Army HIVE Info: 2026

March 27, 2026

Bovington: Free community event & easter egg hunt - Sat 28th March

Click on poster above to enlarge

Free music, gifts, drinks, kids craft.
The Easter egg hunt will be on surrounding areas outside Memorial hall.
(Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Hosted by Poppies Tearooms
Venue: Memorial Hall, Bovington 1pm - 3pm

Everyone welcome.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 March 2026

Let’s get building: MOD set to start construction on first military homes in a decade

Good homes will be placed at the heart of UK military family life as the MOD is set to begin the construction of 265 new military family houses at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, the first such development in almost a decade. Families living in the area will see a range of new, modern apartments, houses and bungalows begin to be built at Carterton near the air base in the coming weeks, once formal approval is received.

In addition to the building of the houses at Brize Norton, DIO will also be refurbishing another 2,000 homes across the UK in the next 12 months alone, building on the 1,250 worst-condition properties already brought up to standard. This work is a step towards widening access for families who have previously not been able to benefit from a military home, with 1,000 of the refurbished houses being brought back into use for military families. This is almost double the number of previously empty homes that were brought online for families over the previous 12 months.

To read more on this, see the Defence Homes article here.

Message for Service families

We know many of you, especially those in long term relationships or with childcare responsibilities for more than 80 nights a year have been waiting a long time for clearer information about widening access to Defence housing. Thank you for your patience.

We understand how important it is for families to have clarity about their housing options, especially when it comes to making decisions about work, schooling, and other aspects of family life. This remains a priority for Defence, and we are continuing to develop the detail. The final approach will be shaped by the wider Defence Investment Plan, which will set out how Defence will spend its money over the coming years to deliver the priorities of the Strategic Defence Review, including equipment, housing, infrastructure and people. We will share further information as soon as we are able to provide clear and dependable guidance on what widening access will mean for you and your family and how it will work.

To read the full message, click here.

Updated security advice for families living in SFA

The Anchoring & Military Minds Spring Newsletter is now available. It’s packed with updates, upcoming events, family‑friendly activities, and information on the support available to serving personnel and military families.

Anchoring & Military Minds offers free, confidential support to anyone connected to the Armed Forces community. Whether it’s guidance around mental health, family wellbeing, navigating services, or simply needing a chat—please feel free to get in touch or pass their details on to someone who may benefit.

To read the newsletter in full, please CLICK HERE

To find out more, please visit https://www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/our-services/military-minds/

Military Connected Children and Young People – Survey invitation: Our Health, Our Community, Our Voice

We need your help! We're asking children and young people from military families to answer some questions and we'd really love to hear from you!

What is it all about? We want to find out what life is like for children who have a parent or guardian in the military. We're asking questions about your home, your school, your friends, and how you feel. This helps us understand what's great about military life, and where young people might need more support.

What are Social Determinants of Health? These are just the things around you that can affect how healthy and happy you feel, like where you live, who you spend time with, whether you feel safe, and whether you can get help when you need it.

What will I need to do? You'll be asked to fill in an online survey. It's not a test and there are no right or wrong answers! It will take about 10–15 minutes and you can do it at home or at school.

Everything you say is private. Your name won't be shared with anyone.

Why should I do it?

Because your opinion really matters!
To help other children in military families get better support
Hundreds of young people all over the UK are doing it too and you'll be part of something really important

Please use the relevant QR to your age group in the poster attached. Or follow the links below to the survey:

Age 8-11 – Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Age 12-15 – Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Age 16-18 - Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding opens to help young service children get the best start in life

New funding opens to help young service children get the best start in life

Young children in serving armed forces families often experience change in their early years before they even start school.

Frequent moves, long periods of separation, and the pressures of service life can all affect a child’s sense of stability at a critical stage of development.

A new round of funding has now opened to help early years providers and local authorities respond to these challenges and give service children the strong, nurturing start they deserve.

Early Years Programme

The Early Years programme delivered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, is part of the Armed Forces Families Fund. It supports projects that improve childcare provision for children aged birth to five from serving armed forces families. Focus is on helping early years settings develop practical projects that reflect the realities of military life, ensuring young service children can access safe, consistent environments that support their learning, wellbeing and sense of security before they begin primary school.

What funding can support

Enroll in your Headspace benefit: work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Headspace Log In

Northern Ireland: Causeway Coast & Glens Events for 2026

For more details please visit Events | Whats On | Visit Causeway Coast & Glens

Information provided by HIVE NI

March 26, 2026

South West: National Garden Scheme across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Oxfordshire

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,300 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we have donated over £77.8 million to nursing and health charities and in 2025 made an annual donation of over £3.8 million. Our core beneficiaries include Carer’s Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

The National Garden Scheme doesn’t just open beautiful gardens for charity – we are passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardens too. We also support charities doing amazing work in gardens and health and grant bursaries to help community gardening projects.

Please click the links below for further information:

Wiltshire gardens

Gloucestershire gardens

Somerset gardens

Oxfordshire gardens

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Llantwit Major & Barry: Free Children's Activity Sessions in the Easter Break - Tuesday 31st March 26

Vale Sports Development Team:

Upcoming opportunities for children/young people during the Easter 2026 holidays:

Tuesday 31st March:

Colcot Sports Hall, Barry

10:00-10:45am - AGES 7-9 YEARS:
https://indoor-baseball-ages7-9.eventbrite.co.uk
11:00-11:45am - AGES 10+ :
https://indoor-baseball-ages10andover.eventbrite.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windmill Lane, Llantwit Major
Ages 4-6 years:
https://multi-sport-and-games-ages4-6.eventbrite.co.uk
Ages 7-9 years:
https://multi-sport-and-games-ages7-9.eventbrite.co.uk
Ages 10+: Book via:
https://sports-at-windmill-lane-ages10-and-over.eventbrite.co.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Dorset: Veterans karting championship - Bournemouth Thurs 23rd April

Click on poster above to enlarge

The event is free and aimed at the Armed Forces Community
Sign up HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Catterick: Foxglove Covert reopens 30th March

Foxglove Covert is reopening with a new entrance on 30th March. Accessible from Waitwith Road

Usual opening hours will resume form this date. Come along for Easter festivities including a Fun trail, Craft activities and a pond trail

www.foxglovecovert.org.uk

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Veterans Coffee Morning every Mon

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Army Welfare Service – Contact Number Changes for Intake & Assessment Team (IAT) and Services Cotswold Centre

Please be advised that the Army Welfare Service has introduced updated contact numbers for two key services. These new numbers are now active and replace the previous lines, which have been permanently disconnected.

Intake & Assessment Team (IAT)

07813 019 490

The IAT remains available for queries, phone referrals, support, and contact from units, partners, and Service Users via:

Telephone: 07813 019 490
Email: RC-AWS-IAT-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Referral Form: via the standard AWS referral process - Army Welfare Service (AWS) Specialist Welfare (SW) Referral Form – Fill in form

Services Cotswold Centre

03311 432754

This number replaces the previous SCC contact line.

Money Saving Central: Places Kids Eat Free (or for £1) Easter

Here's our full list of Kids Eat Free (or for £1) restaurants this Easter: www.moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free

BOWRA Foundation: Residential weekends - Opportunity for people affected by acquired brain injury and their support networks to enjoy time together

For more information click HERE

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Grantham: Housing Surgery

Next Housing Surgery at the HIVE Community Centre, Building 162, Thursday 16th April, 1030 - 1230. All welcome!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Shrewton: The Bustard - Coffee and Chat - for Veterans and Serving Personnel

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Grantham: Shine Together supporting the people who support our communities

E: shinetogether@shinelincolnshire.com

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Easter Holiday Tennis Camp & Tots Camp

granthamtennisclub

Military discount available on some activities!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Grantham Prep International School - A world of learning begins here

15% discounts for Military families www.granthamprep.co.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Dishforth & Topcliffe: AWS Easter Activities

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Easter Activity with AWS 1st April

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Northern Ireland: Saturday 18th April - Rugby Union match between NI Blackthorns & Irish Guards

Open to all associated with the Military.

