Generic and local information for the UK Military community including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
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April 30, 2026
Chepstow: Save the Date - Chepstow Fun Festival on 4th July over 4 venues
Save the date!
Chepstow Fun Festival!
4 July 2026
4 venues - Welsh music, dancing, food & more
A family-friendly festival celebrating Welsh culture, food, music, dance and language!
FREE! All welcome!
Arbedwch y dyddiad!
Gwyl Hwyl Cas-gwent!
4 Gorffennaf 2026
4 lleoliad - cerddoriaeth Gymreig, dawns, bwyd a mwy
Penwythnos i’r teulu cyfan yn dathlu diwylliant, bwyd, cerddoriaeth, dawns a’r iaith Gymraeg!
Am ddim! Croeso i bawb!
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Bovington: Martial arts for ages 7 - adult
- Little Nijas ages 7-9 starts 5pm
- Junior kickboxing ages 10-12 starts 5.45pm
- Kickboxing age 14+ starts 6.30 (see above poster)
Dorset: Bovington & Blandford Army Cadets for ages 12 - 18
If you want to aim higher, feel more confident and get a head start on your future join the Army Cadets. Every year thousands of young people and adult volunteers join the Army Cadets for fun, friendship, action and adventure.
If you're up for a challenge you'll go further with the Army Cadets
You can join the Army Cadet Force If you're over 12 (and in year eight at school) and under 18. To find out more about Army Cadets in your area, click HERE
The Bovington & Purbeck Detachment
Bovington: Garrison youth club sessions
Click Youth Club for more information or to ask the team a question.
Edinburgh: The Royal British Legion Scotland Community Coffee morning Tuesday 12th May 10:30-12:00
It's that time again and we’re inviting all veterans, families, carers, organisations and friends to our Legion Scotland Coffee Morning! Come along for a warm drink, delicious cake, and great company.
📅 Date: 12th of May
🕙 Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm
📍 Location: New Haig House, Edinburgh
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow veterans, support each other, and enjoy a relaxed community gathering. With updates about what's coming up within Legion Scotland, Membership, and Volunteer Opportunities.
📧: please RSVP to c.rizzo@legionscotland.org.uk
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support
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
Staffordshire: Mencap Training Academy - Programmes referrals based in Lichfield

Mencap Training Academcy are currently taking referrals aged 16-24 with an EHCP for our programmes based in Lichfield. Please see attached information.
Pre-Internship Study Programme
1 academic year (Sept–July).
For young people needing to develop confidence, social skills and employability skills before moving toward employment.
3 class-based days per week.
Skills Coach Support!
Goal: to move onto a Supported Internship the following academic year.
Supported Internship Programme
1 academic year (Sept-July).
For young people ready to leave formal education to move toward employment.
2 class-based days per week.
1-3 days work-based training. Work placements based on individual skills, needs and aspirations.
Goal: paid employment following completion of the programme!
Skills Coach Support!
Refer Here👉 https://trainingacademy.mencap.org.uk/supported-internships-pre-internships-EOI
Leuchars: Veterans Breakfast Club Tues 5th May **NEW Venue** at the Barrel & Bean Facility
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Gloucester: Summer of Sound 2026
This Summer, Gloucester is all about Sound. From June to September, we’re celebrating the sounds that make up our city, from some of the UK’s biggest live music acts to the quiet places in the city where you can find moments of connection.
Visit Gloucester is bringing together all of this in Gloucester’s Summer of Sound. Scroll down and Click on the tiles below to explore different ways to experience the Sounds of the City this summer
Our Featured Events include the absolute icon that is Sir Tom Jones, who'll be entertaining a packed Kingsholm Stadium, along with epic summer vibes from unbelievable Ministry of Sound Classical, as part of Gloucester Rugby’s unmissable Summer Series in June (book those tickets here).
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Civil Service latest Employment Opportunities

Information provided by HIVE NI
Bicester: tower treasures baby and toddler group - every Thursday during termtime
Baby and toddler drop-in group ages 0-4. Play, enjoy refreshments, stories, songs and a chat! The Parish Room, St Michael at the North Gate, termtime Thursdays 1000-1145hrs.
Click HERE for more information.
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.
April 29, 2026
Hampshire: Home Start Hampshire in Rushmoor & Hart
All of our groups provide a safe non-judgmental environment where families can make the first steps to regular social interaction and peer support.
