Information about Primary School applications, if your child will be 4 by the end of Aug 2026

Defence Children Services:

Please see the Letter to parents if your child will be 4 by the end of August 2026 and you’re therefore eligible to apply for a Primary school place for your child. The deadline in England for applying for a Primary School place is January 15th 2026. Most Local Authorities have detailed information on their admissions websites about the process.

If you’re considering deferring your child’s start at Primary School, you will still need to apply for a school place in this application round but also request to defer your child’s start at primary school via the Headteacher and or the Local Authority.

Forces Employment Charity Oct newsletter: Leadership, Collaboration and Impact

This month’s newsletter spotlights exciting opportunities for those looking to forge new career paths in leadership and senior civilian roles. Whether embracing leadership challenges, making bold career moves, or stepping into global roles, the veteran community continues to inspire. Explore this month’s exclusive career opportunities, events, and insights for your next chapter.

Book Now for Our Senior Executive Workshop

Are you a senior officer (OF5 and above) interested in learning about the transition to senior executive civilian roles? Sign up now for our November Senior Executive Workshop for sessions on growth sectors, building your personal brand, salary expectations, pension planning, and a networking session with a broad range of industry contacts.

New Partnership With The Institute Of Leadership

We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Institute of Leadership. The IoL offers world-class development tools to support and empower individuals in their leadership journey. Eligible Forces Employment Charity clients can access 18 months of free membership.

Other upcoming events

• Pathways Into Defence and Security: Webinar 1

Realities, roles and routes into Defence Primes. Join us for the first of two webinars, following the in-person Pathways into Defence and Security conference, to gain additional insights into the sector.

5 November, 13:00-14:00, Online

• Senior Executive Workshop and Networking

Sign up now for sessions on growth sectors, building your personal brand, salary expectations, pension planning, and a networking session with a broad range of industry contacts. Learn More.

13 November, 10:30-19:00, London

• LinkedIn Essentials with Lincoln Coutts

Whether you are just getting started or have had a LinkedIn profile for years, Lincoln Coutts will guide you through the platform’s essential tips and tricks. Register today.

18 November, 11:00-16:00, Online

• Pathways Into Defence and Security Webinar 2

Roles and alternative routes into the defence sector. Join us for the second of two webinars, and gain insights into alternative employment routes into the defence sector.

19 November, 13:00-14:00, Online

West Midlands: Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market - 1 November to 24 December

The market will run from Saturday 1 November to Wednesday 24 December 2025.

Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00am to 9:00pm

Fridays: 11:00am to 9:30pm

Saturdays: 10:00am to 9:30pm

Sundays: 10:00am to 9:00pm

The official opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, 1 November at 5:30pm in Victoria Square, where the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Deputy Mayor of Frankfurt will together switch on Birmingham’s festive lights.

This year’s market features 60 beautifully decorated stalls serving German food and drink, including hot gluhwein, schnitzel, bratwurst, alongside a wide array of handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys, and jewellery.

Full details can be found Birmingham.gov.uk and Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

 

Wiltshire: What's on in November across North Wiltshire & Swindon

 

Please click the links below for a selection of local upcoming events and bookmark this page for any future updates! (Updated events may be added weekly and will show in bold text to indicate they are new)

Please note that the formatting of these lists has changed, and events are now listed by area where possible (unless in date order)

Hampshire: Surviving Being a Military Partner Four sessions starting on Tuesday 18th November 2025 1pm - 2.30pm

 

Click on Poster for further information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Little Troopers: SQUAD Podcast is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors

SQUAD Podcast - Series

SQUAD is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors.

The Little Troopers podcast – SQUAD – is created especially for 

young people aged 11–18 who are part of a military family.

As we get ready to launch Series 2, we’re on the lookout for young contributors to feature in the new episodes! Recording will take place throughout November and the podcast will launch in January 2026. You’ll be able to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other major platforms – as well as on the Little Troopers website.

🎧 This is a fantastic opportunity for military young people to share their experiences and join conversations alongside an inspiring line-up of guests – including celebrities, sports stars, and musicians who also grew up in military families.

We’d love to hear your story and your questions for our guests about how being part of a military family has shaped their lives and careers.

For more information and application form

SQUAD Series 1 episodes can be found here

Sandhurst - Content Planning Club Accountability & Advice

Are you a military spouse/partner that creates content?

We host a virtual session to connect us all on the first Thursday of the month, 10:30am-12pm, totally free. In fact, we are holding a session next Thursday 06.11.2025. Why not come and join us?

Content may be something that’s all too easy to slip off your to do list, time and time again, but we hope these sessions provide the accountability you may feel you need to make sure you’re actually creating it once in a while.

Content can range from social media content, to emails, to blog posts, magazine articles or just about anything else!

The bonus? Throughout the session you’re able to ask for feedback and advice in the Zoom chat, so no more analysis paralysis or being stuck for ideas as you can ask in there.

We’d love to see you there

We also have our physical SANDHURST MCN HUB where you can book a desk to help you get into the zone without the distractions from home. Please reach out if you would like to book a trial session.

https://www.militarycoworking.uk/events

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Scotland: Safer Scotland Safest way to enjoy fireworks

The safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is at an organised event. If you are planning on buying fireworks, please ensure that you read the instructions provided to make sure the space you have is large enough to use them safely.

Remember, it is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks.

Find out if there are events taking place in your local area here 👉 https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Powys: Powys new interactive bus routes now live!

Powys County Council: 

It’s here! Powys’ new interactive bus routes map is now live!

Plan your journey, explore new routes, and connect to your community like never before.

Try it now: www.powys.gov.uk/localbuses

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Bovington: Garrison weekly fitness sessions - child friendly

Click  on poster to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

West Midlands: Beyond the Uniform Well-being drop in - Ages 11-16 New Road Academy Wednesdays

 Information: Central HIVE Hub

Shropshire: Live Well Community Hub Donnington - 1st Friday of every month

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Surrey: childcare provision and funding - Surrey Additional Needs and Disabilities

Childcare providers have a legal duty to offer extra support to meet the needs of a child with a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This might include installing a ramp to allow wheelchair access to their premises, or training staff to use special equipment. 

They will also be able to apply to Surrey County Council to access additional support and funding to help pay for extra staff, training or resources that have been identified as necessary to allow your child to attend their setting. More information is available on the Surrey website below.

Click HERE for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Oxfordshire: Museums and Heritage

Explore Museums and Heritage Attractions

You’ll never be short of cultural things to do in Southern Oxfordshire thanks to its diverse array of captivating museums, listed buildings and heritage attractions. In Wantage, the Vale & Downland Museum offers a window into the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region, complemented by a charming café with a terrace and garden. A visit to the Abingdon County Hall Museum immerses you in the vibrant history of Abingdon through dynamic exhibitions and community-driven initiatives.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Hampshire County Council Childcare Choices

 

Changes to childcare support mean you might now be eligible for more help than ever before. Support from Childcare Choices can give your child a great start while giving you work choices, helping you make the juggle of family life a little easier. 

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Rushmoor Borough Council Employment & Skills Support for Military Spouses

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Gillingham: RE - Read Royal Engineers Museum Expert Talks

 

Click poster for further information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Medway: Lego Clubs at Medway Libraries

 

If you like building brick creations, no matter how old you are, come along to our free weekly drop-in sessions with the world’s favourite blocks - build, play and have fun!

Suitable for children aged 4 and over (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult).

Check days and times of  Lego Clubs HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub 

Aldershot: Citizen Advice Rushmore Forces Home Straight

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Hampshire Healthy Families Ready Steady Walk

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Chatham: Vivo Housing Surgery, Tuesday and Thursday mornings

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

North Yorkshire: Carers Plus Archive Edition Newsletter - Autumn

Archive Edition Newsletter - Autumn • October 2025 - click on the image above to read

We’re closing the year with our final Archive Edition Newsletter, celebrating the people and stories that have made our 30 year journey so special! ✨

Inside this issue:

Autism Reality Experience
Business Charter
Purple Power Month

Join us as we reflect on our anniversary year and the moments that continue to shape Carers Plus Yorkshire.

If you wish to find out more:

Have a look at our website: www.carersplus.net
Events page: www.carersplus.net/news/events

Call the team:
Scarborough Office (supporting Scarborough, Whitby, Ryedale): 01723 850155
Northallerton Office (supporting Hambleton and Richmondshire): 01609 780872

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Darlington: Resilience through craft - for Service Women: Seen & Heard

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Dreghorn: Pinnacle drop-in sessions, Tuesdays 1300-1500

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Aldershot: Garrison & Community Health Fair & Life Skills Tuesday 2nd December 1000hrs - 1430hrs

 

information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Fife: Full and Part Time vacancies for Autism Practitioners Full and Part Time vacancies

Location: Dunfermline, Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath

Hours: Full time & part time

Salary: £12.60 per hour, rising to £12.82 after probation. Opportunity to progress to £13.30 at your own pace. | £100.80 per sleepover

Closing Date: 31st October

Looking for a rewarding role where people are at the heart of everything you do?

For more information 👉 Fife Vacancies | Scottish Autism

Fife: Winter bin collections with Fife Council, brown bin collection dates will change

Brown bin collection dates in Fife will be changing, as usual, for the colder months.

Winter collections mean that your brown garden/food waste bins will be collected every 4 weeks over the coldest months, from 3 November 2025. Regular fortnightly collections will resume from 13 March 2026.

Thank you for continuing to recycle all year round - your efforts are appreciated.

Online bin calendars are up to date and here is the link to check your schedule: www.fife.gov.uk/bincalendar

You can also sign up for bin notifications By registering and signing up with your email, you will get a handy email the day before collection with the bin colour due.

Register for bin notifications online: www.fife.gov.uk/binreminders

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Lichfield: AWS CS - Youth Club Christmas Fun week 2 - Surprise secret Santa game night and pizza evening - 15 December

 Before booking, please make sure you are registered with AWS via the QR code if you are not already registed.  

To book for the event please email Caroline in the HIVE at RC-Pers-HIVE-CentralHub-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk with child's name, age, allergies, and parent contact details.

Closing date for bookings is 8 December at 12.00

Information provided by: Central HIVE

Lichfield: AWS CS Youth Club Christmas Fun Week 1 - Neon Party 8 December

Please make sure you are registered with AWS before booking via the QR code. 

To book: please email Caroline in the HIVE: RC-Pers-HIVE-Centalhub-0mailbox@mod.gov,.uk with child's name, age, any allergies and parent contact details

Closing date for bookings is: 5 December at 12.003

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub
 

Colerne: Wild Colerne November events

 

Please click the following to visit the Wild Colerne website or to join the Facebook group

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Richmond: Join the Ravens - Ladies rugby

Looking for a way to meet new people? Try rugby! 

Joining the Richmondshire Ravens is about more than the game — it’s about finding your people 

No experience needed, no pressure — just a team full of laughter, encouragement, and support.

If you’re looking to build confidence, get fit, and make amazing friends, this is your sign 

Message us to come and give it a go — you might just find your new favourite thing!

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Calling for Volunteers for Home-Start

 Exciting news! 

Our next Volunteer Preparation Course will be starting in the New Year 

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a volunteer and making a real difference for families in Richmondshire, this is your chance to get started. 

Contact us today to sign up and secure your place! Spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long.

info@homestart-richmondshire.org.uk

01748 850079

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison welfare newsletter winter edition

Click on above posters to enlarge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Gloucestershire: Free online career masterclasses

 

Thinking of a career change or looking for a job or just worried about your future work prospects? Don’t know what to do next?

Join Gloucestershire Council's free* online workshops and take the next steps in your employment journey.

