Dreghorn: Pinnacle drop-in sessions, Tuesdays 1300-1500

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Fife: Winter bin collections with Fife Council, brown bin collection dates will change

Brown bin collection dates in Fife will be changing, as usual, for the colder months.

Winter collections mean that your brown garden/food waste bins will be collected every 4 weeks over the coldest months, from 3 November 2025. Regular fortnightly collections will resume from 13 March 2026.

Thank you for continuing to recycle all year round - your efforts are appreciated.

Online bin calendars are up to date and here is the link to check your schedule: www.fife.gov.uk/bincalendar

You can also sign up for bin notifications By registering and signing up with your email, you will get a handy email the day before collection with the bin colour due.

Register for bin notifications online: www.fife.gov.uk/binreminders

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Gloucestershire: Free online career masterclasses

 

Thinking of a career change or looking for a job or just worried about your future work prospects? Don’t know what to do next?

Join Gloucestershire Council's free* online workshops and take the next steps in your employment journey.

All workshops are online. All you need is internet connectivity and the use of a laptop, PC, tablet or smartphone. All masterclasses will run from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

*Participants must be aged 19 or over and reside in England on the first day of learning; be qualified below a Level 2 (less than 5 GCSEs); or earning below £25,000.00 per year. Further eligibility criteria may apply. Contact for details.

Please click here to find out more

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

DIO SFA Communications Update: 23 Oct – Defence Homes Colour Palette

Patch Hacks: New painting guidelines for UK SFA

As part of their commitment to modernise outdated policies and give Service families more freedoms, DIO has introduced a new Defence Homes Colour Palette. And they say:

“We understand that being able to personalise your home is important. Whilst previously all interior walls had to be returned to magnolia or white before moving out, our new colour palette offers a broader range of colours for families to choose from.

“Colours within this range are light and neutral and will not require reverting to white. Take a look at our new colour palette along with some inspiration on how they could be styled in your home here.

“To give you as much freedom as possible, we haven’t dictated particular paint brands, colour names or types (like matt or silk). If you’re unsure whether your chosen colour complies with the approved range on the colour palette, you can check with your dedicated Housing Officer.

“As always, you are welcome to paint your interior walls other colours outside of the new palette range, but these will require reverting back to white upon move out.

“More information on this new policy, including a Top Tips guide for painting the interior of your SFA, can be found on the Defence Homes website. This includes helpful guidance on everything from choosing the right type of paint for a room to prepping the walls and aftercare.”

Defence Homes Paint FAQs page

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

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

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