Middle Wallop: Brew & Banter at The Army Flying Museum - Thu 22 Oct

Please click here to visit the website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Easy Resettlement Magazine: Autumn edition out now

Have you read the Autumn issue of Easy Resettlement magazine yet?

In this issue there is information about employment events for service leavers, enabling you to meet future employers and network with companies and fellow service leavers.

ER mag also features the 162 winners of the MODs Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards and as always, you can find information from CTP and about ELCAS entitlements.

Please visit the Easy Resettlement website to read this issue online and download it for free: www.easyresettlement.com/magazine

Northern Ireland: Veterans Newsletter - NI - Issue 7

The lates issue for the Veterans Newsletter - Northern Ireland can be found at the link below.

Veterans Newsletter - Northern Ireland - issue 7

The newsletter is full of useful information, along with details of upcoming events like Veterans Families Halloween Night, Breakfast clubs, Christmas lunch, Santa Experience and more.

The Armed Forces Pension Schemes Quick Reference Guide

 To view the quick reference guide to the Armed Forces Pension scheme click on the link below.

Armed Forces Pension Schemes Quick Reference Guide

Shropshire: Armed Forces Outreach Sessions - October 2026

 Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Prudhoe: Prudhoe Veterans Hub - Join Us

COME ALONG AND JOIN US!

Are you still serving, a veteran, part of the Blue Light Services, or a family member? Then why not come along and meet us!

Saturday 26th September
From 10.30am
Prudhoe Veterans Hub, Prudhoe United Services Club (The Legion)
Front Street North, Prudhoe, NE42 5HF

Everyone is welcome, whether you’re already a member or simply want to come along, have a chat and see what we’re all about.

Car parking is available on site — please remember to register your vehicle registration number inside the bar

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Basingstoke: Veteran Hub Armed Forces Family Drop in Every Second Tuesday of the month 1000hrs - 1200hrs

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Department for Work & Pensions update: Do you know your state pension age?

With Pension Awareness Week 2026 ongoing, DWP are encouraging customers, service users, colleagues and stakeholders to take one simple first step: checking their State Pension age on GOV.UK.

As State Pension entitlement is linked to National Insurance contributions, the Service community are reminded that spouses or civil partners who accompanied their Serving partner on an overseas assignment can complete a Gov.uk online form to request that NI credits are applied to their record for time spent overseas. For further information, eligibility criteria and the online form, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-credits-for-partners-of-armed-forces-personnel-overseas

Department for Work & Pensions update: Do you know your state pension age?

With Pension Awareness Week 2026 ongoing, DWP are encouraging customers, service users, colleagues and stakeholders to take one simple first step: checking their State Pension age on GOV.UK.

As State Pension entitlement is linked to National Insurance contributions, the Service community are reminded that spouses or civil partners who accompanied their Serving partner on an overseas assignment can complete a Gov.uk online form to request that NI credits are applied to their record for time spent overseas. For further information, eligibility criteria and the online form, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-credits-for-partners-of-armed-forces-personnel-overseas

Dorset: Veterans' biker down course - Wed 28th Oct

 

Veterans’ Biker Down Course at The Churchill Arms in Alderholt, on Wednesday the 28th October, between 19:00 - 22:00.

Would you know what to do if you're first on scene at a motorcycle accident?

Biker Down is a free course, originally developed by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is taught across the UK by emergency service professionals.

Biker Down teaches vital scene management and first aid skills to keep an injured motorcyclist safe and alive until paramedics arrive.

Mental Health Motorbike are proud to be working with DocBike Dorset to organise a Biker Down course for motorcyclists who are Armed Forces Veterans, currently serving, or Reservists.

Spaces are limited, and bookings can be made online here: Veterans’ Biker Down Course – DocBike

This is a great opportunity for the armed forces community to connect with each other whilst learning essential first aid skills. Our Mental Health Motorbike team will also be here to engage with veterans to raise awareness of mental health, and the support services available.

If you're not connected to military service but would like to attend Biker Down, find out if DocBike deliver courses in your area. Or search DocBike’s National Directory.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Medway: Veterans Wellbeing Fair - Royal Engineers Museum Saturday 10th October 1000hrs - 1400hrs

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week 2026: 14th-18th Sept

Army Pension Quick Reference Guide

Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week returns from 14–18 Sep, with a range of resources, presentations and opportunities designed to help serving personnel and veterans better understand their Armed Forces pension.

Armed Forces pensions can be complex, and understanding your pension and the benefits available to you is important at every stage of your career and beyond. Throughout Pension Awareness Week, we will be sharing practical information to help make pensions easier to understand and give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

New pension resources

Throughout the week, the team will be releasing a series of factsheets covering some of the topics that can be difficult to navigate. These will provide clear and accessible information on subjects including:Taxation and your Armed Forces pension
Understanding your pension benefits
Pension forms and what they are used for
Tools and resources available to help you understand your pension
Other key aspects of the Armed Forces Pension Schemes

Access the Pension Awareness Week resources here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans

Join our online presentations and webinars

The team are pleased to be working with the Forces Pension Society and White Ensign Association to offer a series of online sessions throughout the week.

Tuesday 15 September | 11:00–12:00

AFPS 15 and advice for younger members
Hosted by the Forces Pension Society

This session will provide an overview of AFPS 15, with information and advice particularly relevant to younger members of the Armed Forces.

Join the presentation: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/343659045212715?p=aU5jxp2Oyw6UFTmJJB

Meeting ID: 343 659 045 212 715

Passcode: hS6rx7M5

Wednesday 16 September | 11:00–12:00

Overview of AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and AFPS 15
Hosted by the White Ensign Association

This webinar will provide an overview of the different Armed Forces Pension Schemes, helping members understand the key features of AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and AFPS 15.

Join the webinar: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/317d7a71-f9e3-48e1-a572-119a56acfd70@9e902c46-439c-4b5d-b4…

Thursday 17 September | 11:00–12:00

Understanding pension taxation
Hosted by the Forces Pension Society

This session will focus on taxation and Armed Forces pensions, helping to explain an area that can often feel particularly complex.

Join the presentation: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/361419005131144?p=gTyFIRCtFITMbM2GTR

Meeting ID: 361 419 005 131 144

Passcode: Rm6ra3Lb

Ask an Expert

Our popular Ask an Expert desks will also return, giving Service Personnel an opportunity to speak directly with members of the Armed Forces Pensions team, ask questions and find out more about your pension.

You can visit us at:

MOD Main Building, London
15, 16 and 17 September | 11:00–14:00
Location within Main Building: Exhibition display area located in 001NHLL

Get involved

Whether you are at the beginning of your Armed Forces career, approaching retirement or have already left Service, Pension Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn more about your pension and the benefits you may be entitled to.

We hope you will join us throughout the week, make use of the new resources and take part in one of our presentations, webinars or Ask an Expert sessions.

Find out more about Armed Forces pensions: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans

Stamford: Veterans Support Service - Armed Forces Community Open Day

 

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Colchester: Free counselling sessions for anyone supporting a veteran

 

Information Provided by East HIVE Hub 

September Quest Magazine is Out Now

 

To read this issue (and back issues) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/

Lyneham: Vivo Impact Day for Service Personnel, Veterans and the wider Military community - Wed 16 Sep

Please click images to enlarge

Please scan the QR code to register or click the following link: Vivo Impact Day Registration Form 

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Support for LGBT Veterans Impacted by the Armed Forces Ban (27 July 1967–12 January 2000) *Applications close on 12 December 2026*

Restorative Measures for LGBT Veterans Affected by the Armed Forces Ban (1967–2000)

The Ministry of Defence is delivering restorative measures to LGBT veterans impacted by the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces.

Measures Available are:

• Non-Financial Restorative Measures: Includes letters of apology, replacement discharge papers, restoration of rank/commission, the Etherton Ribbon, and more.

• Financial Recognition Scheme - Dismissed or Discharged Payment of £50,000 for LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Financial Recognition Scheme – impact Payment of up to £20,000 to eligible LGBT veterans to recognise the broader impacts of the Ban, assessed by an Independent Panel.

Further information about the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, Non-Financial Restorative Measures, how to apply and support available can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page: LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK

Financial Recognition Scheme payments are tax-free and will not affect means-tested benefits.

Eligible individuals must apply before both Schemes close at 23:59 on 12 December 2026

Building Heroes: Building Confidence, Skills and Employer Connections After Service

Building Confidence, Skills and Employer Connections After Service

Building Heroes does more than deliver construction training. Our programmes are designed to help members of the Armed Forces community gain confidence, understand the sector and connect with real opportunities after service.

Across our academy network, learners take part in practical, hands-on training supported by specialist tutors and academy teams. Alongside this, Building Heroes works with employers and industry partners to help learners understand where their new skills could lead.

This may include employer talks, site visits, introductions to local businesses, insight into different job roles and guidance around next steps. These experiences help learners see the breadth of opportunities available across construction and the built environment, from trades and site-based roles to supervision, retrofit, infrastructure, engineering and customer care pathways.

For Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists and immediate family members, this combination of training, support and employer engagement can make a real difference. It helps learners build not only practical skills, but also the confidence to picture themselves in a new civilian career.

With autumn programmes starting from mid-September 2026, now is a good time to explore the courses available and register interest. Some academies are already seeing strong demand for the first cohorts of the new academic year.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses

Edinburgh: Scotland's Festival of Remembrance Saturday 7th November

Presented by Royal British Legion Scotland in association with @poppyscotland this very special evening will bring people together through music, film and song to remember, reflect and pay tribute to all those who have served.

This year’s Festival will have a special focus on Afghanistan, telling the stories of those who served there and culminating in the Act of Remembrance.

🎺 The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland
🎺 The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
🥁 The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums
🎤 Amy Hawthorn
🎤  Ben Walker Scottish Young Artist of the Year

Forres: Highland Roots Cultivate & Connect Workshop with Defence Gardens, Wednesday 9th September

click on image to enlarge

We’re delighted to invite members of the Armed Forces Community to a relaxing and creative day at Marcassie Farm, surrounded by nature and good company.

Join Defence Gardens Scheme and Naturally Useful for a hands-on felted soap-making workshop, using beautiful local rare-breed fleeces and handmade soap from Bee Home Cottage.