For all UK Train Services and timetables click National Rail
Please check for updates prior travelling.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
March 31, 2025
Dorset: South West Train services
For all UK Train Services and timetables click National Rail
Please check for updates prior travelling.
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
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) communications update - 26 March 25
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
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
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
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
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):
Brick Creators' Club
Saturday Toddlertime
Saturday Toddlertime
Healthy Child drop-in's
RAF Association drop-in's
Rhyme Time
Rhyme Time
Family Hub Navigators
Author Talks
Special seasonal events
Rhyme Time
Rhyme Time
Monthly Saturday Stories
Healthy Child drop-in's
Family Hub Navigators
Brick Creators' Club
Family hub Navigators
Brick Creators' Club
Family Hub Navigators
Storytime
Craft events
Special seasonal events
Family hub Navigators
Rhyme Time
Reading groups
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
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
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.
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
March 21, 2025
Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) - don't miss out on your State Pension entitlement
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
March 20, 2025
Blandford: What's on - clubs, groups for support adults & children
Click on above poster to enlarge.
March 19, 2025
Bovington: Martial arts for ages 7 - adult
- 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
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
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Northern Ireland: Discover Northern Ireland - What's On Belfast - What's On Derry/Londonderry
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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
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
Fife: FREE Breastfeeding Support Groups across Fife
click on image to enlarge
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: 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.
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
CV suite
Weight room
Sports Hall
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
Dorset: Unwanted free household collection service for local residents
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 consumes 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
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 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
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Help for Heroes: Seeking Help and Recovery College Courses
There is also a range of courses available through the Help for Heroes Recovery College. Information and the prospectus can be found on the Help for Heroes website: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/recovery-college/self-help-guides/
For further details on Help for Heroes services and how to get in touch, please go to: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
March 14, 2025
Wiltshire: Stop smoking in 2025 to improve your health, wealth and wellbeing
Wiltshire Council have launched a new Smokefree app to help people across Wiltshire quit smoking.
Quitting smoking not only improves health, but it can lead to significantly more money in your pocket, since the average person who smokes spends around £2500 every year on smoking.
Smokefree Wiltshire has a team of dedicated Health Coaches who understand that smoking is an addiction and will be there to help you stop.Their support is free, personalised and they offer a range of quitting aids - so you can quit your way and make your smoke free journey less stressful.
Click here for further information or to download the free app
Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs
Gloucestershire: Council launches support to help keep young people safe online
The webpage gives parents and guardians information about different aspects of online harms, with details of further information and where support is available.
The webpage also brings together links to trusted sources of information and local support relating to wider health and wellbeing recognising the broad range of impacts that using digital devices and online spaces can have for children and young people.
Young Gloucestershire are one of the partners the council consulted with to develop the webpage and help provide expert insight into the needs of children and young people.
Young Gloucestershire provides young people with support and seeks to help them to develop the skills they need to thrive.
As part of the county council’s commitment to stopping the risk of harm to children and young people, the council is also working with Young Gloucestershire to develop and deliver additional youth worker support to those experiencing harm online.
Dorset: Reporting missed bin collections
You can also request an extra bin or bulky waste collection.
Please do not report your collection as missed until after 4pm on your collection day. The crew do not follow the same collection order each week and may still be out collecting.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Please do not report your collection as missed until after 4pm on your collection day. The crew do not follow the same collection order each week and may still be out collecting.
March 13, 2025
Government partners with young people to help develop new national youth strategy
Through youth engagement charity My Life My Say and the #iwill Movement, young people will be able to engage with Government both in-person and online. The Deliver You online survey is now open and will close on Wednesday 16 April, it is for young people aged 10 – 21 years old (aged 25 with SEND).
See Gov.uk article here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-partners-with-young-people-to-help-develop-new-national-youth-strategy
Click here to access the survey
See Gov.uk article here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-partners-with-young-people-to-help-develop-new-national-youth-strategy
Click here to access the survey
Haverfordwest: The Edge Youth Centre - Friday Drop Ins
The Edge Youth Centre - Haverfordwest / Canolfan Ieuenctid Edge - Hwlffordd with Pembrokeshire County Council.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
March 12, 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Service Women: Seen & Heard programme
Find out how these projects will work to empower both regular and reserve service women, helping them to make informed decisions and access vital resources to improve health and wellbeing.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - watch recording of recent Lunch and Learn webinar about the Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme
Want to find out more about the Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme? Watch a recording of our recent Lunch & Learn webinar on our website now at https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/empowering-bereaved-military-families-programme/#webinar-for-applicants
This programme offers a single portfolio grant of up to £1.8 million, to achieve long term, transformational change in the non-statutory support provided to bereaved military families.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 noon, 2 April 2025.
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) communications update - 12 March 25
HCDC Update
Last month, the House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC) published its report following an inquiry into Service accommodation that took place last year. This outlined a number of recommendations made by the Committee that we have considered carefully.
HCDC has now published our response to the report which outlines the steps we are taking to improve our service to you.
DIO remains committed to improving the quality of housing for you and your families and we will continue to work closely with our suppliers to deliver against the actions outlined.
Radio Teleswitch (RTS) electricity meters
The technology that supports RTS electricity meters will switch off nationally from 30 June 2025.
If you have one of these meters, you will receive a letter from your electricity supplier informing you that they are required to switch you to a smart meter. Not switching meters before this time could result in disruption to your electricity supply. You can read more about this here.
Whether you pay for your own electricity or your fuel is supplied by the MOD, if you have an RTS meter, you should expect a letter to arrange an appointment.
If you have any questions or would like to confirm if you have an RTS meter, you can contact your electricity supplier directly.
Aldershot: Hampshire County Council/Rushmoor Wellbeing Walks
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
From sailing to Service dogs - over £850,000 awarded to improve the quality of life for Veterans negatively impacted by their Service
From sailing to service dogs: over £850,000 awarded to improve the quality of life for veterans negatively impacted by their service
Breaking down barriers; building bridges; addressing trauma. The Armed Forces Covenant Trust’s (the Trust) Fulfilling Futures programme has supported six outstanding projects totalling more than £850,000 to improve the lives of veterans negatively impacted by their service.
Support to lead fulfilling lives
Each project represents new, tailored work to support groups of veterans including those with physical injuries, those who have experienced military sexual trauma, those living with PTSD and other complex mental health issues, LGBT+ veterans and women veterans. Though each tackles a different cohort, each aims to mitigate the effects of the barriers preventing them from having a fulfilling life after service.
Reducing isolation and building connections
Working UK-wide, British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (BLESMA) will use their award of £300,000 to deliver a new, three-year therapeutic wellness programme supporting limbless and injured veterans. They’ll offer activities and coaching/mentoring opportunities aimed at breaking down barriers and helping individuals progress positively through their recovery.
With a focus LGBT+ veterans, families and carers, and other minority groups in the East of England, The Bridge for Heroes will use their award of £73,129 to improve awareness, provide targeted services, and build connections with existing veteran organisations. They will address specific needs to reduce isolation and ensure long-term integration of support within veteran services.
Helen Taylor MBE, CEO at The Bridge for Heroes, said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from the Fulfilling Futures programme. It will enable us to build upon our valued partnership with Fighting with Pride, providing enhanced support to LGBT+ veterans and other minority groups across the East of England over the next 18 months.”
Supporting women Veterans
Hampshire: Mind wellbeing partnership
In Hampshire, 50% of people experience psychological, emotional or mental health difficulties that significantly affect their day-to-day functioning. Rates of hospital admissions for self-harm in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are more than 1.5 times the national average.
In response, Andover Mind, Havant and East Hants Mind and Solent Mind are pleased to announce that they have been awarded the contract by Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board to provide mental health and wellbeing services across Hampshire. By working in partnership together and with the local GP surgeries, more people will be able to access specialist services, and local wellbeing centres will continue to support their communities.
For more information click HERE
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
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