Generic and local information for the UK Military community including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
April 30, 2025
Dorset: Purbeck Sports centre exercise classes, swimming sessions & children's activities
Dorset: Parents' guide to your child's Special Education Needs (SEN)
Download guide
Information provided by Bovington HIVE.
Grantham: Street Tag Lincolnshire
A fun interactive app that motivates parents and children to be active in their local area. Support children in reaching their daily 60 active minutes.
Interested in signing up for the Street Tag programme? Send an email to: meenakshi@streettag.co.uk
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
Grantham: A polite Dog Rules on Camp reminder
When pets are outside the workplace they must be kept on a lead at ALL TIMES, (apart from the areas on the map, Annex D to Grantham Station Orders refer).
Failure to follow this policy will result in owners being directed to remove the pet from the working environment. Dog walking area guidance
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - over £300K awarded to enhance Early Years provision for Service families
Ten projects by nurseries and childcare settings across the UK have been awarded a share of £300,000 in grants to help forces families access early years education - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund.
The projects, which will also provide development and upskilling opportunities for early years staff, will work to further improve educational experiences for young children from service families as part of the Fund's Early Years programme.
“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme. These projects and the meaningful change the funding will create, allows the organisations to enhance their services to mitigate the challenges faced by young Service children and their families, due to military life” - Debra Barton, Early Years Specialist Lead, Ministry of Defence.
April 29, 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Servicewomen - Seen and Heard Programme reopens for applications
Following the popularity of the programme in 2024, the Trust conducted further research with servicewomen from all three armed services, via several meetings and discussions, to discover more about their current needs and challenges to ensure this year’s programme hits the mark. The Trust would like to thank everyone who shared their experiences to help shape the programme for 2025.
What’s the programme all about?
Part of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, The Servicewomen: Seen & Heard Programme will award grants of up to £100,000 for two-year projects that expand support options for serving women, ensuring they are aware of, and able to access, help that is tailored to their specific needs.
It will address the unique challenges servicewomen face, providing education and information to help maximise their health and wellbeing.
Corsham: Mums (and Dads) meet up every Tuesday at MOD Corsham Community Centre
Between MOD Corsham, Dandelion Coffee House and the Army Welfare Service, MOD Corsham Community Centre hosts multiple events and drop-in's throughout the week.
Corsham Military families can join the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/353965414644284
Anyone can follow Dandelion Coffee House on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DandelionCoffeeHouse
Information provided by Colerne HIVE
Scotland: Teens, Exams, Stress and Worry?
It’s normal for your teen to feel anxious about exams
But if stress & worry are stopping them from preparing for exams then they may need more support
Check out the Parent Club website for tips on helping young people cope with exams
parentclub.scot/articles/how-cope-exam-stress
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Fife: Get Ready for National Walking Month with Active Fife
We're inviting everyone to step up and get moving every day in May! Fife offers a wealth of scenic routes from beach walks and coastal trails to community woodlands, hill walks, historic routes, and local parks. Fife's diverse landscapes promise something special for everyone.
So, lace up your shoes, embrace the fresh air, and join us in celebrating National Walking Month. Let's make May a month of movement and discovery in beautiful Fife.
Catterick: Are you a serving female soldier in the army? Do you want to play football with no commitment?
JUST PLAY CENTRE - FEMALE ONLY
THIS WEDNESDAY!!!
The Army FA are pleased to announce the launch of our first female-only Just Play Centre!
This will take place on Wednesday Afternoons 1400-1530!
This is also FREE!
Based at the Wavell Football Center!
Just Play offers fun, non-competitive, no commitment football for anyone female personnel aged 18+.
Fancy a kickabout? Sign up here to register your spot: https://book.englandfootball.com/.../ae13199f-9a4b-431a...
Lytham: Splash Park now open until September 2025
Lytham Splash Park is open from April through to September and offers a great water play area for toddlers and children.
For more Information and booking details, click on the link below.
Lytham Splash Park Water Play Area
Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
Hampshire: Healthy Families
April 28, 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £290,000 to support those with seldom heard needs in Armed Forces communities
These projects will focus on improving access to bespoke support for groups whose voices, opinions or needs are not adequately represented or who face barriers to accessing support services.
Trust CEO Anna Wright said: "This programme is all about giving a voice to armed forces communities who may have been overlooked or unheard. Providing tailored, accessible mental health and wellbeing support, these projects will improve awareness and understanding of the of the unique needs of these communities, improving service provision for years to come."
North Wiltshire & Gloucestershire: What's on in May
Please click the links below for a selection of local upcoming events and bookmark this page for any future updates! (Updated events will be added weekly and will show in bold text to indicate they are new)
Please note that the formatting of these lists has changed, and events are now listed by area.
North Wiltshire (incl. Swindon)
April 25, 2025
North Wiltshire: Free Park Yoga sessions starting in May
We’re a charity that provides free community park yoga sessions on Sunday mornings from May to September to improve the health and wellbeing of our yogis. Everyone’s welcome to attend – regardless of age, background or ability.
Park Yoga is free to attend and there is no need to book.
- Park Yoga Calne
- Park Yoga Chippenham
- Park Yoga Devizes
- Park Yoga Melksham
- Park Yoga Swindon
- Park Yoga Trowbridge
Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs
Chippenham: 'The Nest' play cafe is now open!
Our 90 minute experience allows children to explore a world of imaginative play.
Ideal for families, pre-schoolers, carers, grandparents, nurseries clubs and schools.
We can be found right in the heart of the Chippenham high street with plenty of parking and daily slots, the closest car park is the Borough Parade.
Chippenham is conveniently situated approx. 20 minutes drive from Military units in Colerne, Lyneham, Corsham and Hullavington/Stanton St Quintin.
Dorset: Bovington & Blandford Army Cadets for ages 12 - 18
If you want to aim higher, feel more confident and get a head start on your future join the Army Cadets. Every year thousands of young people and adult volunteers join the Army Cadets for fun, friendship, action and adventure.
If you're up for a challenge you'll go further with the Army Cadets
You can join the Army Cadet Force If you're over 12 (and in year eight at school) and under 18. To find out more about Army Cadets in your area, click HERE
The Bovington & Purbeck Detachment
Gloucestershire: 'The Robin' bookable bus service
You search for your ideal journey, and book the option that suits you. It's local and offers affordable fares, connecting places in rural locations.
Wiltshire: Alabaré now offering free mental health support for those aged 16+
- Online: https://alabare.co.uk/acmh-referrals/
- Or call them on 0300 222 5745
- Or e mail accesscommunitymentalhealth@alabare.co.uk
Find out more about Alabaré mental health services:
https://alabare.co.uk/what-we-do/mental-health/
April 24, 2025
April 23, 2025
Chatham: The Historic Dockyard Chatham Salute to the 40's 20th - 21st September 2025
A CREATIVE VINTAGE FESTIVAL FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Pack up your troubles and join us in one final Salute. The Salute to the ‘40s festival will return to the Historic Dockyard for one final time this September in a powerful celebration to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
For nearly two decades, this popular festival has brought the sights, sounds and spirit of the 1940’s to life. In 2025 it will bow out in true style and will be bigger and bolder than ever before. The finale will give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honour the wartime generation, celebrating the resilience, camaraderie and spirit that defined the era.
This iconic weekend is brimming with nostalgia, laughter, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family. Experience dazzling entertainment that will transport you back to the vibrant 1940s, and marvel at classic cars and military vehicles that showcase the era’s remarkable history. Headlining the weekend will be The D-Day Darlings, performing songs from their new album, and the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Be captivated by time-travelling performances, and explore the bustling vintage market filled with unique treasures. Families can look forward to a variety of activities designed for all ages, including thrilling circus acts, the mesmerising bubble wizard, and interactive storytelling. Don’t miss the immersive Air Raid Shelter experience that offers a glimpse into wartime life.
Meet passionate reenactors and engage with fascinating wartime displays that bring history to life. To top it all off, indulge in delicious food and drink options that reflect the flavours of the time or treat yourself to a VIP Afternoon Tea in the Officer’s Tent.
Tickets for the final Salute to the ‘40s are expected to sell out fast. Don’t miss your chance to keep the home fires burning and boogie woogie at The Historic Dockyard Chatham one more time.
Pembrokeshire: Wellbeing Advise & Support Services across Pembrokeshire
Your Well-Being is IMPORTANT
Representatives from Hywel Dda UHB, PAVS inc. the Voluntary Sector and Pembrokeshire County Council will be on hand to advise, help, support and provide direction and guidance on how to help you stay independent, happy and healthy for longer.
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY - Just drop in for a chat along with some free refreshments (10.00am – 3.00pm)
- 15 May - Crymych - Bro Preseli - (next door to the surgery)
- 10 June - Pembroke Dock - VC Gallery
- 18 July - Saundersfoot - Regency Hall
- 14 August - Hakin & Hubberston - Community Centre
- 18 September - St Davids - Rugby Club
- 21 November - Haverfordwest - Leisure Centre
• Health Care Services
• Community Hub – One Call That’s all
• Occupational Therapies
• Community Alarms and Technology
• Blood Pressure Testing
• Carers Information
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Dorset: Veterans Hub & Armed Forces breakfast clubs
April 22, 2025
Wales: The Once for Wales Health Profile
Are you a person with a learning disability who wants your voice to be heard? Are you a parent or carer who advocates for people with additional needs? Are you a care professional who can support reasonable adjustments? The Health Profile is here to help.
The Health Profile is a booklet owned by people with a learning disability to share important information about themselves and their health. It makes it easier for them to communicate, improving their experiences and helping them to get safe healthcare when they need it.
The Health Profile can be given to healthcare staff, like doctors and nurses, to help them give the right patient-centred care at the right time. It can be used at any appointment, including clinical places like hospitals or in the community at places like GP surgeries.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Catterick: Catterick Integrated Care Centre and The Town Centre Regeneration Project Drop in at North HIVE Hub 28th April
Grantham: Connect to Support Lincolnshire - Armed Forces Community Directory
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – 17 Apr
Defence Secretary commits to improving homes for Service families
Earlier today, Defence Secretary John Healey announced a new Consumer Charter to improve SFA for personnel and families. This forms part of the Defence Housing Review that is underway following the MOD’s landmark deal to bring 36,000 UK SFA homes back under our ownership.
The Charter outlines a list of commitments we will be making to improve our accommodation service offer for you, including:
• A more robust move-in standard so that you can have confidence that the home you are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional.
• Providing you with improved, clearer information ahead of your move, including photographs and floor plans when you apply for SFA.
• More reliable repairs, including a requirement to complete urgent repairs within a set timeline consistent with Awaab’s Law, and an online portal for service personnel to manage repairs.
• Raising the minimum standard of SFA with a new programme of works targeted at the worst homes, with up to 1,000 refurbished.
• Better and clearer communication for you, including a named housing officer for every service family who you can contact for specific housing related queries.
• A revised, streamlined complaints process that will look to shorten the process to two stages so that Service Personnel and families have a quicker resolution.
• Modernising our policies to allow more freedom for you to make improvements, giving you a greater sense of pride in your homes.
April 17, 2025
Wiltshire: Waste vehicle fire – please recycle batteries and electricals safely
Incidents like this provides a good opportunity to remind everyone to never put batteries or electricals in any of your household bins. Batteries and electricals contaminating bins can cause fires, so it is important to recycle them properly.
In Wiltshire we provide a kerbside collection service to help you recycle these types of items safely and conveniently.
You can easily recycle batteries by leaving them in a clear sealed bag on top of your blue-lidded bin or next to your blue sack on collection day. Small electricals can be presented for collection in a supermarket carrier bag by the side of the blue-lidded recycling bin, or blue recycling sack.
April 16, 2025
Scotland: Forces Children Scotland child friendly emotional cycle of deployment
Work started earlier this year with children and young people to co-create a child-friendly emotional cycle of deployment resource to explain the emotional cycle of deployment.
The children and young people have developed the visual of a rollercoaster to help explain their experiences of the different stages of the cycle.
The Deployment Rollercoaster can be accessed here:
https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/the-deployment-rollercoaster/
The Deployment Rollercoaster allows children, young people and adults to see that all emotions are valid and it ok to feel different emotions throughout the deployment cycle. The rollercoaster is supported by accessible resources for children, young people and parents to help support their child’s mental health and wellbeing at each stage of the ride.
We invite you to explore this online resource and let us know your thoughts and would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to talk or discuss opportunities to promote the use of this resource in your setting.
Wiltshire: Families Out Loud - supporting families of drug and alcohol users in Wiltshire
Their purpose is to support families to bravely build a better life. Their vision is to reach every family impacted by drug and alcohol use, so they can speak out, free from stigma, and receive the support care and help they need. Their values are to listen, care, be practical and show determination.
Please click here to visit the website
Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs
April 15, 2025
Hereford: Do you know about the new video library of resources for families?
Healthwatch is conducting a survey for NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire to understand if local families are aware of the new video library of resources for children. These videos provide helpful information to support children and families in the community. Check them out here: Video Library
Your input will help improve how these resources are promoted and guide the creation of future videos.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
Lyneham: Expanded 'Wiltshire Connect' bus service to include Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury areas
The service can be used for journeys to Royal Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury and to any location in the operating area (see image above) which includes the Great Western Hospital, Orbital Retail Park and Kemble Railway Station.
Anyone can use Wiltshire Connect and our wheelchair accessible vehicles operate between 6am-8pm Mon-Fri and 8am-7.30pm on Saturdays.
Rides can be booked by using the Wiltshire Connect app or by phone on 01225 712900 (Please note: The app can be used to book rides from Tuesday 22nd April).
April 14, 2025
Aurora New Dawn - Armed Forces Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking Helpline is now live
April 11, 2025
Wiltshire: Discover Wiltshire's Wonders with the new 2025 visitor map and guide
Both the map and the guide are part of Visit Wiltshire's ongoing commitment to promote local tourism and support the region's economy. By providing up-to-date and accessible information, Visit Wiltshire aims to enhance the visitor experience and encourage more people to discover the unique charm of Wiltshire.





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