April’s offers from Motorfinity

Have a look at this month’s offer sheets including some of our latest models, top discounts, and new models – all available with the new registration plate!

Exclusive webinar invitation - Financial Inclusion in the Public Sector, by Serve + Protect Credit Union

Register for free today!

We are pleased to invite you to an exclusive webinar on Tuesday 28th April 2026 at 13:00

Discover the key insights from our 2026 Financial Resilience Survey, which generated responses from 7,647 Serve and Protect members from January to February 2026.

In this webinar we break down the findings of the survey to uncover the common financial challenges facing public sector employees in 2026. From difficulty accessing responsible financial products, to preparing and coping with financial emergencies, you will be equipped with the knowledge of what is impacting your people today.

Don't miss this opportunity to better understand and support your colleagues.

Read the full Financial Resilience Report 2026

Serve and Protect Credit Union Cash ISA 2026/27 - Guaranteed Tax-Free Return of 3.85%

Serve and Protect Fixed Cash ISA | Guaranteed Tax-Free Return of 3.85%

Serve and Protect Credit Union have launched a Fixed Cash ISA for the 2026/27 tax year giving employees within the Police, Prison, Military, Fire and Health Services the opportunity to earn a guaranteed tax-free return of 3.85% AER (Annual Equivalent Rate).

• Minimum effort, maximum return: Start depositing from as little as £5 and up to a maximum of £20,000 for the 2026/27 tax year.
• Attractive returns: Enjoy a guaranteed tax-free return of 3.85% AER, allowing you to earn more from your savings effortlessly.
• Safety assured: Rest easy knowing your savings are protected up to £120,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).

For people, not profit.

Serve and Protect Credit Union prides itself on being more than just a financial institution. As a not-for-profit, by opening an account, you can make a real impact to the lives of those who serve and protect our nation. Your support provides crucial funds to help fellow colleagues seeking affordable credit.

For more information or to apply please visit: Serve and Protect | Tax-Free Savings with a Fixed Cash ISA

MoneyHelper free webinar: Retirement planning for Gen-Z, Wed 20th May at 2pm

To register:

https://shorturl.at/MJr7C

MoneyHelper: Understanding debt and getting the help you need

A tough topic, but such a vital one to talk about, Debt Advice. 

Across the UK there are hundreds of thousands of people struggling with the burden of problem debt. Debt can be a taboo topic, difficult to talk to family or friends about, and many people are left feeling isolated and anxious, and many of them simply do not know where or how to reach out for help and support. This month’s article outlines some of the demographics around debt, signs to look out for and where to go for help. Please, do not suffer in silence, there is free and impartial, fully regulated support available. Let MoneyHelper support you on a journey a debt free future and more positive financial future.

For more Information please CLICK HERE

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.

Catterick: LLoyds Banking Group is at Catterick Library alternate Weds from 8th Apr

Lloyds Banking Group will be at Catterick Library tomorrow (Wednesday 8th April) between 10am-4pm.
Community bankers will be available to help you with banking services and account support.

If you can, please call ahead to let us know you are coming. You can contact Catterick Library on 01609 534595.

Can’t make this one? They’ll be back again on Wednesday 22nd April for all your banking needs.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Forces Cars Direct: April Car Offers – Save on Your Next Vehicle

It’s April, and there are some fantastic offers available to you this month, including the brand new Jaecoo 8 with a saving of £9,619 and the Nissan Juke with a saving of £5,251.

Our team is on hand to help you make the best decision when choosing your next new car and to guide you through the exclusive savings available.

To view all of this month’s offers, please visit the link below: https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/special-offers/monthly-offers

Wifinity Armed Forces Offers: eSIM for travel and deployment, and SFA Forces Fibre

The current MOD offers from Wifinity include:

Low cost eSIM for deployment and travel - Wifinity | Explore our low cost eSIM plans

• Cheapest options on the market for MOD personnel and families going abroad
• 10% discount for MOD personnel and families using code HIVE10
• 20% discount for existing Wifinity customers. Customers can log into their ‘My Account’ to get their code

Ultrafast broadband flexible for families into SFA homes - Wifinity Forces Fibre

• Monthly rolling contracts available
• Cheaper than major providers such as BT
• Faster installation times than the UK average
• 26% faster speeds than the UK average
• Currently available at Kendrew, Chicksands, Lyneham, Marham and Aldershot
• Further SFA sites being rolled out in 2026
• Get your first 2 months free when sign up for 12-month plan

Department for Work & Pensions Update

Do you know your State Pension age?

DWP is running a campaign to encourage everyone to check their State Pension age on GOV.UK.

Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960.

Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK  to find your State Pension age — you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record.

Remember, your State Pension doesn't start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply.

*HIVE note* For Service community spouses and partners with NI gaps due to overseas postings, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-credits-for-partners-of-armed-forces-personnel-overseas. There is information on NI credits that may apply, and an online form to complete.

Introducing Tax Confident

HMRC has launched ‘Tax Confident’ – a new website designed to help customers fill their tax knowledge gaps.

The website offers simple, easy to understand information on tax basics through engaging formats. Current resources are aimed at pensioners and small business owners, but there's something useful for everyone.

GOV.UK remains the place for detailed guidance but Tax Confident helps customers feel ready to take that next step. Find out more at Tax Confident.

South West: MoneyHelper SW - Family and Care finances

 

Big money decisions often need to be made when looking after family members, expecting a baby, or you’ve got family problems like illness, divorce, or bereavement.

MoneyHelper have got easy-to-understand guides to help you. MoneyHelper from the Government’s Money and Pensions Service exists to help anyone across the South West with free, independent, and impartial money and pensions guidance.

Please click here to read these guides online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Money Saving Central: Places Kids Eat Free (or for £1) Easter

Here's our full list of Kids Eat Free (or for £1) restaurants this Easter: www.moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free

Wales: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year

A new Defence scheme to transform support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary announced on 20th March 2026.

This major boost for UK Armed Forces families will save forces families living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to £6,000 per year for each child and will help with the cost of living as they serve to protect the nation.

It will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement scheme and will ensure that eligible working UK Armed Forces families receive the same Government funded childcare support as forces families in England.

This government promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and this support is another major step to deliver on that pledge. Childcare is cited as one of several factors affecting Armed Forces retention and morale and this government is on a mission to fix the recruitment crisis. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey MP on a visit to meet families at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh.

To read the whole article on the .Gov website: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements over Easter

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements are different over Easter in England, Scotland and Wales:

On Friday 3 April offices and phone lines are closed
On Monday 6 April offices and phone lines are closed

From Tuesday 7 April offices and phone lines are open as usual

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

If the expected payment date is Friday 3 April or Monday 6 April, then benefits will be on Thursday 2 April.

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.

Serve and Protect Credit Union - Latest Free Financial Educational Webinars

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills 🌍💸 (New Title for 2026)

Eco-friendly savings webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Budgeting 101 📝 📢

Budgeting explained webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Saving Made Simple 💷✅

Tips to boost savings webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Saving Made Simple: Practical Habits to Boost Your Savings | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Credit Score 101 🚀📊

Tips to boost your score webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters (New Title for 2026) ☔🛡️

Preparing for the unexpected webinar | April and May Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application 🔍💸 (New Title for 2026)

Key things to know webinar | April and May Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Resources to improve financial wellbeing

Employees can now access a new Fixed Saver through Serve and Protect.

• Key points:Fixed interest rate of 4% AER/gross
• Guaranteed return after 12 months
• FSCS protection up to £120,000

🔗 Take a look and decide if it's right for you here: sandpcu.co.uk/fs12

Upcoming webinars:

Our free weekly webinars help to manage money with confidence. With tips to save smarter, boost your credit score, and prepare for emergencies.

Click here to find out more: Webinars - Serve & Protect

Quick Links & Resources

Financial Tools: 

Budget Planner 🔗
Savings Calculator 🔗
Loan Calculator 🔗
Benefits Calculator 🔗

Our Services: 

Savings Accounts 🔗
Loan Products 🔗
Community Fund 🔗
Financial Webinars 🔗

Hampshire: Hampshire County Council money worries

Please click on the link below to access the HCC website that provides vital information for families who may be struggling due to the cost of living crisis with lots of useful links.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Department for Work & Pensions: Latest News Update

Department for Work & Pensions: Latest News Update

Mobile Jobcentres

Jobseekers are to benefit from the roll-out of mobile jobs vans across Great Britain.

Following hugely successful pilots in the Scottish Highlands, North and Mid Wales and Greater Manchester, the number of Jobcentres on Wheels will provide enhanced support in six new areas, with a view to explore rolling out the scheme more extensively after testing its impact.

The vans will take jobcentre staff on the road to communities with some of the highest rates of unemployment where support is needed most. Vans will park up outside family hubs, leisure centres, supermarkets, local events and football matches to make taking that first step towards work as easy as possible.

Once on board, people can meet with one of the DWP’s experienced work coaches who will who offer expert support with job searching and training opportunities.

They can also provide information to those with health conditions or disabilities and for accessing childcare costs.

As well as existing customers, the service is open and accessible to all members of the public and forms part of the government’s wider plans to Get Britain Working, kickstart economic growth and give more opportunities for people to get on in their career.

Read the full press release

Serve & Protect Credit Union – Upcoming March Webinars

 

Serve & Protect Credit Union – Upcoming March Webinars:

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills
Date: 05 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters
Date: 11 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it.

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Date: 12 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: How to create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending.

Saving Made Simple: Practical Habits to Boost Your Savings
Date: 18 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion.

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Date: 19 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit, plus actionable tips to improve yours.

Best Kept Secret in Finance: The Credit Union Difference
Date: 25 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Learn what makes credit unions different from traditional financial institutions and how they benefit communities worldwide.

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Date: 26 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply.

Register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Motorfinity: February Updates

This month, Motorfinity continue to bring fantastic savings across a wide range of brand-new cars, with exclusive discounts available to the Armed Forces Community, Veterans and their families.

Whether you’re looking for something stylish, practical, or compact for city driving, Motorfinity have some popular favourites available at outstanding prices, including the Audi A3 Sportback, Ford Puma Hatchback, and Toyota Aygo X Hatchback — plus many more from most major manufacturers.

Why Choose Motorfinity?

• Save an average of £7,400 on a brand-new car
• Exclusive discounts across most major manufacturers, covering EVs, hybrids, and petrol/diesel options
• We offer a wide range of electric vehicles to suit different budgets, from affordable everyday EVs to premium electric models
• Low-rate HP/PCP finance options and competitive leasing on new cars, designed to suit your needs
• 5-star rated customer service, with friendly experts who handle everything for you
• Immediate family member discounts with participating manufacturers

Our experienced team takes the hassle out of car buying, whether you’re purchasing outright, financing, or choosing a leasing option — so you can focus on what matters most, knowing you’ve secured a great deal. Please note - our discounts are not part of any salary sacrifice schemes.

Useful Guides for Armed Forces and Veterans

To help you make informed decisions, we’ve also created helpful guides covering key topics:A day in the life of a community health worker blog and video - Motorfinity | A day in the life of a community health worker
Which essential vehicle safety features should you consider? - Which essential vehicle safety features should you consider?
Electric Car Grant vehicle eligibility: How EVs have become more affordable - Electric Car Grant vehicle eligibility: how EVs have become more affordable
Car Lease vs Purchase: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Next Car - Car lease vs purchase: the ultimate guide to choosing your next car
Driving smarter starts now: Motorfinity is thrilled to announce smart car partnership - Driving smarter starts now: Motorfinity is thrilled to announce smart car partnership

If you’re considering a new car this year, Motorfinity is here to help every step of the way.

Get Started Today

📞 Call: 01636 558 885
🌐 Visit: https://motorfinity.uk//?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=feb