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.

Fife: FREE Breastfeeding Support Groups across Fife

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Bovington: Martial arts for ages 7 - adult

Monday & Wednesday

• Little Nijas ages 7-9 starts 5pm
• Junior kickboxing ages 10-12 starts 5.45pm
• Kickboxing age 14+ starts 6.30 (see above poster)

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

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

RWxY building on Allenby Barracks.  Monday & Thursday 19:00 - 21:00

Blandford Cadet Force Detachment 

Kingston Close, Bradley Estate, Blandford DT11 7UQ.  Monday & Thursday 19:15 - 21:30

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison youth club sessions

Located on corner of Elles Road & King George V Road, BH20 6JN

Click Youth Club for more information or to ask the team a question. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Stafford - The Staffy Trail

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub 

Stafford Bridge Club

💻   www.bridgewebs.com

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

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.

Lichfield (WS13 6AQ)
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

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

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).

Click here to find out more!

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Civil Service latest Employment Opportunities

Check out the recruitment website to see the range of roles that are currently being recruited for. Click here for more details

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.

Stafford: Annual Duck Race - 11 July

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub
 

Hampshire: Home Start Hampshire in Rushmoor & Hart

At Home-Start Hampshire we run a range of family groups which are by referral only, third party or self-referral. The groups are supported by trained and experienced volunteers who will ensure you and your little one(s) are welcomed, feel safe and have a positive experience.

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

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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.

Please click here to visit the website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 29 April 2026

Damage Charges process

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. 

New light pink shades added to Defence Homes colour palette

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

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.

Between 2019 and 2024, 1,602 people across the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents. Of these, 56 per cent occurred in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Half of those who drowned did not intend to enter the water, with slips, trips and falls a leading cause.

The campaign also warns against the dangers of entering open water to cool down. Cold water shock is a serious risk, as sudden immersion can trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and panic, making it difficult to stay afloat and significantly increasing the risk of drowning.

GFRS continues to work with partners across Gloucestershire to promote water safety, including community engagement activities and water safety education.

Please click here to read safety advice and more information online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

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

Chatham: Vivo Housing Surgery, Tuesday and Thursday mornings

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

DIO Families Families First Newsletter - Issue 37 Published

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

Hampshire: Hampshire County Council Childcare Choices

 

Changes to childcare support mean you might now be eligible for more help than ever before. Support from Childcare Choices can give your child a great start while giving you work choices, helping you make the juggle of family life a little easier. 

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Grantham: Green Synergy Better Together

Veterans! Looking for a friendly outdoor group, great company, and a chance to grow something new?

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. 🌱💚

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

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

 

'People go to the Money Advice Hub  with a lot on their shoulders, and they finish the call with an instant sense of relief and an increase in confidence.'

Are you worrying about money? The Kent Money Advice Hub could help you.

 
Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

Church Crookham: Army Welfare Service Give Us a Hand

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Vale of Glamorgan: Useful Websites & Padlets from the Vale Family Compass

Useful links 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.

Northern Ireland: RFCA NI - Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Opportunities

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

Supporting the Unsung Hero: Business Start Up Programme – New Course Dates

For further information about Supporting the Unsung Hero programmes and to register for a course, please go to https://x-forces.com/supporting-the-unsung-hero/

Shorncliffe: Army Welfare Service Improve your IT skills every Wed & Fri 1000hrs - 1300hrs Age 17+

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Military vs Cancer: Supporting those in the Armed Forces Community affected by cancer

Click poster to enlarge.

Military Vs Cancer’s support includes:

• Additional family / nursing care funding.
• Travel costs for treatment, including hotel stays for family members.
• Home adaptations.
• Respite breaks.
• Memory making trips.
• Special experiences, especially for those with a terminal diagnosis.
• Peer group / community support for serving forces members and their families.

There are also several large-scale events this year including :

• Rugby Day Armed Forces Rugby Team vs North Select XV Teams - Doncaster - Free Tickets for Serving Personnel and Veterans
• Annual Summer Ball - Lincoln
• Heroes Golf Day
• Great North Run

To find out more about any of these events please visit: https://www.militaryvscancer.com/events/

Recruit for Spouses Webinar on 7 May: Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome

On Thursday 7th May at 12:30pm GMT, RFS is hosting:

Real Confidence for Real People: Imposter Syndrome

Delivered by the expert coaching team at Aletheia — Sam Ryder, Zoe Hughes, Saskia Hart, and Estelle Bailly — this free, practical session is designed specifically for military spouses and partners navigating self-doubt, career gaps, and the unique challenges of Service life.

Attendees will explore:

• Where imposter syndrome comes from and why it's so common in our community
• How to identify genuine strengths and challenge the narrative holding them back
• Practical strategies to build authentic, lasting confidence
• Tools to take confident action — whether exploring new roles, going for promotion, or starting something new

Thursday 7th May 2026
12:30pm
Virtual
Completely FREE

The session will be recorded but attendees need to register to access it, so we'd encourage anyone interested to sign up even if they can't join live.

Register here: https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in or email e.hartshorn@recruitforspouses.co.uk

St Andrews: New FREE Adult course - Health Issues in the Community, at the Cosmos Community Centre

click on image to enlarge

New free adult learning course, Health Issues in the Community (HIIC) is starting on Tuesday 5th May Cosmos Community Centre 10 am to 2 pm. 

Brecon: Pinnacle & Amey Housing Surgery on the third Wednesday of the month at Dering Lines Community Centre, Brecon

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison raceway kart track

Click on poster above to enlarge 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE  

Northern Ireland: Belfast International Airport Current Employment Vacancies

All job vacancies are advertised via the Belfast International Airport website.

For more information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting service children to thrive - a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open

Supporting service children to thrive: a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open

Service life can bring unique challenges for children and young people. Frequent moves, disrupted learning and periods of separation can all add up - and they can affect how children feel, learn and achieve.

Delivered on behalf of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund, the Service Pupil Support programme (SPSP) funds practical, evidence-led projects that respond to these challenges and strengthen educational outcomes for service pupils. With a new round of funding now open, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are inviting schools and local authorities across the UK to apply, so more service pupils can get the right support to feel settled and succeed at school.

How much funding is available?

Grants of £5,000 to £150,000 for projects lasting up to two years are available. Projects must be evidence-led, clearly planned and time-limited, and work already covered by statutory provision won’t be funded.

Motorfinity: May Offer Sheets

For more information please visit the website here: https://www.motorfinity.uk

North Wiltshire & Gloucestershire: Upcoming local Armed Forces Day events

 

Events at the following locations are currently listed on the Armed Forces Day website:

• Lyneham
• Royal Wootton Bassett
• Swindon
• Stroud
• Bristol/South Gloucestershire

Other events may be listed in the lead-up to the day.

You can also find details of the Gloucester Armed Forces Day event here and Colerne's Station Fair here.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

South Cerney: New contact information for 29 Regt RLC

 

Please click here to visit the Sway page advertised, or scan the QR code above

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

London, 24 April 2026 – The fifth annual Celebrating Forces Families Awards took place on Friday evening at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, recognising the extraordinary contribution of Armed Forces families across the UK and overseas.

Bringing together families, organisations and advocates from across the military community, the awards shine a light on the resilience, dedication and often unseen impact of those who support Service life every day.

This year’s winners included:

• Young People’s Award: Jack and Luke Woodhouse
• Social Enterprise Award: NeuroDiverse Community CIC
• Business Award: QinetiQ
• Small Business Owner Award: Dionne Ross
• Family Volunteer Award: Lesley Collier
• Social Media Influencer Award: Padwives Unfiltered
• Public Service Award: Lisa Brown
• Armed Forces Advocate Award: Angela Lewis
• Inspirational Adult Family Member: Shelley Ellis
• Overcoming Adversity Award: Jo Gordon
• Away From Home Award: Katherine Sones

Northern Ireland: Female Veterans Invitation To Participate In Study

 

Jen Robinson is conducting a study exploring the identity of female veterans living in NI as a part of an MSc Psychological Science at Queen’s University Belfast. As a part of this study, she would like to interview as many women as possible who served after the disbandment of the WRAC, WREN or WRAF and who now live in Northern Ireland.

Jen is hoping that this study will inform future support to help more military women to make a healthy transition to civilian life.

If you would like to be involved, then please get in touch by emailing FES@qub.ac.uk

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: NIdirect - Dog Licensing in Northern Ireland

 

NIdirect would like to remind residents that if you own a dog you must ensure it is microchipped and you MUST have a dog licence.
By getting your dog licensed you have a much greater chance of getting your treasured pet returned if it is lost or stolen. A licence costs either £5 or £12.50 depending on circumstances.
Once you have your dog microchipped, you can licence it on line by using the link below or request an application form from Environmental Heath Service.

If you keep a dog without a licence you can be issued with a fixed penalty of £75 and non-payment of this could result in a fine of up to £1000.

For more information and to find your local Council Dog Licensing Office, click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

BFBS Signs Game-Changing 10-Year Contract with the MOD in New Era of Defence

24 April 2026: Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has signed a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to transform the way that UK Armed Forces access trusted media and entertainment, wherever they are serving.
As Defence dominates world headlines, this agreement comes at a crucial moment and demonstrates the importance of BFBS’s services for the British military community worldwide, and for national security.

Ben Chapman, BFBS CEO said: “We are very excited to announce this renewed partnership with the MOD, and to fulfil our mission of uniting the UK Armed Forces and their families with trusted, creative media experiences for the next decade.

“We are living in complex geopolitical times, with Defence at the top of the global agenda, and never has the media landscape been more disrupted. BFBS plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness and welfare of our military wherever they are serving, and we help to maintain a healthy democracy by ensuring that all those who serve our country have access to trusted, relevant, and secure media.

“We offer incredible value to the UK Armed Forces through our deep relationships with media partners who trust us to make their valuable entertainment, news, and sport content available to those who need it most – all free at the point of delivery.”

Maj Gen (Ret’d) Chris Wilson, Chair of Trustees for BFBS added: “From morale-boosting entertainment during deployments, and free, legal access to premium sport for those overseas, to our trusted, independent Forces News channels covering all aspects of military life, or AI training courses for military partners, BFBS contributes to the retention of personnel and the sustainability of national security.”

BFBS is developing a next-generation secure platform that will transform and futureproof media experiences for those who are serving, and the organisation already celebrates many successes with its channels and products.

The BFBS Forces News YouTube channel has more than one million subscribers, while the BFBS Esports Pro League — launched in 2025 — is helping to turn gaming culture in the forces into a competitive ecosystem, as military players enhance skills needed for modern warfare.

BFBS is also developing technology to deliver digital media content directly to submarines, ensuring that even in one of the most remote environments on Earth, personnel can access entertainment.

This new contract builds on more than eight decades of dedication to connecting and entertaining the UK Armed Forces and strengthens BFBS’s enduring relationship with the MOD to meet the future media needs of the military.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: “BFBS are at the heart of service life, providing our personnel with access to secure, trusted entertainment, ranging from live football matches to the latest movie releases, and keeping our people engaged in Forces life from gaming to developing news.

“This 10-year contract renewal demonstrates our long-term commitment to our people - and will ensure they have media access relevant to their needs, devices and interests, wherever they serve. Our message to our Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.”

See bfbs.com for details of all services and follow BFBS on social media. Visit Forces News YouTube and Forces News for the latest global Defence news and stories.