Fife: The Ruby Boots Project, a peer support network aiming to support children and young people whose parent/guardian is leaving the armed forces.

The Ruby Boots Project is a peer support network aiming to support children and young people whose parent/guardian is leaving the armed forces. There are various challenges that young people may experience during this transition, so they have designed this project to tackle this. 

If you are a child or young person from a veteran/soon-to-be veteran family, or an adult who would be interested in volunteering to help facilitate these group sessions, please get in touch at heather.douglas@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk. 

We would love to hear from you.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Bovington: Tank Museum annual pass and concessionary tickets for garrison personnel & families

To find out about the Tank Museum and what events are coming up click HERE

An Annual Pass allows you to visit The Tank Museum as many times as you want for a year (excluding Special Event days). Every regular admission ticket purchased including Access All Areas and Experience Days automatically comes with an Annual Pass.
All Special Event tickets also include an Annual Pass.

Bovington Garrison Concessionary Tickets - Tank Museum FREE entry

Concessionary ticket management is via Guardroom, Allenby Barracks There are 7 tickets available for personnel and families living or working at Bovington 

For families living at Lulworth camp, 4 tickets are available via the Lulworth Camp Guardroom

1 ticket covers 2 adults and 2 children. Mod personnel can use their MOD90 card to gain free entry to Tank Museum. 

Tickets are to be collected on day of use and returned at the earliest opportunity.

Concessionary tickets cannot be used for special events such as Tankfest or Tiger Day.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bramcote and Lichfield: AWS Summer Holiday Club - 5 and 6 August

 

Drop off and breakfast provided will be 09.00 - 09.30 in the Post box for those from Lichfield  and collection will be 16:30 again in the Post box. 

Information  provided: Central HIVE Hub

Bovington: Tank museum 'Quiet mornings' Sat 27th Sep & Sat 6th Dec

 

Credit: Tankmuseum

From 0900-1100 all sounds, and interactives will be turned off to reduce sensory input.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families of children with autism; young people and adults with autism; children with social, emotional, or mental health needs; adults living with dementia and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience.

For more details click HERE and to find out about sensory backpacks for families and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

2025 quiet mornings at the museum are:

Sat 27 September

Sat 6 December

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Scotland: Which School year group is my child in?

For parents unfamiliar with the Scottish education system, it may not be clear which year group your child will be in when they move a Scottish school.

Check out Forces Children's Education website for more guidance and lots of great information and resources.
https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk/which-school-year...?

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: The Poppy Story, the story of the Poppy with special focus on Scotland

Check out Poppyscotland book, The Poppy Story!

Perfect for children aged 6-12, this beautifully illustrated book narrates the story of the poppy and remembrance, with a special focus on Scotland.

Schools in Scotland can request a free copy, or you can order your own here: The Poppy Story

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Edinburgh: AWS Community Questionnaire 2025

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northern Ireland: Veterans & Families Forecast of Events - Causeway Coast & Glens

 

Veterans & Families – Upcoming Events

Please see above the forecast of events kindly shared by Veterans Champion Dawn Huggins from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

These events are a great opportunity for veterans and their families to connect, engage, and access support within the local community.

#Veterans #CommunitySupport #CausewayCoastAndGlens #VeteransChampion #ConnectingCommunities

Information provided by HIVE NI

Leconfield: AWS Art Club - Wednesday Evenings

 

Information provided by Leconfield HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Serving families: On the Move Programme now open to new applications

The Support for Relocated Service Families - reopen for new applications!

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are pleased to let you know that the Serving families: On the Move Programme under the Armed Forces Families Covenant Fund is now open and ready to welcome new applications!

What’s the programme all about?

Moving to a completely new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, can feel surreal. You’re pushed out of your comfort zone, knowing that if you don’t reach out, the feeling of loneliness can quickly grow. But not everyone has the confidence to walk into a coffee morning or event on their own for the first time.

“Having a first point of contact, a friendly face, a supportive presence makes such a difference. Someone who can help you find your way, learn about your new area and most importantly, open the door to connections and friendships.

That kind of support isn’t just help, it’s essential for finding your way and keeping your momentum in this military way of life” – Jenna, Army spouse.

Supporting you, on the move

Today, the Trust are reopening the Serving Families: On the Move programme for new applications. This year, you can apply for a grant of £5,000 to £50,000 for a 12 month project which will achieve one or more of the following outcomes -

• Families in a new posting have more accessible information to support them to settle into a new and unfamiliar location.
• Newly arrived families report improved wellbeing by being introduced to and connected with activities provided in their new area
• Fewer newly arrived and relocated service families report feeling isolated or lonely and more service families say they have effective support networks.
• Families feel more able to navigate the challenges of relocation, because their relationships are stronger.

Why are the Trust running this programme?

Frequent moves can disrupt social connections and support systems, often leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Over time, this can negatively impact mental health and family relationships.

One of our key priorities when launching the Armed Forces Covenant framework was to reduce stress and challenges for families. To support this aim, we introduced the Serving Families: On the Move programme.

To date, under the Armed Forces Covenant, we have awarded a total of over £1.3m to 14 projects aimed at improving the quality of life for service families impacted by relocation and as a direct result of service life.

This programme aims to support newly relocated service families, encouraging connection, and strengthening family relationships, ensuring armed forces communities are not left at a disadvantage.

The Trust are looking to support projects that use preventative or early intervention approaches to support families who have recently moved. These projects should focus to helping families settle into their new communities and build lasting, positive connections.

“It’s a very lonely life, and the sacrifices that we go through as a family always seem so significant yet not recognised.” – RAF spouse

Who can apply?

The Trust invite applications from:

• Registered Charites
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Armed Forces Units and Bases
• Local authorities

Full eligibility details are available on the Trust website

Find out more

There will be two deadlines for applications:

• If you apply by 12pm on 23 July 2025, you will receive a decision before end of September 2025.
• If you apply by 12pm on 17 December 2025, you will receive a decision before end of February 2026.

Full details of this family-focused funding opportunity, including full eligibility and how to apply, are available on the Trust’s dedicated programme page.