NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over 2.5 million awarded to address the needs of service pupils

“Service pupils are more likely to experience family separation, as their serving parent(s) can be deployed to remote or dangerous locations. This can affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing, and they may require additional support at school during these periods.” -Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance

Delivered on behalf of the MOD, the Service Pupil Support programme ensures the needs of service pupils are met through effective interventions to support them along their educational pathway.

In this latest funding round, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded just over £2.5 million to 34 projects across the UK, dedicated to helping service pupils thrive. These initiatives are transforming the way schools support children from armed forces families by breaking down barriers to identifying additional needs, improving access to vital services, and empowering professionals through targeted development to ensure every service child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Russell Collier, Education Policy Team, MOD adds:

"We are delighted that so many education settings and local authorities, from across the UK, chose to apply to the Service Pupil Support Programme this year. It’s incredibly positive to see a large number of exciting projects being funded, all with the same ambition in mind, that is to support children from armed forces families to thrive in education."

Empowering service children

Grantham: Veterans Help & Advice Drop-in Session

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Scotland: Scottish Childminding Association - Will your little one soon be eligible for ELC funded hours?

If you haven't chosen a childcare setting already, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what is the best option for you and your family when there are so many choices 😕

For some families, this may be the first time your child has been looked after in a professional setting, for others you may be looking to prepare them for the routine of school. 

It's a big decision.

Here are some reasons why a childminder could be perfect for your family:
💠Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
💠Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
💠Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
💠Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence

St Andrews: Families First are looking for volunteers, interested in getting involved?

Families First arecurrently looking for volunteers to support parents and carers, or to offer transport to sessions (or even both).

Whether you’re keen to meet new people, use your experience, or try something new, this could be a great fit for you (or someone you know).

Pop along to one of their info sessions on Monday 21st July to find out more, or get in touch - email vc@familiesfirststandrews.org.uk.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

North Yorkshire: Introduction to Migration Training - October 2025

Click on the image to access the links to register

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Grantham: Belvoir Castle Military discount to Serving Personnel & families

 

Visit Belvoir Castle

Military discount is now available, used online for pre purchase tickets get 20% off and 10% off if used on entrance at the gate on the day. Email Grantham HIVE for details: RC-Pers-HIVE-Grantham-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Chatham: Royal Engineers Museum

 

Click on the poster for further information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Fife: Sam's Fife Mental Health Drop-in

click on image to enlarge

Sam's is available to anyone aged 16yrs plus and no longer in school education.

Sam's is one to one mental health support .. not a group.

Kirkcaldy
Sam's Fife, Greener Kirkcaldy, 8 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT
Mondays and Fridays: 12 noon - 8pm
Tel: 07971 892886

Leven
Sam's Fife, Forth Street Hall, Forth Street, Leven KY8 4PF
(across road from the Greig Institute)
Saturdays: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 07568 127735

Dunfermline
Sam's Fife, Going Forth,
First House Woodmill Road, Dunfermline KY11 4SS
Sundays: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 07725 214012

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dover: Kent Army Cadets, Dover detachment needs you

Do you live in Dover?

Looking for a new hobby and a way to make new friends whilst challenging yourself? We need you!

The ACF isn’t just about marching around the drill square. We offer cadets and adult volunteers an exciting programme of activities and events over the course of the year.

 
There is also the opportunity to embark on overseas exchanges, adventurous training, expeditions and sports competition, to name but a few of the options available. You might even want to learn a new musical instrument in our band.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub