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.

Vale of Glamorgan: The Creature Chronicles across various Vale of Glamorgan locations - Summer 2025

Click poster to enlarge. 

About Creature Chronicles 'Tales from the Vale'

As the waves lap the shore of the cliffed coastline and the breeze swirls and spirals through the treetops, the creatures of the Vale spring to life. Scurrying and scampering ripple through the landscape, but who could be making these sounds?

This Summer, it’s time for creatures great and small to share their treasured tales with human kind. Make sure you’re truly listening - for some of these species may need a little help.

The Creature Chronicles is a collection of stories developed and designed by Louby Lou’s Storytelling, to share the important tales of endangered species who reside in the Vale. Suitable for families, a series of pop up events will be taking place across the six weeks holidays for you to enjoy and engage in. The collection includes a mixture of outdoor theatre performances, walkabout acts and promenade storytelling trails, across some of the Vale’s most beautiful landscapes.

A number of events will need to be booked due to limited capacity, whilst others will be freely roaming for you to enjoy. Tickets for the bookable performances will go live on the 14th July at Creature Chronicles - Ticket Source.

For more information about The Creature Chronicles click here

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Brecon: Dyfed-Powys Police Vacancies

For more information on careers with Dyfed-Powys Police please click here.

For Dyfed-Powys Police Vacancies please click here.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Chepstow: The Chepstow Society - Town Walks 2025

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Brecon: Smart Money Cymru Drop in sessions - Tuesdays at The Guildhall, Brecon

Smart Money Cymru Community Bank is now running drop-in sessions at The Guildhall in Brecon, bringing services back to the town.

Where: The Guildhall, Brecon. LD3 7AL
When: Tuesdays between 1pm and 3pm
No appointment needed – just pop in!

Whether you'd like to open a savings account, apply for a loan, get help with your account, or simply chat with a friendly face about your finances, Smart Money Cymru is there to help.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 June 25

An update on communal areas

We have heard from many of you at our SFA roadshows and we know families wish to be able enjoy communal spaces and gardens to the front of their properties. In many cases, these areas provide a valuable space for garden furniture and play equipment.

We have a duty to ensure that communal areas are safe, but we also want to see a common-sense approach that balances safety and convenience for families.

The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April sets out our commitment to empower families and to enable you to take decisions about your home.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, please note the following advice regarding the use of outdoor communal spaces:

• Families are encouraged to use and to enjoy gardens and communal areas.
• Communal areas can be used for families to gather and socialise, provided this does not disturb other neighbours.
• Families have the choice to use items (such as garden furniture) in external communal areas. If families wish for our teams to carry out ground maintenance, we kindly request items are removed when not in use (as they will need access to a clear area to carry out the work). However, if families find enjoyment and pride in maintaining the area themselves, they are welcome to keep their items out.
• Please talk to your Housing Officer regarding larger items that are fixed and cannot be easily removed such as trampolines, swing sets, bike stores etc that you wish to place in communal areas.
• Items that pose an immediate health and safety risk to others such as rope swings, and tree houses may be removed without notice to ensure the safety of all.

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 28

Click to enlarge.

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter is now available on the Defence Homes website and Defence Connect.

Northern Ireland: Lost Your CCEA Exam Certificates?

 

Need proof of your GCSE, A level or vocational results but lost your certificate? 

Don’t worry, CCEA can provide a certified statement of results from 1963 to today.

Find out more: http://www.ccea.org.uk/.../obtaining-replacing-and...

#CCEA #ExamResults

Information provided by HIVE NI

Blandford: Garrison mini bus for hire

The mini bus can be driven by anyone over the age of 25 years with a clean driving license that has been held for at least 24 months.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

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

Hereford: Stop Smoking Drop-In Sessions

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Northern Ireland: Visit Belfast City Guide Summer Edition Out Now

 

To read the latest Visit Belfast City Guide please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Powys: FREE First aid and emergency training for bikers, available in Powys, dates from April to Sept 25

FREE First aid and emergency training for bikers, available in Brecon. Book your space now!

Biker Down Cymru is a FREE ‘Emergency First Aid’ course for bikers

The course includes topics such as:

➡️ Initial on the scene management
➡️ First aid for motorcyclists
➡️ The science of being seen

Newtown Fire Station:

• Saturday 19th April 2025
• Saturday 17th May 2025

Brecon Fire Station:

• Saturday 14th June 2025
• Saturday 12th July 2025

Llandrindod Wells Fire Station:

• Saturday 9th August 2025
• Saturday 20th September 2025

Spaces for these free courses are limited and fill up quickly. Please get in touch to reserve your places as soon as possible: 01597 826924 or miranda.capecchi1@powys.gov.uk

https://en.powys.gov.uk/.../Motorcycle-safety-and-training

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

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.

Haverfordwest: AWS Lego Club at Cashfield Community Centre on Tuesdays

Click poster to enlarge.

Lego Club. See poster for details. If not already registered please register your child/children in the link below.

AWS Annual Registration & Consent Form

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

London: Visit London Official Visitors Guide

 

Discover your ultimate guide to London... from the best activities in the city to top restaurants, bars, hotels, theatre shows, musicals, attractions and more!

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: HAF Fun this Summer

 If your child is aged 5-16 years and eligible for a funded place on the HAF programme, they will receive an email or letter from Staffordshire County Council and a letter from their school with a HAF code.

Booking opens on Monday 23 June at 4pm.
Activities run from Tuesday 22 July until Friday 29 August 2025
Quote your HAF code to get a free place

The perfect opportunity to meet new friends, enjoy healthy meals and have lots of fun this summer 

If your child is not eligible for a free place but would like to attend, get in touch. Many of our providers offer paid places, too!

Visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/holidayactivities

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: Recruiting for Teaching Assistants - Rugeley John Taylor School

We are currently looking to recruit 2 Teaching Assistants to join our founding staff team, when our new school opens in September.Applications for both roles close on Wednesday 2nd July at midday.
For full details of the roles and to apply please visit: https://jtmat.co.uk/vacancies/

Information from: Central 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
 

Bovington: Garrison youth club sessions

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Crawley: Mission Motorsports Veterans Karting Championship

We'd  love to invite members of the Armed Forces community to take part in the Mission Motorsport Veterans Karting Championships, in partnership with TeamSport Karting.

While the name might sound a bit formal, this series is all about fun, connection, and some friendly competition out on the track! Whether you’d like to join us for one event or several, you’d be most welcome. And no previous karting experience is needed—just come along and enjoy.

Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service by offering exciting opportunities in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. It’s all about helping individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and have a great time doing it.

Attached, you’ll find a flyer with all event locations and dates. Registration is now open for all rounds—you can sign up via the links below or simply use the QR code on the poster.

St Athan: Rainbow Group Drop in for under 5s with additional needs, at the Gathering Place on Tuesdays

 

Vale Flying Start:

We have an additional Rainbow group on Tuesday afternoons at The Gathering Place, St Athan, CF62 4JH. 

Rainbow group is specifically for children under 5 with additional needs and is delivered in partnership with the Vale’s Early Years ALN team. If you’d like further information on this group please contact Flying Start on 01446 732180

Mae gennym grŵp Enfys ychwanegol ar brynhawn Dydd Mawrth yn The Gathering Place, Sain Tathan, CF62 4JH. Mae’r grŵp Rainbow yn benodol ar gyfer plant dan 5 oed ag anghenion ychwanegol ac yn cael ei danfonwyd mewn partneriaeth â thîm ADY Blynyddoedd Cynnar y Fro. Os hoffech ragor o wybodaeth am y grŵp hwn, cysylltwch â Dechrau’n Deg ar 01446 732180

Information provided by Wales 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.

Leuchars: Scots DG PRI Minibus

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dorset: Introduction of new booking system at local recycling centres

A brand-new booking system is set to be brought in later this year at our Household Recycling Centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’), which will require users to book a slot before they visit.

Already in use in other counties, the free-to-use booking system will allow residents to pick a time of their choosing to drop off waste and recycling – meaning their visits will be quicker with reduced waiting times.

Find out more HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

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

Leuchars: AWS Tots Group Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.30-11.30 FREE

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Tots is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is FREE!

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

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 20 June 25

Prolonged dry weather and water conservation

Those living overseas will be well-accustomed to warmer weather, but for those living in the UK please note several areas across England and Wales have experienced the driest spring for over 60 years, and in some cases since records began. This has led to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a combination of drought status and prolonged dry weather status for many regions

To help conserve water follow the recommended actions:

• Consider taking a quick shower instead of a bath.
• Be mindful not to keep taps running for longer than needed to avoid water wastage.
• Try to run dishwashers and washing machines with a full load.
• Check and report any leaks in toilets, faucets or pipes to Pinnacle by calling 0800 031 8628.

Collectively, these small actions can make a big difference to available water resources. Thank you for your support and co-operation.


Summer safety tips

Summer is upon us, and we want to share some Summer Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe during warmer weather.

For advice on summer safety including window restrictors, BBQs, and what to do if you find a wasp or bees nest inside your property, visit: https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-my-home/summer-tips/

Northern Ireland: XL Bully type digs 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

Bath: Outdoor theatre in Bath this Summer

 

Click here to find out more

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

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

West Midlands: AWS CS Ternhill - Call all 8-16 year olds who fancy a challenge - 6 August

 For more information email: Sian.makin105@mod.gov.uk

Royal Wootton Bassett: Sustain Farm Shop Fun Day - Sun 13 Jul

 

Fun-filled day at Sustain Farm Shop Tickets, Sustain Farm Shop , Royal Wootton Bassett | TryBooking United Kingdom

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

South Gloucestershire: Armed Forces Day - Sat 21 June 25

ARMED FORCES DAY 2025

What's happening?

Saturday 21 June 2025, Page Park

10:00am - Open to the Public
10:20am - Parade marches through Staple Hill from Page Road
10:40am - Drumhead service and speeches
​11:40am - Armed Forces Reception
11:45am - Sunflower Group (Ukrainian Dancers)
12:30pm - Bristol Military Wives Choir
13:30pm - Ukrainian Singer Yuliia Derkach
14:00pm - Mood Indigo
15:30pm - V-DUBZ band
16:30pm - Event closes

There will be fairground attractions, military vehicles, charity stalls and other trade stands as well as great local music!

Click here for more information. 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub. 

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

Haverfordwest: Families Together Group - Free kids activities - every Wednesday at Cashfield Community Centre

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

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