also available face-to-face in Swindon, Bath and Trowbridge.

Click here to find out more

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Advance into Justice: Careers in Prisons and Probation for the Service Community

 

One Remarkable Life to Another – a second career for the Armed Forces Family

What is Advance into Justice?

Advance into Justice is a campaign exclusively for the Armed Forces family, which provides second career opportunities within our frontline roles within prisons and probation.

You can apply for a role via the Advance into Justice scheme if you are:

• an Armed Forces service leaver within your resettlement period and due to leave the services within 18 months
• a veteran of the Armed Forces
• a spouse or civil partner of an Armed Forces service leaver or veteran (your current partner must either be still serving or have been discharged within the last 12 months)
• an Armed Forces Reservist

To find out more please visit: Advance into Justice

Dorset: South West Train services

For Train information, timetables, rail disruptions, planning your journey and purchasing tickets click HERE

For all UK Train Services and timetables click National Rail
Please check for updates prior travelling.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

North Wiltshire & Gloucestershire: Bin collection calendars

 

Please choose your area from the following list to find your local rubbish and recycling collection calendars (noting that Bank Holidays may affect the regular date):

• Wiltshire (Colerne, Corsham, Hullavington, Lyneham, Neston)

• Innsworth/Ashchurch/Tewkesbury/Twigworth

• South Cerney

• Shrivenham/Watchfield

• Swindon/Wroughton/Highworth

Details for all other areas can be found at https://www.gov.uk/rubbish-collection-day

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Royal Wootton Bassett: New location for the Carer Cafe as of January 2026!

 

Click here to find out more about Carers Together Wiltshire

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Chepstow: Chepstow Community Learning - Courses & Workshops for Adults 25/26

Courses & Workshops for Adults at Chepstow Community Hub.

Spring Term begins Mon 05th Jan 2026
Access the brochure here

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Catterick: AWS SEND Haven every Wednesday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates

To register for a Briefing, and provide your details please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing

For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families

Ripon: Come and join us for Chess Club every Friday for ages 5-17

Children’s Chess Club at Ripon Library! 

Looking for a fun, brain-boosting activity for your children? 

Join us at the library every Friday for our Chess Club!

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) will become a permanent waiver for eligible Service personnel (SP) and outdated waivers based on marriage and age will be retired.

First introduced in March 2024 the DAW was designed to support home ownership and replace older SLA waivers. The DAW supports eligible SP to use Single Living Accommodation (SLA) free of charge, providing they maintain a separate home elsewhere in the UK.

What are the key changes from 1 April 2026?

• Enduring Policy: On 1 April 2026 the DAW will go from a temporary waiver to a permanent waiver, ensuring long-term support for eligible Service personnel.

• Removal of outdated Waivers: Waivers for SLA charges based on marital status and age will be retired, promoting fairness and consistency. Regular and Full Time Reserve Services Full Commitment (FTRS FC) Service Personnel receiving outdated waivers will automatically go onto DAW – no action needed.

• Updated Eligibility Criteria: To ensure efficient use of SLA, eligibility rules have been updated. Service personnel must maintain a UK home outside daily commuting distance, and provide annual evidence to HR.

• New Applicants: If you are not currently using DAW but believe you are eligible, please contact your Unit HR directly.

• Full eligibility details are set out in latest news on Defence accommodation policy - GOV.UK

New Travel Credit Scheme

New Travel Credit Scheme – helping you reunite with loved ones this Christmas

A new one-off Travel Credit Scheme will help Service personnel get home to family and friends during the festive season and months that follow.

From 8 December, eligible personnel can claim for support with the cost of either road or rail travel for a return journey home. The new scheme extends the existing Get You Home (Early Years) provision.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“When I came into office, I promised to renew our nation’s contract with those who serve us. That is why this government is improving homes for heroes, delivering the biggest military pay rise in a generation and enshrining the new Armed Forces Covenant in law to properly represent our forces community.

“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices, and I know how important being with family is, and that is why today we’re announcing extra travel support for service personnel to be with their loved ones this Christmas.”

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our country safe. Helping them get home to their families for Christmas is the least we can do to support them.

“In this new era of threat, the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces. Having already awarded the biggest military pay rise in 20 years and launched a big new strategy to renew military housing, this Government is proudly putting our Forces First.”

Who’s eligible to receive payment

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 04 December 25

Tackling Damp and Mould 

Over the last few years we have made substantial progress in tackling damp and mould that has been reported to us. Condensation is usually the biggest cause of damp within homes, and we know this often increases in colder months of the year. There are 4 key steps that you can take to prevent condensation, damp and mould in your home. 

Please read our helpful guide to preventing condensation, damp and mould in your homes here. 

 

Report it  

If you discover damp and mould, including any recurring issues, please report it straight away so that we can resolve the issue promptly. You can do this in the following ways:  

 

• Complete the dedicated Damp and Mould report form on the Pinnacle website.  

• Call Pinnacle on 0800 0318628, selecting option 1, then option 4.  

• Chat to Pinnacle online, you can do this by selecting the chat option on Pinnacle website.  

 

Our commitment   

Awaab’s Law, which took effect in October 2025, requires social landlords to address all damp and mould hazards within fixed timeframes. While we are not bound by this legislation, DIO has voluntarily committed to upholding the standards expected of a responsible landlord and our response times to damp and mould reports in UK SFA have been adjusted.  

 

When you contact Pinnacle, our teams will assess the severity of the problem, on a scale from level 1 to 5, with 5 considered the most severe. Pinnacle will then coordinate with Amey/VIVO to begin their investigation to address the issue.  

 

• Levels 1-3: Amey/VIVO will respond within 10 working days.  
• Levels 4-5 (highest priority): Amey/VIVO will respond within 48 hours, and families will be offered temporary accommodation during the investigation.  

 

If we cannot fully complete the required work after investigation, we will provide the family with a written summary within three days, outlining completed tasks and any remaining work.  

If you have any queries related to damp and mould, please contact Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628. You can find further information about seasonal safety advice on Defence Homes.   

West Midlands: Telford Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets

 Full details can be found HERE

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Recruit for Spouses: Op SPOUSE and how RFS supports you

What is Op SPOUSE?

RFS gives the following overview:

“A nationwide initiative to strengthen Defence retention, readiness and resilience.

“Family dissatisfaction is the leading driver in the Armed Forces retention challenge – and supporting spouses more effectively is critical to improving outcomes across Defence.

“Op SPOUSE is the solution – it equips military spouses with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, helping to sustain family stability and long-term commitment to Service life.

“Delivered by RFS – the UK’s leading military families charity – this scalable initiative enhances existing MOD commitments to support Service families, and strengthens Defence outcomes by improving retention, readiness and cost-efficiency.”

Find out more at: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/op-spouse

To find out more about the support available from Recruit for Spouses, please view/download the 'How RFS Supports You' brochure.

MHLO West Midlands and Staffordshire: JSP 464 Confirmation: Process for Leaving/Moving Out of SFA:

3.6.1.1 Pre-move out advisory visit. It is a mandatory requirement that a pre-move out advisory visit takes place up to 2 months before the expected date of vacation.

In order to provide sufficient time for families to prepare for the Move Out appointment, and to allow the Industry Partner the opportunity to schedule enhanced works that may be required, it is essential recommended that the visit is at least 30 working days before a booked or potential Move Out. It is the Service Licensee’s responsibility to arrange the date of the visit with the IPHD. The IPHD is to seek assistance from the Local Service Commander in cases where it proves difficult for Service reasons to arrange a visit.

Please find guidance for best practice :SP/Families are to Communicate early with Pinnacle (Visa/Versa) to secure Pre-Move Out bookings. (As soon as your SP receives new assignment order / Pinnacle receive an application to move – prompt to book PMO)
Please see JSP464 policy for more information.

SP/Pinnacle attempt resolution by adjusting move-in or securing an earlier PMO.
If unresolved, book the earliest appointment outside 30 working days.

Concerns about dual charges: you can challenge charges once received or submit a complaint via Customer Solutions (CS). 

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

MOD Stafford: University of Staffordshire visits 2026 - Make your military career work for your future

Scan QR code or visit HERE

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub 

Blandford: Garrison job vacancies

 

Search for full & part time vacancies HERE for Blandford, Bovington & Lulworth

Use the search filter to refine role, contract hours etc or type Blandford Camp in Where, box for specific jobs on the Garrison.

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

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

DIO Families First Newsletter for SFA Occupants – Issue 32 Out Now

Issue 32 of DIO’s Families First newsletter, dated 28 Nov, is now available to view online or download on the Defence Homes website. Previous issues can also be accessed via the same link.

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 01 December 25

Rapid Refurbishments to Service Family Accommodation

Service families’ homes across the UK are being upgraded as part of improvement works to rapidly raise the standards of military accommodation. DIO is on track to deliver on our commitment to carry out targeted renovations to 1,000 homes before the end of 2025.

Refurbishment and upgrade works are already well underway at many locations across the UK including over 100 homes in Wales, over 50 in Scotland and over 150 in Northern Ireland, with immediate priority being given to the homes most in need.

Refurbishment works will vary from site-to-site but will focus on fixing unreliable boilers and heating systems, repairing leaky roofs, eliminating damp and mould, and upgrading electrics and plumbing.

These upgrades form part of the delivery of commitments made in the SFA Consumer Charter earlier this year. This is only the beginning of a decade- long improvement in military accommodation that has been set out in the recently published Defence Housing Strategy. With over £9bn worth of investment in the next ten years, more than 40,000 service family homes will be modernised, refurbished or rebuilt.

View the heatmap of some of the locations where upgrades are taking place across the UK and hear more about the impact of works already underway here.

Shropshire: A free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support service - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

A free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support service. This is available for all ages in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and is delivered by qualified mental health professionals.

Information: Central HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: Zest Education - Are you interested in working in Secondary Schools?

Full details can be found HERE

Information from: Central HIVE Hub

Scotland: Getting the medicine you need

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars Station: Pop up Post Office

A Pop up Post Office is held in the Leuchars Community Hall (building with the cash machine/co-working hub).

Opening hours are Wednesday 9.30am - 11.30am

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Cupar: Andys Man Club, Mondays at 7pm

click on image to enlarge

Andys Man Club Cupar at 7pm at Howe Rugby Club.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Medical Centre Pharmacy Temporary Closure from 20th November

Due to the relocation of the dispensary to the new building, the practice pharmacy will be closed from 20th Nov 2025 until further notice.

During this time, all prescriptions must be requested from Leuchars Medical Centre, following which you can then collect your items from Leuchars Village Pharmacy.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Innsworth: Weekly baby and toddler groups in Imjin Station Community Centre

Please click here for further details of regular groups at the Community Centre

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Highlands: The Military Liaison Group (MLG) Latest Newsletter is now available

The MLG are delighted to share with you the latest issue of the MLG (Education) Newsletter – packed full as always with news and information for you, our Armed Forces families, educators, and professionals.

Click here for the latest MLG (Education) Newsletter


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Carers Drop-in with AWS next drop-in Thursday 11th December

click on image to enlarge

Contact jane.allen208@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Leuchars

OPERATION BULLSEYE – Qualifier events up to May 2026

OPERATION BULLSEYE is a unique darts event that pairs professional players with serving personnel and veterans in a knockout tournament like no other.

Details of registration for competitors, and all other events, can be found on the posters and within the below link.

More details to follow for spectators but it is shaping up to be a great event that is open to all three services and veterans, please share around your departments.

https://www.defencedartscommunity.co.uk/registration