Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Lets raise awareness around sexual violence and non-contact sexual offences. Find out more- 'It does matter'

Non-contact sexual offences, have historically been overlooked in society as a form of violence against women and girls, but it’s time to change this.

Non-contact sexual offences include, but are not limited to; indecent exposure, voyeurism, up-skirting, spiking, stalking and cat calling. More information on these can be found on the following advice page - Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Staffordshire Police


9 in 10 people, regardless of sex or gender have experienced non-contact sexual offences.

Speak up - Reporting non-contact sexual offences is using your voice and actions to drive change and create a safer environment for everyone.

Stand together - United, we can shift the culture and challenge non-contact sexual offences where safe to do so and create a community where we stand up to these behaviours.

Stay safe and look out for each other - Stay informed and take a proactive approach to recognising and addressing potential risks. By acting as empowered active bystanders, we strengthen our collective ability to look out for one another

The "It Does Matter!" campaign is about more than raising awareness, it's about empowering each of us to stand strong against violence and non-contact sexual offences.

Please visit our website to find out more - It Does Matter | Staffordshire Police

If there is an immediate threat to safety or ongoing risk of harm. Call 999

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Service Women: Seen & Heard programme

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust recently announced over £700K to support projects that provide targeted support for serving women through their Service Women: Seen & Heard programme.

Find out how these projects will work to empower both regular and reserve service women, helping them to make informed decisions and access vital resources to improve health and wellbeing.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - watch recording of recent Lunch and Learn webinar about the Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme

 

Want to find out more about the Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme? Watch a recording of our recent Lunch & Learn webinar on our website now at https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/empowering-bereaved-military-families-programme/#webinar-for-applicants

This programme offers a single portfolio grant of up to £1.8 million, to achieve long term, transformational change in the non-statutory support provided to bereaved military families.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 noon, 2 April 2025.

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) communications update - 12 March 25

 

HCDC Update

Last month, the House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC) published its report following an inquiry into Service accommodation that took place last year.  This outlined a number of recommendations made by the Committee that we have considered carefully.

HCDC has now published our response to the report which outlines the steps we are taking to improve our service to you.

DIO remains committed to improving the quality of housing for you and your families and we will continue to work closely with our suppliers to deliver against the actions outlined.


Radio Teleswitch (RTS) electricity meters

The technology that supports RTS electricity meters will switch off nationally from 30 June 2025.

If you have one of these meters, you will receive a letter from your electricity supplier informing you that they are required to switch you to a smart meter. Not switching meters before this time could result in disruption to your electricity supply. You can read more about this here.

Whether you pay for your own electricity or your fuel is supplied by the MOD, if you have an RTS meter, you should expect a letter to arrange an appointment.

If you have any questions or would like to confirm if you have an RTS meter, you can contact your electricity supplier directly.

Aldershot: Hampshire County Council/Rushmoor Wellbeing Walks

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

From sailing to Service dogs - over £850,000 awarded to improve the quality of life for Veterans negatively impacted by their Service

From sailing to service dogs: over £850,000 awarded to improve the quality of life for veterans negatively impacted by their service

Breaking down barriers; building bridges; addressing trauma. The Armed Forces Covenant Trust’s (the Trust) Fulfilling Futures programme has supported six outstanding projects totalling more than £850,000 to improve the lives of veterans negatively impacted by their service.

Support to lead fulfilling lives

Each project represents new, tailored work to support groups of veterans including those with physical injuries, those who have experienced military sexual trauma, those living with PTSD and other complex mental health issues, LGBT+ veterans and women veterans. Though each tackles a different cohort, each aims to mitigate the effects of the barriers preventing them from having a fulfilling life after service.

Reducing isolation and building connections

Working UK-wide, British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (BLESMA) will use their award of £300,000 to deliver a new, three-year therapeutic wellness programme supporting limbless and injured veterans. They’ll offer activities and coaching/mentoring opportunities aimed at breaking down barriers and helping individuals progress positively through their recovery.

With a focus LGBT+ veterans, families and carers, and other minority groups in the East of England, The Bridge for Heroes will use their award of £73,129 to improve awareness, provide targeted services, and build connections with existing veteran organisations. They will address specific needs to reduce isolation and ensure long-term integration of support within veteran services.

Helen Taylor MBE, CEO at The Bridge for Heroes, said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from the Fulfilling Futures programme. It will enable us to build upon our valued partnership with Fighting with Pride, providing enhanced support to LGBT+ veterans and other minority groups across the East of England over the next 18 months.”

Supporting women Veterans

Hampshire: Home Start support for military families

 

Home Start volunteers help families with children age 0-11 years deal with the challenges they face. They support parents (including military families) to learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

Click on the QR code to access further information of other areas of support that Home Start can help with.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: What's on in Hampshire 2025

 

Start 2025 with the top picks of what's happening in Hampshire. Go to the Visit Hampshire website to find out what events are on near you. 

Click HERE for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Mind wellbeing partnership

In Hampshire, 50% of people experience psychological, emotional or mental health difficulties that significantly affect their day-to-day functioning. Rates of hospital admissions for self-harm in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are more than 1.5 times the national average. 

In response, Andover Mind, Havant and East Hants Mind and Solent Mind are pleased to announce that they have been awarded the contract by Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board to provide mental health and wellbeing services across Hampshire. By working in partnership together and with the local GP surgeries, more people will be able to access specialist services, and local wellbeing centres will continue to support their communities. 

For more information click HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Swindon: Celebrate Armed Forces Day at Lydiard Park - Sat 28 Jun

 

Armed Forces Day will be celebrated at Lydiard Park this summer to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The free event is to be held on Saturday 28th June between 1100-1600. It will feature stalls, a funfair, dance troupe performances and a mini concert, but anyone who would like to get involved and contribute to a memorable and meaningful event for the Swindon community should email Nav Hasan at: nhasan@swindon.gov.uk including ‘Swindon Armed Forces Day Committee 2025’ in the subject line.

Members of the organising committee are also keen to hear from any schools, Scouts or Brownie groups who would like to take part in the day.

Click here to read more on the Swindon Borough Council website

Alternatively follow the event page on Facebook

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs