Nominations Open for the 2026 Celebrating Forces Families Awards

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards are delighted to announce that nominations for the 2026 ceremony are now officially open! 

These national awards honour the exceptional contributions of UK Armed Forces families, recognising the strength, resilience, and dedication of those who support our military personnel behind the scenes. Whether through personal achievement, community impact, or professional excellence, these families play a vital role in the life of the Armed Forces. 

Sarah Walker CFF, spokesperson for the awards, said:
 "Forces families are the unsung heroes of our military community. These awards are about giving them the recognition they truly deserve and showcasing the incredible ways they contribute to the fabric of Armed Forces life." 

Award Categories for 2026 Include: 

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

Fulford: Free Early Start Courses

Early Start’ Sessions - Dates for the Diary

The dates are for sessions being run at the Low Moor Centre in Fulford. 

York Learning will be running this course for parents, grandparents and carers of pre-school children in the Low Moor Community Centre located on the SFA patch in Fulford.

The course will focus on your child’s speech, language and communication. The sessions will try out and talk about activities and ways you can support their development and widen their experiences at home and in the outdoor world

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Northern Ireland: RFCA NI - Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Opportunities

 

Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Opportunities

As you work with and develop young people, you will find that your abilities will grow as well. As a CFAV, you’ll find yourself improving your leadership and mentorship skills as you guide your cadets through their development. Your ability to communicate effectively and connect with diverse groups could set you apart from your peers and you could develop organisational skills that you never knew you had! 

SEA CADETS: https://bit.ly/46Sl17n
ARMY CADETS: https://bit.ly/4gWAgRf
RAF AIR CADETS: https://bit.ly/46DVhwH

Information provided by HIVE NI

Leconfield: DST Football Training

 

Information provided by Leconfield HIVE

St Athan: AWS Volunteer Community Workers Required - St Athan

Click to enlarge.
To view the full advert please click here.

For more information please email: Samantha.Humphries743@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

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

Grantham: healthwatch Lincolnshire - Hearing from people in the Military

Hearing from people in the military, survey closes 31st Oct.

In association with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, this survey will identify barriers and gaps in healthcare and recommend improvements to make sure everyone gets the care they need.
The survey wants to hear from all serving personnel but is especially keen to hear from the military’s hidden voices, such as:

People with disabilities

LGBTQ+ communities

People from ethnic minorities

Carers

Information provided by Grantham HIVE