Celebrating 30 Years of Army Welfare Service

On 01 April 2026, the Army Welfare Service (AWS) marked its 30th anniversary - three decades of dedicated support to soldiers, their families, and the wider Armed Forces community in the UK and overseas. Since its re‑rolling in 1996, AWS has grown into a dynamic organisation that unites Specialist Welfare, Community Support, and Business Support, bringing together civil servants and Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) personnel under one mission: delivering exceptional welfare support to the Army family.

The AWS has its origins in the Families Housing and Welfare Service (FHWS), established in 1977 within the AGC. The first male SNCOs joined FHWS in 1993, and the service became the AWS on 1 April 1996. The introduction of civilian Army Welfare Workers (AWWs) in 1999 strengthened the civil–military partnership, while the 2001/02 Welfare Review shaped the modern structure recognised today.

Department for Work & Pensions Update

Do you know your State Pension age?

DWP is running a campaign to encourage everyone to check their State Pension age on GOV.UK.

Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960.

Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK  to find your State Pension age — you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record.

Remember, your State Pension doesn't start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply.

*HIVE note* For Service community spouses and partners with NI gaps due to overseas postings, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-credits-for-partners-of-armed-forces-personnel-overseas. There is information on NI credits that may apply, and an online form to complete.

Introducing Tax Confident

HMRC has launched ‘Tax Confident’ – a new website designed to help customers fill their tax knowledge gaps.

The website offers simple, easy to understand information on tax basics through engaging formats. Current resources are aimed at pensioners and small business owners, but there's something useful for everyone.

GOV.UK remains the place for detailed guidance but Tax Confident helps customers feel ready to take that next step. Find out more at Tax Confident.

BFBS Esports: The BFBS Pro League Returns featuring Rocket League, F1 25, League of Legends, New Activations, and a Grand Final in London

The UK Armed Forces’ flagship esports competition is back.

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has announced the return of the BFBS Pro League, launching Season Two, today, 2 April, following the success of last year’s historic inaugural competition for the UK Armed Forces community.

Following the breakthrough first season that attracted more than 700 players from across the British Armed Forces community, the BFBS Pro League returns with an expanded esports line-up, adding F1 25 and League of Legends for 2026. This year’s Grand Final will be featuring Rocket League with players battling through a series of tournaments before the action culminates on Sunday 27 September at the Royal Air Force Museum, London.

Dual Accommodation Waiver – Information update on changes effective from 1 Apr 26

The Defence Accommodation Policy team have provided updated information on the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) in line with changes that took effect from 1 Apr 2026.

Dual Accommodation Waiver applies to Service Personnel who live in SLA during the week as their Residence at Work Address and can also evidence a Privately Maintained Property, family home or formally retained Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the UK.

The policy changes relate to timelines for claims, including backdating. This new information is available within the following Sway: Dual Accommodation Waiver Explained (Previously Extended SLA Waiver)

JSP references and key points of contact are included in the Sway for further enquiries, and HIVE can also be contacted for further information.

Dorset: Pilates classes (Bere Regis primary school) Tues evenings

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Wales: Home Start Cymru - Supporting Families

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Wales: Free online courses for partners & spouses of Armed Forces Personnel from The Family Foundation - Starting a Small Business

 

The Family Foundation - Project Restart

Looking to start a business or learn new skills?

We’re excited to share a range of FREE online courses designed specifically for Spouses & Partners of serving personnel

Whether you’re exploring a side hustle, thinking about starting a small business, or want to build practical skills — there’s something here for you

• Starting a Small Business Courses
• Turn an idea into a real opportunity
• Learn how to plan, launch and grow
• Build confidence to take that first step
• Bookkeeping Courses
• Understand the numbers behind a business
• Learn essential financial skills
• Perfect for supporting your own business or boosting employability
• Study at your own pace, online and flexible around family life

Access everything here:

https://lea-s-site-4be5.thinkific.com/bundles/project-restart

We’re also exploring a face-to-face workshop at St Athan for anyone who would like extra support — let us know if this would be of interest!

Any queries please contact: 

info@thefamilyfoundation.co.uk 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Lichfield: Sign up for the 2026 garden waste service

If you’d like your garden waste bin(s) emptied fortnightly during 2026, you’ll need to subscribe to our garden waste service.

The service costs £42.50 per bin for 2026, covering up to 23 fortnightly collections from late January/early February to mid-December, regardless of when you sign up. www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/gardenwasteform

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Staffordshire: School Nurse Virtual Drop-in Clinic - Thursdays 15.30-16.30

School nurse drop-in clinic available online every Thursday 3.30-4.30pm (also in school holidays). For parents and young people, including those not in education or training.

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

St Andrews: The next Armed Forces Breakfast Club at Craigtoun Cafe is Sunday 5th April

The April meeting of Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club will take place in the Craigtoun Cafe Sunday, 5th April. 

The Cafe will be open for veterans from 10 o'clock and they will be more than welcome to stay on to enjoy all the fun of the Easter Fayre and to meet the Easter Bunny! 🐰🐣

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE