Wales: Wales joins Connect to Work as thousands offered help into jobs

Wales joins Connect to Work as programme is expanded to new areas

This week 16 more areas across England and Wales have had their funding confirmed as part of a £300 million expansion of the Connect to Work programme — bringing life-changing, tailored employment support to over 75,000 more people facing complex barriers to work.

Mid Wales, North Wales and South West Wales are among the 16 areas to have their funding confirmed, marking a significant milestone in the UK Government’s commitment to ensure every nation and region can realise its full potential.

The programme’s support is designed to fit around the individual — participants can meet their employment adviser wherever they feel most comfortable, whether that’s a local café, a park, or a community hub.

It provides intensive, personalised help including individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching services, and ongoing support for both participants and employers, breaking down the barriers that can make accessing traditional employment support feel daunting and ensuring people don’t just get jobs — they keep them.

Read the full press release here.

Fife: S1 placement request applications now open for children due to start in August 2026. **Last day for placing requests is by midnight 15th March**

If your child is currently in P7 and you don't want them to attend their catchment secondary school, you'll need to make a placing request.

The placing request process for children due to start S1 in August 2026 is now live.

Placing requests for S1 must be received by midnight on 15th March 2026. To find out more, and to apply online, go to: https://www.fife.gov.uk/.../apply.../enrol-in-primary-school

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Moray: DYW Moray Apprenticeship Jobs Fair Wednesday 25th March

📢GUESS WHAT'S BACK...

That's right, the Moray Apprenticeship Jobs Fair is back for 2026 and even bigger than last year!! 

With over 30 employers in attendance (so far!) there will be a range of sectors to chat to and find out what apprenticeships are available. 

This is a great opportunity for those who are leaving school/college/university or unemployed to come along and hear about the benefits of an apprenticeship.

🗓 Wednesday 25th March 2026, 4pm - 7pm
📌UHI Moray, Moray St, Elgin

Grab your FREE ticket before it's too late at https://www.eventbrite.com/.../dyw-moray-apprenticeship...

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northern Ireland: Latest AWS Community Support events at Aldergrove and Lisburn

 

For more details and to register, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

West Midlands: FREE RYA Sailing weeks for 8-17 year olds of reservists & serving RN, RM and RFA families - Birmingham 27-31 July

 Please scan the QR code for more information and to register

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: Remembering the Iraq War – 15 Years On - 22 May at the National Memorial Arboretum

This year marks 15 years since the end of the Iraq War.

To mark the anniversary the RBL are inviting all those who served in the conflict, their family members, and those who lost loved ones, to come together at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday 22 May.

The national commemorative event will ensure the Armed Forces community’s unique contribution is not forgotten, and remember the 179 British personnel who lost their lives.

If you would like to attend or share your story, please register on the website
https://rbl.org.uk/telic15fb
 

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

British Army Rugby Union versus Coventry Rugby XV - Friday 13 March - Offer for Veterans

 

The British Army Rugby Union side is to take on a Coventry Rugby XV at Butts Park Arena next week.

The game will take place on Friday 13 March, with a 7.30pm kick-off.

It is the latest link in a long relationship between Coventry RFC and British Army Rugby Union, built on shared values of discipline, commitment and pride in the badge.

Over the years, that connection has gone beyond fixtures and formal links – it has been represented on the field by players who have proudly worn both the Coventry Rugby jersey and the Army colours.

Notable current Coventry Rugby players Senitiki Nayalo, Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi and Dylan Morris are all serving members of the British Army and proudly represent the British Army Rugby Union, further underlining the strong and enduring relationship between the two organisations.

Strong links are also enjoyed by the city and the Armed Forces Community, and Cllr Linda Bigham, Armed Forces Champion for Coventry City Council, is urging people to along and cheer the sides on.

She said: “Coventry has always been very proud of its links with the Armed Forces, and this is a fantastic opportunity for local people to go along and show their support and gratitude for the Army at the same time as seeing some fantastic sport.

“I am sure the team will get a great reception, and I hope everyone enjoys what will be a great event for the city.”

For Coventry, the fixture provides a valuable opportunity for squad members to gain important game time in front of a home crowd at Butts Park Arena, while giving supporters another chance to enjoy Friday night rugby under the lights.

Tickets, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s and veterans, are available on the Coventry RFC website.

To see the support offered to members of the Armed Forces, our veterans and our reservists, visit the Council website.

Coventry RFC also hosts a monthly Coventry Veterans' Breakfast at the arena. The next event will be held on 11 March from 10am - 12noon at the club, and will be a relaxed and welcoming event for veterans and their families, with tea, coffee, breakfast, and friendly conversation. There will also be walking rugby, walking netball, and a walk around the pitch.

For information, contact community@coventryrugby.co.uk

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Stafford: AWS CS Junior Youth Club - Ages 5-8 years old

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Stafford: MOD Community Centre AWS Community Support weekly activities

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

E: RC-Pers-HIVE-Centralhub-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) Survey: Access to Health and Wellbeing Services

The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) is a tri-service group for Serving personnel, reservists and their families who have a child or adult immediate family member with an additional need and/or disability. FANDF is a unique group as it is run by a committee of members whose vision is ‘to ensure that all Forces families with additional needs and disabilities receive the support they need’ and aims to be the voice of Forces families with additional needs and disabilities. 

FANDF invites you to complete their short survey which explores your experiences of accessing health and wellbeing services while navigating life as a Forces family with additional needs and/or disabilities. This includes access to mental health support, CAMHS, and the continuity of care across postings.

Findings will be analysed and used to develop evidence based recommendations that will be shared with policymakers and relevant subject matter experts across defence, health, and local government to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of need is reflected in policy and deliverable services.

Thank you for taking the time to support this important work and drive positive change.

The deadline for responses is Friday 27 March.

Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out at: CS.ANDA@ssafa-fhs.org.uk