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

Aldershot: Army Welfare Service join our team

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Grantham: Positive Energies

A deep and relaxing labyrinth of sounds to completely melt and immerse yourself in to "let go of it all" - Himalayan Bowls; Native Indian Drum and gentle Earth sounds - 1-1 sessions, workshops and corporate - military discounts available, contact Grantham HIVE Community Centre, Bldg. 162, PWG Bks., Grantham for details - Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-Grantham-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Church Crookham: Army Welfare Service Give Us a Hand

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Sandhurst Military CoWorking Network Games Night Every 4th Tuesday evening of the month 7:30 pm - 9pm

 

Designed to connect military spouses and partners wherever they are, why not join us for a fun evening

of online gaming - all you need is your phone or tablet and a sense of humour, and you’ll have a good time! (Just checking have you also heard about our physical military coworking hub based at Sandhurst? – if not why not book a trial?)

We play Jackbox games so there’s nothing to download, all games are short so you can dip in and out as required and all the games are party style, whether it’s a quiz, teamwork, drawing on your phone/tablet or something completely off the wall.

Every 4th Tuesday evening of the month. Our next event is next week Tuesday 28th October 2025. 7:30pm-9pm

We also host virtual co-working on a Tuesday morning between 9:30am – 12pm.

Completely FREE, just sign up on our website:

https://www.militarycoworking.uk/events

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

Centrica 2026 Kitchen Appliance Engineer Traineeship opportunities open!

Centrica have a new traineeship opportunity opening 2026, application being taken now:
Trainee Kitchen Appliance Engineer, Flexible | We're energising a greener, fairer future

Richmond: Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club every Saturday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub