Surrey: working in early years and childcare

A job in early years and childcare is unique and rewarding. You get to be part of a child's early education and help to shape their future, and there are lots of roles to suit everyone.

Work in a nursery

Work in a pre-school or nursery school

Work as a childminder

Work in before and after school clubs

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Our dogs are far more than companions. They are working dogs trained to assist with everyday tasks like opening doors, retrieving dropped items and building confidence in public settings. Just as importantly, they offer loyal companionship and emotional reassurance.

Each dog is carefully matched to their Partner based on individual needs, ensuring a truly life-changing relationship that supports both practical challenges and emotional wellbeing.

Who We Help

We welcome applications from anyone who:
Is a current or former member of HM Armed Forces or Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard or RNLI)
Is living with a physical disability caused by illness or injury
(this does not need to be directly related to your time in service)

We support a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and independence, including:
Spinal injuries
Limb loss or amputation
Stroke recovery
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Serious illness or injury with lasting physical impact

We understand that the road to recovery and independence can be tough and the last thing we want is for cost to be a barrier. Where needed, Hounds for Heroes can cover the full working life of an assistance dog, including training, equipment, insurance and ongoing support. Each situation is assessed individually and we aim to remove as many barriers as possible.

If you or someone you support could benefit from an assistance dog, we’d love to hear from you. Welfare officers, medical staff and support teams are encouraged to signpost eligible individuals our way. We're here to help.

To learn more or to begin an application, visit: www.houndsforheroes.com or get in touch at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com.

Together, we can make a difference.

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

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

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

Simplifying overseas service finances…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.

Planning made simple

The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.

Supporting family connections

For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.

Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.

Disturbance Expenses rate uplift

From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.

More information

· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.

· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.

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