************************************************************
Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


************************************************************

August 18, 2025

Wales: Free Online Courses - The Family Foundation

Click poster to enlarge.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

NAAFI: 2025 Welfare Returns figures


NAAFI are excited to share that they’ve announced their 2025 Welfare Returns figures - when people shop at NAAFI facilities, any surplus they earn is given back directly to the communities they serve.

This year alone, they’ve generated £110,435 for local garrisons and communities across seven of their locations:
  • Ascension Island
  • Brunei
  • The Falkland Islands
  • Germany
  • Poland
  • Bahrain
  • Royal Navy Ships
You can read more in NAAFI’s latest blog post here: https://naafi.co.uk/a-year-of-giving-back-welfare-returns-2025/

And find out more on the NAAFI website: https://naafi.co.uk/

Scotland: Back to school worries? Parent Club tips for all ages

Back to school worries? 

Parent Club have tips & advice to help calm any nerves about going back to school as well as tips for supporting your child’s mental health 

Help if your child feels unable to go to school

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Sign up to Neighbourhood Watch

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Breathing Space for anyone over age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety

Breathing Space are a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

Breathing Space is funded by the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Unit and the service is operationally managed by NHS 24.

Breathing Space is a free confidential service for people in Scotland. Open up when you're feeling down - phone 0800 83 85 87

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Lothian: Lothian Veterans Centre

**Please note the change of venue**

Roll Along to our BACON ROLL MORNING

Friday the 22nd August at Lothians Veterans Centre

Come along meet new people, catch up with friends, have a laugh and maybe win at the raffle

If you would like to join us please let the team know what you would like on your roll by 12PM on THURSDAY 21st August

Please reply using the details: Email contact@lvc.scot or Call 0131 660 5537

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

York: Baby Drop in Clinics


 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

York: Open Age York Women's 5 a Side Football

 

Are you wanting to give football a go, or maybe you used to play and you want to get back into it, then come along to our friendly 5-a-side football group.

We play every Thursday 6-7pm at York Sport.
All abilities and fitness levels welcome.

This is a friendly group of mostly over 25's with a mixture of football experience (ranging from none to semi pro). Our aim is to bring ladies together for an hour of football fun.

Anyone is welcome to come down and see if you like it. 
DM for further information  www.facebook.com/groups/1679151352462158/

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Midlothian: Are you a parent living in Midlothian?

Do you need an Elementary Food and Hygiene certificate to prepare yourself for returning to employment in hospitality?

Sign up for a 2 half day REHIS course that will cover topics such as hygiene in preparation, cooking and storage of food and current food legislation.

Dates: 10th and 11th September

Time: 9.30am–2.00pm

Venue: Strathesk Primary School 4 Eastfield Farm Road Penicuik EH26 8EZ

Participants must attend both sessions

For more information on eligibility for the course and to book, please email: cll@midlothian.gov.uk or call 0131 270 8900.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Trading Standards Scotland - scam DWP winter energy payments

There have been loads of reports of scam messages impersonating DWP asking you to apply for winter energy payments

In Scotland, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment. 

In 2025 this will be paid by Social Security Scotland and not by DWP

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE