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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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November 24, 2025

First Defence Finance: Resources from Safer Gambling Week

Last week marked Safer Gambling Week, and our colleagues at First Defence Finance (one of the three MOD-endorsed Credit Unions) have produced a booklet on this topic that can be viewed online at: 

👉 https://heyzine.com/flip-book/FDFGamblingSupport

Read on for further information:


Three Ways to Stay in Control of Gambling

For many people, gambling is a bit of fun.
But sometimes it can start to take over.

If betting is making you stressed about money, hiding spending, or affecting your home life or work, you are not alone. Many people in the Armed Forces community face the same challenge.

The good news: help is there every step of the way.
Here are three simple ways to stay in control.

1. Keep Track of Your Spending

If you want to continue gambling but stay in control, there are tools that can help you set limits and manage what you spend.

BeGambleAware
Practical advice, tips and support.
www.begambleaware.org

2. Take a Break When You Need It

Sometimes pressing pause is the best step. You can block gambling websites and apps on your devices for a period you choose.
GAMSTOP
Free online self-exclusion in the UK.
www.gamstop.co.uk

3. Talk to Someone Who Understands

If you are feeling stressed or worried about gambling, speaking with someone in confidence can help you move forward.

GamCare
Free, confidential helpline available 24 hours a day.
www.gamcare.org.uk
Reaching out for support is a strong move.

Struggling With Debt?

Debt can build up quickly if gambling gets out of hand, but there are ways to take back control.
StepChange gives free, confidential help to manage and repay your debts.
Visit www.stepchange.org or call 0800 138 1111 to get support, today.

FREE Additional Support

Mental health advisors
• mind.org.uk
• samaritans.org

Money and debt advice
• citizensadvice.org.uk
• moneyhelper.org.uk

Support for family and friends
• gamfam.org.uk
• gambleaware.org/advice/for-family-and-friends

You Are Not Alone

Taking action is not a weakness. It is how you take back control.
If you want help managing money, reducing stress, or improving your financial future, First Defence Finance is ready to support you.
Visit www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/dealing-with-financial-stress to get started.

Want more support with gambling?
Read the gambling support booklet: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/FDFGamblingSupport
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