Defence Update: Helping our people understand the Armed Forces Covenant’s support and extension

Helping our people understand the Armed Forces Covenant’s support and extension

A grant of £370,000 has been awarded to drive awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant – helping more Service personnel and families to access support and understand how the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty extension, as part of the Armed Forces Bill, will directly benefit them.

The Army Families Federation (AFF) will receive the grant on behalf of the Tri-Service Families Federations, which includes the AFF, Naval Families Federation and the RAF Families Federation. Together, they will develop the Covenant Awareness Programme, coordinating efforts with other relevant organisations.

Funded for two years by the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Families Fund, the Covenant Awareness Programme will:

• Significantly improve awareness and understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant by creating and sharing resources and engaging with Service families.
• Enhance the well-being and resilience of Service families through better access to resources and support networks.
• Inform Service families of how the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty extension through the Armed Forces Bill – which is progressing through Parliament – will positively impact them.

What does extending the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty mean for the Service community?

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 110 job vacancies across Southern England, closing date 29 Apr

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 110 Executive Officer Work Coach opportunities across the Southern England area. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the roles available, and application details: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - South England (Ref: 759)

Open for applications until 29/04/26.

Blandford: Garrison 'Little Buds' baby & toddler group

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison pregnancy, maternity & new parent network session - Tues 28th April

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

Connecting expectant parents with experienced parents, plus educational talks on topics like breastfeeding, babies first aid etc.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison medical centre & local NHS doctors/dentists

Service Personnel only

The centre is open 

Mon, Tues & Thurs 0800 - 1630
Wed & Fri 0800-1230 

Closed weekends

Contact reception on 01929 403474

E-consult services 

Spouses/Partners & children

Register with NHS medical services in Wool village or Bere Regis (nr Bovington)

Wellbridge Practice. 

Meadow Lane, Wool BH20 6DR - 01929 462376
Website link: The Wellbridge Practice for opening times, contact details, booking appointments, joining the practice, prescriptions etc.  

Bere Regis Surgery.  

Manor Farm Road BH20 7HB - 01929 471268

Website link: Bere Regis Surgery for opening times, contact details, booking appointments, joining the practice, prescriptions etc.  

To find a dentist in the local area click HERE If you do not have a SFA address yet, use BH20 6JA  postcode to help refine your search area.  

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Statement, in respect to Coagh Inquest Appeal Ruling

 

Please see the statement below from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone in respect to yesterday's Coagh Inquest Appeal Ruling:

Yesterday's Appeal Court ruling by Lady Chief Justice Keegan, that a coroner was legally entitled to find a SAS soldier justified in shooting an unarmed IRA driver, as part of a collective terrorist threat to life, is to be welcomed. Lady Chief Justice Keegan said the SAS member ( Soldier B ) who opened fire, at an IRA terrorist attack in Coagh in 1991, had responded proportionately in a lethal situation, a fact already established at the initial inquest and an appeal.

This ruling also highlights the ongoing concerns that veterans have with the wider legacy process and some of the current proposals contained within the Troubles Bill. For many veterans, this ‘lawfare’, particularly through the coronial system, has become the punishment. Lady Chief Justice Keegan was clear in stating the grounds of this legal challenge were not the purpose of Judicial Reviews. In other words, this is a misuse of the legal system.

Millions of pounds of public money is being channelled into legal cases that lack any substance, consuming court time and prolonging hardship for veterans and their families who are more often than not, left in limbo for years.

I also welcome the public comments of the SAS Regimental Association and the retired Generals who understand, better than anyone, the challenging nature of operations like Coagh, where soldiers, sent by the UK Government, found themselves in combat situations facing armed terrorists.

As Veterans Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for a legacy process that ensures fairness for all. I will continue to highlight the ‘lawfare’ strategy being used, particularly through coroners inquests, that seeks to create a narrative of wholesale demonisation of those who served, the vast majority of whom did so, with huge restraint and professionalism.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: North West 200 - 4th - 9th May

 

North West 200 is Ireland's largest outdoor sporting event, attracting huge crowds, as well as the biggest names in sport.

With nearly 100 years of racing history and home to the only mass start in road racing - there is truly No Where like the North West 200. 

For more details, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Farnborough: Job Fair at Princes Mead Thursday 23rd April 2026 1000 - 1400hrs

 

Join us Thursday 23rd April 2026, to meet local employers who are currently hiring, training providers, and organisations that can support you with your job search.

Thursday 23 April, 10:00 to 14:00

Princes Mead Shopping Centre, Farnborough Full list of employers attending here: www.rushmoor.gov.uk/jobfair

Information Provided by South East HIVE Hub

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum Spring Event – Devon,18 May

The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) spring event is for current serving families who have an immediate member with additional needs or disabilities, as well as professionals working within the sector. It offers an opportunity to meet the FANDF committee, connect with other serving families in the local area and begin building a support network. Attendees will also have the chance to meet relevant professionals and local support organisations who can provide advice, guidance, and answer questions related to additional needs and disability.

Link to register: FANDF Spring 2026 Event Registration

If you have any questions, please email CS.ANDA@ssafa-fhs.org.uk

Brecon: World Curlew Day Story Time & Crafts on Tues 21st April at Y Gaer

Story time and crafts at Y Gaer
Amser stori a chrefftau yn Y Gaer

Tuesday 21st April - 11am - 4pm at Y Gaer Library, Brecon.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.