Information provide by Wales HIVE Hub
March 31, 2026
Brecon & Haverfordwest: AWS Summer Residential 'Farms for City Children' Mon 3rd - Fri 7th August 2026
Places are limited and priority will be given to those with a parent away on deployment.
https://forms.office.com/e/79M1Vb8C3r
Any questions please contact:
Samantha Humphries- Community Development Worker Brecon.
Email: samantha.humphries743@ mod.gov.uk Mobile: 07966743661
Ben Swindlehurst- Community Development Worker Haverfordwest.
Ben Swindlehurst- Community Development Worker Haverfordwest.
Email: Benjamin.swindlehurst867@mod.gov.uk. Mobile: 07966743614
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
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
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
.jpg)
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)
Hampshire: Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP)
Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) is a statutory body that leads on keeping children safe and ensuring their wellbeing in the local authority (LA) area of Hampshire. The Partnership includes local agencies who work together to make sure that child protection services in Hampshire are effective and keep our children safe.
For the latest news click HERE
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.
Aldershot: Tourist Information Centre
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
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: X Forces Supporting the Unsung Hero Business Start-Up Course 14 - 16 April
There are still a few places left, for more information please go to www.x-forces.com/supporting-the-unsung-hero
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Chepstow: AWS Summer Residential at YHA Edale, Peak District from 27th - 31st July
To register please click here.
If you require any further information please contact Naomi Ozanne: Naomi.Ozanne100@mod.gov.uk or on 07483 183142.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Aldershot: The Prince Consort's Library: American War of Independence 250 Tuesday 28th April - Doors Open 1730hrs Starts 1800hrs
Information provided by South East 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
- 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
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE
South West: MoneyHelper SW - Family and Care finances
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
Corsham: Meet Box Parish Council at Rudloe Community Centre - Thu 14 May
Annual Community Meeting - Thursday 14th May 2026 - drop-in from 4pm to 7:30pm, at the Rudloe Community Centre (near Corsham Broadwood School and close to Rudloe SFA).
- Meet your neighbours and councillors.
- Let us know your ideas for the Rudloe Green Spaces.
- Discover groups and volunteering opportunities.
- Children's activities & refreshments provided.
Information provided by Colerne HIVE
Gloucestershire: What's on in March & April in Gloucestershire
Please click the links below for a selection of local upcoming events and bookmark this page for any future updates! (Updated events may be added weekly and will show in bold text to indicate they are new)
Cardiff: Cardiff Council Vacancies
Time to take a look at all of the current vacancies with Cardiff Council here.
And find out why you should work for Cardiff Council by visiting 'Why Work for Us' here
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Recruit for Spouses – Latest Newsletter with FREE support resources and upcoming events
- 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
Reading Force: Request your FREE books for Month of the Military Child
.jpg){kind=logo}
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
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
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
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
Give the Gift of Headspace This Easter
Enroll in your Headspace benefit: work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll
Headspace Log In
Northern Ireland: Causeway Coast & Glens Events for 2026
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
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
03311 432754
This number replaces the previous SCC contact line.
Shrewton: The Bustard - Coffee and Chat - for Veterans and Serving Personnel
Northern Ireland: Saturday 18th April - Rugby Union match between NI Blackthorns & Irish Guards
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
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.
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
London: Building Heroes The Leading Tri-Service Military to Construction Charity
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)