March 25, 2026
Shropshire - AWS Community Support - Donnington - Monthly Family Fun Sessions from 22 April
Grampian: Aberdeenshire Mental Health Improvement and Wellbeing Service
click on image to enlarge
The Mental Health Improvement & Wellbeing Service (MHIWS) in Aberdeenshire has launched a weekly Virtual Drop-In Session. Details in flyer and at: https://ow.ly/hQOt50VfHeI
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Transformative new childcare support could save Armed Forces families up to £6,000 a year
(images UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024)
A new Ministry of Defence scheme to transform support for Armed Forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary has announced on 20 March 2026.
This major boost could save eligible Armed Forces families up to £6,000 per year for each child, depending on where you are in the UK.
Defence is committed to supporting Armed Forces families, wherever you live and work. This scheme will help with the cost of living and navigating life as a family in the Armed Forces, recognising the demands placed on Service personnel and the critical roles families play in support of them.
Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
"Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation's security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them.
“This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.
"We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families - supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side."
This major boost could save eligible Armed Forces families up to £6,000 per year for each child, depending on where you are in the UK.
Defence is committed to supporting Armed Forces families, wherever you live and work. This scheme will help with the cost of living and navigating life as a family in the Armed Forces, recognising the demands placed on Service personnel and the critical roles families play in support of them.
Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
"Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation's security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them.
“This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.
"We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families - supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side."
Defence Secretary meets Service families
(images UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024)
(images UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024)
On 19 March 2026, the Defence Secretary visited Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh to launch this new scheme and meet families who will benefit from this extra support.About the scheme
Who is eligible for the scheme?
March 24, 2026
Defence UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) – launches Sept 2026
To access any document links, please view the document online here.
Further information will follow in due course, but please contact HIVE with any queries in the meantime.
Scotland: Scottish Government publish Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway – National Framework
1. Ministerial Foreword
We are delighted to publish this Veterans Mental Health Framework for Scotland, which marks a firm step forward in how we support the mental health and wellbeing of anyone who has served in our armed forces.
The Framework sets out our vision for every veteran in Scotland to be able to access appropriate and timely mental health and wellbeing support. That should be the case no matter where in the country a veteran asks for help.
Serving one’s country is an act of great courage and commitment. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have done so, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they can access the support they need, on a consistent basis, and without fear of stigma or discrimination.
We recognise that military service brings with it a distinct set of experiences and demands. While many veterans transition successfully into civilian life, some will face mental health challenges that require a tailored and specialist response from our services. The nature of their experiences - including service‑related injuries, periods of transition, and exposure to traumatic events - can differ significantly from those of the wider population.
Serving one’s country is an act of great courage and commitment. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have done so, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they can access the support they need, on a consistent basis, and without fear of stigma or discrimination.
We recognise that military service brings with it a distinct set of experiences and demands. While many veterans transition successfully into civilian life, some will face mental health challenges that require a tailored and specialist response from our services. The nature of their experiences - including service‑related injuries, periods of transition, and exposure to traumatic events - can differ significantly from those of the wider population.
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
March 23, 2026
Wales: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year
A new Defence scheme to transform support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary announced on 20th March 2026.
This major boost for UK Armed Forces families will save forces families living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to £6,000 per year for each child and will help with the cost of living as they serve to protect the nation.
It will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement scheme and will ensure that eligible working UK Armed Forces families receive the same Government funded childcare support as forces families in England.
This government promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and this support is another major step to deliver on that pledge. Childcare is cited as one of several factors affecting Armed Forces retention and morale and this government is on a mission to fix the recruitment crisis. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey MP on a visit to meet families at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh.
To read the whole article on the .Gov website: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
March 20, 2026
Tidworth: Army Welfare Service - Volunteers required - to support Youth Club in Tidworth
The Poppy Factory Navigator Service
The Poppy Factory’s Navigator service is now open to self-referrals — meaning veterans can sign up directly, without needing a professional referral first.
Navigator is for veterans who would like to return to work but are facing obstacles that make it difficult to progress. The service helps them boost health, wellbeing, confidence and motivation through personalised support, connection with local services and meaningful activities. Focusing on one thing at a time helps to break down barriers in a manageable way.
The service is currently available to veterans in South Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside and the West Midlands.
Full details: www.poppyfactory.org/navigator-self-refer/
Information provided by Central HIVE Hub
Vale of Glamorgan: Veterans Wellbeing Day - every last Tuesday of the Month at the Health Hwb, Barry
Health Hwb:
If you’re a veteran in Barry or the Vale of Glamorgan, this one’s for you.
Our Hwb for Heroes Veterans Wellbeing Day is back on Tuesday 31st March, from 2pm until 9pm.
This is a safe, welcoming space to switch off, relax, reset and reconnect with no pressure and no expectations.
As part of the day, veterans can book a free 1-hour contrast therapy session using the sauna and ice bath, completely free of charge. There will also be the option to use our pressotherapy, giving you even more chance to rest, recover and recharge.
Never tried any of it before? No problem at all we’ll talk you through everything and support you every step of the way.
Whether you come for the therapy, a brew and a chat, or just to be around people who understand, this space is yours.
To book your free session, contact Jake directly:
07488 571666
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
If you’re a veteran in Barry or the Vale of Glamorgan, this one’s for you.
Our Hwb for Heroes Veterans Wellbeing Day is back on Tuesday 31st March, from 2pm until 9pm.
This is a safe, welcoming space to switch off, relax, reset and reconnect with no pressure and no expectations.
As part of the day, veterans can book a free 1-hour contrast therapy session using the sauna and ice bath, completely free of charge. There will also be the option to use our pressotherapy, giving you even more chance to rest, recover and recharge.
Never tried any of it before? No problem at all we’ll talk you through everything and support you every step of the way.
Whether you come for the therapy, a brew and a chat, or just to be around people who understand, this space is yours.
To book your free session, contact Jake directly:
07488 571666
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
Ross-on-Wye: Free Storytime Sessions - Little Hedgehogs Book Fayre at Ross-on-Wye Library on Thursday 2nd April
FREE Storytime with local authors Thursday 2nd April 2026
Ross-on-Wye Library from 11am to 3pm
Competition for all ages Wild Wood Press for the #LittleHedgehogsBookFayre
Book Trail around town on NOW. See if you can find your favourite characters in the Ross shops windows.
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
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