Serve and Protect Credit Union - 10 Years of Supporting the Armed Forces

Last week marked a special milestone for us at Serve and Protect Credit Union. On Wednesday, 15th October 2025, we proudly celebrate ten years of providing dedicated armed forces support to service personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.

It’s a decade defined by our commitment to improving the financial resilience of those who serve and have served our country. We are honoured to be the largest credit union available to the military, serving over 16,000 members across the armed forces community.

Our journey in armed forces support

The story began in 2015 when the Ministry of Defence selected Serve and Protect, as part of the ‘Joining Forces’ initiative, to offer financial services to the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Our mission was clear from the start. To provide an ethical and affordable alternative to high-cost lenders. We set out to build a foundation of financial wellbeing for the armed forces community, ensuring they have access to fair and supportive financial solutions.

This partnership was built on a shared goal to enhance the financial resilience of military personnel. We understood that the unique demands of service life can bring specific financial challenges. Our role was to provide reliable armed forces support that personnel and veterans could count on.

To read the article in full, including a YouTube video link, please go to: Serve and Protect celebrate a decade of Armed Forces support

Calne: Men Walking & Talking weekly groups and new monthly Saturday group

A Calne mental health initiative that has already changed lives through weekly walks is now adding a new way for men to meet and talk.

Following the success of the Men Walking & Talking - Calne group, co-organiser Leigh Randell has announced the launch of a monthly coffee morning, starting on Saturday 25th October at Pozza Coffee’s new café at CrossFit Calne on Portmarsh.

Running from 9am to 10am, the Men’s Coffee and Chat mornings will take place on the last Saturday of each month, with a different venue each time.

Please click here to join the Facebook group

Alternatively click here to find out more about this Saturday's walk

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Leconfield: DST Welfare-For Hire

Welfare Contact Details: Tel 01964 561743 

Information Provided by Leconfield HIVE 

Update from GOV.UK: Digital version of Veteran Card launched for quicker and easier access to support

Nearly 2 million veterans can now get and benefit from a digital version of the Veteran Card, which will make it easier and quicker to access key services and discounts via their smartphones.

From today, Friday 17 October, it will give veterans a seamless way to confirm their status in person and will include information already featured on their physical card - displaying their name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.

Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone.
From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online.
Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change.

To view the news update in full, please go to this LINK

Leconfield: DST Football Training

 

Information provided by Leconfield HIVE

Shropshire: Free Health advice for your child via text

 

Did you know you know you can get free health advice for your child via text?

If your child is 0-5 years old text Shropshire Health Visiting on 07520 635212, or if you live in the Telford area text 07520 619053

If your child is 5-19 years old (or 25 if they have special educational needs or disabilities SEND). Text Shropshire School Nursing Service on 07507 330346, or if you live in the Telford area text 07520 619051

More information: HERE

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Stafford: Hearts & Hands - Are you feeling the pinch financially?

 Hearts & Hands Stafford

Information from: Central HIVE Hub

Grantham: Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue - Become an on call firefighter

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/firefighter-recruitment

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £1 Million awarded to support more partners of serving personnel

When someone joins the armed forces, it’s a career and a lifestyle that extends to their entire family.

Behind every serving member, whether regular or reserve, is a network of loved ones who quietly support from the sidelines. But for the partners, life in the armed forces can set unique challenges such as relocations, career disruptions, isolation, and the emotional toll from long separations.

Delivered on behalf of the MOD and designed specifically with service partners in mind, the Armed Forces Families Fund: Supporting Partners programme provides tailored solutions and dedicated support to help navigate the demands of service life. It recognises that while service members wear the uniform, their partners also serve in their own way – often by juggling family life, careers, and personal wellbeing.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has supported a further 17 projects in the latest funding round, worth almost £1 million to projects that aim to improve the overall provision of support available to partners of serving personnel. Whether it’s promoting skills and experience in the workplace, enhancing access to vital services, or improving wellbeing – these projects are committed to empowering partners to thrive.

Supporting partners across Wales

Adferiad has been awarded a grant to deliver an 18-month, Wales-wide programme aimed at supporting partners into volunteering and employment.

Bath, Swindon & Wiltshire: Free wellbeing courses with BSW Recovery College

 

The BSW Recovery College launched on 1st October 2025, and bookings are now open!

The BSW Recovery College offers free, in-person and online wellbeing courses and workshops for adults aged 18+ living in Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW).

These courses help people look after their mental health, develop new skills and connect with others. They are designed with people with their own experiences of mental health difficulties. The college is also open to carers, friends and family.

Please click here to find out more

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE