New MOD Policy on Overseas Assignments published: Overseas Accompanied Service Assessments

A new MOD policy giving guidance to Service personnel and their families on considering and preparing for an overseas posting has been published today on Gov.uk at this link: Overseas Accompanied Service Assessments - GOV.UK.

This policy applies to Service personnel planning to take their families on an overseas assignment, particularly those with additional medical, social care, or educational needs. The assessment process is designed to take a holistic judgment about whether the host location can reasonably meet the family’s needs and whether associated risks to their health, education, safety, or well-being can be appropriately managed.

A new DIN (Defence Instruction & Notice) is also available (to MODnet users) – search 2026DIN01-017

For further information on any Overseas assignment please contact any HIVE, iHIVE (which covers locations worldwide where there is no physical HIVE), or email rc-pers-hivecomms-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

The HIVE Relocation Checklist may assist with additional planning for an overseas move, and can be accessed via this LINK or contact us for the checklist to be sent via email.

Innsworth: Connections Baby Group - Tuesdays at Imjin Barracks Community Centre

 

Parents & Carers - you’re invited to Churchdown Surgery's free baby group!

Looking for a friendly, welcoming space to meet other parents and enjoy fun activities with your little one?

'Connections' baby group have got a range of lovely events planned including play, sensory activities, and time to chat with other families. See the timetable above for full details.

• Innsworth Community Centre (behind Costcutter near the Imjin Barracks)
• 1-3pm
• Free!
• Babies & parents/carers welcome

No pressure, no judgment - just a warm space to connect and enjoy time with your baby. Feel free to bring a friend!

For further information please visit https://www.facebook.com/churchdownsurgery

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Fairford: Quiet play sessions at Hocus Pocus Play near Cirencester

   

Please click here to visit the website or click here to visit the Facebook page

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Gloucestershire: 'Stay well this Winter' campaign from NHS Gloucestershire

Find out more about these campaigns at https://www.onegloucestershire.net/campaigns/winter/

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

DMWS Bereavement Support

You don’t have to go through grief alone.

If you have lost a loved one in the Armed Forces in service or due to service related reasons, we are here for you.

DMWS are working alongside Scotty's Little Soldiers, Cruse Bereavement Support, Cruse Scotland, and The Poppy Factory to help those who may need support and advice after the loss of a loved one in service or for service related reasons.

Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or help accessing services, we can help.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in our support, please visit: https://dmws.org.uk/supporting-military-bereaved-family...

Army Welfare Service (AWS) Specialist Welfare referral form

The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has launched the new Specialist Welfare (SW) referral Microsoft Form, which is now the standard method for submitting all SW referrals.

You can access the form here:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5blCeF6QlzxDtMb3LsYsTplUOEE…

The new form is designed to:

• Capture the right information upfront
• Support effective risk assessment and triage
• Reduce incomplete or insufficient referrals.
• Allow self-referrals

If you need to self-refer to AWS but you are unable to complete the form, you can still contact the AWS directly. More information about the AWS and our services can be found at Army Welfare Service | The British Army.

North East: Military Veteran Football

Welcome to Military Veteran Football Club, a unique initiative founded in 2022 by a dedicated team of veterans: David (RAF), John (Army), Russ (Navy), and Laura (Dependant). Based in the North East of England but extending our reach across the UK, we are committed to providing casual football sessions for military veterans and service personnel.

At MVFC, we believe that everyone deserves a place to play. Our ethos is simple: any veteran or service member, regardless of age, gender, ability, or length of service, is welcome to join our sessions. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where individuals can be themselves, fostering both physical and mental well-being while combatting social isolation.

Led by veterans who understand the unique challenges of military service and the transition to civilian life, our sessions are designed to promote camaraderie, fitness, and friendship. Join us on the pitch to connect with fellow veterans, enhance your physical health, and enrich your life through the power of football. Together, we can build a supportive community that celebrates resilience and unity.

contact us

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Richmond: The Richmond Banking Hub

 

The Richmond banking hub is located at 20 King Street, DL10 4HP
Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

The hub offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions, whenever it's open.

A community banker service is also available where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on allocated days:

Community Banker availability
Mon:
NatWest
Tue:
Lloyds
Wed:
HSBC
Thu:
Barclays
Fri:
Halifax

Strensall: Health Child Service Drop in Clinic, Every 2nd Thursday of the month 10:00 – 12:00

A baby Drop In Clinic will be held in Hurst Hall Community Centre, on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Pop along to have your baby weighed and speak to local midwives. For further information please see the following link:

Healthy Child Service – Raise York

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

 

Nexus/The Children’s Society: Young carers in the Armed Forces latest newsletter

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

To view the latest newsletter, please go to: Nexus Winter Newsletter 2026

The next webinar – A guide to the young carers covenant for the Armed Forces – is on 11 Mar at 1100hrs. For more info and to register please go to: The Young Carers Covenant Guidance for Armed Forces Services Webinar Tickets, Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite