Northern Ireland: UDR Benevolent Fund Therapeutic Activities

 

Take Part In Therapeutic Equine Activities

Working alongside our delivery partner @Brooke House in Fermanagh, UDR Benevolent Fund offer their veterans and their families a range of therapeutic activities including a fantastic and unique opportunity to take part in equine activities.

Participants are able to interact with former racehorses, a rescued gypsy cob, a retired top-level show jumper and two wonderful ponies!

By creating special bonds with the horses, the equine assisted learning activities has helped our veterans improve their mental and physical health.

To find out more Call: 07720677838 or Email: udrbenfund@outlook.com

*Proof of service required

#UDRBenFund #KeepTheBenFundNumber

Information provided by HIVE NI

Wiltshire: Family and Community Learning - Supporting My Teen With Wellbeing - online course

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Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Catterick: Vacancy for General Service Assistant Marne Bks closing date 26th Aug

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Garrison Giggles Playgroup every Friday

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

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

Catterick: Carers Plus free weekly support sessions for Veterans who are Carers or being cared for starting Sept 25

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Chatham: What's on at the Lampard Centre in a Typical Week

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Kent & Medway: Release the Pressure, 24-Hour Support Service

It's natural to feel anxious or under stress in uncertain times. If you are feeling the pressure today, do not suffer in silence.

Release the Pressure is a free, confidential 24-hour service. Support is available whenever you need it.

To get in touch you can:

Text the word 'Medway' or 'Kent' to 85258

Use the Release the Pressure webchat services

Call 0800 107 0160.

Release the Pressure is provided by independent charities and funded by Kent County Council and Medway Council.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Catterick: IDAS - Project Rise Drop Ins every Tuesday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse - Welfare staff interviews request

SafeLives are also keen to speak with Army Welfare Officers and Unit Welfare Officers who have experience of supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse. They want to understand your experiences of providing welfare support, and hear your views on the barriers victim/survivors from military families and relationships may face when trying to access help.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Army Personnel ABF

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse victims/survivors interviews request

Survivor Interviews

SafeLives, with support from the Army Benevolent Fund, is looking to improve the domestic abuse response for victim/survivors from serving and veteran families.

SafeLives want to hear directly from victim/survivors who have lived experience of domestic abuse in military families or relationships. Their voices are central to this work.

Victim/survivors who take part will also receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Survivor ABF

ACORN programme run by ManKind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

 

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This course has less that six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

ManKind ACORN programme

For more information please see link below:

https://mankind.org.uk/for-professionals/pattern-changing-course-male-survivors/

Scotland: MyGov Scot Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods are payments that help towards the costs of being pregnant or looking after a child.
About Best Start Grant

The 3 Best Start Grant payments are:

Pregnancy and Baby Payment

Pregnancy and Baby Payment helps with the costs of having a baby. You can apply for this payment during pregnancy to help prepare for your baby's arrival, or after your baby is born.

Early Learning Payment

If your application is successful you'll get £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning. You can get the payment when your child is aged between 2 years old and 3 years and 6 months old. To get this payment your child does not need to go to nursery.

School Age Payment
School Age Payment is a payment of £319.80 per child. It helps with the costs of preparing for school when your child is first old enough to start primary school.

Surrey: become a registered childminder

Are you considering becoming a registered childminder and would like to find out more?

A registered childminder is a person who looks after one or more children for more than a total of two hours a day in their own home. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted. 

Surrey County Council are committed to supporting childminders to provide high quality childcare and early years education. Our 'Becoming a Registered Childminder' (BaRC) training is made up of two face-to-face full day sessions, delivered over two consecutive weeks, for those interested in joining the childminding profession. 

The training covers the legislation and implications of caring for other people's children in a home environment to ensure that children are safe, well cared for and take part in activities that contribute to their learning and development. 

The training also details your statutory duties as set out in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Surrey: funded childcare in Surrey

From April 2024, funded early education will be expanding. By September 2025, most working families with children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support. 

The new entitlements will be introduced in phases: 

- From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2 year olds can access 15 hours funded early education and childcare (over 38 weeks a year) from the term after their child's 2nd birthday

- From September 2024, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3 year olds can access 15 hours funded early education and childcare (over 38 weeks a year) from the term following their child turning 9 months

Aldershot: Safe Haven NHS

An evening and weekend drop-in service for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or their carer.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Family Focus Programme reopens for applications

When a serving person becomes wounded, injured, or sick, life can change quickly for those around them. Family members might take on the role of primary carer, carrying a heavy emotional and practical load during recovery.

Ongoing support is essential. Its helps carers recognise their own needs and ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

In 2024/25, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded more than £1.3 million to 16 projects under the Family Focus programme to improve the lives of family members of Wounded, Injured or Sick personnel and veterans.

Focus on family members

Today, the Trust are opening this programme and inviting applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel better informed and more able to access relevant information, advice and guidance, applicable to their situation.

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured or sick feel less lonely/isolated, more resilient and better equipped to deal with their circumstances.

• Family members of those who are wounded, injured and sick have developed their skills for work, or have greater confidence to pursue volunteering or employment when it's right for them.

Glasgow: Are you a veteran in Greater Glasgow and Clyde?

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If you are a veteran living in Greater Glasgow and Clyde who needs support, our Mental Health Peer Support Service is here for you. We can:

• Find support that is right for you
• Talk confidentially about your worries and concerns
• Help support you through your treatment or while you wait

Our service is confidential, non-judgemental, and free to use.
Reach out for a chat – either call 0800 999 3697 or email us at referrals@dmws.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Catterick: U14's Catterick Village Junior Football Club are looking for new players

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Catterick Village Roses are recruiting new players

Inspired? The Lionesses showed grit and determination to win the Euros again. 

It's not always about the best players, but the best team. Catterick Village is all about the team. 

Never kicked a ball before or a seasoned player looking for a different challenge, our Roses are a fantastic group who welcome anyone who wants to enjoy playing football. 

Come to one of our training sessions and start enjoying being part of a friendly, welcoming and competitive team

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Leuchars & St Andrews: Trial of Health Visitor Drop - in - service

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Leuchars drop in at the Community Centre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 10am-12 Noon

***Please note that this is not for weighing babies, there is a "Weigh & Go" at St Andrews Community Hospital***

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Which School year group is my child in?

For parents unfamiliar with the Scottish education system, it may not be clear which year group your child will be in when they move a Scottish school.

Check out Forces Children's Education website for more guidance and lots of great information and resources.
https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk/which-school-year...?

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Forres: Moray Citizens Advice Bureau Forres Outreach service

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Face to face appointments resume in Forres at the Forres JCP.

See poster for details on our Forres Outreach and how to book an appointment.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Aldershot: The Vine Centre

Based in Aldershot, Hampshire and supporting Rushmoor and the surrounding areas, we aim to support our community with their needs as and when they arise. The Vine Centre provides a broad range of services to the most disadvantaged members of our community and we seek to fulfil the basic needs of anyone who seeks our help.

Our mission is to serve the community, enabling individuals to move towards independence, make sustainable change in their lives, reduce social isolation and improve their quality of life by offering specialised support in a safe environment. We support adults and families that are socially isolated, long-term unemployed, homeless or poorly housed, suffering with mental health, addiction or learning difficulties. Often individuals will access more than one of our services - and they are always welcome to join anything we have on offer.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Surrey: working in early years and childcare

A job in early years and childcare is unique and rewarding. You get to be part of a child's early education and help to shape their future, and there are lots of roles to suit everyone.

Work in a nursery

Work in a pre-school or nursery school

Work as a childminder

Work in before and after school clubs

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Our dogs are far more than companions. They are working dogs trained to assist with everyday tasks like opening doors, retrieving dropped items and building confidence in public settings. Just as importantly, they offer loyal companionship and emotional reassurance.

Each dog is carefully matched to their Partner based on individual needs, ensuring a truly life-changing relationship that supports both practical challenges and emotional wellbeing.

Who We Help

We welcome applications from anyone who:
Is a current or former member of HM Armed Forces or Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard or RNLI)
Is living with a physical disability caused by illness or injury
(this does not need to be directly related to your time in service)

We support a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and independence, including:
Spinal injuries
Limb loss or amputation
Stroke recovery
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Serious illness or injury with lasting physical impact

We understand that the road to recovery and independence can be tough and the last thing we want is for cost to be a barrier. Where needed, Hounds for Heroes can cover the full working life of an assistance dog, including training, equipment, insurance and ongoing support. Each situation is assessed individually and we aim to remove as many barriers as possible.

If you or someone you support could benefit from an assistance dog, we’d love to hear from you. Welfare officers, medical staff and support teams are encouraged to signpost eligible individuals our way. We're here to help.

To learn more or to begin an application, visit: www.houndsforheroes.com or get in touch at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com.

Together, we can make a difference.

Hampshire: Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP)

Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) is a statutory body that leads on keeping children safe and ensuring their wellbeing in the local authority (LA) area of Hampshire. The Partnership includes local agencies who work together to make sure that child protection services in Hampshire are effective and keep our children safe.

For the latest news click HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Covenant Fund programme, Hidden Voices, reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has reopened the Hidden Voices programme for applications. This is the second year of this popular programme with funded projects last year supporting:

- veterans in the justice system in

- LGBT+ veterans

- victim-survivors of Military Sexual Violence

- carers in armed forces communities

- foreign & commonwealth personnel

- And more…!

The Hidden Voices programme is about ensuring everyone in the armed forces community feels heard and supported – focusing on those who may not always get the support they need.

Prevention and early-intervention mental health support

This is a mental health and wellbeing programme, specifically for those who have been underserved or who have faced barriers to support when accessing services. These groups are ‘seldom heard’ and may be less represented in mainstream services.

As well as helping people get the support they need, the Trust is looking for projects that will help organisations to learn and share how to better support these groups within the community.

Your project will need to meet both of the following outcomes:

Leuchars: Message from the Station regarding increase in small fires

There has been an increase in small fires being deliberately lit in the nature trail and surrounding woodland areas over the past few weeks. This is not only incredibly dangerous to those starting the fires and individuals’/families in the surrounding area but with Fife Fire and Rescue (FFR) vehicles being dispatched to deal with these deliberate acts, this essential emergency service is being misused which can cause catastrophic consequences for others who may genuinely require the service. 

Can everyone please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland or continue to report a fire to FFR?

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Catterick: Care for a Cuppa with Mind and Carers Plus

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

RAF Job Opportunities for Rejoiners and Inter-Service Transferees

RAF Recruitment | Rejoiners | Royal Air Force

Bovington: Garrison contact houses for short term accommodation use

To book email David.Oakes747@mod.gov.uk or Adrian.Ingham629@mod.gov.uk

or call 01929 402239 during office hours

For all bookings, a £50 deposit will be required within 7 days of making the booking and the full balance is to be paid 28 days prior to stay. The rate is set at £50 per night for the first three nights, then £25 per night thereafter.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

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

Farnham: Wetland waders and flamboyant flamingos at Birdworld

Immerse yourself in serenity at Wetland WaWetders, where you can observe a stunning variety of bird species using their unique beaks to feed from shallow and deep waters, while others soar and swoop gracefully all around you, creating a truly immersive experience. 

Then, follow the footprints to Flamboyant Flamingos and step into a world of vibrant pink! Explore the fascinating Pink Room to uncover fun flamingo facts and discover how these iconic birds get their rosy hue. Walk through to see the flamingos in their natural environment, and challenge your balance by trying to stand on one leg, just like a flamingo, and then enjoy our enchanting pink garden as you take in the breathtaking view of the flamingos in their natural splendor. 

Click HERE for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison Carpet cleaner hire

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Grantham: Important Notice re. Married Quarter areas

Keeping the estate tidy/litter free and safe is everyone's responsibility. 

For Health and Safety, pathways and roads should be clear of play equipment.

Reminders about Garden Waste Removal, charges and responsibilities. If you are departing/relocating on posting, please gift your green bin to someone who may want it or ask for the council to remove. For more information on Green Bins: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/bins-street-care-recycling-and-commercial-waste/garden-waste-collections

For details of the local/nearest recycling centre: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/grantham-recycling-centre - Thank you.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Defence update: Wraparound Childcare funding updates for autumn term 2025

Are you eligible to join the 9,000 Service families claiming up to £3,400, per child, per year, for their before and after school childcare costs?

What is Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

The WAC scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of disability allowances), who are in full-time education in school or being home educated. WAC funding is available to eligible working Service families in the UK, assigned overseas within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S), assigned overseas and using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision or assigned overseas unaccompanied with family remaining in an eligible location.

Since September 2022 WAC has provided funding for 12,500 Service children's before and after school childcare.

WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Wraparound childcare is also known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Age Childcare’ in Scotland.

Blandford: Garrison raceway kart track

Click on poster above to enlarge 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE  

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

Simplifying overseas service finances…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.

Planning made simple

The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.

Supporting family connections

For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.

Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.

Disturbance Expenses rate uplift

From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.

More information

· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.

· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.

Chatham: The Historic Dockyards Chatham The Countdown to Mission Christmas 2025 has Started

 

The Countdown to Mission Christmas 2025 has Started…  Father Christmas’ elves are making last-minute tweaks here at Chatham’s secret substation. The big ticket drop lands this Friday, 11 July.  Don’t miss your chance to join this year’s brand new mission: Mission Christmas Selected Dates between: Saturday 29 November - Wednesday 24 December   Mission Christmas: Quiet Sessions From 4pm on Tuesday 16 December  Keep an eye on your emails, The Historic Dockyard Chatham website, or our social channels for the Mission Christmas ticket release. Click HERE for more information

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over 2.5 million awarded to address the needs of service pupils

“Service pupils are more likely to experience family separation, as their serving parent(s) can be deployed to remote or dangerous locations. This can affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing, and they may require additional support at school during these periods.” -Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance

Delivered on behalf of the MOD, the Service Pupil Support programme ensures the needs of service pupils are met through effective interventions to support them along their educational pathway.

In this latest funding round, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded just over £2.5 million to 34 projects across the UK, dedicated to helping service pupils thrive. These initiatives are transforming the way schools support children from armed forces families by breaking down barriers to identifying additional needs, improving access to vital services, and empowering professionals through targeted development to ensure every service child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Russell Collier, Education Policy Team, MOD adds:

"We are delighted that so many education settings and local authorities, from across the UK, chose to apply to the Service Pupil Support Programme this year. It’s incredibly positive to see a large number of exciting projects being funded, all with the same ambition in mind, that is to support children from armed forces families to thrive in education."

Empowering service children

Grantham: Veterans Help & Advice Drop-in Session

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Scotland: Scottish Childminding Association - Will your little one soon be eligible for ELC funded hours?

If you haven't chosen a childcare setting already, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what is the best option for you and your family when there are so many choices 😕

For some families, this may be the first time your child has been looked after in a professional setting, for others you may be looking to prepare them for the routine of school. 

It's a big decision.

Here are some reasons why a childminder could be perfect for your family:
💠Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
💠Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
💠Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
💠Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence