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/

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

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

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

Dorset: Lulworth Range walks & Tyneham Village, public access information

The Lulworth Ranges are part of the AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicles) Gunnery School, an important training establishment of the British Army.

The Lulworth Range walks  open to the public every weekend and during peak summer months however may be closed at certain times. Please check latest opening times by clicking HERE. 

Tyneham Village was evacuated in 1943 during WWII when the area was needed for military training and has been deserted ever since. You can walk around the buildings and read the many information boards about life back then. 

You can also walk down to Worborrow Bay from the village which offers stunning views of the coastline. 

It’s always best to check Tyneham Village online before visiting to see opening days and times which is mostly weekends and main public holidays. Tyneham Village gate permits vehicle access and opens at 9am when no military activity is taking place and is closed at dusk each evening. The exhibitions in Tyneham School and Tyneham Church are open from 10am until 4pm on non-firing days however this may vary depening on the time of year.

In the car park you will see an honesty box with a suggested £4 parking charge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

 

Chatham: Brompton Play Club at the Lampard Centre - Mondays 1600hrs - 1730hrs (Term Time Only)

Play Club at the Lampard Centre is held every Monday, excluding Bank Holidays from 4pm till 5.30pm.

Booking is on a week-by-week basis. £1 per week per child.

Please email anthony-lee.peat101@mod.gov.uk to book a place (limited places).

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

From 1 July, eligible Service personnel are now invited to register for a new overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.

Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) is being trialled as a new way to receive a financial contribution towards expenses that arise when you move to or from an overseas permanent assignment in:

• Brunei – 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) and Brunei Garrison Staff (incl. 667 Sqn, 5AAC) only
• USA – British Defence Staff US (BDSUS) administered locations only
• Kenya – British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Garrison Staff only
• Europe/ Rest of World (RoW) – Global Support Organisation (GSO) administered locations only

The new Global Mobility Allowance Calculator (accessible via defnet or Defence Connect) gives a real-time, tailored estimate of the GMA allowance you will receive, and a comparison of GMA trial versus non-trial allowances.

The tool simplifies what would be a complex and time-consuming calculation process and enables you to make informed decisions about your assignment – including considerations on family support, cost of living and financial planning.