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.
- 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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- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:
April 30, 2025
Dorset: Purbeck Sports centre exercise classes, swimming sessions & children's activities
Dorset: Home Start support and friendships for families
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
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
Grantham: hub
Check out all the events and activities at the hub
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...
Catterick: Garrison Giggles Playgroup every Friday
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
Hampshire: Healthy Families
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 â 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.
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)
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
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
Give Us Time - Spring & Summer respite breaks
Click here to visit the website
Gloucestershire: Latest news from the Employment & Skills Hub
The front door for residents and employers who would like information, advice, guidance and support. Wherever you are in Gloucestershire, whether in work, education, unemployed or economically inactive to find or retain employment.
Working with individuals, communities, employers and partner organisations to deliver bespoke and inclusive employment and skills support. Creating robust, sustainable pathways into employment or skills provision including Adult Education and apprenticeships.
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE
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.
Edinburgh: Scottish Veterans Residences Project Heritage
Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) is proud to launch PROJECT HERITAGE: a campaign to restore the SVR Memorial in Eastern Cemetery, Easter Road, Edinburgh, which honours many of the original Veterans who spent their final days in Whitefoord House after the charity was founded in 1910.
The Memorial spans an impressive 7 metres wide and stands 2 metres high, but in recent years, the stonework and accompanying bronze plaques have fallen into a state of disrepair, and the memorial is in urgent need of care.
In such a momentous year – where Veterans and the sacrifices they made will be recognised on the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – SVR is firmly committed to returning the monument to its former glory and once again making it a fitting spot for people to pay their respects to those who served. With the help of restoration specialists and stonemasons, we aim to complete this work well in time for Remembrance 2025.
To do this we need your help. We rarely make a direct ask for donations, but we hope you can get behind such a worthwhile project by considering making a contribution - whether it’s big or small, every donation will help us reach our target of £40,000 and make it happen.
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.