Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closure

 

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email: 

RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on www.army.mod.uk/hives, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.

Royal Wootton Bassett: New location for the Carer Cafe as of January 2026!

 

Click here to find out more about Carers Together Wiltshire

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Gloucestershire: Latest 'Families in Partnership' e-newsletter for families with SEND

 

Highlights this month include:

• Helping your child navigate the sensory pressures of Christmas
• Festive Lights - where to enjoy them sensitively in Gloucestershire this solstice
• Carer support over Christmas
• SEND Information Fair 2026 - Mon 9 Feb
• Peer support coffee mornings
• December activities

Please click here to read this latest update online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

St Athan: Men's Group, every Tues 10 - 12 at The Gathering Place, St Athan

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Catterick: AWS SEND Haven every Wednesday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Shots Foundation Sight Loss Soccer

 

On the first Monday of every month, The Shots Foundation run a sight loss soccer session at the Samuel Cody School from 1730-1830.

The Shots Foundation run these sessions to provide those over 16 with any range of sight loss the opportunity to keep active and keep their love of football alive, because football is for all.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Richmond: Autism in Richmond's Friendly Support Group 11th Dec

Autistic and neurodivergent adults support group

Come and join Autism in Richmond’s friendly support group - a relaxed space to meet others, share experiences, and gain support.

Come for a coffee and a chat!

Thursday 11 December
2:00 - 3:30 pm
Richmond Library

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

London: Veterans Partnership Better Together

Click on image to find out more.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison baby massage weekly sessions - 15th Dec

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Wiltshire: Family and Community Learning - Discovering Confidence - Online - Tuesday 6th January

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

NHS England: Calling All Young Carers! Workshop dates for Dec 25 and Jan 26

To register for a workshop please email: ENGLAND.NHSTHINKCARER@NHS.NET

For more information about the support and resources available to young carers in the Service community, please contact Army HIVE on RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk, PM via our social media pages, or use our blog enquiry form (from the blog menu please go to: “If you need further information Please contact us: here.

Shropshire: A free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support service - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

A free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support service. This is available for all ages in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and is delivered by qualified mental health professionals.

Information: Central HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: Men's Mind Makeover - Free Project in Tamworth starting 21 January 2026

 Register HERE

Information: Central HIVE Hub

Scotland: Confused about where to access the healthcare you need?

click on image to enlarge

By getting the Right Care in the Right Place, we can all keep well and get the help we need quickly, safely, and as close to home as possible.

💻NHS INFORM - check symptoms and find health advice to help you stay well.

📲 NHS 24 ONLINE APP - use the chatbot to check your symptoms and find nearest services.

💊 PHARMACIST - help and advice with minor ailments and prescription medication.

🧠 MENTAL WELLBEING - online and telephone resources to help with mental health.

👁 OPTOMETRIST - help with eye problems including sticky eyes or reduced vision.

Scotland: Getting the medicine you need

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Cupar: Andys Man Club, Mondays at 7pm

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Andys Man Club Cupar at 7pm at Howe Rugby Club.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dorset: Special Education Needs & Disabilities help and support for ages 0 - 25.

Where to get some help and support

If you’re a bit unsure as to where to go first to find some help and advice relating to your child/young person’s needs then we have put together some information about some of the key places for resources and helpful people to speak to:

Our Local Offer provides information, advice and support for children and young people aged from 0 to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Visit SEND Local Offer HERE


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

For more information and support services

Grantham: Tell Healthwatch Lincolnshire about your most recent health or social care experience

A major new study by Healthwatch Lincolnshire will measure how health and social care is working in the county ahead of changes to the way health and care is managed and provided.

The survey gives everyone in the county the chance to share their latest health and social care experiences to create a picture of the state of health and social care in Lincolnshire.

The timing couldn’t be better for public voice to have real impact with significant changes on the way. This involves national and local changes to the NHS and proposed changes to local councils. This is in addition to the plans being driven by the government’s Department of Health and Social Care and the recent release of the 10-Year Health Plan.

It’s vital we know what it’s really like for people living in our county when they use local services, from GP surgeries, hospitals and dentists to social care, community support or any other professional who helps with health or care.

Healthwatch Lincolnshire will also use these results to see what’s working well and where improvements are needed to influence those who plan, deliver and monitor services across Lincolnshire, including the NHS, local councils and care providers. Main survey link

The survey covers:

Your most recent experience of health services
Your most recent experience of care services
GP (general practice) services
Pharmacy services
Dental services
Community health services – including community nursing, occupational and physiotherapy, Lincolnshire Stroke Service, and palliative end-of-life care
Hospital services – including planned, inpatient and emergency care
Mental health services
Social care – including home care, care homes, children’s services, Lincolnshire Carers Service, home adaptations and equipment for independence

Wellbeing and lifestyle services – for example Wellbeing Lincs and One You Lincolnshire
Charity, voluntary, community or faith organisations or groups

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Wiltshire: Have your say on improving SEND support for families in Wiltshire

 

Complete Wiltshire Council's SEND survey by Monday 15 December and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £50 Amazon vouchers.

Your feedback matters!

Wiltshire SEND survey 2025

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Wiltshire: Borrow an activity tracker watch and/or blood pressure monitors for free from your local Library

 

Wiltshire Council are running a 'Wearable Wellness' programme from their libraries with the aim of helping you lead a healthier lifestyle.

The programme makes available for loan smart activity tracker watches and blood pressure monitors for free with a membership, from these libraries, to enable you to monitor your health and make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

If you aren't already a library member, join online, or in person at one of Wiltshire Council's libraries.

Click here to find out more about the 'Wearable Wellness' programme

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs