Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
October 29, 2025
Shropshire: Live Well Community Hub Donnington - 1st Friday of every month
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
October 28, 2025
Darlington: Resilience through craft - for Service Women: Seen & Heard
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
October 27, 2025
Dreghorn: Pinnacle drop-in sessions, Tuesdays 1300-1500
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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Fife: Winter bin collections with Fife Council, brown bin collection dates will change
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
October 24, 2025
DIO SFA Communications Update: 23 Oct – Defence Homes Colour Palette
As part of their commitment to modernise outdated policies and give Service families more freedoms, DIO has introduced a new Defence Homes Colour Palette.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.”
October 23, 2025
Defence Update: 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
Click here for further information
October 21, 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to support for serving families facing separation challenges
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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
October 20, 2025
Richmond: Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club every Saturday
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Moray: Weekly drop-in for support and advice
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Blandford: Garrison venues for booking events
Email: BLANDFORDGAR-QM-Dept@mod.gov.uk
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Serve and Protect Credit Union - 10 Years of Supporting the Armed Forces
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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
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
October 17, 2025
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
October 16, 2025
Shropshire: Free Health advice for your child via text
If your child is 0-5 years old text Shropshire Health Visiting on 07520 635212, or if you live in the Telford area text 07520 619053
If your child is 5-19 years old (or 25 if they have special educational needs or disabilities SEND). Text Shropshire School Nursing Service on 07507 330346, or if you live in the Telford area text 07520 619051
More information: HERE
Information provided: Central HIVE Hub
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £1 Million awarded to support more partners of serving personnel
Behind every serving member, whether regular or reserve, is a network of loved ones who quietly support from the sidelines. But for the partners, life in the armed forces can set unique challenges such as relocations, career disruptions, isolation, and the emotional toll from long separations.
Delivered on behalf of the MOD and designed specifically with service partners in mind, the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme provides tailored solutions and dedicated support to help navigate the demands of service life. It recognises that while service members wear the uniform, their partners also serve in their own way – often by juggling family life, careers, and personal wellbeing.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has supported a further 17 projects in the latest funding round, worth almost £1 million to projects that aim to improve the overall provision of support available to partners of serving personnel. Whether it’s promoting skills and experience in the workplace, enhancing access to vital services, or improving wellbeing – these projects are committed to empowering partners to thrive.
Supporting partners across Wales
Adferiad has been awarded a grant to deliver an 18-month, Wales-wide programme aimed at supporting partners into volunteering and employment.
October 15, 2025
Bath, Swindon & Wiltshire: Free wellbeing courses with BSW Recovery College
The BSW Recovery College offers free, in-person and online wellbeing courses and workshops for adults aged 18+ living in Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW).
These courses help people look after their mental health, develop new skills and connect with others. They are designed with people with their own experiences of mental health difficulties. The college is also open to carers, friends and family.
Please click here to find out more
Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Latest funding helps change the narrative for servicewomen
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has awarded eight projects a share of over £650,000 under its Service Women: Seen & Heard programme, focusing on the specific needs of women in our armed forces.
As of April 2025, women represented 11.9% of the UK regular armed forces; however, many still describe it as a ‘man’s world’.
From ill-fitting uniform to availability of sanitary products; a lack of recognition of the role many servicewomen play as main caregiver to their family, to a lack of understanding of the symptoms of menopause. Applications to the Trust’s servicewomen-focused programme made it clear that change is needed.
Body talk
Working across the UK, the Defence General Practice Women’s Health Special Interest Group: Academic Department of Military General Practice, will create a series of short, animated educational clips on servicewomen’s health.
The clips will be designed for use in facilitated discussions across recruitment, training, service and leadership, covering topics such as menstruation, vulval health, urination, menopause, reproductive health and more. This work will support awareness and wellbeing, as well as contribute towards gender-informed leadership in military settings – a key theme of the Atherton inquiry.
Surg Lt Cdr Ruth Guest explains: “Servicewomen tell us about struggling to manage periods on deployment, facing stigma around menopause, or not knowing where to seek support for female specific conditions. With this funding, we can turn lived experience into lasting educational tools that will improve confidence and wellbeing for serving women but also create meaningful discussions and culture change across Defence as a whole.”
Menopause support
Leuchars: Deployment support for RAF personnel at Leuchars
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RAF Personnel stationed at Leuchars are part of the military community, they and their families are welcomed to Station events, coffee mornings and activities provided by the Leuchars Welfare Teams.
HIVE is also here for the RAF Families and has contact with the RAF HIVE Information Support Officer and SSAFA at RAF Lossiemouth.
RAF Lossiemouth HIVE have produce the Deployment Support document above for RAF personnel at Leuchars.
If you require further help then please contact HIVE at Leuchars.
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Grantham: Contact Welfare House
1 fully furnished 2 bedroom house which can be booked for family & friends.
The Contact House is available provided there are no emergency cases.
Emergency cases take priority which may result in immediate vacating.
For bookings and further information please contact the Unit Station Welfare on 07879119195.
Maximum sleep is 4 with a travel cot for 1 child.
Bedding provided.
No pets.
No smoking.
£30 per night.
Bedding provided.
No pets.
No smoking.
£30 per night.
The Contact House is available provided there are no emergency cases.
Emergency cases take priority which may result in immediate vacating.
For bookings and further information please contact the Unit Station Welfare on 07879119195.
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
New Award Made under The Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded nearly £2 million to Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) to deliver targeted support – including counselling, emotional and practical care - to military families who’ve lost loved ones during or connected to service.
Long-term vison for transformational change
Weeton: AFC Fylde Community Foundation - Football Development and Mid Week Coasters
Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
October 14, 2025
Are you being posted overseas? Our Overseas and iHIVE Blogs hold information on your new location
• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager
For those posted elsewhere, anywhere in the rest of the World, our tri-Service iHIVE covers the area.
The iHIVE Blog hosts around 100 Overseas Location Guides that can be viewed or downloaded from our iHIVE Blog: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ with more being added routinely. These can also be accessed (by MODnet users) through the Army HIVE SharePoint site Overseas Postings area.
Most importantly, our iHIVE is also available to answer any enquiries about any overseas location worldwide, whether you are in the Royal Navy/RM, RAF, Army or civilian Service communities - please get in touch with any questions you may have.
iHIVE is listed in the Overseas Supportability Checklist as an action for any Service person/family assigned overseas, in order to check that local services, amenities and facilities meet each individual and family’s needs.
Our poster has iHIVE’s contact details, or get in touch by email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Leuchars: Station Partners PT Tuesday's 1900-2000
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Join the Facebook page for updates and weekly info Leuchars Station Partners PT
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Dover: AWS Community Support, Gurkha Culture Club, Every Monday 1500hrs-1630hrs
Hereford: Sing, Sign & Rhyme at Hereford Library
Fun-filled signing for babies and toddlers
Come and join Ailsa for a fun filled session learning sign language to help your little one communicate with you.
Sessions are beginner friendly with singing, rhymes, actions, bubbles and the parachute!
Mats are provided for you to sit or lay your babies on but please bring a blanket if you’d prefer.
Suitable for babies & toddlers from birth to 3 years.
October 13, 2025
Scotland: Veterans Housing Scotland
As we celebrate our 110th Anniversary in 2025, we complete a five-year strategy of significant but organised change. The charity now starts the next five-year phase of its strategy that will see huge investment into property refurbishments. We are incredibly proud of our history and the service we have provided to those who have served their country. We are equally excited about our future and how we as a charity will continue to work with and support members of the Veterans Housing Scotland family.
👉 Read the full Autumn 2025 newsletter here:
https://www.vhscot.org.uk/news/vhs-newsletter-autumn-2025
Wiltshire: 'Be Flood Ready' campaign
Flooding can happen quickly and cause serious disruption to homes, roads, and communities. That's why the council has launched a campaign to raise awareness of local flood risks and promote practical actions that can help reduce damage and keep people safe.
Key steps to prepare can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/be-flood-ready-wiltshire-council-urges-residents-to-prepare-ahead-of-winter-weather
Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE
October 10, 2025
Salisbury Plain: Salisbury Plain Military Coworking Network Hub - Free weekly Tuesday Virtual Co-Working Sessions
What are you doing on Tuesday between 9:30am and 12pm? Why not join us for our FREE virtual co-working session?
As well as having our Salisbury Plain MCN hub we run FREE weekly Tuesday virtual co-working sessions. Whether you’d like to work alongside others, refresh your CV, study, plan your weekly shopping list or meal plan or simply carve out some focused time to write, draw or plan. This is your space for accountability and productivity.
Here’s a simplified version of what happens
💬 15 minutes of welcome chat
💻 1 hour of muted working
💬 15 more minutes of chat
💻 Then a final hour of work before we all head off for lunch.
Can’t stay for the whole session? Don’t worry, we totally get that interruptions happen or you need to do other things!
It’s completely free to join, and you can sign up on our site
Events | Military Coworking Network
Information provided by South West HIVE Hub
Staffordshire: SEND Sessions at Amerton Farm
This is a calm, low-capacity evening designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities and their families.
Book online now to secure your space:
https://amertonfarm.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/61217
Information provided: Central HIVE Hub
Dorset: Home Start support and friendships for families
Our mission is to give children the best possible start in life, by supporting parents so they grow in confidence, strengthening and enjoying their relationships with their children and widening their links with the local community.
For details of Home Start click HERE
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
October 9, 2025
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Types of Domestic Abuse
For information on sources of support and advice on domestic abuse, please see this topic area on the HIVE Blog at https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Domestic%20Abuse
Our information sheet on domestic abuse support can be downloaded at: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Information%20Sheets
MODnet users can also find additional resources on the HIVE Sharepoint site at: Domestic Abuse
October 8, 2025
Leuchars: Dundee Rockets Home Games Family Pass
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The welfare team now hold a family pass ticket for the Dundee Rockets home games.
For more information and to book please contact a member of the welfare team.
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
October 7, 2025
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to help ease the stress of relocation
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That’s where Serving Families: On the Move comes in. The programme sets out to tackle these challenges head on – helping to reduce stress for service families affected by the difficulties relocation can bring.
Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) have supported a further 6 projects in the latest funding round, bringing the total number to 20 projects worth over £1.5 million! And with the second round still open for applications, there will be more to come.
Offering easily accessible information and advice, fostering stronger community links and creating welcoming spaces where friendships can grow, these projects will hopefully make every move a little easier. Ultimately ensuring service families feel welcome and thrive in their new location.
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