Northern Ireland: Balmoral Show - Wednesday 13th - Saturday 16th May

The Balmoral Show is Northern Ireland's largest agricultural event, taking place annually in May at Balmoral Park in Lisburn. It features a variety of activities, including livestock competitions, equestrian events, and family-friendly entertainment. 

The event showcases local produce, agriculture innovations, and is a significant celebration of rural life and farming culture in the region.

For more details, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Motorfinity: April Newsletter

Motorfinity - April Update

Welcome to the April Motorfinity newsletter! We’re excited to bring you our latest updates, including a Working Well Community podcast with Dr Paige Chana, fresh vehicle insights, theme park competition and helpful new content. This month is all about supporting wellbeing, unlocking savings, and sharing value across your teams.

Clinical psychologist Dr Paige Chana offers powerful insights into supporting wellbeing in complex healthcare environments, showing how psychological approaches can benefit both patients and staff.

New Car Discount with Motorfinity
NHS staff, Armed Forces, Social Care, Emergency Services and Education staff can save thousands on a brand-new car through Motorfinity.

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/PMJHYD8KCUw?si=VfTKzic-BEFLRfLE

👉 We’d love your support—please feel free to share this with colleagues and teams who could benefit from these exclusive savings.

New Vehicle Review: Changan Deepal S07 UK
Explore our latest review of the Changan Deepal S07 and see how it performs on UK roads.

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/LoPebH2IIuE?si=7FEPqI-Qk6F9jf4B

Podcast Feature: Dr Paige Chana
As part of the Working Well Community and Motorfinity’s newly launched Full Tank Thinking podcast series, this conversation was recorded at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Event 2026. It explores NHS workforce pressures, systemic wellbeing, and how psychology can help shape healthier workplaces across sectors.

Topics include:

Defence Update: Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding Overseas Survey 2025 results published

The Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding (AFFS) team commissioned a survey aimed at Armed Forces families living overseas to better understand their lived experience and provide an evidence base to help review current policy processes and develop future policy. The survey was issued to Serving personnel including dual-Serving and spouses/partners assigned overseas.

To view the results of the survey, please go to this link: Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding Overseas Survey 2025 - GOV.UK

Defence Update: Helping our people understand the Armed Forces Covenant’s support and extension

Helping our people understand the Armed Forces Covenant’s support and extension

A grant of £370,000 has been awarded to drive awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant – helping more Service personnel and families to access support and understand how the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty extension, as part of the Armed Forces Bill, will directly benefit them.

The Army Families Federation (AFF) will receive the grant on behalf of the Tri-Service Families Federations, which includes the AFF, Naval Families Federation and the RAF Families Federation. Together, they will develop the Covenant Awareness Programme, coordinating efforts with other relevant organisations.

Funded for two years by the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Families Fund, the Covenant Awareness Programme will:

• Significantly improve awareness and understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant by creating and sharing resources and engaging with Service families.
• Enhance the well-being and resilience of Service families through better access to resources and support networks.
• Inform Service families of how the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty extension through the Armed Forces Bill – which is progressing through Parliament – will positively impact them.

What does extending the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty mean for the Service community?

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 110 job vacancies across Southern England, closing date 29 Apr

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 110 Executive Officer Work Coach opportunities across the Southern England area. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the roles available, and application details: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - South England (Ref: 759)

Open for applications until 29/04/26.

Blandford: Garrison 'Little Buds' baby & toddler group

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison pregnancy, maternity & new parent network session - Tues 28th April

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

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

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison medical centre & local NHS doctors/dentists

Service Personnel only

The centre is open 

Mon, Tues & Thurs 0800 - 1630
Wed & Fri 0800-1230 

Closed weekends

Contact reception on 01929 403474

E-consult services 

Spouses/Partners & children

Register with NHS medical services in Wool village or Bere Regis (nr Bovington)

Wellbridge Practice. 

Meadow Lane, Wool BH20 6DR - 01929 462376
Website link: The Wellbridge Practice for opening times, contact details, booking appointments, joining the practice, prescriptions etc.  

Bere Regis Surgery.  

Manor Farm Road BH20 7HB - 01929 471268

Website link: Bere Regis Surgery for opening times, contact details, booking appointments, joining the practice, prescriptions etc.  

To find a dentist in the local area click HERE If you do not have a SFA address yet, use BH20 6JA  postcode to help refine your search area.  

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Statement, in respect to Coagh Inquest Appeal Ruling

 

Please see the statement below from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone in respect to yesterday's Coagh Inquest Appeal Ruling:

Yesterday's Appeal Court ruling by Lady Chief Justice Keegan, that a coroner was legally entitled to find a SAS soldier justified in shooting an unarmed IRA driver, as part of a collective terrorist threat to life, is to be welcomed. Lady Chief Justice Keegan said the SAS member ( Soldier B ) who opened fire, at an IRA terrorist attack in Coagh in 1991, had responded proportionately in a lethal situation, a fact already established at the initial inquest and an appeal.

This ruling also highlights the ongoing concerns that veterans have with the wider legacy process and some of the current proposals contained within the Troubles Bill. For many veterans, this ‘lawfare’, particularly through the coronial system, has become the punishment. Lady Chief Justice Keegan was clear in stating the grounds of this legal challenge were not the purpose of Judicial Reviews. In other words, this is a misuse of the legal system.

Millions of pounds of public money is being channelled into legal cases that lack any substance, consuming court time and prolonging hardship for veterans and their families who are more often than not, left in limbo for years.

I also welcome the public comments of the SAS Regimental Association and the retired Generals who understand, better than anyone, the challenging nature of operations like Coagh, where soldiers, sent by the UK Government, found themselves in combat situations facing armed terrorists.

As Veterans Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for a legacy process that ensures fairness for all. I will continue to highlight the ‘lawfare’ strategy being used, particularly through coroners inquests, that seeks to create a narrative of wholesale demonisation of those who served, the vast majority of whom did so, with huge restraint and professionalism.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: North West 200 - 4th - 9th May

 

North West 200 is Ireland's largest outdoor sporting event, attracting huge crowds, as well as the biggest names in sport.

With nearly 100 years of racing history and home to the only mass start in road racing - there is truly No Where like the North West 200. 

For more details, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Farnborough: Job Fair at Princes Mead Thursday 23rd April 2026 1000 - 1400hrs

 

Join us Thursday 23rd April 2026, to meet local employers who are currently hiring, training providers, and organisations that can support you with your job search.

Thursday 23 April, 10:00 to 14:00

Princes Mead Shopping Centre, Farnborough Full list of employers attending here: www.rushmoor.gov.uk/jobfair

Information Provided by South East HIVE Hub

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum Spring Event – Devon,18 May

The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) spring event is for current serving families who have an immediate member with additional needs or disabilities, as well as professionals working within the sector. It offers an opportunity to meet the FANDF committee, connect with other serving families in the local area and begin building a support network. Attendees will also have the chance to meet relevant professionals and local support organisations who can provide advice, guidance, and answer questions related to additional needs and disability.

Link to register: FANDF Spring 2026 Event Registration

If you have any questions, please email CS.ANDA@ssafa-fhs.org.uk

Brecon: World Curlew Day Story Time & Crafts on Tues 21st April at Y Gaer

Story time and crafts at Y Gaer
Amser stori a chrefftau yn Y Gaer

Tuesday 21st April - 11am - 4pm at Y Gaer Library, Brecon.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Brecon: Finds Surgery at Y Gaer Museum, Brecon on Sun 26th April 26

Do you have any old and interesting archaeological objects?
Ever wondered what they were?
Now is your chance to find out!

Finds Liaison Officer Adelle Bricking will be available to identify and record them for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Email Adelle.Bricking@museumwales.ak.uk to book a guaranteed 10-minute slot

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Dundee: Scottish Social Services Council recruiting a Learning and Development Manager - apply by 8.00am Mon 4th may

We’re recruiting a Learning and Development Manager (Qualifications and Standards) to join us on a permanent basis.

This is a great opportunity to lead learning and development that supports high‑quality qualifications and professional standards across the social services sector. You’ll manage a skilled team and work closely with colleagues and external partners to make a real difference.

Apply by 8.00am on Monday 4 May 2026:
https://www.sssc.uk.com/learning-and-development-ma

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dorset: Military coworking network virtual events Tues 21st - Thurs 23rd April

Virtual Co-working – every Tuesday morning
Tuesday 21 Apr 2026, 09:30 – 12:00 BST
Virtual Coworking
For those who don't have access to a hub but love to cowork.
LINK: Virtual Coworking | Military Coworking

Craft & Chat
Tuesday 21 Apr 2026, 19:30 – 21:00
Virtual Event
Bring whatever craft you're working on and have a natter with us whilst you craft!
LINK: Craft & Chat | Military Coworking

Colouring break – every Wednesday
Wednesday 22 Apr 2026, 12:00 – 12:30
Virtual Event
Break up your working week with 30 minutes of colouring in and chatting, help make sure you take a bit of time for you in your busy weeks!
LINK: Colouring Break | Military Coworking

World Book Night Reading Hour
Thursday 23 Apr 2026, 19:00 – 20:00 BST
Virtual Event
Get cosy and come together for an hour of reading together to celebrate World Book Night #ReadingHour
LINK: World Book Night Reading Hour | Military Coworking

If you’d like to join our sessions and hear about upcoming events, sign up for free online membership here: https://www.militarycoworking.uk/events

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Celebrating Forces Families Livestream on 24 April

Friday 24th April 26 is when the Celebrating Forces Families Awards Evening will be taking place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London from 5.30 pm until 00.30 am.

If you are unable to join on the night you can join the live stream, from the comfort of your own home, with best PJ’s at the ready. The livestream will run from 8.15 pm until appox. 11 pm and will capture the evening’s events as they happen.

All you need is a device with a good connection and follow the link that will be sent direct to your inbox after registering.


Book your tickets at this link to ensure you have all the information you require: Livestream — Celebrating Forces Families

St Andrews: Saints Sport - University of St Andrews Participation Programme Coordinator vacancy, closing date 27th April

Saints Sport - University of St Andrew are hiring

There is an exciting opening within our Children's Services Team for a Participation Programme Coordinator 🏃

Working through the vibrant Junior Saints brand and as part of the wider Saints Sport team, you will play a key role in shaping meaningful participation experiences across the University of St Andrews and local community.

Closing date: 27 April 2026

For further information and informal enquiries please contact Claire Scott: cls25@st-andrews.ac.uk

To view this position please visit the website 👉 https://ow.ly/LPBP50YCN09

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Fife: Citizens Advice and Rights Fife Scam Alert

We’ve been made aware of a scam where callers are pretending to be from Citizens Advice. These scams are becoming increasingly convincing and detailed.

Scammers are contacting individuals claiming they are owed money (e.g. refunds for mortgage or loan interest) and may:

🔹Already know personal details like your address or bank
🔹Offer to deliver cash in person
🔹Ask for bank account information

🚨 Citizens Advice will NEVER cold call you to offer money or ask for your bank details.

If you receive a call like this:

🔹Do NOT share any personal or financial information
🔹Hang up immediately
🔹Contact your bank
🔹Report the incident to the police via 101
🔹Call Advice Direct for further guidance
🔹Change your online passwords, especially for banking

📱 If you or someone you know receives a similar call, please report it and help spread awareness.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Rosyth: Fife Council FREE Beasties and Bugs Pop Up Play at Rosyth Library 22nd April

click on image to enlarge

🐞 A free play session for under fives and their parents/carers, exploring some of the 50 Things to do Before You're Five activities. This event is perfect for your little minibeast fans, and one of OnFife Libraries special events for the Unearthed exhibition at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries.🦋

📍Rosyth Library
Wednesday 22nd April
10:30am - 11:30am

Contact the library to book:
Tel: 01383 602370
E-mail: Rosyth.Library@onfife.com

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

West Midlands: Models for Heroes - Telford Sessions

 Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison charity quiz night - Thurs 30th April

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Bovington & Blandford - Summer camp for garrison young people Mon 17th - Fri 21st Aug. Register now!

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

The summer residential is open to young people in school years 7+ from September, capturing the year 6 students moving up to secondary school for transition support purposes. 

There are only 14 spaces available for Blandford and a further 14 spaces for Bovington.£50 per person courtesty of funding from OOSA and ABF.

Transport from Bovington and Blandford Camps included. 

If you would like to register your interest click HERE

For more information or to discuss further contact James.Tarring100@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Dorset: Bovington & Blandford garrison youth trip - Thorpe park Tues 26th May. Book now.

AWS Community Support invite you to get ready for an epic day out at Thorpe Park with your friends. This youth coach trip is all about fun, thrills, and making memories. Hop on the coach, enjoy the ride, and dive into a world of roller coasters and test your limits with the speed of Stealth, the thrill of Nemesis Inferno and the nerve jangling Detenator, this theme park has it all.

Height restrictions apply on most rides (minimum of 1.2m tall for most, 1.4m for major coasters).

Timings

Blandford Pick Up - 0730 - Signals Museum car park, Blandford Camp 
Bovington Pick Up - 0810 - Vision youth centre, Elles road, Bovington. 

Arrive at Thorpe Park - 1015
Depart Thorpe Park - 1730

Bovington Arrival - 2015 - Vision youth centre, Elles road, Bovington. 
Blandford Arrival - 2100 - Signals Museum car park, Blandford Camp

For more details and to purchase tickets click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Medway: Find a Scout group in the area

Would you like to join scouts but don't know which group is near you? Please contact the groups listed below for information on when and what time they meet.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Kent & Medway: Domestic Abuse Support

 

Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse can lead to a person feeling like there is no escape and having suicidal thoughts. 30% of suspected suicides in Kent and Medway have domestic abuse as a factor (@KentPolice).

Support services are there for anyone experiencing abuse and can provide practical and emotional support including refuge, safe accommodation, specialist programmes and 1-2-1 help.

Find help and resources:

Domestic Abuse (domesticabuseservices.org.uk)

Mental health - Kent County Council

Every Mind Matters - Kent County Council

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub 

Mission Motorsport April Newsletter

Highlights in April's Edition Include:

• A recent live podcast event with Smith and Sniff raised £10,000 in support of Mission Motorsport, thanks to ticket sales and a silent auction.
• There are expanding opportunities for Armed Forces personnel to take part in the 2026 BTCC Grid Person experience, offering access to the pit lane, grid walk, and a full race day.
• Our Banter, Brews & Cars track day at Three Sisters Circuit delivered a valuable mix of driving experiences and wellbeing impact for attendees.
• The Disabled Drivers Scholarship returns for 2026 with increased funded places and continued pathways into competitive motorsport.

To view the Newsletter - CLICK HERE

Vale of Glamorgan: Litter Picking Hubs - Keep Wales Tidy

Vale of Glamorgan Council: 

Did you know there are 11 litter picking hubs across the Vale of Glamorgan?

They’re part of a network of 200+ hubs across Wales, with free kits available to borrow, including litter pickers, hi-vis vests and bags

They are there for anyone planning a community clean-up - a big thank you to all the community champions who go above and beyond to help keep our communities cared for

Find your nearest hub and find out how to get involved with Keep Wales Tidy - Cadwch Gymru'n Daclus Facebook Page

Visit the Keep Wales Tidy website here

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Vale of Glamorgan: Soft plastic collections start from Mon 13th April across the Vale of Glamorgan

Vale of Glamorgan Council:

A quick reminder that our soft plastics recycling collection service has now launched across Barry and the rural Vale

You should already have received:

• A roll of blue bags for your soft plastics
• An information leaflet explaining what can and cannot be recycled

If you live in Barry or the Rural Vale and haven’t received your bags yet, please let us know via our online form

For residents in Penarth, Dinas Powys and surrounding areas who took part in the pilot:

During April and May, we’ll be delivering your next roll of sacks.

From 2027, all households will have one roll delivered per year. You’ll also be able to pick up additional rolls from local libraries and Civic Offices if needed.

We've explored a range of options but as the rolls are larger than standard food caddy liners, we’re unable to carry them on collection vehicles for ad hoc requests.

Thank you for all your recycling efforts.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Edinburgh/Glencorse/Leuchars: AWS Lowlands Summer Residential 21st - 24th July 2026 - registration closes Friday 29th May

click on image to enlarge

Register your interest using the QR code above by 29th May.

For further information contact Emma Twyford CDW emma.twyford100@mod.gov.uk.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Haverfordwest: April Family Events Schedule at Cashfield Community Centre

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Chepstow: Family Movie Morning at The Drill Hall on Sat 19th April 2026

Chepstow Town Council: It's family movie morning time!

Zootropilis 2
Sunday 19th April, 9.30am
The Drill Hall

Join us this Sunday for a relaxed family cinema morning at The Drill Hall! Enjoy breakfast and colouring from 9:30am before settling in for Zootropolis 2 at 10:00am.

Tickets £3.50 (babes in arms free). Pre-book on The Drill Hall website and order breakfast deals.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Chepstow: Free tickets available from The Drill Hall for Major Jim's Chepstow Music Fest on 18th April 2026

Chepstow Town Council:

Major Jim's Chepstow Music Fest - Running order announced!
Don't miss:

Jim MacTaggart - 6.10pm
Polly Steadman - 6.30pm
Tom Price Stevens - 7pm
Giles Norman - 7.30pm
Holly and Zac - 8pm
Steve Payne and Lyndon Webb - 8.45pm
Fat Dad - 9.30pm
Black Eyed Mog - 10.15pm

Grab your free ticket from The Drill Hall website now to guarantee entry.
Join a night of live music with local artists and original music!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Lyneham: Service Families Coffee Morning at Lyneham Primary School - Mon 20 Apr

 

Staff from MOD Lyneham (including Lyneham HIVE, the AWS CDW and 8TrgBn Welfare Clerk) will be attending Service Families Coffee Morning at Lyneham Primary School, taking place on Monday 20th April from 8:45am - 10:00am.

This is a lovely opportunity to come along for a relaxed meet and greet, connect with other families, and access information and support available to you.

Refreshments will be available, as well as colouring activities for little ones.

If you have any questions, please contact the School or email rc-pers-hive-lyneham-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wales: MOD Civil Service Vacancies in Wales, Closing Dates from: Mon 4th May 2026

Safety, Health, Environment and Fire Manager (Wales & West)
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Sennybridge, Wales, LD3 8PN
Salary: £37,720
Closes: 11:55 pm on Monday 4th May 2026
Reference: 452676

Band 7 Senior Mental Health Practitioner
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Building 10, Hightown Barracks, Wrexham, LL13 8RD
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710
Closes: 11:55 pm on Tuesday 5th May 2026
Reference: 456542

Army Vehicle Fitter
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Cardiff, CF14 3YE
Salary: £26,390
Closes: 11:55 pm on Wednesday 6th May 2026
Reference: 454385

Army Vehicle Technician
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Newport NP20 5XE
Salary: £29,590
Closes: 11:55 pm on Wednesday 6th May 2026
Reference: 454384

Army - Vehicle Fitter
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Carmarthen, SA31 3BS
Salary: £26,390
Closes: 11:55 pm on Wednesday 6th May 2026
Reference: 454364

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Wales: Home Educating Parents Week - Free appointments with Careers Advisers

Careers Wales:

Is your child aged 15 or 16 and approaching the end of their statutory education? Not sure what comes next? We’re here to help.

From 20–24 April, you can book a FREE one-to-one appointment with a qualified careers adviser at a time that works for you – via phone or video call.

• Discover support available from Careers Wales and other organisations
• Explore local and national opportunities
• Get guidance on entry requirements, finance options, and referrals
• Enjoy an impartial, personalised conversation focused on your child’s future

Spaces are limited so book your free appointment today

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Barry: Wheels in the Community - starting Tues 28th April at Colcot Community Centre, Barry

  

NEW BIKE PROJECT ALERT!
Got a bike? Come and put it to good use!

Join us at Colcot Community Centre every Tuesday from 28 April, 3–4pm, for an exciting new project focused on learning bike skills and having fun.

• Bring your own bike
• Learn new skills
• Meet new people

Spread the word and come along.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

North Yorkshire: Register to use Household Waste Recycling Centres from 27th April

 
From Monday 27 April, residents will need to register before visiting any of our household waste recycling centres.

Registration is free, takes a couple of minutes, and lasts for three years.

Residents can register online from Monday 27 April and use the centres straight away. Nothing will be sent in the post, and staff will check vehicle number plates on arrival.

Owners of commercial‑like vehicles will also be able to make up to 12 free visits per year to dispose of their own household waste once registered. Commercial-like vehicle registrations will last for one year.

See full details at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/.../new-registration-scheme...

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Gloucestershire: Latest updates from Gloucestershire County Council

 

Please click the links below for further information:

• Families in Partnership Newsletter - for Families with SEND

• 'Big Health Day' save the date - Thu 11 Jun

• Gloucestershire Libraries update - events, activities, etc

• New Crisis and Resilience Fund to provide support to families in crisis

• Employment & Skills Hub updates

• Gloucestershire Recycles

Please note that this page may be updated with more links as the month rolls on.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Blandford: Weekly baby & young children sessions at the family hub

 

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Scotland: The latest Newsletter and vacancies from the NHS Scotland AFTP Team as of 15th April 2026

The Armed Forces Talent Programme is an NHSScotland-wide recruitment initiative for the armed forces community. 

It supports service leavers, veterans, spouses, partners, dependants, reservists, cadets, and cadet forces adult volunteers to enter our workforce.

Vacancies

See the AFTP newsletter here

For more information about the AFT programme - webpage

Grantham: Free 12 week Walking Tennis Programme at Wyndham Park

We are excited to let you know that we have teamed up with Grantham Tennis Club to deliver an external physical activity group – Walking Tennis! This 12 week programme is for anyone currently undertaking less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week. It will start on Monday 11th May (1.30pm – 2.30pm) and will take place at Wyndham Park.

To get signed up, clients can use this form Grantham Tennis Club & One You Lincolnshire - Walking Tennis Programme at Wyndham Park or can contact Grantham Tennis Club directly via their phone number (01476 591391) or email address (Darren.taxis@granthamtennisclub.co.uk).

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: One You Lincolnshire Drop in - your free local support to live well

Information provided by Grantham HIVE