To refer a family to one of our groups, or make a self-referral please complete and return a referral form, which can be found HERE
BANES, Swindon & Wiltshire: BSW Community Health directory
The BSW Community Health directory is the central hub for NHS community services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire.
HCRG Care Group provides these services on behalf of the local Integrated Care Board (ICB). There is a complete list of all community health services available in the BSW region, ranging from adult rehabilitation to children's neurodevelopmental support.
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 29 April 2026
DIO is introducing changes to the damage charges process to make this process simpler for you and your family upon Move-Out.
·From 1st May 2026, on the day you move out, your Housing Officer will provide a formal notification via email. This will include your move-out form, details of any charges incurred and information of how raise a dispute if needed.
· We have also extended the review timeframe for charges. You will now have 30 days to assess the charges and, if necessary, initiate a Stage 1 dispute. Recovery actions will not begin until this 30-day period has passed.
· If a dispute is raised, any recovery action will be paused until the issue has been fully resolved. Pinnacle will continue to handle Stage 1 disputes and DIO will continue to manage Stage 2 disputes.
These changes aim to ensure you are provided with clear details on the day of Move-Out and sufficient time to review everything before any further action is taken, if required.
For families who move out before 1st May 2026, formal notifications will continue to be issued under the current process. We appreciate your patience while we work through these remaining cases during the transition to the new system.
The Defence Homes Colour Palette has been updated following feedback from Service families, with five new light pink shades added. This update is part of our commitment to modernise outdated policies and give families greater freedoms to personalise their home.
By choosing colours from within the Defence Homes Colour palette range, families can leave these at move out with no requirement to revert to white.
If you are thinking about refreshing your home with a new coat of paint, you can start whenever you like – there is no need to ask for permission or to notify DIO, Amey/VIVO or Pinnacle.
The updated palette does not specify paint brands or finishes (such as matt or silk), giving you the freedom to choose what works best for you.
For more information and to view the full palette, click here.
Notice to families using heating oil
Grantham: Gingerbread Festival Dysart Park Sunday 10 May 2026 - 11am - 4pm
“Run, run as fast as you can!” It’s time to lace up your running shoes and take on the Foxes at Dysart Park! This exciting and lighthearted race is inspired by the classic fairy tale and is perfect for families, children, and anyone who wants to join in the fun.
With race categories for different age groups, everyone can take part — whether you’re a speedy sprinter or prefer a leisurely jog. The course is set within the beautiful surroundings of Dysart Park, creating the perfect atmosphere for a day of laughter, movement, and community spirit.
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest finishers as well as other bonus awards throughout the day.
Beyond the races themselves, the day will be packed with fun activities for the whole family. Expect face painting, games and activities for little ones and stalls selling locally produced goods. There will also be food stalls selling warm drinks, delicious lunches, and, of course, plenty of gingerbread goodies!
This event is all about encouraging an active lifestyle while having loads of fun, and we’re delighted to be partnering once again with with Inspire+. Whether you’re taking part in the race or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the park and bring the community together.
Gloucestershire: Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service urges public to 'Be Water Aware' as warmer weather arrives
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is urging people to take extra care in and around water as the weather starts to improve, as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) annual Be Water Aware campaign.
Running from Monday 27 April to Sunday 3 May, the campaign highlights the ongoing and preventable risk of accidental drowning.
GFRS continues to work with partners across Gloucestershire to promote water safety, including community engagement activities and water safety education.
Grantham: A polite Dog Rules on Camp reminder
When pets are outside the workplace they must be kept on a lead at ALL TIMES, (apart from the areas on the map, Annex D to Grantham Station Orders refer).
Failure to follow this policy will result in owners being directed to remove the pet from the working environment. Dog walking area guidance
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
DIO Families Families First Newsletter - Issue 37 Published
Hampshire: Hampshire County Council Childcare Choices
Stop Loan Sharks Week 2026: 11 -17 May
Loan sharks play games with people’s lives
– let’s make it game over
Loan sharks don’t always look like villains. Sometimes, they change
character, switch tactics and reinvent themselves - just like players in an
online game.
But this isn’t a game. And the consequences are real.
A loan shark, also known as an illegal money lender, is someone who lends
money without proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority
(FCA). That means they don’t have to follow the rules that exist to protect
borrowers. They set their own terms, charge what they want, and stack the
game against you from the very start.
Loan sharks often appear friendly at first can - they reinvent themselves to
look like a trusted friend, a neighbour, another parent at the school gates or
someone recommended by family. But behind the friendly avatar, is
someone playing a dangerous game with people’s lives.
When they offer to do you a favour by lending you money when you need it,
it can feel like an easy option. But once you’ve pressed ‘start’, the game has
begun and things can quickly spiral out of control.
If borrowers struggle to keep up with repayments, what began as a helping
hand can turn into intimidation, threats or even violence. And in real life,
there’s no pause or exit button, just constant pressure and fear.
Knowing the warning signs can help you recognise when something isn’t
right. You could be dealing with a loan shark if:
Grantham: Green Synergy Better Together
Green Synergy invites you to join our two social gardening groups created especially for Armed Forces Veterans:
🌿 Seeds of Recovery
Thursdays | 10am–12pm
Hillside Community Garden, Lincoln
A calm, creative gardening group designed to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Come and grow at your own pace, meet others with shared experiences, and enjoy time in nature.
No pressure, no expectations — just a welcoming space to heal, connect, and plant new beginnings.
🌼 Green Chances
Wednesdays | 10am–12pm
Hillside Community Garden, Lincoln
If you love muddy boots, fresh air, and a good brew, this group is for you!
Join fellow veterans for relaxed gardening activities, friendly chat, and hands‑on outdoor fun.
Why join?
Meet other veterans in a supportive, understanding environment
Enjoy gentle gardening and being outdoors
Build confidence, routine, and wellbeing
Completely free to attend
No gardening experience needed
Tea, tools, and warm welcomes provided!
Interested?
Just come along — or get in touch if you’d like more info.
📧 info@greensynergy.org.uk
📞 01522 533077
🌐 greensynergy.org.uk
We’d love to welcome you to the garden. 🌱💚
Cirencester: SEND Family Support Forum starting Thu 7 May
Click here to follow the Facebook page
You can also click here to visit the ND Hub Glos page
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE
KCC: The Kent Money Advice Hub
Are you worrying about money? The Kent Money Advice Hub could help you.
Click HERE for more information
Lyneham: AWS fortnightly Bumps, Boobs and Babies group - May to July dates
Please click image to enlarge.
For any further information or queries, please email amy.dallimore101@mod.gov.uk
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE
Pembrokeshire: PAVS Volunteering Pembrokeshire 'PAVS Big Do' Volunteering Event on 5th June 2026
As part of #VolunteersWeek this will be a chance to get together to ‘do’ something (some volunteering) but also to have a bit of a ‘do’ (as in a celebration).
Lunch is provided and everyone will get the chance to do try something that helps others. Activities will start by 10.30am and lunch will be from 12.30pm.
London: Home Start London
All parents struggle at one time or another and Home-Start is ready to support London families through their toughest times.
Home-Start trains and supports volunteers to work alongside parents in their own home giving compassionate and confidential support, tailored to each family. Home-Start London is a consortium of 12 local Home-Starts operating across 24 London boroughs.
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
Vale of Glamorgan: Useful Websites & Padlets from the Vale Family Compass
Useful websites:
Neurodivergence Wales
ND Community Connectors CIC
Additional learning needs (ALN): parent and carers toolkit
Childcare Information Wales
Parenting. Give it time.
Dewis Wales
Early Help Advice Line in the Vale of Glamorgan
Vale Play Team
Vale Youth Service
Useful padlets:
The Index Inclusive Services Guide
Children in Wales ADHD within Neurodiversity
ND Community Connectors Directory of Inclusive Services
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Wales: Carers Wales online support sessions on Mon 18th May 2026
Register here
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
St Athan: St Athan Community Council Children's Art Competition, Closing Date: 31st May 26
Calling all young artists! We’re inviting children to design a picture that represents St Athan and our community.
Prizes in each age category:
1st Prize – £30
3rd Prize – £10
Overall Winner – £50
The winning designs will be permanently displayed on the bus shelter by Four Cross Garage!
Northern Ireland: RFCA NI - Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Opportunities
As you work with and develop young people, you will find that your abilities will grow as well. As a CFAV, you’ll find yourself improving your leadership and mentorship skills as you guide your cadets through their development. Your ability to communicate effectively and connect with diverse groups could set you apart from your peers and you could develop organisational skills that you never knew you had!
SEA CADETS: https://bit.ly/46Sl17n
ARMY CADETS: https://bit.ly/4gWAgRf
RAF AIR CADETS: https://bit.ly/46DVhwH
Information provided by HIVE NI






























