Gloucestershire: Free bus travel for Veterans seeking employment

The initiative has been introduced by Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus.

The County Council has produced and funded the travel cards, while Jobcentre Plus establishments in the county will issue them.

The initiative was launched at the Veterans Café in Gloucester, which was set up earlier this year with the support of the county council. The café is based at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and provides a space for serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families to gather, socialise and support each other.

The motion said that the Council wanted to take steps to make a positive difference to the lives of veterans in our County, in recognition of their service.

The travel card will be available to veterans over aged 16 who are claiming Universal Credit or receiving a DWP benefit in Gloucestershire. It will entitle them to free bus travel throughout Gloucestershire.

Each card can be used for 50 single free trips and even if a veteran gains employment before the trips on the card run out, they can continue to use it. If the veteran if still seeking employment after the card runs out, they will be issued with a new card.

Please click here to read more

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

North Wiltshire: Local bus links

 

Please note that some timetables may change in September:

• Colerne/Corsham/Neston - Faresaver
• Hullavington/Stanton St Quintin - Coachstyle
• Lyneham - First Bus

Further journeys can be found at the Connecting Wiltshire website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE's

New MOD booklet 'benefits and support for Reserve families'

 

Today, Defence launches a new booklet for Reservists, and their families, on the benefits and support available. This includes financial discounts, healthcare, and career support.

Did you know that of the 190,170 total serving military personnel in the British Armed Forces, 18% of them are Reservists? This means that the Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of Armed Forces personnel.

Reservists make a critical contribution in the Armed Forces and are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. Keep reading to find out more about what Reservists do, and how they make a positive impact in the Armed forces.

Do you know what support and benefits are available?

Today, Defence has published a new booklet outlining key benefits, services, and support for Reservists and their families. This includes:

• Healthcare, including mental health and welfare support.

• Information and support services.

• Military and financial discounts, childcare, and other family friendly policies.

• Career and employment support. For more information, read Defence’s recently published booklet on GOV.UK.

Lichfield: New Health Visitor Drop-in Clinic at Tesco Community Room

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

 

Moray: Active Schools are looking for volunteers

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Wiltshire: Upcoming ESOL courses from Wiltshire Family & Community Learning Team

 

Scotland: Neighbourhood Watch Scotland

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: QR codes on meters in council-owned car parks - Trading Standards Scotland

Criminals are sticking their own QR codes on top of legitimate ones on meters in council-owned car parks

Rather than scanning QR codes it's safest to pay using an official app downloaded from your smartphone’s app store, or cash/card if possible

More: https://mailchi.mp/bdb7c7596e27/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-2

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

The Whispering Wind installation for those who have experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss

 

Reservations for windmills for our Whispering Wind event in October (9th-15th Oct 2024 at the Defence Academy of the UK at Shrivenham), are still open, but not for long.

So if you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss, and would like to honour their child's memory through our event, please send them our way. Reservation forms can be requested via DM or emailing dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com

Windmills are free of charge to families, will be personalised and sent out to families once our Baby Loss Awareness Week event has come to a close.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages about their loved ones so far, your strength continues to amaze us and we feel honoured you have chosen to share their memory with us for this event. ​

Fife: NHS Fife Update

🦷DENTAL SERVICES UPDATE🦷
NHS Fife is acutely aware of the challenges facing dental care in the region. The closure of multiple dental practices by corporate providers has significantly reduced NHS dental availability. They are committed to working with local practices to improve access to NHS dental care within their remit. NHS Fife have identified the areas experiencing the most significant impact, as well as regions with planned housing developments. They have proposed these areas for inclusion in the Scottish Dental Access Initiative to attract new dentists. Several strategies to support oral health in Fife are also being implemented including expanding oral health programs for vulnerable populations, exploring the potential of a mobile dental unit, and enhancing the visibility of our Public Dental Service through social media. Despite the complexities of the situation, NHS Fife remains dedicated to managing the impact of declining NHS dental provision and improving access to care for our communities. For more information about the Scottish Dental Access Initiative please visit: https://www.scottishdental.nhs.scot/.../scottish.../....