All workshops are online. All you need is internet connectivity and the use of a laptop, PC, tablet or smartphone. All masterclasses will run from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

*Participants must be aged 19 or over and reside in England on the first day of learning; be qualified below a Level 2 (less than 5 GCSEs); or earning below £25,000.00 per year. Further eligibility criteria may apply. Contact for details.

Please click here to find out more

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Northern Ireland: Northern Irish Veterans Awards Highlights

 

Check out the links below for some of the highlights from the unforgettable night at the Crowne Plaza Belfast, where over 350 guests came together to celebrate the achievements of our veteran community.

#VeteransAwardsNI #VeteransAwards #NorthernIreland #Veterans #Inspiration #Service #Community #Thales #G4S #ConnectThroughService #WalkingWithTheWounded #ForcesEmploymentCharity #SupportOurVeterans #PrideInService #NIVeterans

Information provide by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Press Statement from the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner

 

THE CONCLUSION OF THE TRIAL OF SOLDIER F

23 October 2025

The conclusion of the trial today, with the acquittal of Soldier F, has once again brought into sharp focus the deep pain and division that events from over 50 years ago continue to cause. At the outset of this trial, I made clear that we should be mindful of the families who lost loved ones on 30th January 1972. These families, just like many others, who had relatives killed because of terrorist actions that same year, and indeed throughout the period of the Northern Ireland Troubles, continue to experience pain at the loss of a loved one.

Staffordshire: Latest job vacancies with Staffordshire County Council

The latest job vacancies include: SEND keyworker, 

To view the latest job vacancies please click HERE

Information from Central HIVE Hub

Shropshire Armed Forces Outreach Sessions - 27 Oct to 9 December

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

 

DIO SFA Communications Update: 23 Oct – Defence Homes Colour Palette

Patch Hacks: New painting guidelines for UK SFA

As part of their commitment to modernise outdated policies and give Service families more freedoms, DIO has introduced a new Defence Homes Colour Palette. And they say:

“We understand that being able to personalise your home is important. Whilst previously all interior walls had to be returned to magnolia or white before moving out, our new colour palette offers a broader range of colours for families to choose from.

“Colours within this range are light and neutral and will not require reverting to white. Take a look at our new colour palette along with some inspiration on how they could be styled in your home here.

“To give you as much freedom as possible, we haven’t dictated particular paint brands, colour names or types (like matt or silk). If you’re unsure whether your chosen colour complies with the approved range on the colour palette, you can check with your dedicated Housing Officer.

“As always, you are welcome to paint your interior walls other colours outside of the new palette range, but these will require reverting back to white upon move out.

“More information on this new policy, including a Top Tips guide for painting the interior of your SFA, can be found on the Defence Homes website. This includes helpful guidance on everything from choosing the right type of paint for a room to prepping the walls and aftercare.”

Defence Homes Paint FAQs page

Defence Update: Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

The Supporting Partners Programme 2025/26 awards almost £1 million to projects that empower Service partners to thrive.

A further 17 projects have been awarded almost £1 million (www) to help promote skills and experience in the workplace, enhance access to vital services, and improve wellbeing.

Compared to last year, this year’s Supporting Partners Fund allocated over 20% more funding to projects and received more overseas applications than ever before.

Bigger budget, bigger impact

Here are some of the important projects that have been awarded grants in the latest round of funding under the Supporting Partners Programme.

AI training initiative to bring new opportunities to partners, worldwide

The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (www) provides a range of media outlets and events for British forces and their families. Supporting Partners Funding will help to deliver an online and in person training programme for Service partners, worldwide.

SSAFA Gurkha Services

SSAFA's Gurkha Services are available to all serving and veteran members of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and their families. They provide local SSAFA volunteers with up to date information, awareness and translation services, to ensure the Gurkha community have the same support opportunities as any other member of the Armed Forces community.

They work collaboratively with other Gurkha specific organizations such as the Gurkha Welfare Trust, the Gurkha Brigade Association, the Army Welfare Service, Gurkha communities and others.

Click here for further information

Aldershot: Army Welfare Service join our team

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub