Wiltshire: Household Support Fund extended to help Wiltshire's most vulnerable until March 2026

Wiltshire Council has welcomed the UK Government's decision to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) for another year, ensuring vital assistance continues for residents most in need. The seventh round of the fund, known as HSF7, will run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

The Household Support Fund is designed to provide crisis support to households struggling with essential living costs, such as food and utility bills. It also offers preventative support, including budgeting and cookery classes, and the purchase of energy-efficient appliances like fridges and cookers.

Wiltshire: Residents encouraged to start their own care business with new support programme

In partnership with Community Catalysts, Wiltshire Council is supporting individuals who want to work for themselves and become their own boss by offering care and support services in their communities.

This could include helping people with:

• Getting out and about
• Companionship
• Running errands or doing odd jobs
• Organising daily tasks

...or setting up and running

• Fitness classes
• Creative sessions
• Social groups

People choose the hours they work, giving them the flexibility to fit their business around their life.

Wiltshire Council funds the initiative which provides access to a free development programme that includes training, marketing support, signposting to funding opportunities, and a chance to connect with others doing similar work.

Click here to find out more

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Gillingham: Taste Of The Caribbean 23rd August 2025 at Great Lines

 

Europe's Largest Food & Drink Festival Dedicated to Caribbean Food

Join us at the Taste of the Caribbean Food & Drink Festival, where cultures collide in a celebration of incredible flavours and vibrant traditional growing year after year 2025 is set to be our best yet.

Experience a lively mix of Caribbean street food traders serving hot dishes, desserts (from all over the world), and unique take -home goods, plus cultural crafts and non-food treasures. Entertainment includes live music, thrilling cooking demos, exciting eating contests and funfair rides with activities for all ages. 

Get ready for an unforgettable festival that brings together people from all backgrounds to savour the magic of Caribbean culture!

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Find out about Fostering with Wiltshire Council

 

Upcoming events include:

• Dauntsey
• Melksham
• Chippenham
• Corsham
• Calne
• Plus regular online sessions

Click the link for more event info: Fostering with Wiltshire Council

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

GOV.UK: Updated guidance for Service personnel and their families on Early Years childcare and child welfare policies

The Gov.uk website has been updated today, with new information in the ‘Free Early Years Childcare entitlement for children aged 9 months to school starting age (including 15 or 30 hours’ free childcare)’ and ‘Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA)’ section.

To review the revised information please go to: Guidance for Service personnel and their families on child welfare policies.

Shorncliffe: Army Welfare Service Nepali Club Every Wednesday 1630 - 1800hrs

 

Information provided by South Ease HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Hampshire County Council Fostering services

Visit the Hampshire County Council website to find out more about how you can start your fostering journey.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Winchester - Home-Start Family Groups

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Homes Start Hampshire Volunteers required

 

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East 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/