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.

Catterick: North HIVE Hub Easter Closure

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

 

Northern Ireland: Veteran Services Northern Ireland Update

 

Important Update from Veterans Services Northern Ireland

We want to let you know about some recent changes to how you can contact Veterans Services Northern Ireland (formerly known as the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland).

New Contact Number:
Due to comms restructuring, landline numbers are no longer in use. You can now reach the team on their new mobile number:
07387 05 05 64

Email Address (unchanged): dbsafvs-vws-ni@mod.gov.uk

Please note, while the name and phone contact have changed, the services and support available remain exactly the same. Veterans across Northern Ireland can continue to access the same trusted welfare services, advice, and information.

If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to get in touch using the details above.

Veteran’s Services Northern Ireland are here to help, please feel free to share to help spread the word.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Bovington: Garrison party in the park event - Sat 13th June

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

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

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

St Andrews: Easter Trail at the R&A World Golf Museum

Kick off the Easter holidays with fun for all ages at the Museum. Explore hands-on activities in our Learning Room and discover fascinating exhibits in the galleries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Scotland: The latest Newsletter and vacancies from the NHS Scotland AFTP Team as of 1st April 2026

The Armed Forces Talent Programme is an NHSScotland-wide recruitment initiative for the armed forces community. 

It supports service leavers, veterans, spouses, partners, dependants, reservists, cadets, and cadet forces adult volunteers to enter our workforce.

Vacancies

See the AFTP newsletter here

For more information about the AFT programme - webpage