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March 31, 2025

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

March 28, 2025

DIO Families First newsletter – issue 25


To read this issue (and previous issues) in full online, please click the following link: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK

Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Biker Down Courses 2025 - Learn how to save a life



If you were first on the scene of an accident involving a motorcyclist, would you know what to do? Would you know who was most at risk, how to protect the area, or whether you should remove the helmet of a downed fellow rider?

A series of free motorbike workshops that teach riders vital life-saving skills is back for another year.

Biker Down Staffordshire is a training course run by bikers for bikers to give them the confidence and knowledge to respond if a fellow motorcyclist is involved in a collision.

See Link

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

March 27, 2025

St Athan: The Family Foundation Courses starting January 25 at West Camp Community Centre, St Athan


Click to enlarge.

The Family Foundation are running FREE courses to Serving Personnel, Reservists, Family Members & Veterans. Taking place monthly at the MOD St Athan West Camp Community Centre from January 2025.

Scan the QR Code to register!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Skipton: Relaxed sessions at Craven Museum on the first Monday of each month


Join us for a relaxed session in Craven Museum on the first Monday of each month.

Relaxed sessions are aimed at people with additional sensory needs and anyone else who may benefit. Sessions are available to individuals, groups and families to make visiting the museum more accessible.

During relaxed sessions –

Light levels will be raised.
Sound levels will be reduced.
Visitors can make as much noise as they like.
Ear defenders are available.
Quiet Spaces are available.
Object handling sessions are running.

FREE Drop in Relaxed sessions run 9.30 -10.30am & 3.30 – 4.30pm

If you have any specific access requirements you would like to discuss in advance of your visit please don’t hesitate to contact us.


Information provided by North HIVE Hub

North Yorkshire: Introducing Swift - Migrant Support from 1st April

Information provided by North HIVE Hub
 

Bovington: Garrison youth club sessions


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Grantham: Free activities at Swingbridge and Belton Lane Children's Centres


Information provided by Grantham HIVE 

Grantham: Healthwatch Lincolnshire snap surveys - have your say on GP access


Last chance to have your say – GP access survey:

Healthwatch Lincolnshire is running a series of snap surveys on different aspects of health and care to gather public feedback and experiences. Your input will help us understand what is working well and what could be improved.
This quick poll explores access to GP services:
- How easily can you get an appointment at your GP surgery/practice?
- What works well about how your get appointments?
- What could be improved?

Note: GP appointments refers to all appointments and services at your practice, including with other healthcare professionals such as practice nurses, paramedics, and other clinicians.

If you need additional support or would like it in an alternative format, call 01205 820892 or email info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk. 

Information provided by Grantham HIVE


Service Family Accommodation (SFA) communications update - 26 March 25

 

Reduce the risk of lead in drinking water

Lead pipes may still exist in Service Family Accommodation built before 1970, but DIO and our repairs contractors are committed to removing them during modernisation.

The risk of exposure to lead is very low but the following steps can help to reduce lead levels in drinking water in older properties:Only drink water from the mains supply in your kitchen.
Before you drink, cook or clean your teeth, run the cold taps first thing in the morning (the amount to fill a washing up bowl should be sufficient) to flush out water that has been standing in pipes overnight.
If you have been away from your home for a long period, run hot and cold taps for at least 5 minutes to prevent legionella.

The UK has a very safe water system, but these precautions will help to lower the risk. For more information visit the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s website

Reporting Sewerage Spills

Should you notice a sewage spillage or leak, please report this directly to the Pinnacle Helpdesk on 0800 031 8628 and follow Option 1 for Repairs.

SFA Roadshows

SaluteMyJob - Pathways programme to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for Veterans

 

SaluteMyJob expands their innovative pathways programme with exciting partnership with Ofsted-skills provider to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans and police officers

For a decade, social enterprise SaluteMyJob has been helping ex-military personnel upskill into areas with a notable cybersecurity skills gap, with many candidates going on to make their mark in multi-national companies. And now, an exciting partnership is set to fast-track more veterans and police officers into a career in cybersecurity with their Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway.

SALUTEMYJOB is delighted to announce their new partnership with althaus to further up-skill veterans and police officers aspiring to become leaders within the cybersecurity industry.

March 26, 2025

Hullavington: Church Fete & Dog Show - Sat 14 Jun

 

Please click here to visit the Facebook page

Information provided by Colerne and Hullavington HIVEs

North Yorkshire: Subsidised TEFL Course for Spouses

Please find the course below that we are subsiding for Spouse/Partners of Military/Veterans. It is Teaching English as a foreign language, an online course.

If anyone would like to join the next cohort for this qualification, please can they complete the attached beneficiary form and send it back to me.

Our community is very welcome to contact me if they have any more questions



Beneficiary Form

For more information please contact Susan.hudson121@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by North HIVE Hub




 

Yorkshire: Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).


IDAS are a specialist charity with many years’ experience of supporting and accommodating victims and survivors of domestic abuse. IDAS support anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence.

The services include refuge accommodation, community based support, peer mentoring, group work and access to a free, confidential out of hours’ helpline.

The teams of accredited specialist workers (IDVA’s and ISVAs) support people through the criminal justice system in addition to providing emotional support and safety planning advice.

Contact:

24/7 National Helpline : 0808 2000 247

North Yorkshire and Barnsley

· 03000 110 110

Sheffield

· 0808 808 2241

Website : https://www.idas.org.uk/

Email : Info@idas.org.uk

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

March 25, 2025

Visa Fee Increase – 9th April 2025


Click poster to enlarge.
 
Some Visa fees will be increasing from 9th April 2025; a full list of the increases can be found here.

Wiltshire: Updated Healthy Child Drop-ins with Wiltshire's Health Visitors


Please click image to enlarge

The timetable is kept up to date on the Wiltshire Children's Services website which can be found here.

For further details of the Wiltshire Health Visiting service, including useful links and resources, please click here.

You can also find information from Wiltshire's Public Health team here.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

North Wiltshire: Updated Library activities in North Wiltshire

You can find details of locations, opening times, etc. on the Wiltshire Council website.

Details of the various groups in North Wiltshire can be found on the following Facebook pages (examples of groups included below):


Rhyme Time
Brick Creators' Club
Saturday Toddlertime
Healthy Child drop-in's
RAF Association drop-in's

Rhyme Time
Family Hub Navigators
Author Talks
Special seasonal events

Rhyme Time
Monthly Saturday Stories
Healthy Child drop-in's
Family Hub Navigators
Brick Creators' Club

Family Hub Navigators
Storytime
Craft events
Special seasonal events

Family hub Navigators
Rhyme Time
Reading groups
Special seasonal events


Wiltshire Council also run a mobile library service which visits many of the villages in the county, including Colerne, Neston, Hullavington & Stanton St Quintin.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Bedale: Junior Football Club U11 Girls are recruiting to their squad for the 25/26 season


 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Swindon: What's on at Lydiard Park this Spring & Summer?

 

Please click image to enlarge

Follow the Facebook page here or visit the website here for more details and more events!

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs

Leuchars: Welcome to the new Station Padre

click on image to enlarge

 Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

March 24, 2025

West Midlands: The Recovery College - Armed Forces Community/Veterans Moving Forwards: Building a Brighter Future Course





The Recovery College, Armed Forces Community/Veterans “Moving Forwards : Building a Brighter Future” Course will be running again, starting from Wednesday 28th May 2025.

The course is aimed at all of the Black Country Armed Forces Community, in particular individuals that have previously served or are currently or about to transition into civilian life.

The dates/times are:

Wednesday 28th May - 10am to 1.30pm

Wednesday 4th June – 10am to 1.30pm

Wednesday 11th June – 10am to 1.30pm

Wednesday 18th June – 10am to 1.30pm

Wednesday 25th June – 10am to 1.30pm

Wednesday 30th July – 10am to 1.30pm

The course will be delivered at the Recovery College Sandwell Campus which is at:

Quayside House,

Rounds Green Road,

Oldbury, B69 2RD


There is also an option to join the training digitally via Zoom, if needed.

Please see poster on how to register

Information from: Central HIVE Hub

Llantwit Major: Llantwit Major Run Series - Kids 1k, Adults: 5k & 10k


Llantwit Major 10 and 5k registration is going live at 9am on 1st April

Don’t miss out!
Secure your spot as places are limited

Event details:

Date : Sunday 14th September 2025
Time: registration check in from 9am.
Location: Llantwit Major football club, Llantwit Major

Enjoy a scenic run through our historic town heading out towards the cliff top path to enjoy stunning views of the coast and Bristol Channel. Earn a fantastic medal and optional stunning t shirt upon completion.

Bring the whole family and make it a fun day out. We are hosting a 1km fun run for kids of all ages. Pay on arrival, everyone gets a medal.

Link for registration to follow. Save the dates 1st April at 9am registration and 14th September for the event itself!
For more information view the Facebook Llantwit Major 10k page.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub. 

Chepstow: Baby & Toddler Group at Bulwark Community Centre, every Monday


Baby & toddler group in Bulwark Community Centre every Monday morning at 11-12. All welcome, Only £3

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Kinloss: Army Welfare Service (AWS) Weekly Calendar

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Sussex: 1066 Country of Origin

 




Set deep in history, where the Sussex Weald meets the sea, lie the ancient settlements and rich landscapes of 1066 Country. Open skies and broad horizons inspire the imagination.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

March 21, 2025

Wiltshire: Upcoming Family and Community Learning courses - free for Military family members


Please click images to enlarge

Online enrolment form

Click here to find out more information about Wiltshire Council Family and Community Learning and the courses they offer all year round

Information provided by Lyneham and Colerne HIVEs

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) - don't miss out on your State Pension entitlement

 

The 5 April 2025 deadline for paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in your record between 2006 and 2018 is approaching. To support anyone wishing to check their records, or make a payment, there is now a DWP video and an online form to request a callback.

Watch the DWP video How to check your State Pension and pay for gaps in your National Insurance record on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_8GkTNgyXqs

DWP’s online form is available to request a call back at: https://ow.ly/oGbl50VarlC

Tongham: Badminton Club

 




Information provided by South East HIVE Hub


March 20, 2025

Hereford: New Youth Employment Hub officially opens in Herefordshire


 

A new hub offering education, employment and training information and advice to young people aged 16 – 24 years was opened on Tuesday 11 February, during a formal ceremony.

The ‘Herefordshire YEH’ Youth Employment Hub is a partnership between Herefordshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Young people have been involved in co-designing and developing the hub and will continue to do this as the service expands.

Working in partnership with a range of existing agency and community partners, the hub offers support and advice to young people aged 16 to 24 years on education, training, apprenticeships, volunteering and work opportunities.

Edinburgh & Dundee: Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) currently have spaces for new residents in Dundee and Edinburgh

We currently have spaces for new residents in Dundee and Edinburgh.

Our purpose as a charity is to provide a safety net for ex-Services men and women from all over the UK who are in need or experiencing homelessness, by providing a roof over their head and support for as long as they need it. If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness, or is in need - or know someone who is - please get in touch and we will do all we can to try and provide accommodation and support at Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR).

Simply fill visit www.svronline.org or fill out the accommodation enquiry form using the direct link here: https://forms.office.com/e/pq18sjDGtz

Or alternatively, give us a call on 0300 131 6755 (24 hours) and our team will start the process as soon as they can.


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Galashiels: Help for Heroes Cafe Wednesday 26th March

Missing the feeling of community? 

We get it and so do the rest of our veterans and families who come along. Join us for a brew and a chat. No sign up required, just rock up, no fuss. If you know another veteran or family member who could use a bit of the same, bring them along too!

Address - Bulldog Bakes, 58 Channel Street, Galashiels. TD1 1BA

Suitable for veterans and family members

Led by the Help for Heroes team

For any information, please contact us at CommunityDT@helpforheroes.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dunfermline: Help for Heroes Cafe Tues 15th April

Missing the feeling of community? 

We get it and so do the rest of our veterans and families who come along. 

Join us for a brew and a chat. No sign up required, just rock up, no fuss. If you know another veteran or family member who could use a bit of the same, bring them along too!

Address: Costa Coffee, Fife Leisure Park, 1 Whimbrell Place, Dunfermline. KY11 8EX

Suitable for veterans and family members

Led by the Help for Heroes team

For any information, please contact us at CommunityDT@helpforheroes.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Edinburgh: Help for Heroes Cafe, Gyle Shopping Centre Tues 25th March


Missing the feeling of community? 

We get it and so do the rest of our veterans and families who come along. 

Join us for a brew and a chat. No sign up required, just rock up, no fuss. If you know another veteran or family member who could use a bit of the same, bring them along too!

Address: Gyle Community Space, Gyle Shopping Centre, South Gyle Broadway, Edinburgh. EH12 9JY

Suitable for veterans and family members

Led by the Help for Heroes team

For any information, please contact us at CommunityDT@helpforheroes.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Ross on Wye: Drop-in centre for Armed Forces Community



 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: A brand new bus service linking Tamworth Railway Station with the National Memorial Arboretum


A brand new bus service, linking Tamworth Railway Station with the National Memorial Arboretum,has been launched.

7 days a week
Mondays to Saturdays (9.30-5.30) and Sundays (10.30-5.30)
Tickets £3 (free for National Concessionary Bus Pass holders)


Full information on the route, and a downloadable timetable, are available at https://www.diamondbuses.com/bus-services/em/em-nma1
 

Information from: Central HIVE Hub

Tidworth: Tidworth Foodbank opening 3rd April 2025, Community Room, Tidworth Leisure Centre


For details of the Salisbury Foodbank please click HERE

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: Armed Forces Weekend at the National Memorial Arboretum - 28/29 June 2025


 Due to expected high visitor numbers, advanced booking is recommended to guarantee entry over Armed Forces Weekend.

Full details click HERE

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Winchester - Home-Start Family Groups


Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Surrey: become a registered childminder


Are you considering becoming a registered childminder and would like to find out more?

A registered childminder is a person who looks after one or more children for more than a total of two hours a day in their own home. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted. 

Surrey County Council are committed to supporting childminders to provide high quality childcare and early years education. Our 'Becoming a Registered Childminder' (BaRC) training is made up of two face-to-face full day sessions, delivered over two consecutive weeks, for those interested in joining the childminding profession. 

The training covers the legislation and implications of caring for other people's children in a home environment to ensure that children are safe, well cared for and take part in activities that contribute to their learning and development. 

The training also details your statutory duties as set out in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

London: Veterans Partnership Better Together

Click on image to find out more.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub