Wales: Chickenpox Vaccine roll-out begins today (2nd Jan 26) across Wales

A vaccination programme to protect young children against chickenpox is being rolled out in Wales.

All children aged 12 to 18 months across the UK will be offered a vaccine for chickenpox - also known as Varicella – for the first time.

The vaccine will be offered in a two-dose programme at 12 and 18 months of age using a combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine.

A catch-up programme for older children up to six-years-old will be offered later in the year.

For more information please click here.

Chepstow: Chepstow Harriers - Couch 2 5k Course starting Wed 14 Jan 26

Ready to boost your health & fitness in 2026? 

Ever fancied completing a parkrun but not sure where to start?
The Chepstow Harriers Beginner’s Couch to 5K (C25K) course could be just the thing for you!

Who’s it for?

Perfect for new runners, returning runners, or anyone who wants to give running a go in a friendly, supportive group.

Starts: Wednesday 14th January 2026
Meeting point: Severn Bridge tunnel underpass (near B&M, Bulwark)
Meet: 18:20 | Run starts: 18:30
Course length: 9 weeks
Goal: Finish with the Severn Bridge Parkrun

To help you stay on track with the structured C25K programme, there will be repeat sessions every Friday evening at 18:30 (same location).
Miss a session? No worries — you can repeat it in your own time.

Want to join or need more info?
Email: c25k@chepstowharriers.org.uk
Facebook: Chepstow C25K page

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Richmond: Andys Man Club starting 12th Jan at Richmond Rugby Club

Richmond AndysManClub will be opening its doors this coming Monday, 12th Jan at Richmond Rugby Club. 

Meeting is on from 7 - 9 pm every monday (except Bank Holidays). Come for a chat and a free brew.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Are you new to the area? Come along to one of our Family Coffee Mornings

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Bovington: Garrison medical centre & local NHS doctors/dentists

Service Personnel only

The centre is open 

Mon, Tues & Thurs 0800 - 1630
Wed & Fri 0800-1230 

Closed weekends

Contact reception on 01929 403474

E-consult services 

Spouses/Partners & children

Register with NHS medical services in Wool village or Bere Regis (nr Bovington)

Wellbridge Practice. 

Meadow Lane, Wool BH20 6DR - 01929 462376
Website link: The Wellbridge Practice for opening times, contact details, booking appointments, joining the practice, prescriptions etc.  

Bere Regis Surgery.  

Manor Farm Road BH20 7HB - 01929 471268

Website link: Bere Regis Surgery for opening times, contact details, booking appointments, joining the practice, prescriptions etc.  

To find a dentist in the local area click HERE If you do not have a SFA address yet, use BH20 6JA  postcode to help refine your search area.  

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Grantham: Gloji Energy upcoming programme - book your space!

12 Week Child Weight Management Programme:

* Location: Grantham Squash Club
* Starts: Wednesday 21st January (4:30pm – 5:30pm)
* Eligibility: Children aged 4–12 with a BMI at or above the 91st centile

Programmes includes:

45 minutes of fun, free activity for the child
A supportive group for parents, packed with simple tips for maintaining a healthy family lifestyle
A chance for parents and children to come back together at the end for an activity that helps explain what has been learned in a child-friendly way

Referral:

Parents/guardians can self-refer their family for this programme by phoning 01522 705162 or completing this form (Gloji Energy)

If individuals would prefer to be referred in by a healthcare professional referral (e.g. their GP) this is also possible.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

St Andrews: Craigtoun Country Park FREE winter wellness sessions in partnership with Fife Coast & Countryside Trust start 21st January 2026

click on image to enlarge

Nothing chases away the winter blues quite like getting out in nature and  Winter Wellness Sessions that have been designed with just that in mind. 

The first block will start on Wednesday 21st January and will run for 4 consecutive weeks. 

To request a self-referral form, please e-mail the admin office on: enquiries@friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Blandford: New child group sessions at the family hub starts Monday 12th Jan

 

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison weekly fitness sessions - child friendly

For more information click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Wiltshire: Quit smoking with the help of Smoke Free Wiltshire

Smoking doesn’t just damage your lungs - it speeds up the ageing process and changes the way you look:

• Early ageing and skin damage
• Hair thinning and loss
• Fertility problems
• Oral health

As soon as you stop smoking your body starts to repair.

Get free support to quit with the Smoke Free app or find other support on the Smoke Free Wiltshire website - https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/smokefree

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Chatham: Start the New Year Smoke Free!

Start the New Year Smoke-Free!

Thinking about quitting smoking?
Now’s the perfect time to take control!

Getting support from your local stop smoking service increases your chance of success.

Your Quit Support Includes:

• Weekly 1-to-1 sessions on site at Brompton Barracks
•  A FREE vape starter kit
• A FREE nicotine patches, gum or lozenges

Why Quit?

• Physical activity will feel easier 
• Improve your mood
• Save money

 Meet the Team

We’ll be at The Cook House on Tuesday 6th January 2026 from 10:00 – 13:00.
Drop in for a confidential chat and find out how we can support your mission to quit.

Or sign up for FREE quit smoking support here:
👉 Referral to Medway's Stop Smoking Service (Smokefree Families and Military) – Fill in form


Make this year the one you go smoke-free – we’ve got your back!

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: Lichfield Leisure Centre opens 2 January

For membership information, please click the JOIN NOW button  https://orlo.uk/HJIlg

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

 

Grantham: Shine Connect Winter Support 2025

As we approach the festive season and look ahead to 2026, we are pleased to launch our Shine Connect Christmas and Winter Support Magazine which can be found here: Christmas Shine Connect 2025. It’s a practical information guide designed to support people who may be struggling, feeling isolated, or in need of extra help over the Christmas period.
The magazine brings together a wide range of key services from health, care and community VCFSE partners, all in one place.
It includes information on local support available over Christmas and New Year, warm and welcoming spaces for those who need them, free phone helplines offering a friendly voice, and community services that help people connect with others and reduce loneliness and isolation during the holiday period.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Carers UK Winter Magazine

Carers UK have just shared their Winter Magazine, it has some great carer stories and information -Carers UK

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Beacon Cafe a space for Veterans - Military - Reservist - Emergency Services

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Wiltshire: SEND newsletter - December 2025

 

Highlights this month include:

• Six ways to support your child over the Christmas period
• Have your say: SEND reform national conversation
• Help shape health and care services for children in Wiltshire - last workshop
• Discover what's new on Wiltshire's Local Offer

Please click here to read the newsletter online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Wiltshire: Family and Community Learning - Understanding School Anxiety - online course

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub 

Recruit for Spouses Upcoming Session – Wellbeing Programme

Wellbeing Programme:

• Expert-led support
• Genuine peer connection
• Practical tools for mental wellness

Register now to secure your place or join the waiting list:

https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in

Catterick: RESET - Helping Military Personnel address problematic behaviours and addictions every Tues

Information provided by North HIVE Hub
 

North East England: Mental Health Charity for Veterans

 

Anxious Minds is a mental health veterans charity based in the North East.

Their counselling centres in Wallsend, North Tyneside and Blyth, Northumberland offer free counselling to veterans and family members for an agreed period.

Services are accessed through referral to the Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College.

Programmes include tailored therapeutic courses, one-to-one counselling, peer-led groups and outdoor therapy such a woodland walks.

Their Hope Recovery Centre runs drop-in events open to all, with events including mindfulness and Tai Chi, along with a veterans and community kitchen offering nutritious, low-cost meals and a weekly breakfast club

North East Counselling & Community Mental Health Services

Information provided by North HIVE Hub