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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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November 24, 2025

Weeton: Christmas Party in the Community Centre - 12th December 2025

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Lichfield: Christmas & New Year Well baby Clinics in Lichfield and Burntwood


 Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Hampshire: - Hampshire Fostering Services

 






Every share matters. By working together, we can inspire more families to consider fostering and give more children the chance to thrive in a loving home. Please use the hashtag #MyBestFriendEve


You can also find more information about fostering in Hampshire here:

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Weeton / Fylde: Council Transforms Waste Collections from Autumn 2026

Major Boost for Fylde’s Recycling as Council Transforms Waste Collections to Protect Environment

Fylde residents will soon benefit from a revolutionary transformation of waste and recycling services that will dramatically reduce environmental impact while making recycling easier than ever before.

From Autumn 2026, the grey and brown bins outside every home will switch roles in an innovative move approved by Tuesday’s Executive Committee. Residents will use their existing grey bins for paper and card recycling, benefiting from the extra capacity, while general waste moves to the brown bins.

This transformation arrives alongside weekly food waste collections, with every household receiving dedicated kitchen and outdoor caddies. The third of bin contents that’s actually food scraps will be transformed into renewable energy instead of harming our environment in landfill.

The changes, backed by over £1 million in government funding, mean Fylde can boost recycling rates from 40% towards the national 65% target without expensive new bins or reducing collection frequency.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, said: “This smart bin swap is a win-win for our community. By simply switching which bin we use for what, we’ll dramatically increase recycling capacity while reducing general waste – a fantastic transformation that benefits everyone.”

Clear guidance and support will be provided to every household ahead of the changes, ensuring that all residents feel confident about this positive transformation for Fylde’s future.

To stay up to date with food waste collections, visit our dedicated webpage.

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
(source - News from Fylde Council)

North West Ambulance - EMT Apprenticeship opening in January 2026


North West Ambulance will be opening an advert for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Apprenticeship in January 2026.

Emergency Medical Technician - Job Description

To support candidates in applying, we will be holding two online Pre-Application Support Sessions via MS Teams with regards the role – the Support Sessions will provide further insight into the role and the entry requirements, as well as guidance on applying effectively. To join a session, a place can be booked on the preferred date at https://forms.office.com/e/YfBX9ea7Qg?origin=lprLink (or via the QR code on the attached flyer). Joining Instructions will then be sent out with the link to the session.


Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

November 21, 2025

South Wales: Domestic Cleaning Operative Vacancy with GB Group

Full job description

Domestic Cleaning Operative


For the last 30 years, GB has gained a reputation for successfully delivering minor and major building projects. Typically, these works include;
  • Responsive repairs, empty property maintenance and Upgrade works to domestic properties.
  • Individual refurbishment and development projects to public, private and community buildings.
  • Home improvements including disabled adaptations.
  • Facility management services.
We seek experienced individuals who can evidence a desire for continuous personal development in all aspects of their work, while embracing the company's appetite for commercial growth.

We can now offer the opportunity for a Domestic Cleaning Operative to join our expanding team, based out of Cardiff.

Defence Your Offer:  Black Friday 2025 - Defence discounts make your money go further


Black Friday 2025: Defence discounts make your money go further

The countdown is on! Whether you’re ticking off your Christmas list early or saving up for something special, this year’s Black Friday event is your chance to make every penny count.

In Defence, your offer provides access to exclusive savings as a member of:
  • Defence Discount Service – For all staff, veterans, and Armed Forces families – giving access to thousands of online discounts from over 14,000+ brands.
  • Blue Light Card – The UK’s leading discount service for the Armed Forces, emergency services, NHS, social care sector and teaching community, giving access to thousands of online discounts from 15,000+ brands.
  • MyLifestyle – For Defence Civil Servants – giving access to thousands of online and instore retail savings from over 800 retailers.
Defence Discount Service and Blue Light Card

Here’s what to expect this Black Friday…
  • Early access to some of the biggest discounts of the year –Members will enjoy 24-hour priority access to daily deals before the public – meaning you can snap up savings first.
  • Exclusive offers throughout November – with discounts from top brands, including Panasonic, KitchenAid, Nike, loveholidays, Gousto, Dyson, VistaPrint, Benson for Beds, Charlotte Tilbury, Halfords, and more.... And remember, many of the offers from Blue Light Card and Defence Discount Service can be combined with brand Black Friday discounts for even bigger savings!
  • Mark your calendar for Friday 28 November to Monday 1 December – and get ready to see just how much further your money can go!
More than discounts: rewards and support for our community

Lyneham: Weekly Play, Youth, Community and Baby groups

 
Please click the images above to enlarge

Details of the fortnightly Bumps, Boobs and Babies group can be found here and the details of the fortnightly Little Lights group can be found here

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wiltshire: Borrow an activity tracker watch and/or blood pressure monitors for free from your local Library

 

Wiltshire Council are running a 'Wearable Wellness' programme from their libraries with the aim of helping you lead a healthier lifestyle.

The programme makes available for loan smart activity tracker watches and blood pressure monitors for free with a membership, from these libraries, to enable you to monitor your health and make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

If you aren't already a library member, join online, or in person at one of Wiltshire Council's libraries.

Click here to find out more about the 'Wearable Wellness' programme

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Gloucestershire: December Libraries update

Make magical memories with your family this Christmas at your local library!

Enjoy festive crafts, cosy story times, and even a special visit from Father Christmas. Or step into a magical winter adventure with DragonBird Theatre.

Gloucestershire Libraries holiday activities are designed for all ages—come together, share the joy, and create unforgettable moments this season.

Click here to find out more!

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE