Blandford: Home start - supporting families with young children

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Supporting families with young children through their most challenging times.

To qualify for support, a family must have a least one child under 5.

Email: office@homestartblackmorevale.org.uk

Phone/Text: 01935 726438

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

New MOD Policy on Overseas Assignments published: Overseas Accompanied Service Assessments

A new MOD policy giving guidance to Service personnel and their families on considering and preparing for an overseas posting has been published today on Gov.uk at this link: Overseas Accompanied Service Assessments - GOV.UK.

This policy applies to Service personnel planning to take their families on an overseas assignment, particularly those with additional medical, social care, or educational needs. The assessment process is designed to take a holistic judgment about whether the host location can reasonably meet the family’s needs and whether associated risks to their health, education, safety, or well-being can be appropriately managed.

A new DIN (Defence Instruction & Notice) is also available (to MODnet users) – search 2026DIN01-017

For further information on any Overseas assignment please contact any HIVE, iHIVE (which covers locations worldwide where there is no physical HIVE), or email rc-pers-hivecomms-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

The HIVE Relocation Checklist may assist with additional planning for an overseas move, and can be accessed via this LINK or contact us for the checklist to be sent via email.

Bovington: Garrison contact houses for short term accommodation use

To book email Zoe.VandeZande667@mod.gov.uk or call 01929 402239 during office hours

For all bookings, a £50 deposit will be required within 7 days of making the booking and the full balance is to be paid 28 days prior to stay. The rate is set at £50 per night for the first three nights, then £25 per night thereafter.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

DMWS Bereavement Support

You don’t have to go through grief alone.

If you have lost a loved one in the Armed Forces in service or due to service related reasons, we are here for you.

DMWS are working alongside Scotty's Little Soldiers, Cruse Bereavement Support, Cruse Scotland, and The Poppy Factory to help those who may need support and advice after the loss of a loved one in service or for service related reasons.

Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or help accessing services, we can help.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in our support, please visit: https://dmws.org.uk/supporting-military-bereaved-family...

Army Welfare Service (AWS) Specialist Welfare referral form

The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has launched the new Specialist Welfare (SW) referral Microsoft Form, which is now the standard method for submitting all SW referrals.

You can access the form here:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5blCeF6QlzxDtMb3LsYsTplUOEE…

The new form is designed to:

• Capture the right information upfront
• Support effective risk assessment and triage
• Reduce incomplete or insufficient referrals.
• Allow self-referrals

If you need to self-refer to AWS but you are unable to complete the form, you can still contact the AWS directly. More information about the AWS and our services can be found at Army Welfare Service | The British Army.

Nexus/The Children’s Society: Young carers in the Armed Forces latest newsletter

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

To view the latest newsletter, please go to: Nexus Winter Newsletter 2026

The next webinar – A guide to the young carers covenant for the Armed Forces – is on 11 Mar at 1100hrs. For more info and to register please go to: The Young Carers Covenant Guidance for Armed Forces Services Webinar Tickets, Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

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

Kent & Medway: Domestic Abuse Support

 

Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse can lead to a person feeling like there is no escape and having suicidal thoughts. 30% of suspected suicides in Kent and Medway have domestic abuse as a factor (@KentPolice).

Support services are there for anyone experiencing abuse and can provide practical and emotional support including refuge, safe accommodation, specialist programmes and 1-2-1 help.

Find help and resources:

Domestic Abuse (domesticabuseservices.org.uk)

Mental health - Kent County Council

Every Mind Matters - Kent County Council

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub 

Give Us Time Welfare Update – Breaks in Scotland and France

 

For further information please visit: www.giveustime.org.uk

Army Health and Wellbeing Campaign - #SupportIsStrength

Your life matters. Help is here. Real people, real support, anytime.

If you are struggling or are worried about a mate, reach out to get help or get them to talk to someone.

Support is always available!

Where to get help is in the AID booklet, available on the Army website at https://www.army.mod.uk/media/v4nn31fj/20260119-suicide-aid-booklet-ac64672.pdf Also available on Defence Connect via these links: AID Suicide Prevention Booklet , AID Suicide Prevention Poster or:

Armed Forces Support Line 24/7 - Call 0800 323 4444

Samaritans 24/7 - Call 116 123

Text SHOUT to 85258 –Text messaging service, available 24/7

You can also speak to your family and friends who know you best, your Unit Medical Officer, Chain of Command, Unit Welfare Team or Padre.

Other information and resources to support can be found at: British Army - Ask For Help,  Army Health and Wellbeing Defence Connect.

#SupportIsStrength #BritishArmy #AskForHelp

Family Welfare Matters Newsletter – Jan 2026 Issue Out Now

For more information on any of the Family Welfare Matters content, please contact your nearest HIVE or our HQ on: RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Give Us Time: Latest Update now published

Give Us Time’s latest briefing includes details of tickets for the Birmingham International Tattoo in February, and all remaining March breaks.

To find out more please go to: www.giveustime.org.uk

SSAFA Short Breaks for Children with Additional Needs & Disabilities - now OPEN!

What Are SSAFA Short Breaks?

SSAFA Short Breaks are free, residential activity breaks for families currently serving in the Armed Forces who have a child (aged 5–18) with an additional need and/or disability. These breaks offer families a chance to spend quality time together, enjoy inclusive activities, and build confidence and resilience. Families will be responsible for their own travel costs; however, if this presents a challenge, the SSAFA team may be able to support.

Who Can Apply?

• Families with children aged 5–18, where at least one child has an additional need and/or disability.
• Children must be dependents of a current serving person or reservist.
• At least one parent must attend the break.
• Families must not have attended a SSAFA Short Break in the last five years.

Two-Stage Application Process

This year, SSAFA is introducing a two-stage application process for Short Breaks applications. We will prioritise families where the need is greatest. This assessment helps us understand your situation and make sure support is offered fairly and where it can have the most impact. Every family deserves access to support that reflects their lived reality. For military families with children who have additional needs and disabilities, that support must be flexible, respectful, and emotionally safe. This assessment helps us understand what that looks like for you and your family and helps us determine if SSAFA’s Short Breaks can meet that need at this time, when considered in relation to other applications.

Stage 1 – Basic Eligibility
Families complete an online form to confirm they meet the core criteria. Only those who pass Stage 1 will be invited to Stage 2. Apply for Stage 1 SSAFA Short Breaks 2026.

Give Us Time - 2026 breaks are live!

Give Us Time first breaks for 2026 are live on the website now – there are dates in March and April across the UK, in both glamping pods (which sleep up to 4) and holiday lodges (which sleep up to 6). There are two new locations this year as well, at Malvern View in Herefordshire, and Glendal in Cumbria.

As always, the criteria for breaks is here https://giveustime.org.uk/what-we-do/faqs/ and the registration form is here https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

Breaks are accommodation only – Give Us Time do not cover the costs of travel, food, or entertainment as part of the break.

Breaks are booked on a first come first served basis and they ask families to wait 2 years between bookings, but will always consider exceptional circumstances.

More dates for the rest of 2026 will be added soon – announcements will be made on Give Us Time socials here https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

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

Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy

 
Defence sets out commitments to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a new cross government strategy published on 18 Dec.

To view the Strategy documents, please go to: Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy - GOV.UK

Celebrating the Success of SSAFA’s Togetherness Overseas Parenting Programmes

SSAFA are delighted to share the success of their Togetherness (Solihull NHS) online parenting programmes, since launching in April 2025.

Togetherness is available to the Service community living overseas, including UK-based extended family members of Service families assigned worldwide. The BF1 postcode linked to the overseas location where the serving family are based will be needed to access.

What is Togetherness?
Togetherness is designed to support parents at every stage of their journey from pregnancy through to adolescence. These courses empower parents to:

• Understand their child’s brain development and emotional health.
• Decode behaviours and respond effectively to foster positive interactions.
• Develop strong communication skills to nurture confidence, kindness, and emotional awareness in children.