March 31, 2026

Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk



Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk

A new team is ready to help you with questions about Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Moving around for your work in the Armed Forces can make it hard to keep your children's education on track. This is where CEA comes in – helping your children stay settled in education, even when Service life means your family must move.

Here to help

Sometimes, working out if you’re eligible to claim CEA – or how to claim it – can feel complicated and confusing, as every situation is different. That’s why we've set up a new team in the Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell (PACCC) to assist.

From 1 April 2026, the CEA advisory helpdesk will provide a group of experts to help you, your family, or your Unit HR team with any tricky questions about the allowance.

Whether you're trying to understand the rules or need help with a complex case, the team will point you to the right people and make sure you get clear guidance.

The new helpdesk works alongside the Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK) service within Defence Children Services (DCS). This remains available to provide professional, independent advice, guidance, and support to Service families on children’s education – covering school admissions, Special Educational Needs Allowance (SENA), and boarding school applications (including schools not currently on the Boarding School Database).

Easter weekend break road trips from Motorfinity

Motorfinity blog article: The best Easter weekend break road trips to consider in 2026

Easter is the perfect time to swap chocolate-fueled sofa days for a refreshing road trip adventure. With spring in full bloom, there’s no better moment to explore the UK’s most scenic spots. Plan your journey with Motorfinity and make the most of the open road. Here are five beautiful destinations to inspire your Easter escape.

https://www.motorfinity.uk/blog/best-easter-weekend-break-trips/

Civvy Street Magazine – Apr/May 2026 Issue Out Now

To read this issue online, please go to this link: Civvy Street

To find out more or to read back issues, please visit: https://civvystreetmagazine.co.uk/

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) New Vacancies: DWP Work Coach - Bristol, Brighton, Slough - Closing Date for applications: 30 April 2026

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 483 – DWP Work Coach

Bristol, Brighton and Slough
Closing Date: 30 Apr 26


GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

All roles offer a supportive environment, development opportunities, and a buddy to help you navigate the Civil Service.

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Aldershot: Tourist Information Centre


Aldershot Tourist Information Centre has a wide range of information to help you enjoy your stay in Aldershot. The staff will be pleased to help you plan your visit and provide advice on where to stay and what to do.

For further information and opening times please click HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

London: Victory Services Club

Experience the inclusive camaraderie of the Victory Services Club. It is the only military members' club in London open to all ranks and all services of the UK Armed Forces, NATO and the Commonwealth and their families. 

Membership to the Victory Services Club is entirely free for serving personnel. For former service personnel and their immediate family, the Club offers membership at affordable and highly competitive rates.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

March 30, 2026

Gloucestershire: New countywide bus map launched

 

Gloucestershire County Council has published a new bus map showing all the main bus routes across the county, operated by all the major operators.

It allows residents and visitors to see, at a glance, where the main bus routes go, where rail stations are located, and how services connect — making it easier to plan journeys.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Catterick: Veterans Coffee Morning every Monday


 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Bath: 2026 festival line-up


Whether you're after a colourful carnival-style party in the city, a chance to taste the finest food the region has to offer, or seeing iconic music acts and comedians perform live, you're sure to find a Bath festival you'll love this year.

Take a look through Visit Bath's highlights of this year's festival calendar, including events dedicated to books, music, food, comedy and more at Bath 2026 festival line-up

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Aldershot: Armed Forces Day National Event - 27th & 28th June 2026


For more information on the Rushmoor website, click HERE

Information provided by the South East HIVE Hub.

Swindon: Explore nature with these walking trails, maps and more


British Summer Time started this weekend, meaning the evenings get lighter which is a perfect excuse to get outside. Check out some of these fantastic walking routes in the Swindon area, including:

  • Stanton Park (one-mile walk). A family-friendly stroll around the wonderful Stanton Park. It’s only a short walk but it packs in some lovely lakeside, woodland and countryside walking
  • Barbury Castle (two walks of 1.25 miles and 8.5 miles). Plenty of history and lovely views on offer
  • Lydiard Park (1.5-mile walk). It has a beautiful house, woodland, open grassy areas and a lake to enjoy. There is even a spot for a coffee afterwards at Lydiard Park Hotel and Conference Centre
  • Coate Water (1.75-mile walk). Take a nice casual, circular walk around the lake at Coate Water Country Park

Swindon Travel Choices will also be launching three walking trails on 1 April, with a brand-new Pony Trail around Wroughton.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

South West: MoneyHelper SW - Family and Care finances

 

Big money decisions often need to be made when looking after family members, expecting a baby, or you’ve got family problems like illness, divorce, or bereavement.

MoneyHelper have got easy-to-understand guides to help you. MoneyHelper from the Government’s Money and Pensions Service exists to help anyone across the South West with free, independent, and impartial money and pensions guidance.

Please click here to read these guides online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Recruit for Spouses – Latest Newsletter with FREE support resources and upcoming events

The latest newsletter from Recruit for Spouses includes the following articles:
  • Free counselling support for military personnel, veterans, and families
  • Upcoming online events, such as Making Sense of Pensions: Support and Guidance for Military Families on 22 Apr, and Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome: Confidence Building Workshop on 7 May
  • Information and a survey invitation regarding the Foreign & Commonwealth Programme
To view the newsletter in full, please go to: Recruit for Spouses Newsletter – Mar 26

Reading Force: Request your FREE books for Month of the Military Child

 

With Month of the Military Child just around the corner in April, Reading Force are encouraging families to sign up for their free books and resources, available to all Forces families, serving, veteran, reservist, or ex-serving (including those affected by bereavement, separation, or divorce), with children or grandchildren aged 0–18.

Find out more at: https://www.readingforce.org.uk/

DIO Families First Newsletter - Issue 36 Published


Click image to enlarge.

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.

March 27, 2026

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

Anchoring & Military Minds Spring Newsletter 2026


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

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

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:




Oxfordshire gardens

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham 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

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:
Services Cotswold Centre

0331 1432730

This number replaces the previous SCC contact line.

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
 

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



Information provided by Grantham HIVE

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

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

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

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

Aldershot: Home Start wellbeing group Mondays 1000hrs - 1130hrs

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

March 25, 2026

Shropshire - AWS Community Support - Donnington - Monthly Family Fun Sessions from 22 April

 Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Grampian: Aberdeenshire Mental Health Improvement and Wellbeing Service

click on image to enlarge
The Mental Health Improvement & Wellbeing Service (MHIWS) in Aberdeenshire has launched a weekly Virtual Drop-In Session. 

Details in flyer and at: https://ow.ly/hQOt50VfHeI


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Milford Haven: Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets are Recruiting Unit Management Team Members

 
Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets - Join Our Team!

Are you looking to make a real difference in your community? We're on the look out for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our Unit Management Team (UMT) and help shape the next generation of young people.

What's Involved?

As part of our UMT, you'll support the smooth running of the unit behind the scenes. From Finance to fundraising, safeguarding to strategic planning. We need you! 

Why Join Us?
  • To help make a positive impact on young people's lives
  • Be part of a supportive and welcoming team
  • Use your professional skills in a meaningful way
No prior sea cadet knowledge is required - just enthusiasm, reliability and willingness to make a difference!

Interested?

Drop us an email on: recruitment@milfordhavenscc.org.uk to find out more!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Transformative new childcare support could save Armed Forces families up to £6,000 a year

(images UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024)
A new Ministry of Defence scheme to transform support for Armed Forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary has announced on 20 March 2026.

This major boost could save eligible Armed Forces families up to £6,000 per year for each child, depending on where you are in the UK.

Defence is committed to supporting Armed Forces families, wherever you live and work. This scheme will help with the cost of living and navigating life as a family in the Armed Forces, recognising the demands placed on Service personnel and the critical roles families play in support of them.

Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

"Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation's security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them.

“This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.

"We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families - supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side."

Defence Secretary meets Service families
(images UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024)
(images UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024)
On 19 March 2026, the Defence Secretary visited Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh to launch this new scheme and meet families who will benefit from this extra support.

About the scheme
Who is eligible for the scheme?

Recruit for Spouses: New RFS opportunities this April for military spouses and partners


Recruit for Spouses has released its latest upcoming events, career programmes and support available throughout April.

If you’re looking for employment, training, or support with your next step, there are a range of opportunities to explore.  

To register your interest, sign in to the RFS Portal:   

https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in  

Or email: info@recruitforspouses.co.uk  

March 24, 2026

Defence UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) – launches Sept 2026

Click poster to enlarge.
To access any document links, please view the document online here.

Further information will follow in due course, but please contact HIVE with any queries in the meantime.

Bovington: Winfrith drama group



Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Scotland: Scottish Government publish Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway – National Framework

Scottish Government 👉

1. Ministerial Foreword

We are delighted to publish this Veterans Mental Health Framework for Scotland, which marks a firm step forward in how we support the mental health and wellbeing of anyone who has served in our armed forces.
The Framework sets out our vision for every veteran in Scotland to be able to access appropriate and timely mental health and wellbeing support. That should be the case no matter where in the country a veteran asks for help.

Serving one’s country is an act of great courage and commitment. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have done so, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they can access the support they need, on a consistent basis, and without fear of stigma or discrimination.

We recognise that military service brings with it a distinct set of experiences and demands. While many veterans transition successfully into civilian life, some will face mental health challenges that require a tailored and specialist response from our services. The nature of their experiences - including service‑related injuries, periods of transition, and exposure to traumatic events - can differ significantly from those of the wider population.

Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway – National Framework - gov.scot

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

March 23, 2026

Wales: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year


A new Defence scheme to transform support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary announced on 20th March 2026.

This major boost for UK Armed Forces families will save forces families living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to £6,000 per year for each child and will help with the cost of living as they serve to protect the nation.

It will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement scheme and will ensure that eligible working UK Armed Forces families receive the same Government funded childcare support as forces families in England.

This government promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and this support is another major step to deliver on that pledge. Childcare is cited as one of several factors affecting Armed Forces retention and morale and this government is on a mission to fix the recruitment crisis. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey MP on a visit to meet families at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh.

To read the whole article on the .Gov website: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.