Military coworking free online events - Wed 15th & Thurs 16th April

Tax Return Coworking - Wednesday 15th April at 10:30am OR/AND Thursday 16th April at 7:30pm

If you need to complete a tax return this year but find that you keep putting it off, we’re here with the answer! 

It gives you the accountability and time to get it done, all with the company of us online. We won’t be able to give any advice, but we will definitely be able to help motivate you and celebrate with you when you get it done.

Come to one or both, head to our events page to book on for free. The link is: Tax Return Coworking | Military Coworking

Free Trello workshop - Thursday 16th April at 10:30am.

If you’ve always wanted to know how to use Trello better, perhaps for social media content creation, organising your house or simply as a way of ranking the members of your favourite pop band (all real ways Rachel has used it in the past!) then you need to come along to our Trello Masterclass

Trello is a free, web-based project management and productivity tool that uses Kanban boards, and if none of that makes sense but you love a good list, planner or organisational system then definitely come along.

It’s completely free to attend and we’d love to have you there.

Check out our events page or click the link here to sign up: Trello Masterclass | Military Coworking

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Defence Infographic – Primary School Offer Day information and support for Service families

To support Service families with further information on Primary School place offers, Defence has provided this infographic. A PDF version with accessible hyperlinks is at this LINK, or please see links below:

Starting Reception website

General Gov.uk guidance on school admissions and appeals

Defence Children Services (DCS)

Education Advisory Team email address: RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk

Defence’s Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme

Blandford: Garrison health course Wed 15th April. Open to everyone

 

The Red Tent Project

Wednesday 15th April at the Garrison Cinema

Sessions: 08:30-12:30 or 13:30-16:30

Everyone is welcome to attend - Serving Personnel, Family Members and all civilian staff working on camp.
 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

St Athan: Family First Aid Awareness Course - Free for partners/spouses/family members on Wed 15th April at West Camp Community Centre, St Athan

Click poster to enlarge. 
Protect Your Loved Ones: Free Family First Aid Awareness Course

Gain peace of mind and essential skills with our Family First Aid Awareness session. This friendly, hands-on course is designed to give you the confidence to apply basic life-saving techniques in everyday situations.

Course Details

When: Wednesday, 15th April.
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (2 hours).
Where: MOD St Athan West Camp Community Centre, Starling Road.
Cost: Completely FREE—fully funded by The Family Foundation’s latest project.

Who Can Attend?

This session is open to Wives, Spouses or partners of serving personnel, including Reservists. No prior experience is required to join.

How to Register

Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early:
Register Online: Visit https://forms.office.com/e/NmsNiFeArt.
QR Code: Scan the code on the flyer to access the registration form.

Need help? Contact The HIVE at 01446 798381 or email RC-Pers-HIVE-WalesHub-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Catetrick & Richmond: FREE Digital Skills For All courses

A reminder of our upcoming Digital Skills For All courses happening at our Catterick and Richmond Libraries. 

The courses are split into sessions, covering everything from using the NHS app, to WhatsApp and social media.

You can find lots more information and the dates for each library in the posters below.

Be sure to book your place by calling or emailing Abby Armstrong: abby.armstrong@northyorks.gov.uk 01609 533906

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

April is the Month of the Military Child – get involved!

April is the Month of the Military Child – an annual initiative to recognise and celebrate the remarkable children and young people in our Armed Forces community.

This campaign is led by the Education Policy Team within the Defence Children Services (DCS), who are responsible for the equality of delivery, support and outcomes of education and safeguarding for Service children and MOD entitled civilians in accompanied postings overseas.

The new Head of the Defence Children Services said:

"Our Service children are a valuable part of our Armed Forces community. Giving them a stable, supportive environment isn't just the right thing to do – it's critical to Defence’s operational effectiveness. When families are in good hands, personnel can serve at their best.

“Service children continue to prove their resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s moving schools, relocating, or managing time apart from a parent on deployment.

“As global uncertainty rises, so do the demands on serving personnel, which results in a commensurate impact on Service families, especially children. This is evidenced by the recent events in RAF Akrotiri, where although schools and early years settings have experienced some disruption, staff, families, and Service children have demonstrated incredible resilience, strength, bravery, and versatility.

“Innovating their approach, staff continue to provide safe education and care elsewhere on the Island. Meeting the needs of our Service children is a key component of Defence’s offer and must recognise their unique circumstances.”

Get involved

Led by DCS’ Education Policy Team, with support from charities, schools, and fellow MOD departments, this initiative raises awareness of the unique experiences and challenges faced by children of Armed Forces personnel around the world. It is also a time to thank them and highlight their positive impact in schools, society and our Armed Forces community.

Show your support by getting involved in the many activities taking place this month. Here are some simple, meaningful ways that you and your family can get involved:

• Discover activities and events at local military bases and schools by contacting your local HIVE (Royal Navy Family and People Support, Army HIVE, RAF HIVE) or Families Federation (Navy, Army, RAF). Charities and other organisations are also holding events.
• Spread the word about the Month of the Military Child with other Service families and your wider community. Use the following hashtags on social media: #MotMC and #MonthoftheMilitaryChild.
• To help your child’s school recognise and raise awareness of Service children, share information, ideas and resources with them.
• Wear purple on Friday 24 April 2026: Wearing purple is a simple but powerful way to show solidarity with Service children. Remember to use the hashtag and encourage your colleagues to join in, too. You can even turn it into a purple-themed bake sale or activity.
• Why not encourage your child to enter Never Such Innocence’s art and poetry competition? This year’s competition closes on 1 May 2026, and the theme is: Winds of Change.

For information on how schools and settings are marking this month, and to explore ideas and activities, visit the DCS’ website.

Hampshire: Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East

Hampshire County Council is proud to be part of Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East is a cross border partnership comprising Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove, Medway Councils and Sussex NHS.

It is a two-year Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant Funded Programme aimed at making it easier for servicemen and women and their families, as well as reservists and veterans, to access public sector services including healthcare, housing, schools, financial advice and support to find jobs.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Fulford: Free 5 week course with Family Learning in June

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Fulford: FREE family Learning Courses from April

Sessions are held in the Low Moor Community Centre on Bray Road, Fulford Y010 4JG (next to Beehive Pre School on the SFA patch).

These include a one-off ‘Spring Crafts’ session on Wednesday 15th April - kind of a taster and introduction to York Learning’s courses.

Mixed Crafts with Lisa-Marie will then be running in the mornings as from Wednesday 22nd April. In the afternoons, Kate will be running a Science-focus course ‘Discover and Grow’.

After May half term the afternoon sessions will be a Maths focus course ‘1,2,3 Go and Play’.

Wales: Free online courses for partners & spouses of Armed Forces Personnel from The Family Foundation - Starting a Small Business

 

The Family Foundation - Project Restart

Looking to start a business or learn new skills?

We’re excited to share a range of FREE online courses designed specifically for Spouses & Partners of serving personnel

Whether you’re exploring a side hustle, thinking about starting a small business, or want to build practical skills — there’s something here for you

• Starting a Small Business Courses
• Turn an idea into a real opportunity
• Learn how to plan, launch and grow
• Build confidence to take that first step
• Bookkeeping Courses
• Understand the numbers behind a business
• Learn essential financial skills
• Perfect for supporting your own business or boosting employability
• Study at your own pace, online and flexible around family life

Access everything here:

https://lea-s-site-4be5.thinkific.com/bundles/project-restart

We’re also exploring a face-to-face workshop at St Athan for anyone who would like extra support — let us know if this would be of interest!

Any queries please contact: 

info@thefamilyfoundation.co.uk 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk

Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk

A new team is ready to help you with questions about Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Moving around for your work in the Armed Forces can make it hard to keep your children's education on track. This is where CEA comes in – helping your children stay settled in education, even when Service life means your family must move.

Here to help

Sometimes, working out if you’re eligible to claim CEA – or how to claim it – can feel complicated and confusing, as every situation is different. That’s why we've set up a new team in the Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell (PACCC) to assist.

From 1 April 2026, the CEA advisory helpdesk will provide a group of experts to help you, your family, or your Unit HR team with any tricky questions about the allowance.

Whether you're trying to understand the rules or need help with a complex case, the team will point you to the right people and make sure you get clear guidance.

The new helpdesk works alongside the Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK) service within Defence Children Services (DCS). This remains available to provide professional, independent advice, guidance, and support to Service families on children’s education – covering school admissions, Special Educational Needs Allowance (SENA), and boarding school applications (including schools not currently on the Boarding School Database).

Grantham: Grantham Prep International School - A world of learning begins here

15% discounts for Military families www.granthamprep.co.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Powys: Apply for Pre School (3 and 4 Yr olds) Early Years Education - Powys County Council

Powys County Council:

Do you need to apply for a place for pre-school admissions in either January, April or September 2027?
If so, the Pre-School Admission Round for children born between 01/09/2023 – 31/08/2024 is now open.

Parents / carers need to complete an online application
Applications need to be made by the deadline of 31 March 2026.
Pre-School Admissions Offer Date is Monday 30 September 2026.

If you are unable to apply online please email preschooladmissions@powys.gov.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Weeton: Blackpool & the Fylde College Functional Skills Math - Free course starting 17th April 26

Blackpool & the Fylde College will be delivering Functional Skills- Maths from Weeton Community Centre every Friday during term time starting on Friday 17th April between 1 and 3pm.  The course is free to attend for anyone aged 19 plus.

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Vale of Glamorgan: Adult Community Learning Courses in the Vale of Glamorgan - April to August 2026

 

Get Back on Track: Adult Community Learning Courses.
Term 3 starting April 2026

To book a place contact:
Tel: 01446 733762
Email: Palmerstoncentre@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Highlands: MLG (Education) Newsletter March 2026

Click on image above to read the latest issue of the MLG (Education) Newsletter and the Category and the overall winner of the ‘Design a Logo’ Competition for Month of the Military Child Highland!

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

St Athan: Free Courses for Partners & Spouses of Serving Personnel - Schedule of Courses taking place at MOD St Athan West Camp Community Centre

Click poster to enlarge. 

Up-skill with Free Training at St Athan!

Are you a partner or spouse of serving personnel or a reservist? The Family Foundation is bringing a series of free, accredited and non-accredited courses directly to you at the West Camp Community Centre!

Whether you are looking to boost your CV or learn vital life skills, we have a range of sessions scheduled this spring.

Location:
West Camp Community Centre, St Athan, CF62 4NA

Schedule of Events:

Risk Assessment (Level 2): Wednesday, 11th March | 9:45 AM – 2:30 PM (4 hours)

Conflict Management (Level 2): Monday, 6th April | 9:45 AM – 2:30 PM (4 hours)

New Date: Monday 27th April

Family First Aid Awareness: Wednesday, 15th April | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (2 hours)

Basic Life Support & Defibrillator Use: Wednesday, 13th May | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (2 hours)

How to Register

All courses are completely free and are open to Wives, Spouses or partners of serving personnel, including Reservists.

Secure your spot today by:

Scanning the QR code on the flyer or

Clicking the registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/NmsNiFeArt

For more information, feel free to contact our Project Co-ordinator, Charlie Hammond, at 07322 74552 or email charles@thefamilyfoundation.co.uk.

Scotland: Free AI training for military partners with BFBS Academy

click on image to enlarge

BFBS have launched their new AI Skills Programme designed for the military community and its free. 

Practical, flexible, designed around your life. Whether you're curious about AI or looking to boost your career prospects, this is for you. Self-paced modules, webinars and live workshops throughout 2026. Sign up now and join hundreds of others learning the skills that matter.

Ready to upskill?
Enrol now 👇

sms.bfbs.com

Lyneham: Lyneham Primary School 'Notification of Deployment' form

 

Lyneham Primary School have created an MS Teams form for parents/carers to inform the School when a parent is due to be deployed.

Please click here to visit the website where you will find the MS Teams form as well as further support information.

To find out more about the Service Pupil Premium and how it's used at Lyneham Primary School, please click here.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wales: Free courses for Spouses & Partners of Armed Forces personnel in Wales - Bookkeeping Basics for UK Start-Up Businesses

Click poster to enlarge.
The Family Foundation:
Free courses for Spouses & Partners of Armed Forces Personnel in Wales

We’re pleased to share Project Restart — a fully funded programme supporting wives, spouses and partners of serving personnel living in Wales.
These free, online courses are designed to build confidence, skills, and future opportunities, whether you’re:

• exploring a business idea
• returning to work
• rebuilding confidence after a career break
• or planning your next step

Bookkeeping Basics for UK Start-Up Businesses

• Day-to-Day Bookkeeping & Cash Flow
• UK Small Business Tax, Compliance & Working with Accountants
• Fully funded through the Armed Forces Covenant
• Learn at your own pace
• Enrol on any course that’s right for you
• Enrol for free today

https://lea-s-site-4be5.thinkific.com/bundles/project-restart

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.