Dorset: Parents' guide to your child's Special Education Needs (SEN)

The guide explains the support ordinarily available in Dorset education settings, from early years to post-16 providers, and if a child or young person needs more help to achieve their potential. 

It includes information on how settings should use the Graduated Approach to plan support for children and young people, and how you can access support in your area.

Download guide

Information provided by Bovington HIVE.

Grantham: Street Tag Lincolnshire

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

 

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.

Moray: Speech and Language Therapy Advice

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Servicewomen - Seen and Heard Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Servicewomen: Seen and Heard programme is now open and ready to welcome new 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

Colerne: Bargain at the Barracks thrift shop - re-opening Sat 3 May

 

Click here to follow the Facebook page

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

May is National Walking Month, and we're delighted to launch this year's Active Fife walking challenge. 

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.

To inspire you, we've created a list of 31 stunning walking spots across Fife. But remember, you don't have to stick to our suggestions – find your own favourite walks! Whether you prefer walking or wheeling, set yourself a personal daily goal and explore your local area. The key is to get moving every day and keep track of your distance.

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.

To find out more and register for this year's challenge visit https://active.fife.scot/.../fitness-and-wellbeing/walking

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

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...

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Thames Valley: Victim First Hope After Harm

Click  HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over £290,000 to support those with seldom heard needs in Armed Forces communities

Ensuring under-represented voices in armed forces communities are heard is vital. In the latest round of their Hidden Voices programme, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) awarded grants totalling more than £290,000 to 15 projects delivering accessible mental health and wellbeing support for 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."

Chippenham: 'The Nest' play cafe is now open!

 

Step into our miniature town complete with its own Supermarket, Cafe, Vets & Library.

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.

Click here to visit The Nest's website and book your play sessions online!

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Gloucestershire: 'The Robin' bookable bus service

 

The Robin is your local, friendly bookable bus service, bought to you by Gloucestershire Council Council.

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.

Please click the links below depending on your area:

Tewkesbury District - includes areas such as Ashchurch, Churdown, Innsworth and Tewkesbury

Cotswolds South - includes the Army Barracks (North & South) and South Cerney village

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wiltshire: Alabaré now offering free mental health support for those aged 16+

 

Alabaré now offer free mental health support services for anyone aged 16+ in Wiltshire who is struggling and seeking mental health support.

No need for a GP appointment as you can refer yourself to Alabaré:

• 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/

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Colerne: Beaufighter Book Club at Azimghur Barracks Community Centre

 

Please click the image to enlarge

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Dorset: Veterans Hub & Armed Forces breakfast clubs

The Veterans hub provides a bespoke service for veterans and their families within the local area. 

To view above leaflet in full click HERE

For details of Armed Forces Breakfast club across the UK click HERE includes for Dorset area, Wareham (nr Bovington/Lulworth) Blandford, Weymouth, Yeovil & Christchurch.  

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Catterick: Catterick Integrated Care Centre and The Town Centre Regeneration Project Drop in at North HIVE Hub 28th April

Come along to North HIVE Hub on 28th April anytime between 1000 - 1600hrs to talk to representatives from the CICC and Town Centre Projects.  

Also this is an opportunity to visit the North HIVE Hub to see how we support Serving Personnel and their families.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Shorncliffe: Army Welfare Service Junior Youth Club Shornecliffe Community Centre Mondays 1630-1800hrs

 Information Provided by South East HIVE Hub

Shorncliffe: Army Welfare Service Shorncliffe Dance Club Every Tuesday Term Times 1630 - 1730hrs

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Waste vehicle fire – please recycle batteries and electricals safely

 

One of Wiltshire Council's waste collection vehicles caught fire while out on its rounds in Trowbridge recently. Thanks to the prompt actions of the crew, fire service, the police there was thankfully no injuries or significant damage to the vehicle. Colleagues from the Street Scene service also assisted in the immediate clean up.

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.

More information about battery and small electricals collections

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVE

Midlands Air Festival - 30 May - 1 June

 

Full details can be found HERE

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.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wiltshire: Families Out Loud - supporting families of drug and alcohol users in Wiltshire

 

Families Out Loud is a Wiltshire charity working with families challenged by someone else’s drug and alcohol dependency.

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

Gillingham: Gillingham Town Soccer School Saturday Mornings 9am -10am from Ages 4-7 Free for the first 4 Weeks

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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 Public Transport team at Wiltshire Council is pleased to advise that we will be extending our popular Wiltshire Connect on-demand bus service in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury areas from Wednesday 23rd April.

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).

Wiltshire: Discover Wiltshire's Wonders with the new 2025 visitor map and guide

 

Visit Wiltshire has launched its new Visitor Map and Visitor Guide for 2025, offering a fresh perspective on exploring this captivating region.

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.

Click the images above to access each map, or follow the links below:

• Visitor guide

• Visitor map

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Gloucestershire: Support for families from HomeStart

 

Please click the image above to enlarge

For further information and links to each area as above, please visit the website: https://home-startgloucestershire.org.uk/

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

MOD Victim Witness Care Unit

 

The Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides support and guidance for victims and witnesses during their journey through the Service Justice System.

Visit the website for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/victim-witness-care-unit-vwcu

Colerne: Updated Welfare opening times and contact information

 

Please click image to enlarge

Colerne Station general enquiries (including those living in Colerne SFA but working elsewhere)

For general enquiries regarding house/flat bookings, park passes, etc. please visit the office during the above times. Alternatively please call or email via the details below:

• 01225 745210
• 21sig-colernestn-welfare-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Chippenham: Social gardening and conversation for mental health

All this month the Wiltshire Mental Health Inclusion Service and Wiltshire Service Users' Network are highlighting autism and mental health in support of World Autism Acceptance Month.

The Chippenham Collective offers a variety of activities aimed at connecting people with nature and fostering a sense of community. In particular anyone who feels isolated on account of mental health issues, physical health conditions or neurodiversity (like autism or ADHD). For more information, visit: https://www.chippenhamcollective.co.uk/

Join us and the conversation all this month for more statistics, myth-busting, tips and highlighting of support in Wiltshire.

To access and download our Autism and Mental Health in Wiltshire booklet, visit: https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/support-groups/wiltshire-wellbeing-cafes/

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Wiltshire: Happy Cafes will now be known as Wiltshire Wellbeing Cafes

Happy Cafés in Wiltshire are having a name change, and will now be called Wiltshire Wellbeing Cafés.

With the Rethink Wiltshire Mental Health Inclusion Service closing in June, we could no longer facilitate Happy Cafés on behalf of Action for Happiness. However, we are pleased to announce that the cafés will be able to continue as registered groups under Rethink Mental Illness - and mainly thanks to the wonderful Rethink volunteers.

Happy Cafés have always been part of the Action for Happiness movement, and although a great ethos we are no longer in the position to use this name. Current attendees and volunteers came to the decision of the new name: Wiltshire Wellbeing Cafés.

There is a dedicated email and webpage for the Wellbeing Cafés:
https://www.rethink.org/.../wiltshire-wellbeing-cafes/

As well as full details (locations and timings) of the Wellbeing Cafes, there are various publications such as mental health booklets available to download on the webpage.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Stafford: Sandon Road Preschool Playgroup spaces available all year round (subject to availability)

 

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust latest round of grants - Serving Families 'On the Move' programme

A further three projects have been awarded bringing the total number to 14 projects worth over £1.25 million! These inclusive projects will improve the quality of life for service families affected by the difficulties and challenges relocation can bring, by implementing support for families not to just adapt but thrive in their new communities - in the latest round of grants from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

Tackling the challenges head-on, each of the projects is all about connecting families with local groups, services and activities; helping to build friendships and making sure service families have a community to lean on, so relocation doesn’t have to be such a struggle.

Our CEO Anna Wright says: “This funding in vital in ensuring service families feel supported, connected and empowered as they navigate the challenges of relocation. By having these projects, we’re strengthening communities and hopefully make every move a little easier.”

Connect, build and explore

Grantham: Grantham Disabled Children's Society - GDCS

Room 14, Elmer House, Finkin Street, Grantham

A parent led group supporting families who have children with disabilities, welcoming all to learn about the group and can signpost families to the services/EHCP advice/SEN and mental health and wellbeing for carers.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Serve & Protect Credit Union - 2025/26 Cash ISA now launched!

 

Serve and Protect Credit Union's latest Fixed Cash ISA is here!

Secure a guaranteed and tax-free 4% AER return on your savings for the 2025/26 tax year, while supporting the wider community of those who serve and protect. Here’s how the new Fixed Cash ISA benefits you:

• Start Small, Save Big: Deposit as little as £5, with contributions up to £20,000 for this tax year.
• Tax-Free Growth: Enjoy a guaranteed 4% AER return to maximise your savings effortlessly.
• Peace of Mind: Your savings are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).
• Community Impact: Your savings make a meaningful difference by supporting others within the credit union.

Learn more at: https://sandpcu.co.uk/isa-hs-email

Grantham: Ashbourne Day Nurseries - Special Offer supporting Prince William of Gloucester Barracks

www.ashbournedaynurseries.com

Information provided by Grantham HIVE 

West Midlands: South Warwickshire Veterans Health Care & Partnerships Development Officer vacancy

 

To view full details of this vacancy please click HERE

Information: Central HIVE Hub

Lichfield: A message from the Military Housing Liaison Officer

A message from the Military Housing Liaison Officer:

Standard of SFA Move Outs:

Move out fails are currently increasing and exceeding move out passes.

SP/Occupant have a responsibility to present their SFA at move Out Standard. This to allow DIO/IP to turn SFA around for future occupancy in good time. When SP move out of their home, it is highly likely a new family will be moving in very soon after. SP/Occupants must leave their home in accordance with the DIO/Pinnacle move-out standard. CM-clean-RD-Revised-Move-in-and-out-specification-FINAL-Dec-24-002-1.1.pdf. These standards have been developed by all stakeholders involved in providing your Service Family Accommodation and are in line with the Government Decent Homes Standard. Pinnacle move out checklist: Handy moving home checklist - Pinnacle Service Families

To help you understand what you need to do, your Pinnacle Housing Officer will go through everything with you at the pre-move out. It is really important you take action on any work required of you, or you may be charged. To avoid being charged when you move out you must follow the advice set by your Housing Officer at the pre-move out appointment. You will have at least 28 days between your pre-move out and move out appointments to make changes.
Remember to always check your home against the full move out standards and complete the list of work agreed with your Housing Officer at your pre-move out appointment.

SP may challenge/dispute charges raised on move out - Charges for damages to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) and 2025DIN01-031-Charges for Damage and Deficiencies for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Substitute SFA (SSFA).docx
Please Note: Personnel will have 14 days from receipt of notification to lodge a Stage 1 dispute which must include details of the efforts made to resolve the dispute at the time of move out and photographic evidence wherever possible. If no dispute is lodged within 14 calendar days the charge will be taken direct from pay (through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA)

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Gloucestershire: Want to make a healthy change?

 

We can move is a social movement with a mission to increase physical activity in Gloucestershire. Join an inclusive community that connects and inspires people across the county to improve their lives through physical activity.

The HLS team provide free healthy lifestyle behavioural support coaching around giving up smoking, drinking less alcohol, increasing physical activity and losing weight for anyone over 18 (or over 12 for smoking support) who lives or has a GP registered in Gloucestershire.

Further information from the One Gloucestershire website can be found here

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

North Wiltshire: SmokeFree Wiltshire drop-in's in Chippenham, Calne, Corsham & Trowbridge

Glasgow and Lanarkshire: Army Cadet Force Annual Review 2024-2025

The Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn have published their Review of 2024-25. 

It can be found here:
tinyurl.com/RepGandL

Information Provided by Leuchars HIVE

Catterick: 10% discount at Ashbourne Day Nurseries for Serving Personnel

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

North East: Unlock your potential - courses for Spouses/Partners

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Fife: Mental Health Support Access Therapies Fife

Access Therapies Fife is part of our psychology service and offers a range of free therapies.

They can help provide people with the information and skills they need to improve mental wellbeing.

Parent groups include:

✔ Child Healthy Weight Workshops
✔  Embracing Difference
✔  Parent ADHD courses
✔  Parenting an Anxious Child
✔  Parent Awareness of Developing Differently (PADD)
✔  Parent Awareness of Learning Disabilities Support Group (PALS)
✔  Parent Awareness Programme for Autism Support (PAPAS)
✔  Social Stories
✔  Understanding Kids
✔  Understanding Teens

For more information on parent groups, please visit: https://www.accesstherapiesfife.scot.nhs.uk/how-can-we-help-you/parent-groups/

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Cafe and Soft play in the Community Centre

The Cosy Beans Café has closed permanently and the future of the coffee shop has not yet been determined. 

Until a decision is made, the soft play and seating area will be open for use from Mon 10 Feb (Mon – Thurs) between the hours of 0900 – 1430 hrs and closed on Fridays.

However individuals using the area will do so at their risk and supervise their own children. A cleaning kit will be available in the area and we ask all users to clean and clear up after themselves to ensure the areas remains clean, hygienic and safe for other users. 

If this does not happen, both areas will be closed.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE