Little Troopers New Forest Reconnection Weekend – next events are Dorset, 25 to 27 July, and 26 to 28 Sept

'Group of children photographed with Little Troopers Founder, Louise’

Military families were brought together this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, hosted a New Forest family reconnection weekend.

In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully-funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.

The weekend was the second one to take place, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Dorset.

Families arrived on Friday (13th June), kicking off the weekend by taking part in an evening woodland nature walk, before staying in shepherd’s huts.

On the second day, families got to try out raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft, a BBQ cooked by the parents, and campfire games for the children in the evening. Families headed home on Sunday 15th June after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees and enjoying some Father’s Day treats.

Catterick: SSAFA Mentoring Service Coffee Morning 17th July

 North HIVE Hub, AWS Hipswell Lodge DL9 3AX

Information provided by North 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

Burntisland: PoppyScotland are on the lookout for a volunteer Poppy Appeal Area Organiser

Poppyscotland are on the lookout for a volunteer Poppy Appeal Area Organiser for Burntisland & Surrounding Area.

The role of an Area Organiser involves the distribution of poppy tins and boxes to local schools and businesses, then collecting and banking all donations at the end of the Appeal.

Without all the amazing volunteers, they simply would be unable to spread our national symbol of Remembrance and raise vital funds for those in need within the Armed Forces Community.

More details of the role can be found via this link:
https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/.../volun.../area-organiser

If you or someone you know would be interested in this role, please don't hesitate to contact Jess Clark Poppyscotland at j.clark@poppyscotland.org.uk or Ian Jackson at i.jackson@poppyscotland.org.uk.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wales: Me Time online support sessions for carers - May & June Timetable

 

Click to enlarge poster.

May and June Timetable:

Thursday 8 May, 1.30- 2.30pm: Tangles art workshop
Have a go at Tangles art with Rowenna of Wild Art Wales. Tangles is an art technique that offers a space to be peaceful and mindful. In this session, you will learn how to create the crescent moon tangle which gives you a foundation to then go on to use the observations of your surroundings to inspire your patterns.

Monday 12 May, 2-3pm: Book Club
Take some time for yourself and connect with fellow carers at our friendly Book Club sessions. This is a space to unwind, chat with like-minded people, and enjoy the joy of getting lost in a good book.

South East: Army Benevolent Fund Support the Army's national charity

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Little Troopers reunites military families in first-of-its-kind family reconnection weekend

Military families were reunited this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity,kicked off the first of their “All Together” family reconnection weekends.

(Credit to Paul Brewer Photography)

In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.

The charity hosted its first weekend this week in Portland, Dorset, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the Portland Outdoor Centre in Castletown.

Families arrived on Friday (2nd May), kicking off the weekend by spending time together over a beautiful sunset on the beach and drinking hot chocolates.

On the second day, families got to try out coasteering at Portland Bill, exploring the shoreline by swimming, jumping, scrambling and climbing the rocks and cliffs, and learning coastal bushcraft and cooking fish on the fire. Families headed home on Sunday 4th May after giving kayaking, rafting and stand-up paddleboarding a go.

(Credit to Paul Brewer Photography)

Louise Fetigan, Founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our new family reconnection weekends are aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment, to help ease periods of separation and help children to connect with their parents. Our Dorset weekend went brilliantly. It was so lovely to see families getting stuck in with all the activities and it was a real joy to see everyone laughing and enjoying some special time together. Military families are generally quite active families, so we felt the weekend really played to these families’ strengths and interests and we hope it will help them to have bonded with one another, whether they’re facing the difficulties of an impending deployment, missing a parent who is away, or welcoming a parent home as they settle back in.”

The Little Troopers weekends invite between six and eight families, with one or both parents and up to four siblings aged nine to 18, to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection, where they are encouraged to put down their phones, meet new people and make memories. Each weekend runs from Friday to Sunday at no cost to the families.

The dates and locations for the next three Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends in 2025 are: Friday 13th June to Sunday 15th June 2025, New Forest, Hampshire.
Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July, Brenscombe, Wareham, Dorset.
Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September, Portland, Dorset.  

The events form part of the charity’s broader ‘All Together’ programme which brings together young people from across the military community to benefit from spending time with others who have shared similar life experiences. For more information about Little Troopers All Together and to learn more about the charity’s work supporting military children, visit www.littletroopers.net

The Ripple Pond – Spring newsletter

Please click here to read this issue online

Edinburgh: Scottish Veterans Residences Project Heritage

Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) is proud to launch PROJECT HERITAGE: a campaign to restore the SVR Memorial in Eastern Cemetery, Easter Road, Edinburgh, which honours many of the original Veterans who spent their final days in Whitefoord House after the charity was founded in 1910.

The Memorial spans an impressive 7 metres wide and stands 2 metres high, but in recent years, the stonework and accompanying bronze plaques have fallen into a state of disrepair, and the memorial is in urgent need of care.

In such a momentous year – where Veterans and the sacrifices they made will be recognised on the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – SVR is firmly committed to returning the monument to its former glory and once again making it a fitting spot for people to pay their respects to those who served. With the help of restoration specialists and stonemasons, we aim to complete this work well in time for Remembrance 2025.

To do this we need your help. We rarely make a direct ask for donations, but we hope you can get behind such a worthwhile project by considering making a contribution - whether it’s big or small, every donation will help us reach our target of £40,000 and make it happen.

Project Heritage: restoration of SVR Veterans' Memorial - JustGiving

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

St Athan: SSAFA charity golf tournament 2025 - Southerndown Golf club

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Edinburgh: SSAFA Charity golf afternoon, Friday 15th August

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Military vs Cancer Rugby event – Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle, Sat 21 Jun

 

Tackling cancer, one try at a time - Join us for the Military vs Cancer Rugby Event at Kingston Park on 21 June at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle.

This Armed Forces Day, be part of an unforgettable event that celebrates courage, community, and the fight against cancer. Watch as the UK Armed Forces Rugby Teams take on the North Select XV in thrilling men’s and women’s matches. This is more than just rugby — it’s a day of unity, remembrance, and support for a vital cause.

Honour Your Loved Ones
Make this event even more meaningful by having the name of a loved one featured on the official rugby kit worn by the players. For just £20, you can ensure their name becomes part of this incredible day. With space for 750 names, this is a unique way to celebrate someone special while supporting Military vs Cancer. Names are limited to 20 characters each — so act fast to secure your spot! To add a name to the jersey, include it in the comments when purchasing your reward online via the link or QR code. Let’s fill that kit with love, strength, and remembrance!

In Memory of Heroes

Haverfordwest: RBL - Poppy Appeal Volunteers needed in your area

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Winchester - Home-Start Family Groups

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Aldershot: The Vine Centre

Based in Aldershot, Hampshire and supporting Rushmoor and the surrounding areas, we aim to support our community with their needs as and when they arise. The Vine Centre provides a broad range of services to the most disadvantaged members of our community and we seek to fulfil the basic needs of anyone who seeks our help.

Our mission is to serve the community, enabling individuals to move towards independence, make sustainable change in their lives, reduce social isolation and improve their quality of life by offering specialised support in a safe environment. We support adults and families that are socially isolated, long-term unemployed, homeless or poorly housed, suffering with mental health, addiction or learning difficulties. Often individuals will access more than one of our services - and they are always welcome to join anything we have on offer.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Chepstow: Volunteering Opportunities for Beachley Lifeboat & Rescue Station

We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our fundraising team. This is a fantastic chance to make a real difference and support a cause that truly matters. Whether you have experience in fundraising or are just eager to help and learn, we would love to have you on board!

• What you'll do: Assist in organizing events, reaching out to potential donors, and spreading the word about our mission.
• What you'll gain: New skills, great friends, and the rewarding feeling of giving back to the community.
• How to join: Comment or message on Severn Area Rescue Association - Beachley Facebook Page for more details.

Let's come together to make a positive impact! Thank you for your support.

CONTACT: ryan.games@sara-rescue.org.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Chepstow: SARA Midsummer Ceilidh at Chepstow Drill Hall on Fri 20 Jun 25

Severn Area Rescue Association - Beachley:

Summer is fast approaching!
Now you can get your tickets for the SARA Midsummer Ceilidh with the Cats Claw Ceilidh Band.

Chepstow Drill Hall
Friday 20 June 2025 7pm

Proceeds will go towards building a home for our new lifeboat launch tractor in Beachley.
Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Scotland: Vector24 providing vital transport support for the Armed Forces Community

Vector24 is a Scottish charity founded in 2016 that provides vital transport support and guidance for the Armed Forces Community, Merchant Navy, Seafarers, and their families across Scotland.

Vector24 goes beyond just transport; they offer compassionate, tailored assistance to ensure that no veteran or their family faces challenges alone. Each journey is customised to meet unique needs, from medical appointments to treatment plans and social isolation support.

They have recently launched 'The Extra Mile' project, funded by the Army Central Fund and the Veterans Foundation, which offers:

Transport for serving personnel to medical appointments

Family support and transport, especially during deployments

Qualified escorts for welfare assistance

Assistance with long-term treatment plans

Appointment attendance and rescheduling help


For booking inquiries, please contact Colleen, Engagement Support Officer, at 07821 679 643 or email colleen@vector24.co.uk. For operational matters, reach out to Leon, Operations Manager, at 07821 679 647.

Visit their website at www.vector24.co.uk for more information and check the attached booklet 👉 Vector24

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Give Us Time: New Motorhome Breaks Now Available

Give Us Time have had a new donation of breaks from the team at Sponsored Breaks. These are 3-day/2-night stays in their fully kitted out motorhome, which sleeps up to 4 people. The motorhome is based in Wolverhampton, so does need to be collected and dropped off back to site, and any drivers must be between 25 and 70 with 2 years’ experience of driving and less than 6 points on licence. Unfortunately no pets are allowed.

The dates available include some school holiday dates for Easter, half term, and the summer holidays:

• 4/5/6 April
• 11/12/13 April
• 18/19/20 April
• 25/26/27 April
• 23/24/25 May
• 30/31/1 May-June
• 4/5/6 July
• 25/26/27 July
• 30/31/1 July-Aug
• 2/3/4 Aug
• 6/7/8 Aug
• 9/10/11 Aug

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Latest round of grants under The Armed Forces Families Fund - Early Years Programme

The Early Years programme is back for 2025 and we’re excited to share that applications are now open!

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), The Early Years Programme will award grants between £5,000 and £80,000 towards projects that enable early childhood education and childcare settings to meet specific needs of young service children.

What’s the programme all about?

The Early Years programme is designed to help Armed Forces families access good quality early childhood education and childcare provision close to where they live or serve.

The programme is designed to address barriers that service families may experience in accessing good quality childcare for their preschool aged children and will support projects lasting up to two years that can meet one of the four outcomes:

• Expanded capacity in early years settings, allowing more service children to attend.
• Enhanced learning environments that better support the educational development of service children.
• Improved staff skills and knowledge through targeted training and professional development.
• Establishing collaborative networks and shared resources through clusters to effectively address the needs of service children.