Generic and local information for the UK Military community including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
December 9, 2025
Bovington: Monkey World 50% off entry for locals Fri 2nd - Sat 31st Jan 2026
Bovington: Free community Christmas event - Friday 12th Dec at Poppies tea rooms
December 8, 2025
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
Brecon & Haverfordwest: February Half Term AWS Residential Trip for Brecon & Haverfordwest
Click here to read the above letter online.
To book a place please email samantha.humphries743@mod.gov.uk
If you have not already done so, you will need to complete the annual registration for AWS activities.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
December 5, 2025
The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026
First introduced in March 2024 the DAW was designed to support home ownership and replace older SLA waivers. The DAW supports eligible SP to use Single Living Accommodation (SLA) free of charge, providing they maintain a separate home elsewhere in the UK.
What are the key changes from 1 April 2026?
• Enduring Policy: On 1 April 2026 the DAW will go from a temporary waiver to a permanent waiver, ensuring long-term support for eligible Service personnel.
• Removal of outdated Waivers: Waivers for SLA charges based on marital status and age will be retired, promoting fairness and consistency. Regular and Full Time Reserve Services Full Commitment (FTRS FC) Service Personnel receiving outdated waivers will automatically go onto DAW – no action needed.
• Updated Eligibility Criteria: To ensure efficient use of SLA, eligibility rules have been updated. Service personnel must maintain a UK home outside daily commuting distance, and provide annual evidence to HR.
• New Applicants: If you are not currently using DAW but believe you are eligible, please contact your Unit HR directly.
• Full eligibility details are set out in latest news on Defence accommodation policy - GOV.UK
New Travel Credit Scheme
New Travel Credit Scheme – helping you reunite with loved ones this Christmas
A new one-off Travel Credit Scheme will help Service personnel get home to family and friends during the festive season and months that follow.
From 8 December, eligible personnel can claim for support with the cost of either road or rail travel for a return journey home. The new scheme extends the existing Get You Home (Early Years) provision.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“When I came into office, I promised to renew our nation’s contract with those who serve us. That is why this government is improving homes for heroes, delivering the biggest military pay rise in a generation and enshrining the new Armed Forces Covenant in law to properly represent our forces community.
“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices, and I know how important being with family is, and that is why today we’re announcing extra travel support for service personnel to be with their loved ones this Christmas.”
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:
“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our country safe. Helping them get home to their families for Christmas is the least we can do to support them.
“In this new era of threat, the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces. Having already awarded the biggest military pay rise in 20 years and launched a big new strategy to renew military housing, this Government is proudly putting our Forces First.”
Who’s eligible to receive payment
December 4, 2025
West Midlands: Telford & Wrekin Knife Crime Parent Workshop - 8 December and 12 February

Register via the QR code
Information provided: Central HIVE Hub
Hereford: Free Activities for Eligible Children this Christmas
Parents and carers in Herefordshire can now book up to 16 hours of free, fun-filled activities for their children during the Christmas holidays.
The Here for Herefordshire Christmas Activities Programme, funded by the Department for Education and coordinated by Herefordshire Council’s Talk Community Team, is designed to support families and keep children active and engaged during the festive season.
Children from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals are eligible to take part.
Activities include:Cheerleading
Parkour and breakdancing
Football camps
Christmas cooking and crafts
Digital skills and coding
Every child attending will also receive a free healthy meal.
Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We’re delighted to continue this programme for eligible families this Christmas.
“With the help of our fantastic providers, children can learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy fun activities during the festivities.”
Parents and carers can book their child’s activities online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/haf
St Athan: New ways to contact your St Athan Community Councillors
New ways to contact your St Athan Community Councillors!
They now have official email addresses — making it easier than ever to get in touch!
www.stathancommunitycouncil.co.uk
New website launching in the New Year!
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Hereford: Free school meals for the Christmas holidays
𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Free School Meals Support Continues for Herefordshire Families This Christmas
Thousands of children and young people across Herefordshire will continue to receive free school meals support during the Christmas school holidays, helping families manage rising living costs.
Over 4,700 primary and secondary school pupils entitled to benefits-related free school meals will receive a food voucher worth up to £30 (or equivalent) directly through their schools.
This voucher is designed to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the holiday period.
Children eligible for the early years pupil premium who are not in a school setting will receive their voucher posted directly from Herefordshire Council
For more information about the Herefordshire free school meals scheme for the Christmas holidays, visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm
· The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government’s Household Support Fund.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
Bovington: Bump, baby & toddler event - Sun 25th Jan 2026 Register your interest now!
Visitors can browse the baby & children’s nearly new sale, listen to a range of talks from our guest speakers, enjoy baby & toddler-friendly activities and enjoy exploring The Tank Museum – with its soft play area, perfect for tots!
Plus, for this event, The Tank Museum is delighted to offer 50% off admission – and under 4s go free! Register your interest Little Pickles Market - The Tank Museum to be notified when tickets become available.
December 2, 2025
Blandford: Garrison request for volunteers
If you are interested please email BLANDFORDGAR-BGSUWELFARE@mod.gov.uk
Staffordshire Police - Look out for each other and trust your instincts

With the winter season full of events such as festive markets and Christmas shopping, we want to ensure that you enjoy the fun safely.You can play a vital role in helping to keep everyone safe. When you’re out and about, make sure you stay alert for:
Anyone filming
exits, entrances or CCTV.
Any unattended bags. 
Anything you hear
or
see, which doesn’t feel right.Tell a member of staff, security or police. You won’t be wasting our time.
In an emergency call
999.Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
Your Offer - Armed Forces Survey - Survey deadline extended to 15 Dec
Regular personnel – what parts of the #ArmedForces Offer are you most satisfied with? And where do you need extra support?
Tell us so we can build an Offer that works for you 👇
https://ow.ly/2RET50XmmUg
Leuchars Station: Community Centre Timetable of events
December 1, 2025
Hullavington: Latest newsletter available online - Dec 25-Jan 26 edition
In this edition you will find lots of events, both seasonal and regular, as well as a plea for volunteers to help with Jolly Tots baby & toddler group.
Please click here to read the Hullavington News online!
Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs
Scotland: Confused about where to access the healthcare you need?
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.