For more details please scan the QR code or click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Armed Forces Covenant Passes in Belfast City Council

ARMED FORCES COVENANT ADOPTED BY BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

I was delighted to receive a call from the Veterans Champion for Belfast City Council, Cllr James Lawlor to inform me that the council had formally adapted the Armed Forces Covenant.

Coming so soon after the positive vote in Stormont last November, this news will be very welcome.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly. It is not, as some claim, about preferential treatment, but rather making sure there is no disadvantage as a result of service.

Any political party, who believes in equality, and who wants to see an end to discrimination, could not object to the principles of the covenant. It is important for society in Northern Ireland that members of the Armed Forces and veterans receive the recognition that they deserve.

I want to pay tribute to Cllr James Lawlor, as the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion in Belfast City Council, for his tireless work to achieve this positive vote.

David Johnstone
NI Veterans Commissioner

Information provided by HIVE NI

Blandford: Garrison worship wednesday bible study for trainees

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

London: Building Heroes The Leading Tri-Service Military to Construction Charity

Please note: Service leavers are able to book in advance but are required to be within their last six months of service when they attend their course.

We are active in other locations across the UK. At one of these locations, we are offering a plant and machinery course. Further details can be found here: Streetworks and Plant Machinery Operative | Building Heroes

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Catterick: New Phone Number for Catterick Medical Centre in Cambrai Lines

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Got a Military Connection .... Need advice? dates for April drop ins

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison pregnancy, maternity & new parent network sessions - Tues 31st March - Tues 30th June

Connecting expectant parents with experienced parents, plus educational talks on topics like breastfeeding, babies first aid etc.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison easter egg competition sponsored by SSAFA - Register by Fri 3rd April

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Relationship enrichment course (padre led) starts Wed 29th April. Sign up now.

Click on poster above to enlarge

Time: 1230 - 1500hrs

Led by: Padre Carl Stokes & Padre CJ Rogers

This is a relaxed informal course, that Padre Carl has run for many years.

For more details email BlandfordGar-BGSUWelfare@mod.gov.uk ⁠or have a chat with the Padres.

Refreshments will be provided.

To sign up for the course: use this link

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Free easter family event - Sat 4th April

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support

The mobile advice bus will be parked adjacent to the HIVE building (Corner of King George V Road & Swinton Avenue) Speak to advisors face to face.

Available to all Garrison personnel, spouses, partners, reserves, veterans, civil servants, MOD contractors and local civilian community. Confidentiality guaranteed.

Appointments are not necessary, just turn up. First come, first serve basis.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Chatham: Reading Force Book Club

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Safe Haven NHS

An evening and weekend drop-in service for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or their carer.

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: Hampshire County Council/Rushmoor Wellbeing Walks

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Mind wellbeing partnership

In Hampshire, 50% of people experience psychological, emotional or mental health difficulties that significantly affect their day-to-day functioning. Rates of hospital admissions for self-harm in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are more than 1.5 times the national average.

In response, Andover Mind, Havant and East Hants Mind and Solent Mind are pleased to announce that they have been awarded the contract by Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board to provide mental health and wellbeing services across Hampshire. By working in partnership together and with the local GP surgeries, more people will be able to access specialist services, and local wellbeing centres will continue to support their communities.

For more information click HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Sandhurst: Military Co-Working Book Your Desk

Working from home is amazing, until you realise you've not actually left the house in 3 days and might have forgotten how to speak to real life people rather than those inside your computer...

Our coworking hubs are fantastic for helping to break this cycle, get you out of the house, making connections with other local military partners and spouses and giving you a good separation between work and home.

And for just £30 per YEAR, the value is fantastic!

So if you're already a member, book that desk for this week and come join us in your Sandhurst Military Coworking Hub, and if you're not a member yet - why not?

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub