Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Covenant Fund programme, Hidden Voices, reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has reopened the Hidden Voices programme for applications. This is the second year of this popular programme with funded projects last year supporting:

- veterans in the justice system in

- LGBT+ veterans

- victim-survivors of Military Sexual Violence

- carers in armed forces communities

- foreign & commonwealth personnel

- And more…!

The Hidden Voices programme is about ensuring everyone in the armed forces community feels heard and supported – focusing on those who may not always get the support they need.

Prevention and early-intervention mental health support

This is a mental health and wellbeing programme, specifically for those who have been underserved or who have faced barriers to support when accessing services. These groups are ‘seldom heard’ and may be less represented in mainstream services.

As well as helping people get the support they need, the Trust is looking for projects that will help organisations to learn and share how to better support these groups within the community.

Your project will need to meet both of the following outcomes:

Leuchars: Message from the Station regarding increase in small fires

There has been an increase in small fires being deliberately lit in the nature trail and surrounding woodland areas over the past few weeks. This is not only incredibly dangerous to those starting the fires and individuals’/families in the surrounding area but with Fife Fire and Rescue (FFR) vehicles being dispatched to deal with these deliberate acts, this essential emergency service is being misused which can cause catastrophic consequences for others who may genuinely require the service. 

Can everyone please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland or continue to report a fire to FFR?

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Catterick: Care for a Cuppa with Mind and Carers Plus

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

RAF Job Opportunities for Rejoiners and Inter-Service Transferees

RAF Recruitment | Rejoiners | Royal Air Force

Bovington: Garrison contact houses for short term accommodation use

To book email David.Oakes747@mod.gov.uk or Adrian.Ingham629@mod.gov.uk

or call 01929 402239 during office hours

For all bookings, a £50 deposit will be required within 7 days of making the booking and the full balance is to be paid 28 days prior to stay. The rate is set at £50 per night for the first three nights, then £25 per night thereafter.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Local childcare and family services

 

Image: Dorset county council 

Do you need information on child-minders and childcare facilities in your area or have a child with SEND and need support or information? Click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Farnham: Wetland waders and flamboyant flamingos at Birdworld

Immerse yourself in serenity at Wetland WaWetders, where you can observe a stunning variety of bird species using their unique beaks to feed from shallow and deep waters, while others soar and swoop gracefully all around you, creating a truly immersive experience. 

Then, follow the footprints to Flamboyant Flamingos and step into a world of vibrant pink! Explore the fascinating Pink Room to uncover fun flamingo facts and discover how these iconic birds get their rosy hue. Walk through to see the flamingos in their natural environment, and challenge your balance by trying to stand on one leg, just like a flamingo, and then enjoy our enchanting pink garden as you take in the breathtaking view of the flamingos in their natural splendor. 

Click HERE for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison Carpet cleaner hire

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Grantham: Important Notice re. Married Quarter areas

Keeping the estate tidy/litter free and safe is everyone's responsibility. 

For Health and Safety, pathways and roads should be clear of play equipment.

Reminders about Garden Waste Removal, charges and responsibilities. If you are departing/relocating on posting, please gift your green bin to someone who may want it or ask for the council to remove. For more information on Green Bins: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/bins-street-care-recycling-and-commercial-waste/garden-waste-collections

For details of the local/nearest recycling centre: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/grantham-recycling-centre - Thank you.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Defence update: Wraparound Childcare funding updates for autumn term 2025

Are you eligible to join the 9,000 Service families claiming up to £3,400, per child, per year, for their before and after school childcare costs?

What is Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

The WAC scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of disability allowances), who are in full-time education in school or being home educated. WAC funding is available to eligible working Service families in the UK, assigned overseas within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S), assigned overseas and using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision or assigned overseas unaccompanied with family remaining in an eligible location.

Since September 2022 WAC has provided funding for 12,500 Service children's before and after school childcare.

WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Wraparound childcare is also known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Age Childcare’ in Scotland.