SSAFA Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference – registration now open

In-person tickets are now down to the last few, however there is still availability for virtual tickets.

The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025 is taking place on 2 June 2025. This is an empowering and informative event designed for current service personnel and their families with additional needs or disabilities. Hosted by the FANDF committee and facilitated by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, this conference will offer expert insights and practical advice for service families.

The event will be FANDF’s first hybrid FANDF event. You can join in person or virtually, making it accessible for those with caring responsibilities or living further afield.

Hereford: Do you know about the new video library of resources for families?

 

Healthwatch is conducting a survey for NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire to understand if local families are aware of the new video library of resources for children. These videos provide helpful information to support children and families in the community. Check them out here: Video Library

Your input will help improve how these resources are promoted and guide the creation of future videos.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Lyneham: Expanded 'Wiltshire Connect' bus service to include Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury areas

The Public Transport team at Wiltshire Council is pleased to advise that we will be extending our popular Wiltshire Connect on-demand bus service in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury areas from Wednesday 23rd April.

The service can be used for journeys to Royal Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury and to any location in the operating area (see image above) which includes the Great Western Hospital, Orbital Retail Park and Kemble Railway Station.

Anyone can use Wiltshire Connect and our wheelchair accessible vehicles operate between 6am-8pm Mon-Fri and 8am-7.30pm on Saturdays.

Rides can be booked by using the Wiltshire Connect app or by phone on 01225 712900 (Please note: The app can be used to book rides from Tuesday 22nd April).

Aurora New Dawn - Armed Forces Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking Helpline is now live

 

The new Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces Helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking is now live.

This Helpline is for any members of the Royal Navy British Army and Royal Air Force and their family members, including those deployed abroad, who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking. 

The Helpline operates 6 days a week. It is independent, confidential, and free.

 

Launched on the 31st March 2025, and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and the Army Benevolent Fund the Helpline has already exceeded the number of contacts anticipated.

At Aurora, we understand that the Armed Forces Community is unique, and we know that service life brings with it a number of challenges which can make it harder to talk about these issues.

The Helpline has been designed with an understanding of these specific needs in mind. Many of our specialist team are from Forces families or are ex service personnel. They understand service life, and how difficult it can be to talk about what is happening.  We want to make sure that victim/survivors with links to the armed forces get specialist support that has been designed with them and for them.

Need help?

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via phone +44 (0)333 0912 527 (GMT): 0900-1500 Monday to Friday

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via WhatsApp on +44 (0)333 0912 527: Monday 0900-1500 / Wednesday & Thursday 1700-2000 / Sunday 1000-140

Inverness: Army Welfare Service Summer Programme

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wiltshire: Discover Wiltshire's Wonders with the new 2025 visitor map and guide

 

Visit Wiltshire has launched its new Visitor Map and Visitor Guide for 2025, offering a fresh perspective on exploring this captivating region.

Both the map and the guide are part of Visit Wiltshire's ongoing commitment to promote local tourism and support the region's economy. By providing up-to-date and accessible information, Visit Wiltshire aims to enhance the visitor experience and encourage more people to discover the unique charm of Wiltshire.

Click the images above to access each map, or follow the links below:

• Visitor guide

• Visitor map

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Gloucestershire: Support for families from HomeStart

 

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For further information and links to each area as above, please visit the website: https://home-startgloucestershire.org.uk/

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

MOD Victim Witness Care Unit

 

The Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides support and guidance for victims and witnesses during their journey through the Service Justice System.

Visit the website for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/victim-witness-care-unit-vwcu

Melksham: Wiltshire Throwback Festival - Fri 20 & Sat 21 Jun

 

Get your tickets or find out more at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wtf25

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

NHS England - Armed Forces health stakeholder brief, Spring 2025

 

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NHS England’s Spring 2025 Armed Forces health stakeholder brief provides updates on the following topics:

• Op RESTORE, the NHS England-commissioned physical health and wellbeing service for veterans
• Op NOVA, the NHS England commissioned support service for veterans in the justice system
• The NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) Veteran Aware Annual Conference
• Step into Health - assisting with the transition from military service to careers within the NHS
• NHS SARCS: Care and support available to sexual assault and abuse survivors
• Latest primary care network veteran friendly accreditations

To read the brief in full please click here