Colchester: Garrison Community Action Plan - Wednesday 30th September 2026

 

Information Provided by EAST Hub

Catterick: North Yorkshire Military Family Welcome Day - Have you just arrived into the area? Join us on 17th Sept

Got a military connection? New to North Yorkshire? Whether you just unpacked your final box or you’re still hunting for the local shortcuts, we’ve got your back!
Join the us for a relaxed drop-in morning designed entirely for newly arrived military spouses, partners and families. A One-Stop Shop to connect with local families and brilliant services.

Come grab a cuppa, meet other families navigating the same move, and discover all the local services, groups, and support networks available to you in your new patch.

Where: North HIVE Hub, Catterick Garrison

When: 17 September | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Best Bits: FREE tea, coffee, parking and books (ages 0-18)! Collect your FREE guide to the "First 30 Days in North Yorkshire"

No need to book, just wander in whenever you can. Children are very welcome!

A collaborative event with: Settling in Service, North HIVE Hub , Home-Start, and Reading Force

Information About Each Service Involved

Reading Force

New posting, new school, new routine? Reading Force helps military families settle in, make connections, and feel at home through the power of shared reading. Pick up free books (ages 0-18) and family activities and discover welcoming book clubs where new arrivals can meet people, make friends, and build a local support network. Because every new chapter is easier when you don't face it alone.

Home-Start Richmondshire

Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating and overwhelming. All parents struggle at one time or another. You are not alone. Home-Start Richmondshire believe families can solve challenges themselves, sometimes they just need someone to listen, to encourage and to believe in them.

Army HIVE

Army HIVE delivers information support for the whole military community on a wide variety of topics affecting everyday service and personal life. The service is free and available wherever you are. HIVE staff can research information on your behalf and are able to provide confidential signposting to further sources of support. Come along and meet your local HIVE Information Support Officer

Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support

The mobile advice bus will be parked adjacent to the HIVE building (Corner of King George V Road & Swinton Avenue) Speak to advisors face to face.

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

Oxfordshire: NHS Oxfordshire talking therapies

NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies has a number of treatment choices or options available to offer you. We deliver NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance recommended treatments. To help you choose the right level of support and a choice of evidence based therapy, there are a number of different options, such as: 

- Courses and groups

- Online treatments

- One to one support

- Physical health

- Employment support

- Wellbeing service

Click HERE for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Kent & Medway: Release the Pressure

 

Life can get really tough sometimes but don’t suffer in silence, text the word 'Kent' to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: HCC Fostering services

Visit the Hampshire County Council website to find out more about how you can start your fostering journey.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Oxfordshire: Fostering with Oxfordshire County Council

Fostering with Oxfordshire County Council and the difference it makes. 

It might be early days and you're just curious, you may have questions that you would like answering or have been thinking about fostering for a while - take a look at the website for more information. 

Click HERE for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

Chatham: Vivo Housing Surgery, Tuesday and Thursday mornings

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Oxfordshire: Reducing The Risk - Serving the Armed Forces or part of a Military Family?

 

Information provided  by South East HIVE Hub

London: Home Start London

Home Start are there for parents when they need it the most because childhood can’t wait

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. 

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Blandford: Reach recovery conference - Tues 13th Oct. Book by 30th Sept

 

Information provided Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Welfare/contact house short term use accommodation - New Update

Click on poster above to enlarge

The Welfare Team are introducing a new online Contact House booking process, including an online calendar, updated booking guidance, and an online booking request form.

These resources are available through the Defence network. Family members who cannot access them should continue to contact the Welfare Team for support.

All booking requests must be submitted by the Service Person using their details. Please contact us if there is an issue with this.

If you have any questions, queries, or feedback about the new booking process, please contact the Welfare Team at:
Email: Blandfordgar-ContactHse-Bookings@mod.gov.uk
Tel: 01258 481938
New SharePoint page: Contact House page.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via BGSU Welfare team

Dorset: County show Sat 5th & Sun 6th Sep

 

Dorset's end-of-harvest celebration of agriculture, countryside, and rural life.
Location: Dorchester Showground (DT2 7SD)

Major Highlights & Attractions

• High-energy displays featuring Monster Trucks and fast-paced Scurry Racing.
• Live Music: A headline performance by The Wurzels on Saturday evening.
• Livestock & Animals: Over 1,500 entries including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, heavy horses, poultry, rabbits, and cavies.
• Food & Craft: Two large food halls showcasing local Dorset produce, cheeses, charcuterie, and locally brewed drinks, alongside regional crafts.
• Countryside & Horticulture: A dedicated Countryside Ring, a Floral Pavilion, and competitive classes in homecraft and farm produce

For further information click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Veterans' biker breakfast event - Sat 12th Sept

 

Location: The Churchill Arms in Alderholt (SP6 3AA) between 10am and 1pm. 

Current serving members of the armed forces are also welcome.

A Mental Health Nurse from Op Courage, The Veterans' Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, will be attending this event to deliver a talk at 11am about support for veterans, reservists and service leavers.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Tank museum 'quiet morning' visit - Sat 19th Sep

Join us for a quiet morning aimed at anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to The Tank Museum. From 09:30-11:00 all sounds, and interactives will be turned off to reduce sensory input.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families of children with autism; young people and adults with autism; children with social, emotional, or mental health needs; adults living with dementia and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience.

At 1100 sounds will be switched back on, but visitors are welcome to remain in the Museum for as long as they like.

Sensory backpacks can be borrowed from main admissions free of charge. Backpacks include ear defenders, magnifying glass, book, squeezy toy, torch, periscope, and Commander Basil bear.

Future date for quiet morning - Sat 5th Dec

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Dorset: Poole Military tattoo performance - Sat 12th Sep.

Credit: Poolemilitarytattoo

The first ever Poole Military Tattoo will be held in Poole Stadium
Includes Military style pipe & drum bands and a performance by Bovington Military Wives Choir.

Salute to the Services — A moving tribute to those who serve and protect our communities

To ensure maximum accessibility, there will be two performances, (afternoon matinee and evening sundowner).

For more details and to purchase tickets click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison - New parent & baby support group starts Tues 8th Sept

 

Join DorPIP, Home-Start Blackmore Vale, Babigaloo Baby Music and The Friendly Food Club for a free family launch event.

Whether you're expecting a baby, caring for a little one, or simply curious about the support available locally, we invite you to come along, meet other families and explore the new parent and baby groups launching at Blandford Camp this autumn, including Baby Massage, Little PIPs and support from Home-Start volunteers.

Drop in or reserve a free place click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Growing together baby group (under 1s) sessions Sep & Oct

For details of other under 1 baby groups in local area see below.

Click on posters above to enlarge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Employment support drop in session Wed 2nd Sep

Appointments not necessary, just turn up.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE