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Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE
August 28, 2025
Gov.uk Armed Forces Pensions Update: Pension Scams
The over-arching link for all Armed Forces Pensions information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans
August 27, 2025
Surrey: Headway
Trained staff offer cognitive sessions to enhance quality of life, recovery and independence, as well as supporting their families and carers.
Click HERE for more information
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.
Kent & Medway: Release the Pressure
Grantham: Lincolnshire Family Services Directory
Lincolnshire Family Services DirectoryHelps you find information on useful local organisations and activities where you live.
The directory also supports Lincolnshire's family hubs and the start for life programme.
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
August 26, 2025
Catterick: Love to Sing? Want to Have Fun and Meet New Friends? Come and join the Military WAGS Choir
Love to Sing? Want to Have Fun and Meet New Friends?
Come and join the Military WAGS Choir – Catterick Garrison!
We are a welcoming community of wives, affiliates, girlfriends, and servicewomen who come together every week to sing, support, and socialise.
No auditions or experience necessary – just bring your enthusiasm!
FREE crèche facility available
A fun, friendly, and uplifting space to unwind and connect
Garrison Memorial Church, DL9 4ES
Thursdays, 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Whether you’re looking to try something new, make friends, or just have a great time, we’d love to meet you!
07955 162823 militarywagschoir.co.uk
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube – just search Military WAGS Choir
Come along – your voice is welcome here! We start our new term on 4th Sept
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Northern Ireland: 1st Northern Ireland Army Cadets , Aldergrove Detachment are looking for new recruits
The 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force are looking for new recruits at Aldergrove Detachment.
Parades are 1900-2100 on Thursday evenings.
Must be 12 years and over to register
For anyone interested in joining please contact Andrea at: 07551 435854
Information provided by HIVE NI
August 22, 2025
Staffordshire: LAYING UP OF 2 MERCIAN COLOURS - SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2025
The event, which will take place between 1300 and 1500 hours, will see the Regiment exercise the freedom of the City of Lichfield, as well as a church service where the Colours of the 2nd Battalion will be laid up at Lichfield Cathedral.
HOW DO I GET TICKETS?There are multiple ways to get tickets for the Cathedral service on the day:
• Via MERCIAN CONNECT
Simply head to the event page below and sign up to the event. When you provide us with your information on the sign-up page, we will use the information to send your tickets closer to the date: https://public.militaryapp.org/.../6863eab4577c055d020eef...
• Via your Regimental Association
Regimental Associations will be asking their members for the names of those who wish to attend the Laying up of Colours. Tickets will be provided to Association chairs for distribution closer to the date.
• Via E-Mail to RHQ Mercian
You may express your desire to attend by sending an E-Mail directly to RHQ Mercian through: RHQ@mercianregiment.co.uk
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Please note: Security measures, including bag checking, will be in operation for admittance to the Cathedral. Please only bring objects with you to the service that you require.
If you have any questions, please contact RHQ Mercian:
RHQ@mercianregiment.co.uk
Hereford: Bike Right in Herefordshire
Adult Cycle Skills
Offer adult cycle skills sessions exclusively for Herefordshire residents and run Dr Bike sessions throughout the year. All courses are funded by Herefordshire Council.
Live, work or study in Herefordshire? 18 or over?
Get tailored training at a level suited to your needs, all based on the National Cycle Training Standards and split in to easy to understand modules, choose from:
Basic for beginners - cycling off the road to build skills in local parks or on cycle tracks
Urban - boost your confidence riding on quiet local roads, back streets and B roads, taking you to the next level!
Advanced - A roads, complex junctions and busy roads require more advanced skills and knowledge, our advanced courses focus on key routes and commutes.
For further information or to book your session please click here.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
August 21, 2025
Staffordshire: PANDAS Foundation - Free support - Lichfield
1st and 3rd Monday of every month, 7-8pm
Meeting at Lichfield Family Hub, Purcell Avenue, WS13 7PH
Babies welcome
More information on PANDAS can be found HERE
Information from Central HIVE Hub
August 20, 2025
Wiltshire: Household Support Fund extended to help Wiltshire's most vulnerable until March 2026
Wiltshire Council has welcomed the UK Government's decision to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) for another year, ensuring vital assistance continues for residents most in need. The seventh round of the fund, known as HSF7, will run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
The Household Support Fund is designed to provide crisis support to households struggling with essential living costs, such as food and utility bills. It also offers preventative support, including budgeting and cookery classes, and the purchase of energy-efficient appliances like fridges and cookers.
Wiltshire: Residents encouraged to start their own care business with new support programme
This could include helping people with:
- Getting out and about
- Companionship
- Running errands or doing odd jobs
- Organising daily tasks
...or setting up and running
- Fitness classes
- Creative sessions
- Social groups
People choose the hours they work, giving them the flexibility to fit their business around their life.
Wiltshire Council funds the initiative which provides access to a free development programme that includes training, marketing support, signposting to funding opportunities, and a chance to connect with others doing similar work.
Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs
Gillingham: Taste Of The Caribbean 23rd August 2025 at Great Lines
Europe's Largest Food & Drink Festival Dedicated to Caribbean Food
Join us at the Taste of the Caribbean Food & Drink Festival, where cultures collide in a celebration of incredible flavours and vibrant traditional growing year after year 2025 is set to be our best yet.
Experience a lively mix of Caribbean street food traders serving hot dishes, desserts (from all over the world), and unique take -home goods, plus cultural crafts and non-food treasures. Entertainment includes live music, thrilling cooking demos, exciting eating contests and funfair rides with activities for all ages.
Get ready for an unforgettable festival that brings together people from all backgrounds to savour the magic of Caribbean culture!
Click HERE for more information
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
Wiltshire: Find out about Fostering with Wiltshire Council
Upcoming events include:
- Dauntsey
- Melksham
- Chippenham
- Corsham
- Calne
- Plus regular online sessions
Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs
August 19, 2025
GOV.UK: Updated guidance for Service personnel and their families on Early Years childcare and child welfare policies
To review the revised information please go to: Guidance for Service personnel and their families on child welfare policies.
Shorncliffe: Army Welfare Service Nepali Club Every Wednesday 1630 - 1800hrs
Aldershot: Tourist Information Centre
For further information and opening times please click HERE
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
London: Historic Royal Palaces
Plan your next day out
Whether you're into delectable food festivals, family-friendly trails, or thought-provoking exhibitions, we've got something for everyone. Start planning your next day out with us today.
Click HERE for further information
Information provided by South East HAVE
London: Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Kew Gardens
Discover the world of science behind our botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found across our UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hampshire: Hampshire County Council Fostering services
Visit the Hampshire County Council website to find out more about how you can start your fostering journey.
Click HERE for more information.
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
Kent and Medway: Preparing Young People with SEND for Adulthood
Kent Supported Employment can help you grow your skills and confidence and find employment that is right for you.
Click HERE for more information.
August 18, 2025
Wales: Free Online Courses - The Family Foundation
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
NAAFI: 2025 Welfare Returns figures
This year alone, they’ve generated £110,435 for local garrisons and communities across seven of their locations:
- Ascension Island
- Brunei
- The Falkland Islands
- Germany
- Poland
- Bahrain
- Royal Navy Ships
And find out more on the NAAFI website: https://naafi.co.uk/
Scotland: Back to school worries? Parent Club tips for all ages
Parent Club have tips & advice to help calm any nerves about going back to school as well as tips for supporting your child’s mental health
Help if your child feels unable to go to school
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Scotland: Sign up to Neighbourhood Watch
click on image to enlarge
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Scotland: Breathing Space for anyone over age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety
Breathing Space is a free confidential service for people in Scotland. Open up when you're feeling down - phone 0800 83 85 87
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Lothian: Lothian Veterans Centre
**Please note the change of venue**
Roll Along to our BACON ROLL MORNINGFriday the 22nd August at Lothians Veterans Centre
Come along meet new people, catch up with friends, have a laugh and maybe win at the raffle
If you would like to join us please let the team know what you would like on your roll by 12PM on THURSDAY 21st August
Please reply using the details: Email contact@lvc.scot or Call 0131 660 5537
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
York: Open Age York Women's 5 a Side Football
We play every Thursday 6-7pm at York Sport.
All abilities and fitness levels welcome.
All abilities and fitness levels welcome.
This is a friendly group of mostly over 25's with a mixture of football experience (ranging from none to semi pro). Our aim is to bring ladies together for an hour of football fun.
Anyone is welcome to come down and see if you like it.
DM for further information www.facebook.com/groups/1679151352462158/
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Midlothian: Are you a parent living in Midlothian?
Do you need an Elementary Food and Hygiene certificate to prepare yourself for returning to employment in hospitality?
Sign up for a 2 half day REHIS course that will cover topics such as hygiene in preparation, cooking and storage of food and current food legislation.
Dates: 10th and 11th September
Time: 9.30am–2.00pm
Venue: Strathesk Primary School 4 Eastfield Farm Road Penicuik EH26 8EZ
Participants must attend both sessions
For more information on eligibility for the course and to book, please email: cll@midlothian.gov.uk or call 0131 270 8900.
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Scotland: Trading Standards Scotland - scam DWP winter energy payments
In Scotland, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment.
In 2025 this will be paid by Social Security Scotland and not by DWP
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
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