Defence Update: Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

The Supporting Partners Programme 2025/26 awards almost £1 million to projects that empower Service partners to thrive.

A further 17 projects have been awarded almost £1 million (www) to help promote skills and experience in the workplace, enhance access to vital services, and improve wellbeing.

Compared to last year, this year’s Supporting Partners Fund allocated over 20% more funding to projects and received more overseas applications than ever before.

Bigger budget, bigger impact

Here are some of the important projects that have been awarded grants in the latest round of funding under the Supporting Partners Programme.

AI training initiative to bring new opportunities to partners, worldwide

The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (www) provides a range of media outlets and events for British forces and their families. Supporting Partners Funding will help to deliver an online and in person training programme for Service partners, worldwide.

SSAFA Gurkha Services

SSAFA's Gurkha Services are available to all serving and veteran members of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and their families. They provide local SSAFA volunteers with up to date information, awareness and translation services, to ensure the Gurkha community have the same support opportunities as any other member of the Armed Forces community.

They work collaboratively with other Gurkha specific organizations such as the Gurkha Welfare Trust, the Gurkha Brigade Association, the Army Welfare Service, Gurkha communities and others.

Click here for further information

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to support for serving families facing separation challenges

Military life can put a significant strain on the family unit, and service-related separation can play a key role. Maintaining a balanced home life through frequent periods apart is a challenge that many armed forces families face, and one which can cause feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness.

This challenge is at the heart of the latest projects supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) through their Apart, not Alone programme. From shared reading projects, outdoor wellbeing activities and family-friendly fitness sessions to peer support and tailored counselling,10 projects across the UK have been supported worth a total of £304,732. Each one will deliver support that sets out to improve the quality of life for those impacted by service-related separation.

Plus, applications are still being accepted for round two. If you’re working with serving families affected by separation challenges, maybe you could be the next funded project? Full details can be found on the Trus’s website.

West Midlands: Help shape suicide prevention in the Black Country

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Richmond: Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club every Saturday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Moray: Weekly drop-in for support and advice

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Blandford: Garrison venues for booking events

Email: BLANDFORDGAR-QM-Dept@mod.gov.uk 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

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