Little Troopers New Forest Reconnection Weekend – next events are Dorset, 25 to 27 July, and 26 to 28 Sept

'Group of children photographed with Little Troopers Founder, Louise’

Military families were brought together this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, hosted a New Forest family reconnection weekend.

In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully-funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.

The weekend was the second one to take place, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Dorset.

Families arrived on Friday (13th June), kicking off the weekend by taking part in an evening woodland nature walk, before staying in shepherd’s huts.

On the second day, families got to try out raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft, a BBQ cooked by the parents, and campfire games for the children in the evening. Families headed home on Sunday 15th June after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees and enjoying some Father’s Day treats.

Northern Ireland: Wake The Giant Festival - Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th June

 

Wake the Giant is one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular summer festivals, set against the stunning backdrop of Warrenpoint in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. This family-friendly event brings local legend to life with giant-themed street theatre, live music, Giant's Parades, and interactive performances that celebrate the mythical tale of Fionn the Giant. Perfect for a weekend break or day trip, Wake the Giant blends arts, culture, and folklore into an unforgettable outdoor festival experience on the scenic shores of Carlingford Lough.

For more details, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans

 
The Veterans’ Survey 2022 was the first survey of its kind in the UK and was a collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the devolved administrations.

Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.

In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.

To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans

Stafford: Staffordshire county council - jobs of the week! 18th June 2025

18th June 2025

See here

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Catterick: E50k Armed Forces Day Community Picnic 22nd June

 

This Sunday, join us for a completely FREE community event in Catterick Garrison! 

Begin a week of Armed Forces celebrations with a delightful picnic in our allotment 
Just bring your blankets, camp chairs, your favourite treats and your friends and family 

Featuring:
Entertainment from Charm Productions UK
Free face painting by LINDY POPS
Beautiful donkeys from the Long Ears Donkey Centre - Home of Blackberry Donkeys
Fun storytime and activities with Sunshine Sensory UK
An adorable petting zoo presented by Belle's Beasties CIC
Plus family games

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Grantham: St Anne's Community Fun Day

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

London: London Palladium Evita

 

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

Survey link in text below: 

If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.

Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• safeguarding

Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.

How to complete the survey

You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

You have until Saturday 30 August to make your voice heard.

Catterick: 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery - Recruiting Now

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Newcastle: Newcastle Pride 19th July

Newcastle Pride is set to return for a city-wide takeover this summer, following the success of last year’s transformative event​​. We've announced some big changes which we believe will make this year’s event even better.

New venues are on board to amplify the city take over. First up is the iconic Theatre Royal which will place host to the incredibly popular Family and Youth Zone. Whilst independent theatre, Alphabetti, will support the delivery of a new zone. The Trans+ Zone will provide a safe, celebratory, and empowering area for the region’s trans and non-binary community.

In 2024, over 16,500 people marched with us, weaving through the city, down the iconic Northumberland Street and passed the historic Grey’s Monument.

The city becomes awash with all the colours of the rainbow.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub