Generic and local information for the UK Military community including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
This is best viewed through a personal device because the MODnet firewall may prevent access to some links.
Pages
- Most recent posts
- England - North
- England - South
- England - Central
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales
- Overseas HIVEs and International HIVE
- HIVE Cyprus Blog
- UK Location Guides
- HIVE locations
- HIVE Facebook
- HIVE X
- HIVE Instagram
- Information Sheets
- Tips to help you navigate this blog
- Relocation Checklist
May 19, 2026
Army HIVE Says Thank You and Farewell to Longest Serving Overseas HISO
This week marks our longest-ever serving Overseas HISO - Jo Ratabuli - leaving Episkopi HIVE for pastures new. Over her 14 years in post, Jo has been absolutely central in supporting her customers in Epi and wider across BFC, unit moves to and from Cyprus, our Non-UK Nationals, and so much more – her knowledge, warmth and exceptional customer service will no doubt be remembered by many customers and colleagues from across the last decade and a half. Suffice to say, Jo will be a much-missed member of the Army HIVE team, not only from her current BFC colleagues (Karen-Grace, Donna, Emma, James, Jen and Katie) but the rest of the Army HIVE team too!
Our Cyprus Area Manager, Karen-Grace, penned the attached poem and it perfectly captures Jo’s achievements, the differences she has made over her 14 years in service, and the sentiments of her team.
From us all in Army HIVE, Jo, Vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much), Moce mada (until we meet again), and may your next chapter be filled with joy, peace, laughter, and the same warmth you gave so freely to others.
BFBS Marks 15 Years Since Op TELIC Ended With Commemorative Anniversary Campaign
The Forgotten Conflict: BFBS Gives Voice to the Veterans of Op TELIC
BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) today begins a dedicated week of programming to mark 15 years since the end of Operation TELIC (Op TELIC), codename for the involvement of the UK Armed Forces deployed to Iraq between March 2003 and May 2011.
Daily commemorations this week will run across BFBS Radio, BFBS TV, and digital platforms, exclusively bringing together multiple contributors including veterans, serving personnel and BFBS staff as key voices in the special broadcasts forming a comprehensive tribute to the Op TELIC anniversary, and to honour the lived experiences of the UK Armed Forces personnel who served.
While many broadcasters covered the conflict from the outside, BFBS was broadcasting alongside the UK Armed Forces, keeping personnel connected to home throughout operations. From playing music that lifted morale to sharing messages from the families waiting back home, to putting on events to entertain personnel, BFBS served those deployed rather than simply reporting on them. Fifteen years on, that shared experience places BFBS in a unique position to help tell their stories in their own words.
Beginning today, audiences will hear directly from those who served through interviews, long-form specials, bespoke digital content, and live discussions across BFBS radio and social media reflecting on the legacy, with support from BFBS TV. These personal reflections form the heart of the week, capturing a wide range of lived experiences from those who were deployed.
Give Us Time: Summer 2026 Welfare Update
To find out more please visit www.giveustime.org.uk
May 14, 2026
Northern Ireland: Veterans Welfare Service NI is now Veteran Services Northern Ireland
While the name has changed, the support and services you rely on remain exactly the same.
New Contact Numbers:
Coleraine: 0757 096 4330
Holywood: 0738 705 0603
Portrush: 0738 705 0640
Enniskillen: 0738 705 0505
Front Door (Head Office): 0738 705 0640
Email (unchanged):DBSAFVS-VWS-NI@mod.gov.uk
#VeteransSupport #NorthernIreland #VeteransServicesNI
Information provided by HIVE NI
May 13, 2026
May 12, 2026
BFBS Selects Synamedia Following Global Competition to Deliver Landmark Digital Platform for UK Armed Forces
Strategic three-year partnership marks delivery phase of BFBS’ next-generation media vision
Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) today announces it has selected Synamedia as its strategic technology partner to deliver its next-generation global digital platform, following a highly competitive international tender process launched in February 2025, attracting leading technology and media organisations from across the industry.
The announcement comes shortly after the Ministry of Defence renewed BFBS’ contract for a further ten years, reaffirming BFBS’ vital role as a trusted and secure global military broadcaster supporting the UK Armed Forces wherever they serve. As a longstanding and essential provider of media services to Defence audiences worldwide, BFBS continues to play a central role in keeping personnel informed, entertained and connected across some of the most complex and challenging operating environments. Together these milestones mark the beginning of the most significant technological transformation in more than eight decades of BFBS’ history.
Following detailed technical evaluation and industry consultation, with support from digital transformation experts Spicy Mango, Synamedia’s appointment concludes a rigorous process to help shape the future of secure media delivery for the UK Armed Forces and their families worldwide.
Vale of Glamorgan: Sign up to the Vale of Glamorgan Seasonal Newsletter for What's On in the Vale
Vale of Glamorgan Council: Half term is nearly here, and there’s lots happening across the Vale in the weeks ahead!
From family activities and events over the break, to library sessions, community projects, seasonal service updates and opportunities to try something new, we know it’s not always easy to keep up with everything going on, which is why we send out a seasonal email bulletin.
A quick, handy snapshot of the things you might want to know!
Our next newsletter is coming soon, so now’s the perfect time to sign up
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.
Northern Ireland: Once A Warrior: Life Beyond The Uniform - Podcast from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office
Listen to "Once a warrior: Life Beyond The Uniform" the brand new podcast, from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office, and get inspired by these incredible journeys.
Subscribe now: https://nivco.podbean.com
#Veterans
#VeteransPodcast
#WarStories
#NIVeterans
Information provided by HIVE NI





