MOD’s Families Hub is now in its second year – have you used it yet?

 

Bovington: Garrison welfare team

The Welfare team aims to provide the best possible welfare advice to all soldiers and their families. The Welfare office is located by Costcutter food store on King George V Road, Bovington. 

• Unit Welfare Officer - Mr Adrian Ingham 
• Garrison Welfare Warrant Officer - WO2 Scott Forrester
• Welfare Support Officer - Zoe Van de Zande

Tel: Welfare Office 01929 402239 or 01929 402240

Email: CMC-BovLulSU-WELFARE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk 

In case of emergency - duty welfare mobile number 07971 577282

Please only contact the duty mobile number if it is an urgent welfare matter. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison welfare support

The Welfare support teams and chaplaincy services offer support and advice to all Soldiers, Officers and families living or working on the Garrison

Should you require help and support or have a welfare issue please contact a member of your Welfare Team during normal working hours on:

Blandford Garrison Support Unit (BGSU)

Garrison Welfare Clerk - BlandfordGar-BGSU-WCSO Tel: 01258 481938

Garrison Welfare Warrant Officer - BLANDFORDGAR-BGSU-GWWO Tel: 01258 482694

Garrison Welfare Officer - BLANDFORDGAR-BGSU-GWO Tel: 01258 481936

BGSU Padre - Revd Carl Stokes 

Carl.Stokes103@mod.gov.uk

11 (RSS) Sig Regt Welfare Team

Unit Welfare Senior NCO - DSCIS-11SR-RHQ-Welfare NCO Tel: 01258 482619

Asst Unit Welfare Officer - DSCIS-11SR-RHQ-AUWO Tel: 01258 482902

Unit Welfare Officer - DSCIS-11SR-RHQ-UWO Tel: 01258 482901

11 Sigs Padre - Rev Caroline Rogers 

Caroline.Rogers118@mod.gov.uk 

Out of hours emergency contact the Guardroom on - 01258 482402.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Defence Update: Blow the whistle - Domestic abuse support for Armed Forces families

Blow the whistle: Domestic abuse support for Armed Forces families

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, people are urged to: Stop, Notice, and Act against domestic abuse. Don’t look away.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup – which will take place from 11 June to 19 July – is a time for celebration, community and a shared love for the game. But for some people, this period is marked by increased domestic abuse.

Research shows that domestic abuse incidents rise by 38% when England loses, and by 26% when they win or draw.

Football itself does not cause domestic abuse, but major tournaments can bring factors that raise the risk. This includes emotional stress, alcohol and substance use, financial pressures and gambling.

When something isnʼt right – in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities – “blow the whistle”. That means recognising abuse, signposting to support, and speaking up if you witness or experience abusive behaviour.
Everyone has the right to feel safe

Domestic abuse takes many forms – including coercive control, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, in couple relationships or between family members.

Anyone can be affected: 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and 1 in 6 or 7 men.

No one should make you feel unsafe. All Defence personnel are expected to treat others with dignity and respect, inside and outside of work. There is no Defence for abuse.
Supporting the Armed Forces community

In a military context, there is a misconception that domestic abuse support services are only for the Service person and not the whole family.

Defence has a clear duty to safeguard our people and their families from domestic abuse and has a range of support services in place – in the UK and overseas – to ensure every person in the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) community gets the support they need and deserve.

Defence’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan set out actions to tackle abuse through prevention, support and perpetrator interventions – backed by cultural change initiatives, leadership, education and training.
Support services for Armed Forces families
Holistic care and support

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides independent, trauma-informed support to victims-survivors and witnesses of serious crimes that have been committed by persons subject to Service law, in the UK and abroad.

The unit is independent of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (single Services’) Chains of Command and supports people throughout their journey in the Service Justice System. They also have independent advisors that specialise in domestic violence and sexual violence.

Specialist welfare services

GamCare: World Cup & Gambling Support

GamCare has published new data (link) this week showing that the proportion of people contacting the National Gambling Helpline with online gambling concerns has reached its highest level in five years. They also saw an 11% rise in contacts following the last men's World Cup.

This recent data from GamCare highlights a growing need for increased awareness and early support, especially during sporting tournaments.

If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, via online chat or WhatsApp at www.gamcare.org.uk .

Bovington: Tank museum 'On Track' event - Thurs 8th Oct Register now.

Credit: Tankmuseum

On-Track is FREE to attend, and FREE to exhibit. It offers valuable insights on mental and physical health, signposting toward useful communities and organisations that can support the armed forces community, networking opportunities with like-minded organisations, and a Q&A session to address your questions.

The UK Armed Forces community includes:

• Serving Personnel: Regular and reserve members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
• Veterans: Anyone who has served for at least one day in the Regular or Reserve Armed Forces.
• Families: Spouses, civil partners, children, and dependent relatives of serving personnel or veterans.
• The Bereaved: The immediate family members and dependents of Service personnel and veterans who have died, regardless of whether the death was connected to their Service.
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers & Merchant Navy: Adults who volunteer for cadet forces and members of the Merchant Navy who served on commercial vessels in support of legally defined UK military operations

For more information about the event and to register click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support

The mobile advice bus will be parked adjacent to the HIVE building (Corner of King George V Road & Swinton Avenue) Speak to advisors face to face.

Available to all Garrison personnel, spouses, partners, reserves, veterans, civil servants, MOD contractors and local civilian community. Confidentiality guaranteed.

Appointments are not necessary, just turn up. First come, first serve basis.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Stop Loan Sharks: Spring Newsletter and Lived Experience Report published

Stop Loan Sharks have published their latest newsletter. To read this issue in full please go to this link: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/resources-newsletters/

Additionally they have recently launched a report following their lived experience research. This can be read online at: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/a-community-of-silence-the-lived-experience-of-people-borrowing-from-loan-sharks-in-england/

BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire: BSW Young Persons Recovery College recently launched

BSW Recovery College are excited to announce The BSW Young Persons Recovery College, a new service which has launched this month!

The service is dedicated to improving the mental health of young people in the community, providing a range of FREE psychoeducational courses and workshops like managing anxiety, building resilience & navigating emotions, giving them practical tools to handle life's stressors and challenges.

There will also be Recovery Cafe's, where they can connect with other learners, share experiences, and develop coping strategies together. These cafes provide a safe, supportive space, facilitated by tutors and volunteers in a trauma-informed way.

The BSW Young Persons Recovery College is shaped with learners, with the aim of building connections and supporting the communities' wellbeing.

The courses provided in June will be for young people (ages 18-25), living in or registered with a GP in BaNES, Swindon or Wiltshire & all online (Zoom). In the near future, courses will be opening up to ages 16-18 and will include delivery in-person across BSW.

Please click here for further details

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Mission Motorsport June Newsletter

This month's newsletter includes:

• Sign-up details for all upcoming events, including how to book onto the exclusive tour of Prodrive HQ
• Highlights of incredible donations and fundraising efforts supporting the charity
• Opportunities to get involved and support our work

To read the newsletter in full, please view it here.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the team at team@missionmotorsport.org

Grantham: Do you look after someone? We're here to support you

Lincolnshire Carers Service

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

National County Lines and Child Exploitation Awareness Webinar – 26 June

The National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and Ivison Trust webinar on County Lines and Child Exploitation awareness for the military community has been confirmed as Friday 26th June, from 10:00 to 12:00.

You can book places via this link.

This online session will be available nationally and overseas and is intended to complement the recent Escapeline face-to-face sessions.

The webinar will include presentations on social media awareness for welfare teams, parents and all teaching staff. It will also feature shared lived experiences from military families impacted by County Lines.

Fife: Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) Welfare Officer vacancy - closing date 5th June

click on image to enlarge

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people in the Armed Forces Community?

Do you have experience in providing support to others? We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills, able to work as part of a team, who is compassionate and passionate about supporting the Armed Forces Community. 

We are recruiting for a full time Welfare Officer in NHS Fife.

To read the vacancy details in full and to apply Welfare Officer - DMWS

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Greater Clyde & Glasgow: Defence Medical Welfare Services (DMWS) Welfare Officer vacancy - closing date now 5th June

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people in the Armed Forces Community? Do you have experience in providing support to others?

We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills, able to work as part of a team, who is compassionate and passionate about supporting the Armed Forces Community. 

We are recruiting for a full time Welfare Officer in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

To read the vacancy details in full and to apply Welfare Officer - DMWS

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan: Carers Week event on Thu 11th June at Penarth Leisure Centre

Carers Week

Carers’ Week 2026, taking place from 8 - 14 June, is a UK-wide awareness campaign looking to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities.

The theme for 2026 is 'Building Carer Friendly Communities'

We are pleased to share that a Carers' Week event will be taking place on:

Date: Thursday 11 June 2026
Time: 11:00am – 13:30pm
Location: Penarth Leisure Centre, Andrew Road, Penarth CF64 2NS

This event is being delivered in partnership by Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council and TuVida. We would like to invite unpaid carers and members of the public to express their interest in attending.

The event will offer an opportunity to:

• Find out about local support and services
• Connect with organisations across Cardiff and the Vale
• Access information, advice and wellbeing support
• Take part in a range of taster activities designed to support health and wellbeing
• Complimentary Afternoon Tea for unpaid carers

If you are interested in attending, please complete the expression of interest form below.

Expression of Interest for Carers Week Event

Click here for further information on Carers Week

If you have any questions, please contact: valecarershub@tuvida.org 02921 921024 or carediff@cardiff.gov.uk

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Scotland: MyGov Scot Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods are payments that help towards the costs of being pregnant or looking after a child.
About Best Start Grant

The 3 Best Start Grant payments are:

Pregnancy and Baby Payment

Pregnancy and Baby Payment helps with the costs of having a baby. You can apply for this payment during pregnancy to help prepare for your baby's arrival, or after your baby is born.

Early Learning Payment

If your application is successful you'll get £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning. You can get the payment when your child is aged between 2 years old and 3 years and 6 months old. To get this payment your child does not need to go to nursery.

School Age Payment
School Age Payment is a payment of £319.80 per child. It helps with the costs of preparing for school when your child is first old enough to start primary school.

Combat Stress: PTSD Awareness Day Webinars 22–26 June

For PTSD Awareness Day 2026, Combat Stress are offering a series of free webinars designed to increase understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its impact and that support is available to help with recovery.
PTSD can affect how someone thinks, feels, and reacts and it can look very different from person to person.

Between 22–26 June, these specialist webinars will explore topics including recovery, the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD, practical coping strategies, how data is improving treatment, and how organisations can support recovery.

These sessions are open to all members of the public, including veterans, families, carers and professionals, offering insight into the many faces of PTSD and the support available.

Learn more about the webinars and how they can support understanding of PTSD: https://combatstress.org.uk/ptsd-awareness-day-webinars

If you’d like to talk to someone, the Combat Stress free, confidential 24-hour Helpline is available on 0800 138 1619.

Services Cotswold Centre

The Services Cotswold Centre (SCC) is a tri-Service facility, managed by Headquarters Army Welfare Service (AWS) and funded by Headquarters Regional Command on behalf of the MOD.

It provides short-term transit accommodation for Service Personnel (SP), family members and MOD civil servants. The key role of SCC is to accommodate varying numbers of vulnerable Service families, often with diverse and complex welfare needs.

The SCC accommodation consists of 60 self-contained chalet style homes and a 37 bed residential unit and is located in Neston, near Corsham Wiltshire.

The SCC is used for:

• Emergency accommodation for military families, spouses and civil partners who have been evacuated from assignments
• Meeting a welfare need such as supporting injured personnel, their carers and/or immediate family members
• Responding to family disruption such as marital breakdown
• Provision of accommodation between assignments – both before taking up a post or repatriation back to the UK
• Accommodation for discharging married personnel
• Short Breaks
• Contact Housing
• Transit accommodation – both duty and welfare

The centre has recently changed its telephone number to TEL: 0331 1432730

FIND OUT MORE: Services Cotswold Centre - GOV.UK

EMAIL: RC-AWS-SCC-Bookings@mod.gov.uk

Army HQ: Family Welfare Matters Edition 03 now available

To read online with accessible links, please go to Welfare Matters May 2026

For those with access to MODnet, both this edition and the full internal Welfare Matters newsletter is uploaded onto our SharePoint site under the Welfare Latest News section. The link to access is: Welfare

Grantham: Military Move and Mingle is now live on their website

Military Move and Mingle is now live on their website:

Military Move And Mingle | CVS Lincolnshire 

Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to deliver Serving Families On the Move Programme, CVS Lincolnshire is supporting newly relocated serving families to settle into life in Lincolnshire.

Military Move and Mingle

The form can be completed either by a referrer or directly by a family seeking support.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE