Northern Ireland: Armed Forces Covenant Passes in Belfast City Council

 

ARMED FORCES COVENANT ADOPTED BY BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

I was delighted to receive a call from the Veterans Champion for Belfast City Council, Cllr James Lawlor to inform me that the council had formally adapted the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Coming so soon after the positive vote in Stormont last November, this news will be very welcome.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly. It is not, as some claim, about preferential treatment, but rather making sure there is no disadvantage as a result of service. 

Any political party, who believes in equality, and who wants to see an end to discrimination, could not object to the principles of the covenant. It is important for society in Northern Ireland that members of the Armed Forces and veterans receive the recognition that they deserve.

I want to pay tribute to Cllr James Lawlor, as the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion in Belfast City Council, for his tireless work to achieve this positive vote.

David Johnstone
NI Veterans Commissioner

Information provided by HIVE NI

London: Building Heroes The Leading Tri-Service Military to Construction Charity

Please note: Service leavers are able to book in advance but are required to be within their last six months of service when they attend their course.

We are active in other locations across the UK. At one of these locations, we are offering a plant and machinery course. Further details can be found here: Streetworks and Plant Machinery Operative | Building Heroes

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Catterick: New Phone Number for Catterick Medical Centre in Cambrai Lines

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Safe Haven NHS

An evening and weekend drop-in service for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or their carer.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hampshire: Mind wellbeing partnership

In Hampshire, 50% of people experience psychological, emotional or mental health difficulties that significantly affect their day-to-day functioning. Rates of hospital admissions for self-harm in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are more than 1.5 times the national average. 

In response, Andover Mind, Havant and East Hants Mind and Solent Mind are pleased to announce that they have been awarded the contract by Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board to provide mental health and wellbeing services across Hampshire. By working in partnership together and with the local GP surgeries, more people will be able to access specialist services, and local wellbeing centres will continue to support their communities. 

For more information click HERE

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Home Start wellbeing group Mondays 1000hrs - 1130hrs

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Shropshire - AWS Community Support - Donnington - Monthly Family Fun Sessions from 22 April

 Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

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

Milford Haven: Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets are Recruiting Unit Management Team Members

 

Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets - Join Our Team!

Are you looking to make a real difference in your community? We're on the look out for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our Unit Management Team (UMT) and help shape the next generation of young people.

What's Involved?

As part of our UMT, you'll support the smooth running of the unit behind the scenes. From Finance to fundraising, safeguarding to strategic planning. We need you! 

Why Join Us?

• To help make a positive impact on young people's lives
• Be part of a supportive and welcoming team
• Use your professional skills in a meaningful way

No prior sea cadet knowledge is required - just enthusiasm, reliability and willingness to make a difference!

Interested?

Drop us an email on: recruitment@milfordhavenscc.org.uk to find out more!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

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."

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?