Scotland: Residential vacancies in Edinburgh and Dundee at Scottish Veterans Residences

Scottish Veterans Residences currently have SPACES available for Veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need. 

There are a small number of vacancies at our residences in Edinburgh and Dundee, with a couple of possible openings in Glasgow soon. 

Please get in touch if you are a Veteran who is homeless, experiencing homelessness, or in need.

Catterick: Jay's Holistic Flavours - Afro-Caribbean Food to collect 10% Military Discount

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

New digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad.

Click on the link below to find out more - 

New digital tool - Overseas allowance planning now easier

Chepstow: Pinnacle Housing Officer & Pinnacle Services for Beachley, Chepstow

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Pinnacle Housing Officer - Cardiff, Chepstow & St Athan.
Drop in's at Chepstow & St Athan (see poster for details)

Click here to view online.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Kent: Kooth - Free Online Wellbeing Support for young people in Military Families

 

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Lichfield: AWS CS Food Pantry open with Housing Surgeries

Information from: Central HIVE Hub
 

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas.

To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).

Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.

From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).

This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.

For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

Why It Matters for You

Declaring your military status ensures that you and your family can access the right services, at the right time. The NHS and local authorities recognise that the needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families can differ from those of the general population—particularly around mobility, deployment, mental health, and continuity of care.

By identifying your military connection, healthcare professionals and service providers can take these unique circumstances into account. This could mean faster access to treatment (Dependent on personal circumstances), for a better understanding of your housing and educational needs during a posting or resettlement.

Dorset: Blandford Job centre information

Find out about job vacancies in the Blandford area and also get advice on CVs and job interview tips

Blandford job centre can also administer claims - Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Leuchars: Welfare Team Motorhome for hire

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The Welfare Team are please to announce that bookings are now being taken(for May onwards) for the hire of their newly purchased 6 berth motorhome.

£50per day or £300 per week - minimum 3 days hire.

Half of booking fee required to confirm booking with final amount payable 4 weeks before date of booking,

A £500 deposit is required on collect - this can be held against a credit card.

Drivers must be 23 or over and have been driving for at least 2years.

Due to additional cleaning costs and allergies, no pets are allowed in the motorhome.

Email 2REME-WELFARE-Mailbox-0@mod.gov.uk for further information.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wiltshire: Family Hubs newsletter - supporting families with children with SEND

 

Please click here to read the latest newsletter online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Northern Ireland: XL Bully type dogs are now a restricted breed in Northern Ireland

 

XL Bully type dogs are now a restricted breed in Northern Ireland.
It is against the law to:
• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
• breed an XL Bully
• sell, gift or exchange an XL Bully
• abandon an XL Bully or let it stray
More: www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Information provided by HIVE NI

Wiltshire: Libraries home service

 

Do you struggle to visit your local library due to mobility issues?

If so, our home library service could be for you! The free service arranges for volunteers to take books to your home.

It's there for residents who are frail, have a disability or health conditions to continue accessing library services and can also help to combat loneliness in the process.

More info can be found at https://orlo.uk/Y01FM

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Hay on Wye: Hay Thursday Market

Trading for 700 years, Hay Market Day brings over 40 traders to the centre of Hay. Offering a diverse range of items, from local produce and hot food, to artisan crafts and vintage, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike. Often quoted as the best day in Hay to visit the town, so come to peruse, to socialise, to eat, to shop, and, most of all, to enjoy Hay Market Day!

The market is held throughout town, with traders in Memorial Square, the Cheese Market hall, Butter Market hall and around the Clock Tower. Open every Thursday year-round.

Every Thursday 9am - 2pm.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

West Midlands: Tough Enough to Care - All Veteran Wellbeing Project

 The All-Veteran Wellbeing project, funded by Thrive Together, aims to support Veterans, Family Members and Carers who are based in the Black Country (West Midlands) with their mental health and wellbeing.

Full details are available HERE

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Scotland: The June edition of Scotland 4 kids now out

click on image to read

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: The Scottish Veterans Commissioner's latest report - 'Veterans and Finance' has been published

Scottish Veteran's Commisioner:I’m pleased to publish Veterans and Finance, my latest report exploring the financial stability and wellbeing of veterans in Scotland.

While most veterans transition well, some face complex financial challenges. This report highlights where more can be done to support them, shares examples of good practice, and makes practical recommendations for government and service providers.
It also recognises the valuable contribution veterans make to the financial services sector.

Read the full report here: http://scottishveteranscommissioner.org/report-veterans.../

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans

 
The Veterans’ Survey 2022 was the first survey of its kind in the UK and was a collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the devolved administrations.

Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.

In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.

To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans

Catterick: 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery - Recruiting Now

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Folkestone: Parkrun Every Saturday at 0900hrs

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Maidstone: Leeds Castle Knights Retreat

 

|Knights’ Retreat

Knights’ RETREAT

Knight Knight, Sleep Tight

NOW OPEN for bookings, stays available from 18th July 2025! This NEW getaway invites dreamers and adventurers to discover one of eight cosy lodges. Named after mythical creatures such as the Basilisk, Minotaur and Gryphon. Inspired by Queen Eleanor of Castile’s vision of a “Castle of Delights,” the Knights’ Retreat warmly welcomes you for a ‘knight’ you won’t soon forget.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Vale of Glamorgan: Citizen's Advice Cardiff & Vale Drop in at Woody's Lodge for Armed Forces Community - Last Friday of the month

 

New Drop-In Alert! 27th June

We’re excited to announce that Woody’s Lodge is partnering with Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale to bring you a brand-new monthly drop-in service!

When? Last Friday of every month
Time? 11am – 1pm
Where? Woody’s Lodge, Barry, Amelia Trust Farm

This is part of the Military Moves Made Easy project, funded by AFCFT, offering dedicated support for Armed Forces serving personnel and their families during relocation across Cardiff and the Vale.
Whether it’s:

• Welfare benefits
• Housing
• Debt
• Employment rights
• Family & relationships
• Or general social welfare issues

…Citizens Advice will be here to help, in a space where you can grab a brew and get support.
If you’re currently serving or a family member of someone who is, pop in and have a chat – we’re here for you.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Chertsey: Thorpe Park Resort

 

Check out the latest best value ticket and short break offers and deals at Thorpe Park, the ultimate destination for thrillseekers. Discover great savings when you book theme park tickets online and explore the best advance ticket prices now from just £29 per person online.

Click HERE for further information

Information provided by Southeast HIVE

Richmondshire: Library Opening times

Good morning and happy Monday

Here’s a reminder of our opening hours just in case you fancy popping in this week 

Whether you're calling in to find your next read, joining us for storytime, or seeking a volunteering opportunity, we'd love to see you

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Ripon: Andy's Man Club every Monday

 

Every Monday 7-9pm (except bank holidays) our doors are open to any man 18+. 

No bookings. No fees. No pressure to talk. You can take it all at your own pace, one step at a time. 

We now have just under 300 groups across the UK, as well as online groups. 

Visit our website to find your nearest group or drop us an email to info@andysmanclub.co.uk to join our online groups.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Street Tag is back for 2025!

 

Please click image to enlarge

Click here to visit the Street Tag website

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs

Northern Ireland: myEarth NI, Family Friendly Website for events and resources relating to the Environment

myEarthNI are a hub for environmental action and education in Northern Ireland. 

Managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and developed in collaboration with Northern Ireland Environment Link and the Education for Sustainable Development Forum, they aim to provide an online space that brings Northern Ireland's environment sector together to engage people in action, educate through resources and offer opportunities to become involved in making a difference.

For more details, please click here
 

Information provided by HIVE NI

Stafford: Station Coffee Morning in the MOD Stafford community centre/HIVE Wednesday's during term time 9.30 to 11.30

The venue for the Coffee morning is in the MoD Stafford Community Centre Maresfield Drive /HIVE. It is held every Wednesday morning during term time from 09.30 to 11.30, everyone is welcome including children. If you have any ideas of what you would like at the coffee mornings come along to the Community Centre and let Carrie and Dawn know and we will try to do our best to make it happen. If you would like to volunteer to help with the session speak to Dawn in the HIVE, any help would be most appreciated.

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Hullavington: Friday coffee mornings on camp at Buckley Barracks

 

All are welcome and soft play will be available for children.

Please click here to follow the 9 Regt RLC Welfare Facebook page for updates and information

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Improved support for serving families facing separation challenges

The idea of not seeing your partner or parent for months at a time, often with limited contact, can be stressful and unsettling. But it’s a common experience for many armed forces families.

Deployment, training and exercises make separation a fundamental part of service for many, but this can have a significant impact on family life. Being apart can cause loneliness and a sense of isolation – whether you’re ‘weekending’ and adjusting to a constantly changing family dynamic or dealing with long separations.

Re-opening today, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) devised their Apart, not Alone programme to tackle this issue head on, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.

Building on the success of last year’s programme, this year the Trust are delivering support where and when it’s needed most - reflecting the changing nature of deployment, recognising the different types of separation and the sometimes very different challenges these can present.

Why are we running this programme?

Grantham: Wyndham Park

Check out Wyndham Park and all the latest news and what's on! 

Wyndham Park

 Information provided by Grantham HIVE

North Wiltshire: New ManDown support groups in Calne and Royal Wootton Bassett

 

Other groups are also available in and around North Wiltshire, including:

• Bath
• Devizes
• Melksham
• Trowbridge

Man Down UK is a non-profit Community Interest Company founded in Cornwall, dedicated to supporting men with mental health challenges.

We run informal, peer-led talking groups across the UK, providing a safe, judgment-free space for men to share their struggles and connect with others who understand.

By fostering open conversations, we aim to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and reduce the number of male suicides. Together, we can end the silence and save lives.

Click here to find out more about the local support groups

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Aldershot: Rushmoor Repair Cafe at The West End Centre

We will try to repair a whole host of things. Most household electrical items, clothing, woodwork, bicycles, toys, metalwork items, computers, small wooden items, even musical instruments will be considered. Aside from the short list below, which we are unable to repair, we will do our best to repair your broken items. We DON'T repair, mobile phones and tablets, microwave and some antiques.

The Rushmoor Repair will be running every third Saturday of the month at The West End Centre, 48 Queens Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD.
10.30am until 1.30pm 
LAST ENTRY at 1pm.

ONE ITEM booked at a time per customer.

The Rushmoor Repair Cafe is run by volunteers, free of charge - donations welcomed!

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Dover: AWS Community Support Free Pilates / Zumba Fitness Class at Burgoyne Heights on Monday Mornings

 

Information provided by SE HIVE Hub

Fife: The Ruby Boots Project, a peer support network aiming to support children and young people whose parent/guardian is leaving the armed forces.

The Ruby Boots Project is a peer support network aiming to support children and young people whose parent/guardian is leaving the armed forces. There are various challenges that young people may experience during this transition, so they have designed this project to tackle this. 

If you are a child or young person from a veteran/soon-to-be veteran family, or an adult who would be interested in volunteering to help facilitate these group sessions, please get in touch at heather.douglas@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk. 

We would love to hear from you.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: The Poppy Story, the story of the Poppy with special focus on Scotland

Check out Poppyscotland book, The Poppy Story!

Perfect for children aged 6-12, this beautifully illustrated book narrates the story of the poppy and remembrance, with a special focus on Scotland.

Schools in Scotland can request a free copy, or you can order your own here: The Poppy Story

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northern Ireland: Veterans & Families Forecast of Events - Causeway Coast & Glens - June to Dec

 

Veterans & Families – Upcoming Events

Please see above the forecast of events kindly shared by Veterans Champion Dawn Huggins from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

These events are a great opportunity for veterans and their families to connect, engage, and access support within the local community.

#Veterans #CommunitySupport #CausewayCoastAndGlens #VeteransChampion #ConnectingCommunities

Information provided by HIVE NI

Leconfield: AWS Art Club - Wednesday Evenings

 

Information provided by Leconfield HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to new applications

The Support for Relocated Service Families - reopen for new applications!

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Serving families: On the Move Programme under the Armed Forces Families Covenant Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

What’s the programme all about?

Moving to a completely new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can feel surreal. You’re pushed out of your comfort zone, knowing that if you don’t reach out, the feeling of loneliness can quickly grow. But not everyone has the confidence to walk into a coffee morning or event on their own for the first time.

“Having a first point of contact, a friendly face, a supportive presence makes such a difference. Someone who can help you find your way, learn about your new area and most importantly, open the door to connections and friendships.

That kind of support isn’t just help, it’s essential for finding your way and keeping your momentum in this military way of life” – Jenna, Army spouse.

Supporting you, on the move

Today, the Trust are reopening the Serving Families: On the Move programme for new applications. This year, you can apply for a grant of £5,000 to £50,000 for a 12 month project which will achieve one or more of the following outcomes -

• Families in a new posting have more accessible information to support them to settle into a new and unfamiliar location.
• Newly arrived families report improved wellbeing by being introduced to and connected with activities provided in their new area
• Fewer newly arrived and relocated service families report feeling isolated or lonely and more service families say they have effective support networks.
• Families feel more able to navigate the challenges of relocation, because their relationships are stronger.

Why are the Trust running this programme?

Frequent moves can disrupt social connections and support systems, often leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Over time, this can negatively impact mental health and family relationships.

One of our key priorities when launching the Armed Forces Covenant framework was to reduce stress and challenges for families. To support this aim, we introduced the Serving Families: On the Move programme.

To date, under the Armed Forces Covenant, we have awarded a total of over £1.3m to 14 projects aimed at improving the quality of life for service families impacted by relocation and as a direct result of service life.

This programme aims to support newly relocated service families, encouraging connection, and strengthening family relationships, ensuring armed forces communities are not left at a disadvantage.

The Trust are looking to support projects that use preventative or early intervention approaches to support families who have recently moved. These projects should focus to helping families settle into their new communities and build lasting, positive connections.

“It’s a very lonely life, and the sacrifices that we go through as a family always seem so significant yet not recognised.” – RAF spouse

Who can apply?

The Trust invite applications from:

• Registered Charites
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Armed Forces Units and Bases
• Local authorities

Full eligibility details are available on the Trust website

Find out more

There will be two deadlines for applications:

• If you apply by 12pm on 23 July 2025, you will receive a decision before end of September 2025.
• If you apply by 12pm on 17 December 2025, you will receive a decision before end of February 2026.

Full details of this family-focused funding opportunity, including full eligibility and how to apply, are available on the Trust’s dedicated programme page.

Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee: 32 Signal Regiment - recruiting now

click on image to enlarge

Are you ready for a challenge? 

Get paid to train. Get paid to learn new skills. Become part of something great. 

Meet friends for life. Your local Army Reserve Signals Unit is recruiting now!

Email: 32SIG-RECRUITING@Mod.gov.uk for more info.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

West Midlands: AWS Donnington Youth Club - Ages 10-16

For more information please contact: sian.makin105@mod.gov.uk

Information: Central HIVE Hub

Lichfield: New Youth Club at Lichfield Family Hub

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

 

Kinloss: Community Support Weekly Calendar

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wiltshire & Gloucestershire: Household Recycling Centre's

 

Each of the following counties run Household Recycling Centre's, but all accept different items and have different processes to follow.

Please click the following links for all the details:

• Wiltshire

• Gloucestershire

• Oxfordshire

Further information can also be found on the Recycle Now website.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs