Catterick: LLoyds Banking Group is at Catterick Library alternate Weds from 8th Apr

Lloyds Banking Group will be at Catterick Library tomorrow (Wednesday 8th April) between 10am-4pm.
Community bankers will be available to help you with banking services and account support.

If you can, please call ahead to let us know you are coming. You can contact Catterick Library on 01609 534595.

Can’t make this one? They’ll be back again on Wednesday 22nd April for all your banking needs.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Hereford: Youth Drop In

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Forces Employment Charity: Spring into new opportunities

In this edition, we’ve got plenty to help you explore what’s next, whether you’re curious about getting into tech, thinking about a fresh start in manufacturing or logistics, or simply want to stay connected with what’s happening across our community. We’re also proud to share that nominations are open for this year’s Heropreneurs awards, celebrating the exceptional talent, ambition, and impact of the UK’s Armed Forces entrepreneurs. Read on and book your next career-changing event...

Hambleton: Support for your Mental Health with Mind Matters drop in sessions

Your Mind Matters

Take a break from your week and join us at one of our drop-in sessions.* Friendly faces, good company and a relaxed atmosphere.

It would be great to see you.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch:

Telephone: 01609 780758
Email: nyteam@darlingtonmind.com

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Fulford: Free 5 week course with Family Learning in June

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Fulford: FREE family Learning Courses from April

Sessions are held in the Low Moor Community Centre on Bray Road, Fulford Y010 4JG (next to Beehive Pre School on the SFA patch).

These include a one-off ‘Spring Crafts’ session on Wednesday 15th April - kind of a taster and introduction to York Learning’s courses.

Mixed Crafts with Lisa-Marie will then be running in the mornings as from Wednesday 22nd April. In the afternoons, Kate will be running a Science-focus course ‘Discover and Grow’.

After May half term the afternoon sessions will be a Maths focus course ‘1,2,3 Go and Play’.

Northern Ireland: 110th Battle of the Somme Commemoration Service - 1st July

 

Expression of Interest for the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, Service of Commemoration at the Ulster Memorial Tower, Thiepval, France, 1st July 2026 at 1430hrs (Time TBC)

Please see poster for more details.

Please EMAIL Carol at sommeassociation@btconnect.com

Information provided by HIVE NI

Wifinity Armed Forces Offers: eSIM for travel and deployment, and SFA Forces Fibre

The current MOD offers from Wifinity include:

Low cost eSIM for deployment and travel - Wifinity | Explore our low cost eSIM plans

• Cheapest options on the market for MOD personnel and families going abroad
• 10% discount for MOD personnel and families using code HIVE10
• 20% discount for existing Wifinity customers. Customers can log into their ‘My Account’ to get their code

Ultrafast broadband flexible for families into SFA homes - Wifinity Forces Fibre

• Monthly rolling contracts available
• Cheaper than major providers such as BT
• Faster installation times than the UK average
• 26% faster speeds than the UK average
• Currently available at Kendrew, Chicksands, Lyneham, Marham and Aldershot
• Further SFA sites being rolled out in 2026
• Get your first 2 months free when sign up for 12-month plan

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.