Tips to help navigate this blog:
- TOP: Blog posts by area; subject-specific information sheets; links to HIVE's Social Media, and a map of contact details for our worldwide information centres and their Location Guides.
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- RIGHT COLUMN: Contact HIVE with your specific query.
- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:

April 30, 2025

Catterick: New to the area and need someone to talk to, Drop into the HIVE Hub and speak to Home Start Weds 4th June


 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Dorset: Local childcare and family services

 

Image: Dorset county council 

Do you need information on child-minders and childcare facilities in your area or have a child with SEND and need support or information? Click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Purbeck Sports centre exercise classes, swimming sessions & children's activities


Classes (for all abilities) include:
Pilates
Circuits
Aquafit
HIIT
Spinning (static cycling) 
Cardiocise
Dancercise
and much more

For more details on classes, timings, gym membership, swimming classes, activities, sessions,  playzone (soft play) and  All Stars cafe can be found HERE

Purbeck Sports Centre, Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4PH 
Telephone 01929 500 000  

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via Purbeck Sports Centre 

Dorset: Home Start support and friendships for families

 


Home-Start offers friendship, practical support and emotional advice in the homes of families who are having difficulties managing parenting for a variety of different reasons such poor mental health, post-natal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

Our mission is to give children the best possible start in life, by supporting parents so they grow in confidence, strengthening and enjoying their relationships with their children and widening their links with the local community.

For details of Home Start click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

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


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





Grantham: hub


The Hub delivers an inspiring programme of contemporary craft, design, dance and creative arts experiences, in Sleaford, across North Kesteven and beyond and is home to the national centre for craft and design.

Check out all the events and activities at the hub



Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Grantham Link Magazine & Village Link Magazine


To read click here:


To read click here:

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

Colerne: May edition of the Parish Council magazine

 

Please click to read the Parish Council magazine online

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

April 29, 2025

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.

Lichfield: Youth Club 9 years and over - What's on


 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Lichfield: Youth Club 5-8 - What's on up to and including July




Information from: Central HIVE Hub

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

Catterick: Garrison Giggles Playgroup opens 16th May



We run every Friday 09:30-11:30, Loos road community hub.

OUR GRAND OPENING DATE IS .....
FRIDAY 16TH MAY 2025

09:30-11:30
LOOS ROAD COMMUNITY HUB
DL9 4HT
£1.50 Per Family

We have lots of exciting things planned from planting your own seeds to take home and grow to dressing up, sensory play, arts and craft AND MORE !

We hope to see you there !

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

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

Fylde: Discovering Fylde Walks with the Fylde Rangers - dates from April to October 25

Inforamtion provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Hampshire: Healthy Families

 


To find out more information for all things health and families in Hampshire, including 'Under 5's', 'Health for Kids', 'Health for Teens', 'Healthier Together' and 'Chat Health' please click HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Kent: Kent Police - My Community Voice




Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

April 28, 2025

Brecon: Best of Brecon Awards 2025


Best of Brecon Awards 2025

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make Brecon a better place? A local hero who volunteers their time and energy to help others? Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on them!
We’re inviting nominations for the Best of Brecon Awards across eight amazing categories (see details in the poster below).

Nominations close on 23rd May.
You can nominate online at https://brecontowncouncil.org.uk/events/
Email us at office@brecontowncouncil.org.uk
Or call 01874 622884for an application form.

Help us celebrate the incredible people who make our town so special!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

South Powys: Free Baby Groups in South Powys


Join us for our FREE baby groups... limited spaces available!
Starting this week from 29.4.25 .... booking is essential, follow QR code from poster.

Ymunwch Ă¢ ni y tymor hyn, grŵpiau babi AM DDIM!
Cychwyn yr wythnos yma 29.4.25... rhaid cofrestru!

Suitable for non-welsh speakers, Welsh learners and fluent welsh speakers.

Croeso i bawb!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2025: A Night of Inspiration, Recognition, and Unforgettable Moments



The Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2025 took place on Friday 25th April, at the stunning De Vere Connaught Rooms in London, marking a powerful and emotional evening dedicated to the incredible contributions, resilience, and achievements of UK Armed Forces families.

This year’s ceremony was packed with heartwarming stories and brand-new features that made it a night to remember. Hosted by the brilliant Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne, returning for her fourth year, alongside new co-host Richard Jones, the only magician ever to win Britain’s Got Talent. Richard wowed guests throughout the evening with his spellbinding magic, blending illusion with heartfelt tributes to military life, leaving the audience both entertained and deeply moved. Reflecting on the evening, Richard Jones said “It’s so important to highlight the courage and hard work of individuals and groups within the forces community and the CFF Awards have done a fantastic job to ensure their stories have been celebrated”.

And the Winners Are…

Among a room filled with inspirational nominees, the winners of this year’s awards stood out for their extraordinary stories of courage, compassion, and community.

Kent & Medway: Domestic Abuse Support

 


Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse can lead to a person feeling like there is no escape and having suicidal thoughts. 30% of suspected suicides in Kent and Medway have domestic abuse as a factor (@KentPolice).

Support services are there for anyone experiencing abuse and can provide practical and emotional support including refuge, safe accommodation, specialist programmes and 1-2-1 help.

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."

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)

Stafford: SSAFA latest monthly update Join us in commemorating 80 years since VE Day





Welcome to your latest monthly update, and a heartfelt welcome to all new members of SSAFA. Your support changes the lives of our serving personnel, veterans and their families during their toughest challenges.

See Link

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

X-Forces Enterprise: Virtual 3-day Spouse and Partner Self Employment Workshop

Click image to enlarge.

For further information please visit the website: X-Forces Enterprise

Penarth: FREE Sports Equipment Bags to loan from Penarth Library

 

Did you know that there are FREE Sports Equipment Bags to loan at the Library?

All you need is your library card!
We are now working with Vale Sports and Play and Vale Healthy Living Team to deliver…VALE ON THE MOVE - ACTIVE AT HOME! PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT LOAN SCHEME.

Do you / your family want to be more active?

Would you benefit from a free loan of equipment bag and resource pack with ideas?
If yes, choose the colored bag that matches what you need and borrow it in the same way as a book!

BLUE BAG: This bag is aimed at younger children in nursery / Foundation Stage of the school. Includes items to help develop movement and coordination skills for throwing, catching.

TURQUOISE BAG: This bag is aimed at older children in primary and secondary schools.

Includes equipment such as table tennis, balls, resistance bands, to be active at home or at your local open space.

More information:

Follow Vale Council's Healthy Living Team on social media or via the website for many more ideas!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

April 25, 2025

North Wiltshire: Free Park Yoga sessions starting in May

 

Free, friendly community Park Yoga forever

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.

Please click the links below for the upcoming sessions in and around North Wiltshire:

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs

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.


Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

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
RWxY building on Allenby Barracks.  Monday & Thursday 19:00 - 21:00

Blandford Cadet Force Detachment 
Kingston Close, Bradley Estate, Blandford DT11 7UQ.  Monday & Thursday 19:15 - 21:30

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Gloucestershire: 'Greener Gloucestershire' May e-newsletter

Click here to read this edition online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

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:


Find out more about Alabaré mental health services:
https://alabare.co.uk/what-we-do/mental-health/

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs