Blandford: Garrison - Free Citizens Advice service every Thursday.

1000 - 1400hrs - Williams Building. (Welfare hub)

Every Thursday (apart from Christmas Leave period).

Website: Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck

Email: dafaw@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Give Us Time: Last minute break to Spain - 13-20 December 2026

Give Us Time have a last minute opportunity for a pre-Christmas sunshine break to Spain!

The dates are Sunday 13 – Sunday 20 December 2026 staying at the Marina del Sol resort, Spain. This is 20 minutes drive from Malaga airport.

The accommodation is a 2 bedroom self catering apartment, which sleeps 6 (double room, twin room, pull out sofa in lounge area)

Facilities on site include

• Restaurants
• Shops
• Kids clubs
• Pools
• Free wifi
• Spa
• Tennis courts and gym

Local attractions include

• Christmas light shows in the Malaga Botanic gardens
• Bioparc Fuengirola which houses gorillas and lemurs
• Cable car ride up Mount Calamorro
• Local street markets and festivals.

Marina del Sol Spain

Please note – Families will need to provide proof of flight bookings before confirmation will be issued. Give Us Time is unable to cover the costs of travel, transport, food or other activities as part of a break.

The break is live on the website now at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login - families will need an account to book this opportunities.

Armed Forces Commissioner: Service community request to share experiences of Phase 1 Training Establishment’s welfare support

Share your welfare experiences with the Armed Forces Commissioner.

The Armed Forces Commissioner is currently undertaking a Thematic Review into welfare, behaviours, and lived experiences at Phase 1 Training Facilities. As part of this, the AFC has launched a call for evidence from anyone who has been a recruit, staff member, or relevant family member at a Phase 1 Training Facility within the last 5 years. The is an opportunity to inform and shape the future of welfare and wellbeing in the Armed Forces. Evidence is welcome from anyone who is currently based at a Phase 1 Training Establishment as a recruit, instructor or Chain of Command, or anyone who was based at one between 2021 and 2026.

Relevant family members who have supported, or are currently supporting, a Service person through Phase 1 training are also encouraged to share their experiences. The AFC is keen to hear both positive and negative experiences.

Included in Phase 1 Training Facilities are:

• Army Foundation College Harrogate
• Army Training Centre Pirbright
• Infantry Training Centre Catterick
• Army Training Regiment Winchester
• Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
• HMS Raleigh
• Britannia Royal Naval College
• RAF Halton
• RAF College Cranwell
• Royal Marines CTC Lympstone
• Army Training Regiment (ATR) Grantham

Submissions should focus on participants own experiences and can include participants overall experiences of Phase 1 Training or specific issues such as support available, and how effective it was, how concerns about inappropriate behaviour could be raised or reported, whether concerns were dealt with effectively, and if safeguarding or bystander training was provided.

For more information - Welcome to the Armed Forces Commissioner

For more information on how to submit evidence participants should visit the Armed Forces Commissioner’s website - Thematic Reviews | Armed Forces Commissioner

The Ripple Pond: New free resources to help Armed Forces families talk about injury and PTSD

 

The Ripple Pond wanted to share an exciting new set of free resources to help Armed Forces families talk with children about injury and PTSD.

When a parent or family member is living with injury or trauma linked to their military service, the impact can reach across the whole family. Children may notice changes in someone they love or in family life, but knowing how to explain what’s happening in a way they can understand can be difficult.

That’s why, through their Family Focus Project, The Ripple Pond has developed Understanding Injury: a collection of practical, age-appropriate resources designed to help families find ways to approach these conversations together.

Developed with input from families with lived experience and specialist professionals, the resources include:

• Age-appropriate materials for Key Stage 1, 2 and 3
• Conversation prompts and suggested wording to help parents find a starting point
• Follow-up resources to support understanding
• Accompanying videos (for KS2 / 3) designed to be used alongside the information packs

These aren’t instructions about what to say or how anyone should feel. They offer families a starting point, helping them find the language and confidence to approach conversations in ways that feel right for them.

The resources were developed with funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and were initially shared with The Ripple Pond’s Members and partners. They are now freely available to everyone, so families and professionals can access and share them whenever they may be helpful.

To read this newsletter in full, please go to: New free resources to help Armed Forces families talk about injury and PTSD

To find out more about the resources available, please go to: Understanding Injury Resources | The Ripple Pond

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

Little Troopers: Latest newsletter, incl Christmas Smiles Boxes – bulk applications are now open for welfare teams!

The latest Little Troopers newsletter includes information about their 2026 Christmas Smiles Boxes, with the following article:

“We're excited to announce that our Christmas Smiles Boxes are back for 2026! Packed with separation support resources and festive goodies, they're designed to bring a little Christmas joy to military children missing their serving parent.

BULK APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Military welfare teams, units, ships and bases can now apply for 15 boxes or more to distribute to families in their communities, via this link: Little Troopers Christmas Smiles: Bid for Christmas Boxes 2026 Survey

Military families: Please encourage your welfare team to apply on behalf of families facing separation this Christmas.

Just need one box for your Little Trooper? Individual applications aren't open yet, so please don't use the bulk application form. Keep an eye on your inbox* for details of how to apply towards the end of November.”

*If not already subscribed, you can do this at: https://littletroopers.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ba4cd8a62c4d00f3535de174&id=6c080a184f

There is more news, dates for your diary, and free downloadable Remembrance Crafts to explore in the newsletter – please read in full at: There's lots happening at Little Troopers! 🍂

Hereford: Free Half Day Training - Domestic Abuse Awareness Training

Herefordshire Council:

Could you be the person who helps someone reach out for support?

For some people experiencing abuse, a conversation with someone they know and trust may be the first opportunity they feel able to ask for help

We’re supporting #CutItOut, offering free half-day training for people working in public facing roles across Herefordshire

The training is designed for people including hairdressers, beauticians, tattoo artists, bar staff, opticians, nail technicians and financial advisers, as well as others who regularly interact with the public

You’ll learn how to:

• Recognise possible signs of abuse
• Approach sensitive conversations safely and confidently
• Signpost people to appropriate local support

Find out more and book your free training here

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Give Us Time - Remembrance Week breaks in Suffolk, Sussex and Cornwall

We have three wonderful Remembrance Week breaks available in November across the country. These are available to serving, veteran and bereaved families, which includes couples or solo travellers.

Bodmin

Set among the beautiful landscapes of Cornwall, Bodmin is a great base for exploring the county’s rugged coastline, countryside, and charming towns. A peaceful setting for a few days away, with plenty to discover.

Broadland Sands

Enjoy the best of the Suffolk coast at Broadland Sands, with beautiful beaches, coastal walks and traditional seaside towns close by. A relaxed setting for a refreshing break by the sea.

Pevensey Bay

With the beach on your doorstep, Pevensey Bay is an ideal base for discovering the Sussex coast, countryside, and historic towns. A peaceful coastal escape with plenty of opportunity to unwind and explore.

All breaks are 9 – 13 November, in Platinum standard accommodation

• King-size bed in the master bedroom
• En-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe
• Two twin bedrooms with full-size single beds
• Double glazing and central heating throughout
• Private decking with outdoor furniture
• Open-plan, fully equipped kitchen
• Dishwasher and integrated fridge freezer
• Coffee machine
• Large family dining table
• Luxury bedding
• Bathrobes, towels, slippers, and toiletries
• Full-size bath in the family bathroom
• Allocated parking

The breaks are live on the Give Us Time booking system now – families must have an account with us are at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login, breaks are booked on a first come first served basis, and are accommodation only; we are unable to cover the costs of travel, transport, food, entertainment etc.

Mission Motorsport: October newsletter out now

There’s plenty happening across Mission Motorsport this month, from new partnerships and fundraising initiatives to upcoming events and preparations for Race of Remembrance.

Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find:

• Legacy Lap – a new way to become part of Race of Remembrance, wherever you are.
• The unveiling of our third-generation Mazda Poppy Art Car.
• Our new partnership with Gama Aviation.
• The growing #YourRoR community.
• Upcoming events, volunteering opportunities and fundraising challenges.

Every activity helps Mission Motorsport continue supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans, serving personnel and their families through recovery, rehabilitation and opportunities beyond military service.

To read online, please go to this link: Read the October newsletter

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 efare Team during normal working hours on:

Blandford Garrison Support Unit (BGSU)

Tel 0743 631 8137.

Email: BLANDFORDGAR-BGSUWELFARE@mod.gov.uk.

For Contact House Enquiries: Blandfordgar-ContactHse-Bookings@mod.gov.uk.

BGSU Padre - Revd Carl Stokes 

Carl.Stokes103@mod.gov.uk

11 (RSS) Sig Regt Welfare Team

Unit Welfare Senior NCO - Tel 0743 631 7952
Asst Unit Welfare Officer - Tel 0743 631 8332
Unit Welfare Officer - Tel 0743 631 8050

Email: DSCIS-11SR-RHQ-Welfare@mod.gov.uk 

11 Sigs Padre - Rev Caroline Rogers 

Caroline.Rogers118@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

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. 

Tel: Welfare Office 01929 402240 or 01929 402239

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

Scott.forrester852@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

The Ripple Pond: Autumn 2026 Newsletter - Together, We're Shaping Better Support for Families

 

To read this newsletter in full, please go to: Autumn 2026 Newsletter

Little Troopers: Free All Together Online Space workshop on 10 Oct, and further dates

All Together ONLINE – Space Detectives Workshop

Saturday 10th October 2026, 1100hrs

SPACE DETECTIVES - All Together Online - fun virtual sessions bringing together military children

Journey around the Solar System and discover the size and distances of planets within our own neighbourhood. Take part in the “Human Solar System,” experiment with how it was formed and then assemble your own scale model.

👉Book your family space here

All Together sessions run frequently until April 2027.

Sessions are free, but places are limited. Please only book if you are confident you can attend so that as many families as possible can take part.

About All Together Online

All Together is a club that brings military children together. As part of this, All Together Online offers a series of exciting, live, online events especially for military children under 11 years old.

Everyone from the serving military community is warmly welcome to join us.

To find out more and to book, please go to: All Together - ONLINE by Little Troopers | Eventbrite

Dept for Work & Pensions: Latest News Update – 2 Oct

 

State Pension Triple Lock announcement

This week the Prime Minister made an announcement on an adjustment to the State Pension Triple Lock.

The current Triple Lock will be maintained until the end of this parliament. The changes are proposed from 2030/31, with the adjusted Triple Lock meaning the State Pension will always increase by at least the highest of 2.5%, Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation or a new earnings link – so that the State Pension will never fall below its level as a share of average earnings when we adjust the Triple Lock.

Army HQ: Army HQ: Family Welfare Matters Edition 04 now available

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

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

Give Us Time - Autumn last minute breaks and more!

Give Us Time still have lots of breaks and other opportunities available over the coming months – read all the way down for the big news!

“Give Us Time supports Forces families to spend time together on donated respite breaks following separation due to deployment, bereavement, physical or mental injuries, financial need, or other welfare issues.”  Find out more at Frequently asked questions - Give us time - Breaks for service personnel and their families

OCTOBER

• Cwm Llan cabin, North Wales, 5 – 9 October, sleeps 2
• Broadland Sands Holiday Park, Suffolk, 5 -9 October, sleeps 6
• Seawick Holiday Park, Essex, 12 – 16 October, sleeps 6

Give Us A Moment days out for half term:

• Visit the newly re-opened Palm Houses at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
• Enjoy Pumpkin Picking at Hatters Farm, Essex
• Explore the Gardens at Monteviot House near Jedburgh

NOVEMBER

• Polperro, Cornwall, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6
• Pevensey Bay, Sussex, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6

DECEMBER

• Kidlandlee holiday cottage, Northumberland, 7 – 11 December, sleeps 6

PLUS THE RV GUESTHOUSE, FALMOUTH - DATES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

THE BIG ONE!! 🎄🎅🎁

We’re also thrilled to have more tickets for the Polar Express! This year we’ll be travelling along the Spa Valley Railway from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on Friday 6 November, leaving at 7pm - please visit the website for more information!

As always, we book on a first come first served basis via the website - https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login - breaks are accommodation only, days out are entry ticket only – GUT cannot cover the costs of travel, food etc.

Gloucestershire: Agencies, Charities and Organisations for Gloucestershire's Military community

 

Please note that this guide was created by the HIVE Information Support Officer covering Lyneham.

The first page consists of QR codes to make access quicker for a small selection of the websites. The rest are weblinks.

Information is correct as of September 2026. Please access this document from a Civilian device.

Please click here to access this document online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wiltshire: Agencies, Charities and Organisations providing support to Wiltshire's Military community and beyond

 

Please note that this guide was created by the HIVE Information Support Officers covering Colerne, Lyneham and the South West HIVE Hub.

Information is correct as of September 2026. Please access this document from a Civilian device.

Please click here to access this guide online

Information provided by Colerne, Lyneham & South West Hub HIVEs

Combat Stress ‘Stronger Together’ Webinar series – starting 1 Oct

Are you supporting a veteran with PTSD or trauma? @CombatStress, the UK's leading charity for Armed Forces mental health, has a free Stronger Together webinar series that can help:

Five sessions delivered by in-house clinical lead, Dr Vicky Aldridge

Gain insight into PTSD and trauma, communication strategies and how best to support your loved one and yourself

Starts Thursday 1 October 2026, every Thursday throughout October

Register to book your place today: https://combatstress.org.uk/referrers/combat-stress-learning/family-and-friends-of-veterans/

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