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.

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

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

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

 Information provided by: Central 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

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

Click HERE for more 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

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

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

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.

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

Grantham: Positive Energies

A deep and relaxing labyrinth of sounds to completely melt and immerse yourself in to "let go of it all" - Himalayan Bowls; Native Indian Drum and gentle Earth sounds - 1-1 sessions, workshops and corporate - military discounts available, contact Grantham HIVE Community Centre, Bldg. 162, PWG Bks., Grantham for details - Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-Grantham-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Surrey: Twister Youth Project for 13 -19 years

 

Click on the image for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Church Crookham: Army Welfare Service Give Us a Hand

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Sandhurst Military CoWorking Network Games Night Every 4th Tuesday evening of the month 7:30 pm - 9pm

 

Designed to connect military spouses and partners wherever they are, why not join us for a fun evening

of online gaming - all you need is your phone or tablet and a sense of humour, and you’ll have a good time! (Just checking have you also heard about our physical military coworking hub based at Sandhurst? – if not why not book a trial?)

We play Jackbox games so there’s nothing to download, all games are short so you can dip in and out as required and all the games are party style, whether it’s a quiz, teamwork, drawing on your phone/tablet or something completely off the wall.

Every 4th Tuesday evening of the month. Our next event is next week Tuesday 28th October 2025. 7:30pm-9pm

We also host virtual co-working on a Tuesday morning between 9:30am – 12pm.

Completely FREE, just sign up on our website:

https://www.militarycoworking.uk/events

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to support for serving families facing separation challenges

Military life can put a significant strain on the family unit, and service-related separation can play a key role. Maintaining a balanced home life through frequent periods apart is a challenge that many armed forces families face, and one which can cause feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness.

This challenge is at the heart of the latest projects supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) through their Apart, not Alone programme. From shared reading projects, outdoor wellbeing activities and family-friendly fitness sessions to peer support and tailored counselling,10 projects across the UK have been supported worth a total of £304,732. Each one will deliver support that sets out to improve the quality of life for those impacted by service-related separation.

Plus, applications are still being accepted for round two. If you’re working with serving families affected by separation challenges, maybe you could be the next funded project? Full details can be found on the Trus’s website.

West Midlands: Help shape suicide prevention in the Black Country

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Centrica 2026 Kitchen Appliance Engineer Traineeship opportunities open!

Centrica have a new traineeship opportunity opening 2026, application being taken now:
Trainee Kitchen Appliance Engineer, Flexible | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Richmond: Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club every Saturday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Moray: Weekly drop-in for support and advice

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Blandford: Garrison venues for booking events

Email: BLANDFORDGAR-QM-Dept@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison jobs

 

Search for full & part time vacancies at Bovington, Lulworth & Blandford Camp, HERE

(Use the search filters to refine location, contract, job type etc). Please note where it states Wareham this may indicate Bovington Camp. 

• Customer/food service assistants
• Cleaners
• Supervisors
• Department managers
• Facilities operatives
• Chefs/catering roles
• Mess (Accommodation) Stewards

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Wiltshire: Local employment opportunities

 

Please click the links below for a selection of roles available within North Wiltshire & Swindon (please note this list is not exhaustive and other local vacancies can be found on websites such as Gov.uk-Find A Job plus Indeed, local Facebook groups, etc.)

Powys: Carers Wellness Events between Oct 25 & Jan 26

01686 623707

enquiries@acpowys.org.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Hounds for Heroes - Autumn Newsletter

To view the Hounds for Heroes Autum newsletter, please go to: Autumn Newsletter - 2025

To find out more about the Hounds for Heroes mission and their work, please visit: Homepage | Hounds for Heroes

Serve and Protect Credit Union - 10 Years of Supporting the Armed Forces

Last week marked a special milestone for us at Serve and Protect Credit Union. On Wednesday, 15th October 2025, we proudly celebrate ten years of providing dedicated armed forces support to service personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.

It’s a decade defined by our commitment to improving the financial resilience of those who serve and have served our country. We are honoured to be the largest credit union available to the military, serving over 16,000 members across the armed forces community.

Our journey in armed forces support

The story began in 2015 when the Ministry of Defence selected Serve and Protect, as part of the ‘Joining Forces’ initiative, to offer financial services to the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Our mission was clear from the start. To provide an ethical and affordable alternative to high-cost lenders. We set out to build a foundation of financial wellbeing for the armed forces community, ensuring they have access to fair and supportive financial solutions.

This partnership was built on a shared goal to enhance the financial resilience of military personnel. We understood that the unique demands of service life can bring specific financial challenges. Our role was to provide reliable armed forces support that personnel and veterans could count on.

To read the article in full, including a YouTube video link, please go to: Serve and Protect celebrate a decade of Armed Forces support

Centrica 2026 recruitment opportunities open!

Centrica have various apprenticeships planned for 2026! Recruitment adverts are out now, and anybody who is looking for a new career should apply now!

Each advert has the locations for recruitment, and throughout the year they will be refreshed with new locations.

Links to the current adverts are below:

Apprentice Electrician:
Apprentice Electrician, Flexible / Berkshire / Nottinghamshire / Bedfordshire / Vale of Glamorgan / Merseyside / East Dunbartonshire / Leicestershire / Glasgow / Hertfordshire / Aberdeenshire / Greater London / Wiltshire / Gloucestershire / Essex / West Dunbartonshire / Staffordshire | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Apprentice Gas Smart Metering Engineer:
Smart Metering Apprentice, UK - Field Based (Engineers) / Greater London | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Apprentice Gas Heating Installation Engineer:
Apprentice Heating Installation Engineer, UK - Field Based (Engineers) | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Calne: Men Walking & Talking weekly groups and new monthly Saturday group

A Calne mental health initiative that has already changed lives through weekly walks is now adding a new way for men to meet and talk.

Following the success of the Men Walking & Talking - Calne group, co-organiser Leigh Randell has announced the launch of a monthly coffee morning, starting on Saturday 25th October at Pozza Coffee’s new café at CrossFit Calne on Portmarsh.

Running from 9am to 10am, the Men’s Coffee and Chat mornings will take place on the last Saturday of each month, with a different venue each time.

Please click here to join the Facebook group

Alternatively click here to find out more about this Saturday's walk

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Leconfield: DST Welfare-For Hire

Welfare Contact Details: Tel 01964 561743 

Information Provided by Leconfield HIVE 

Nominations Open for the 2026 Celebrating Forces Families Awards

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards are delighted to announce that nominations for the 2026 ceremony are now officially open! 

These national awards honour the exceptional contributions of UK Armed Forces families, recognising the strength, resilience, and dedication of those who support our military personnel behind the scenes. Whether through personal achievement, community impact, or professional excellence, these families play a vital role in the life of the Armed Forces. 

Sarah Walker CFF, spokesperson for the awards, said:
 "Forces families are the unsung heroes of our military community. These awards are about giving them the recognition they truly deserve and showcasing the incredible ways they contribute to the fabric of Armed Forces life." 

Award Categories for 2026 Include: 

Update from GOV.UK: Digital version of Veteran Card launched for quicker and easier access to support

Nearly 2 million veterans can now get and benefit from a digital version of the Veteran Card, which will make it easier and quicker to access key services and discounts via their smartphones.

From today, Friday 17 October, it will give veterans a seamless way to confirm their status in person and will include information already featured on their physical card - displaying their name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.

Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone.
From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online.
Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change.

To view the news update in full, please go to this LINK

Fulford: Free Early Start Courses

Early Start’ Sessions - Dates for the Diary

The dates are for sessions being run at the Low Moor Centre in Fulford. 

York Learning will be running this course for parents, grandparents and carers of pre-school children in the Low Moor Community Centre located on the SFA patch in Fulford.

The course will focus on your child’s speech, language and communication. The sessions will try out and talk about activities and ways you can support their development and widen their experiences at home and in the outdoor world

Information provided by North HIVE Hub