Speak up, save lives: Men’s Health Campaign 2025 (Movember)

This year’s Men’s Health Campaign (better known as Movember) is focusing on the theme of “Speak Up, Save Lives”. This theme encourages men to open up about their struggles, seek support, and take proactive steps toward better health. The campaign aims to break the stigma around mental health and promote regular health checks, especially for cancers that affect men (prostate cancer and testicular cancer).

Why It Matters: Men are often less likely to talk about their health or seek help. Every conversation can make a difference.

Early detection saves lives. That’s why it’s vital to take advantage of tools like the NHS Health Check - a free check-up for adults aged 40 to 74 to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or dementia. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference.

For those in MOD, more resources can be found on the Army Health Promotion SharePoint site

Aurora New Dawn: Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness Programme starting 10th Nov

Aurora have very limited spaces left on their next DA Athena group-work programme which starts on Monday 10th November. Please see the poster for more details and how to register interest for the course.

Blandford: Garrison youth club November sessions

Sessions are held in the Jubilee Hall, Blandford Camp (by Garrison Church) 

For those children that aren’t yet registered, there will be a QR code provided on entry for parents to complete prior to the session:

Blandford Garrison Juniors Youth Club session -  3 Nov 25

1630 – 1730 hrs

Reception – Year 3.

Session: Free Play

At the Jubilee hall

Cost - £1.50 – Entry +Tuck

Juice and water provided

Blandford Garrison Inters Youth Club session - 3 Nov 25

1800 – 1930 hrs

Year 4 – Year 6

Session: Den building and laser tag

At the Jubilee hall

£1 entry, plus money for tuck shop

Juice and water provided

Blandford Garrison Seniors Youth Club session - 5 Nov 25

1800 – 1930 hrs

Year 7 and above

Session: Free play

At the Jubilee hall

£1 entry, plus money for tuck shop

Juice and water provided

Please keep a look out for future notices regarding youth club sessions.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Information about Primary School applications, if your child will be 4 by the end of Aug 2026

Defence Children Services:

Please see the Letter to parents if your child will be 4 by the end of August 2026 and you’re therefore eligible to apply for a Primary school place for your child. The deadline in England for applying for a Primary School place is January 15th 2026. Most Local Authorities have detailed information on their admissions websites about the process.

If you’re considering deferring your child’s start at Primary School, you will still need to apply for a school place in this application round but also request to defer your child’s start at primary school via the Headteacher and or the Local Authority.

Blandford: Garrison cinema Free screening 'Gabby's Dollhouse' Fri 31st Oct

Friday 31^st October Film commences 1400hrs.  

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie – In the mixed-media movie, Gabby and her Grandma Gigi take a road trip to Cat Francisco, but when Gabby’s dollhouse, her most prized possession, ends up in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera, Gabby sets of on an adventure to get the Gabby Cats back together and save the dollhouse before it is too late.  Based on the Netflix serries the movie is live action and animation.

 

Watch the trailer here: GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE | BFBS Cinemas

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Forces Employment Charity Oct newsletter: Leadership, Collaboration and Impact

This month’s newsletter spotlights exciting opportunities for those looking to forge new career paths in leadership and senior civilian roles. Whether embracing leadership challenges, making bold career moves, or stepping into global roles, the veteran community continues to inspire. Explore this month’s exclusive career opportunities, events, and insights for your next chapter.

Book Now for Our Senior Executive Workshop

Are you a senior officer (OF5 and above) interested in learning about the transition to senior executive civilian roles? Sign up now for our November Senior Executive Workshop for sessions on growth sectors, building your personal brand, salary expectations, pension planning, and a networking session with a broad range of industry contacts.

New Partnership With The Institute Of Leadership

We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Institute of Leadership. The IoL offers world-class development tools to support and empower individuals in their leadership journey. Eligible Forces Employment Charity clients can access 18 months of free membership.

Other upcoming events

• Pathways Into Defence and Security: Webinar 1

Realities, roles and routes into Defence Primes. Join us for the first of two webinars, following the in-person Pathways into Defence and Security conference, to gain additional insights into the sector.

5 November, 13:00-14:00, Online

• Senior Executive Workshop and Networking

Sign up now for sessions on growth sectors, building your personal brand, salary expectations, pension planning, and a networking session with a broad range of industry contacts. Learn More.

13 November, 10:30-19:00, London

• LinkedIn Essentials with Lincoln Coutts

Whether you are just getting started or have had a LinkedIn profile for years, Lincoln Coutts will guide you through the platform’s essential tips and tricks. Register today.

18 November, 11:00-16:00, Online

• Pathways Into Defence and Security Webinar 2

Roles and alternative routes into the defence sector. Join us for the second of two webinars, and gain insights into alternative employment routes into the defence sector.

19 November, 13:00-14:00, Online

West Midlands: Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market - 1 November to 24 December

The market will run from Saturday 1 November to Wednesday 24 December 2025.

Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00am to 9:00pm

Fridays: 11:00am to 9:30pm

Saturdays: 10:00am to 9:30pm

Sundays: 10:00am to 9:00pm

The official opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, 1 November at 5:30pm in Victoria Square, where the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Deputy Mayor of Frankfurt will together switch on Birmingham’s festive lights.

This year’s market features 60 beautifully decorated stalls serving German food and drink, including hot gluhwein, schnitzel, bratwurst, alongside a wide array of handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys, and jewellery.

Full details can be found Birmingham.gov.uk and Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

 

Wiltshire: What's on in November across North Wiltshire & Swindon

 

Please click the links below for a selection of local upcoming events and bookmark this page for any future updates! (Updated events may be added weekly and will show in bold text to indicate they are new)

Please note that the formatting of these lists has changed, and events are now listed by area where possible (unless in date order)

Strensall: Trick or Treat at the Library 31st Oct FREE

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Hereford: Free Spooky Wildplay Half Term Fun - Fri 31 Oct 25

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub