June 26, 2025
Catterick: Jay's Holistic Flavours - Afro-Caribbean Food to collect 10% Military Discount
June 25, 2025
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 -
Chepstow: Pinnacle Housing Officer & Pinnacle Services for Beachley, Chepstow
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.
June 23, 2025
Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas
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
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
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
June 20, 2025
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
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
June 19, 2025
Wiltshire: Libraries home service
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
June 18, 2025
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
June 17, 2025
Catterick: 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery - Recruiting Now
Information provided by North 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
June 16, 2025
Vale of Glamorgan: Citizen's Advice Cardiff & Vale Drop in at Woody's Lodge for Armed Forces Community - Last Friday of the month
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
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
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
June 15, 2025
Northern Ireland: myEarth NI, Family Friendly Website for events and resources relating to the Environment
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
June 13, 2025
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
June 12, 2025
Hullavington: Friday coffee mornings on camp at Buckley Barracks
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?
June 11, 2025
Grantham: Wyndham Park
Check out Wyndham Park and all the latest news and what's on!
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
June 10, 2025
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
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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
June 9, 2025
Dover: AWS Community Support Free Pilates / Zumba Fitness Class at Burgoyne Heights on Monday Mornings
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Fife: The Ruby Boots Project, a peer support network aiming to support children and young people whose parent/guardian is leaving the armed forces.
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
June 6, 2025
Scotland: The Poppy Story, the story of the Poppy with special focus on Scotland
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
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
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to 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.
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.
June 5, 2025
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee: 32 Signal Regiment - recruiting now
click on image to enlarge
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
June 4, 2025
Kinloss: Community Support Weekly Calendar
click on image to enlarge
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:
Further information can also be found on the Recycle Now website.
Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs
June 3, 2025
June 2, 2025
Scotland: Veterans Scotland information booklet, updated August 2024
Click on image to read the Veterans Scotland Information booklet
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
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