Catterick: Sure-Start Macmillan Coffee Morning 24th Sep

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Little Troopers Announces Free Autumn Weekend Online Workshops for Military Children

Little Troopers is delighted to announce a brand-new series of free weekend online workshops for the Autumn/Winter term, part of the charity’s popular All Together programme. Designed especially for children under ten from across the Armed Forces community, whether based in the UK or overseas, these online sessions bring military children together for fun, creativity, and connection.

The autumn line-up features an exciting mix of activities, including; Dance lessons, Live baking classes, Science experiments, Space adventures, Animal encounters and Art sessions.

The All Together programme was created to help military children feel connected, valued, and entertained, particularly during times of deployment or separation from a serving parent. These exclusive, funded events are a chance for young little troopers to try something new with other military children and enjoy a special activity at the weekend.

Dorset: Little Troopers free family reconnection weekend Dorset, Fri 26th - Sun 28th Sept 2025

The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, has launched a series of free family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality-time together.

• Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September, Portland, Dorset

Funded by Team Forces, the four Little Troopers weekends invite young people and their parents to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection where they’ll be encouraged to put down their phones, meet people, do new things and spend quality time together.

Open to families with up to four siblings aged 9 and over, the weekends will be packed with adventurous activities including coasteering, raft building, kayaking, mega SUPing and coastal bushcraft, as well as time to relax on the beach, watching the sunset with a hot chocolate.

With a mix of child-only and parent-and-child time, the itinerary has been organised so that the small number of five to six families attending will have an enjoyable break and make memories to last a lifetime.

Winchester - Home-Start Family Groups

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Sandhurst: Army Benevolent Fund VJ Day Celebration Dinner Thursday 23rd October 2025

 

VJ Day Celebration Dinner

The Army Benevolent Fund is delighted to present our VJ Day Celebration Event on 23rd October 2025, in the prestigious setting of the Indian Army Memorial Room at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day. With strong links to both Indian soldiers and, more recently, the Gurkha’s, the Indian Army Memorial Room is the perfect place to celebrate this anniversary

Information provided by South East Hive Hub

Northern Ireland: Ulster Branch Irish Guards Association Charity Golf Day - Friday 5th September

 

CHARITY GOLF DAY – FRIDAY 5th SEPTEMBER 2025
The Ulster Branch of the Irish Guards Association is proud to host a Charity Golf Day at Edenmoor Golf Club on Friday, 5th September 2025.

In support of:
Air Ambulance NI
Army Benevolent Fund
Irish Guards Charity

In the evening, enjoy the stirring spectacle of a Beating of Retreat featuring:
The Frontier Pipes and Drums
The Regimental Band of Pipes and Drums of the Irish Guards

For more information or to register, please contact Frank McCracken:
07746 530313 or ulsterbranchiga@gmail.com

Information provided by HIVE NI

Grantham: The Army Benevolent Fund presents a musical celebration reflecting the Heritage of Lincolnshire

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

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

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Our dogs are far more than companions. They are working dogs trained to assist with everyday tasks like opening doors, retrieving dropped items and building confidence in public settings. Just as importantly, they offer loyal companionship and emotional reassurance.

Each dog is carefully matched to their Partner based on individual needs, ensuring a truly life-changing relationship that supports both practical challenges and emotional wellbeing.

Who We Help

We welcome applications from anyone who:
Is a current or former member of HM Armed Forces or Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard or RNLI)
Is living with a physical disability caused by illness or injury
(this does not need to be directly related to your time in service)

We support a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and independence, including:
Spinal injuries
Limb loss or amputation
Stroke recovery
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Serious illness or injury with lasting physical impact

We understand that the road to recovery and independence can be tough and the last thing we want is for cost to be a barrier. Where needed, Hounds for Heroes can cover the full working life of an assistance dog, including training, equipment, insurance and ongoing support. Each situation is assessed individually and we aim to remove as many barriers as possible.

If you or someone you support could benefit from an assistance dog, we’d love to hear from you. Welfare officers, medical staff and support teams are encouraged to signpost eligible individuals our way. We're here to help.

To learn more or to begin an application, visit: www.houndsforheroes.com or get in touch at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com.

Together, we can make a difference.

Scotland: Forces Children Scotland's University and College Fund 2025-26 application is now open until 8th August.

Forces Children Scotland are pleased to announce that applications for their University and College Fund 2025-26 are now open and will remain so until 8 August.

Awards of up to £2,000 are available for young people from Regular, Reservist or Veteran families studying at undergraduate level anywhere in the UK.

To find out more and apply today👉 https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/.../applications.../

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

St Andrews: Families First are looking for volunteers, interested in getting involved?

Families First arecurrently looking for volunteers to support parents and carers, or to offer transport to sessions (or even both).

Whether you’re keen to meet new people, use your experience, or try something new, this could be a great fit for you (or someone you know).

Pop along to one of their info sessions on Monday 21st July to find out more, or get in touch - email vc@familiesfirststandrews.org.uk.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

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

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

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

Edinburgh: SSAFA Charity golf afternoon, Friday 15th August

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Haverfordwest: RBL - Poppy Appeal Volunteers needed in your area

Information provided by Wales 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

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