Milspo: FREE Business Launch Accelerator Course, Online from September

FREE MOD-funded, online business start-up course for spouses and partners of UK Regular and Reserve Armed Forces.

Want to turn your idea into a business that fits around this beautiful thing we call modern military life?

Then apply to join the Business Launch Accelerator Course.

Learn how to launch and grow a successful business around deployments, postings, childcare and all the unpredictability of UK Armed Forces life. It’s a course specifically created FOR military spouses BY military spouses, so flexibility is built in.

This 8-week online course is designed to take you from an initial idea to a full-fledged start-up business and provides a clear roadmap and the tools and support you need to succeed. Plus, you’ll get to know a group of other amazing military spouses and partners with similar goals.

It’s fully funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the MOD, which means it’s completely free for those taking part.

Find out more and apply to join the next course which starts on 15 September 2025:
https://milspo.co.uk/course/

Sandhurst: Military Co-working Autumn is coming and so are new online events!

🍂 Autumn is coming and so are our new online events! ✨

From September we’ve got a brand-new regular event schedule, alongside our masterclasses and workshops from the community:

📌 Weekly Virtual Coworking

• Every Tuesday: 9:30am–12pm

📌 Content Planning Club

• First Thursday of the month

• This month Thursday 4th September 2025: 10:30am–12pm

📌 Craft & Chat

• First and Third Tuesday of the month: 7:30pm–9pm

• This month Tuesday 2nd September 2025 and Tuesday 16th September 2025

📌 Book Club

• Second Tuesday of the month: 7:30pm–9pm

• This month Tuesday 9th September 2025

📌 Games Night

• Fourth Tuesday of the month: 7:30pm–9pm

• This month 23rd September 2025

Lyneham: September newsletter

 

Please click the image to enlarge, or view this page online here

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Gloucestershire: Latest 'adult education in Gloucestershire' newsletter

Please click here to read the latest newsletter

This is just a taste of the qualifications and courses on offer to help Gloucestershire residents thrive and return to learning. Explore the full range online — there’s something for everyone!

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wiltshire: SEND newsletter including back-to-school information and guidance

 

Please click here to read this latest newsletter online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

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

Kent: Police Online Chat

 

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

 

Life can get really tough sometimes but don’t suffer in silence, text the word 'Kent' to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Home Start wellbeing group Mondays 1000hrs - 1130hrs

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Grantham: Lincolnshire Family Services Directory

Lincolnshire Family Services Directory

Helps 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

Cottesmore: Your Church St Mary's - Kendrew Barracks

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Grantham: Support with childcare costs

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fundedchildcare

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

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

Army Cadet Force Aldergrove Detachment

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

Dorset: Job opportunities including Blandford & Poole

Supporting Service Leavers and Military Families into Work.

We’re a local, family-run recruitment agency matching skilled personnel with short- and long-term jobs across Poole, Bournemouth, Blandford, Shaftesbury, Yeovil & beyond.

Latest vacancies:

Administrator – Temporary Role
https://www.swann.uk.com/blandford-forum/administrator/
Customer Service Advisor – Part time
https://www.swann.uk.com/blandford-forum/sales-customer-service-advisor/

Maintenance Engineers
Blandford https://www.swann.uk.com/poole/maintenance-engineer-2/
Poole https://www.swann.uk.com/blandford-forum/maintenance-engineer/

Temporary Van Driver – Blandford
https://www.swann.uk.com/blandford-forum/temporary-van-driver/

Purchaser – Permanent Role, Blandford
https://www.swann.uk.com/blandford-forum/purchaser/

Sectors we recruit for include: -
Engineering
Customer Service & Administration including remote working roles
Production & Industrial Roles
Multidrop Drivers
Senior & Commercial Positions

Let us support you with your next role – Please give us a call on 01258 458 695 or alternatively submit your CV via our website.

To see a full list of our live vacancies please visit our website HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE.

Staffordshire: LAYING UP OF 2 MERCIAN COLOURS - SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2025

On Saturday 11th October 2025, The Mercian Regiment will be laying up the Colours of the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, at Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire.

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

------------------

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

Warminster: Wiltshire Family and Community Learning - Warminster - ESOL Beginner

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Tidworth: Wiltshire Family and Community Learning - ESOL Course Tidworth for Beginners

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

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

2025 Army Families Federation questionnaire on Service pay

The Army Families Federation (AFF), Naval Families Federation (NFF) and RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) are jointly running a questionnaire to hear from Regular Service Personnel and their families about satisfaction with pay and personal financial circumstances over the past 12 months.

The responses will help to:

Better understand the financial challenges faced by service families.

Identify any trends or issues specific to each of the single services.

Provide robust, evidence-based feedback to the MOD, the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and other key stakeholders.

To take part in this questionnaire, which is open to serving personnel, spouses and partners, please click the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AFF2025_Pay_Questionnaire

The questionnaire should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and every response helps strengthen the evidence that family federations can present on behalf of families.

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

In partnership with Community Catalysts, Wiltshire Council is supporting individuals who want to work for themselves and become their own boss by offering care and support services in their communities.

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.

Click here to find out more

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

Click the link for more event info: Fostering with Wiltshire Council

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Staffordshire: Free Basic Paediatric First Aid Courses at Lichfield Family Hub

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Career Transition Partnership Employment Fairs – remaining 2025 dates

To view all CTP employment events, and to register to attend an event, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Hampshire: TalkPlus talking therapies

 

Are you feeling Stressed, Anxious, Low Mood or having Panic Attacks then you need to talk to TalkPlus which is a friendly, effective and FREE service for veterans and military family members.

This service is a friendly team made up of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP) \high Intensity CBT Therapists, Counsellors, Clinical Psychologists and Mindfulness practitioners.

We can offer Therapy sessions via face to face, video, telephone and instant messenger!

Your GP can refer you, or you can head over to our website or call our admin team as listed below:

Call: 01252 533 355
Text Us: 07984 385248
Email: frimleyicb.talkplus@nhs.net
Website: www.talkplus.org.uk

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

GOV.UK: Updated guidance for Service personnel and their families on Early Years childcare and child welfare policies

The Gov.uk website has been updated today, with new information in the ‘Free Early Years Childcare entitlement for children aged 9 months to school starting age (including 15 or 30 hours’ free childcare)’ and ‘Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA)’ section.

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

 

Information provided by South Ease HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Tourist Information Centre

Aldershot Tourist Information Centre has a wide range of information to help you enjoy your stay in Aldershot. The staff will be pleased to help you plan your visit and provide advice on where to stay and what to do.

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.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

London: Being Dad coffee morning - Fridays 1030-1200hrs

Being Dad is a well-being project with SEL Mind for expectant or new dads, or men with parenting responsibilities, to help them cope with the challenges of fatherhood. Meet other dads. share the load and have a good brew. 

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

Winchester - Home-Start Family Groups

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub