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

March 27, 2025

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
 

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 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

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

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.

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

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

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

Blandford: What's on - clubs, groups for support adults & children

Click on above poster to enlarge. 

Information provide by Bovington HIVE

 

March 19, 2025

Bovington: Martial arts for ages 7 - adult


Monday & Wednesday
  • Little Nijas ages 7-9 starts 5pm
  • Junior kickboxing ages 10-12 starts 5.45pm
  • Kickboxing age 14+ starts 6.30 (see above poster)
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Togetherall: New Year - resources and peer support


Click to enlarge.

Feeling uncertain about what’s ahead? You’re not alone. @Togetherall is here with free, anonymous peer support anytime you need it—24/7, all year round. There’s also a range of other self-help resources. Connect with others who understand at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces.

Weeton: Infant Massage - Wednesdays at the Neighbourhood Centre

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE 

Weeton: Development Matters - every Tuesday at the Neighbourhood Centre

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Weeton: Family Crafts at the Neighbourhood Centre - every Tuesday

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Dalkeith: Lothian veterans Centre Friday Breakfasts

If you would like to join us please let the team know what you would like on your roll by midday on Thursday by emailing contact@lvc.scot or calling the centre on 0131 660 5537.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northern Ireland: Discover Northern Ireland - What's On Belfast - What's On Derry/Londonderry

 
What's On Belfast:
Find the best events in Belfast and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of this dynamic city. These listings will keep you up-to-date on unmissable events and activities coming to the city, to ensure you don't miss a beat in our bustling cultural scene. https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/belfast-events

What's On Derry/Londonderry:
Dive into the pulse of Derry with our events page, your go-to resource for staying updated on the latest happenings. From cultural festivals to community gatherings, explore the vibrant events scene in Derry city and the wider county of Londonderry.

*Information provided by HIVE NI


March 18, 2025

South West: National Garden Scheme across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Oxfordshire

 

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to some of the best private gardens in the UK.

Your visits raise important funds for charitable causes across the UK through admissions, teas and cake - and in the majority of gardens children go free!

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners who freely give their time and energy to open their beautiful gardens with the National Garden Scheme we were able to donate over £3.5 million to vital nursing and health charities last year. We hope to top this in 2025 with yet more beautiful gardens open for you to visit this year.

Please click the links below for further information:




Oxfordshire gardens

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Chepstow: Volunteering Opportunities for Beachley Lifeboat & Rescue Station


We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our fundraising team. This is a fantastic chance to make a real difference and support a cause that truly matters. Whether you have experience in fundraising or are just eager to help and learn, we would love to have you on board!
  • What you'll do: Assist in organizing events, reaching out to potential donors, and spreading the word about our mission.
  • What you'll gain: New skills, great friends, and the rewarding feeling of giving back to the community.
  • How to join: Comment or message on Severn Area Rescue Association - Beachley Facebook Page for more details.
Let's come together to make a positive impact! Thank you for your support.

CONTACT: ryan.games@sara-rescue.org.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Fife: FREE Breastfeeding Support Groups across Fife

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Grantham: Lincolnshire Community Voluntary Service LCVS

Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS) supports volunteers & finds suitable opportunities for them to use & grow their skills. We also help community groups recruit suitable volunteers in a variety of roles to enable them to carry on the good work they do in the community.

Volunteering is open to anyone and can bring great personal rewards. We also believe that everyone has a valuable contribution to make to society. Getting started could not be easier. There are lots of new & exciting opportunities being added to our database every day. You could be a befriender, treasurer, coach, first responder, wildlife volunteer. The possibilities are endless…


Our Area Officers are here to help & can support you to identify suitable roles within your local community & get started with volunteering activities that you will find enjoyable. We offer volunteering opportunities for individuals, employers & organisations.



Information provided by Grantham HIVE



Grantham: Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service

The Lincolnshire domestic abuse support service (LDASS) 

This service offers improved assistance to Lincolnshire families experiencing domestic abuse.
If you are suffering from domestic abuse please call: 01522 510041. For urgent help, call 999.


Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Grantham: Days Out With The Kids DOWTK

Best things to do and days out in Lincolnshire: DOWTK

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Gymnasium facilities for Grantham Station

Gymnasium opening times:

Monday to Thursday
0700-1730hrs
Friday 0700- 1300hrs

Outside these timings the gym still can be used but you will need to sign the key out from the guardroom and leave your ID with them.



To use the gym:

You will need a gym induction; this can be done by any PTI at the gym. Induction takes around 10 mins and the PTI will show you around the gym and make sure you are happy with the equipment etc, within the induction you will need to fill out a form - this form is a medical questionnaire and it is also confirmation you are happy with the induction.

You require:

x2 passport size photos
Proof of insurance - you are to hold a suitable level of personal accident insurance/ third party liability.

Accessibility to:

CV suite

Weight room

Sports Hall

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Dorset: Unwanted free household collection service for local residents



Are you due to move soon and would like to donate unwanted furniture, household goods?

Dorset Reclaim is a not-for-profit furniture re-use project offering electrical and household goods donated from local people & businesses to the general public with additional discounts available for households on low incomes.

We have collected from more than 43,000 local people and prevented more than 25,000 tonnes of household waste going to landfill. We all know that recycling is good for the environment, but re-use is even better. Even recycling c
onsumes energy that simply re-using avoids.

Click HERE for more information or to donate unwanted household goods (in good or working condition) 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE


Brecon: Mind Brecon & District Mums Social Group every Wednesday at Subud Hall, Brecon

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Vale of Glamorgan: Childcare Offer for Wales

Are you the parent or carer of a pre-school child aged 3-4? Are you working or studying, and looking for help with your childcare costs?

If you are you may be eligible for the Childcare Offer, which provides eligible parents with up to 30 hours of funded early education and childcare per week.

Parents in receipt of certain benefits such as carers allowance, or those relating to incapacity for work may also be eligible*
Additional funding may also be available for children who require additional support to access their childcare setting**

For more information please contact the team on 03000 628628 or email childcareoffer@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

*terms and conditions apply
**subject to referral and eligibility assessment

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

March 17, 2025

Scotland: Vector24 providing vital transport support for the Armed Forces Community

Vector24 is a Scottish charity founded in 2016 that provides vital transport support and guidance for the Armed Forces Community, Merchant Navy, Seafarers, and their families across Scotland.

Vector24 goes beyond just transport; they offer compassionate, tailored assistance to ensure that no veteran or their family faces challenges alone. Each journey is customised to meet unique needs, from medical appointments to treatment plans and social isolation support.

They have recently launched 'The Extra Mile' project, funded by the Army Central Fund and the Veterans Foundation, which offers:

Transport for serving personnel to medical appointments

Family support and transport, especially during deployments

Qualified escorts for welfare assistance

Assistance with long-term treatment plans

Appointment attendance and rescheduling help


For booking inquiries, please contact Colleen, Engagement Support Officer, at 07821 679 643 or email colleen@vector24.co.uk. For operational matters, reach out to Leon, Operations Manager, at 07821 679 647.

Visit their website at www.vector24.co.uk for more information and check the attached booklet 👉 Vector24

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northumberland: The Family Panel Needs YOU!


 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Squirrel Scouts at Bramcote Community Centre

Information: Central HIVE Hub