Information provided by HIVE NI
July 9, 2026
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 08 July 2026
Welcome to Housing Matters Podcast
DIO are excited to launch Housing Matters, our new podcast created for military families. This podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.
Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.
In episode one, we take a closer look at what the Defence Housing Strategy really means for those living in SFA. Our guests are DIO Chief Operating Officer, David Brewer, who played a key role in the development of the Strategy, and Chris Keen, a military spouse who has lived in 11 different SFA properties. The discussion goes beyond the headlines to explore the investment, ambition and real-world impact behind the Strategy.
You can watch episode one on Defence Homes.
The five-part Housing Matters series will continue with a new episode released fortnightly on a Wednesday. Upcoming episodes include an honest conversation about damp and mould with our suppliers, a deeper look at the unique challenges military families face and how their housing works, the importance of building strong communities on patch and the new freedoms military families have to personalise their military house to feel like a home.
So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.
Catterick: Lloyds Bank Community Bankers alternate Wednesdays
Lloyds Banking Group will be at Catterick Library on Wednesday 22nd July 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.
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
July 8, 2026
Dorset: Unwanted free household collection service for local residents
Dorset Reclaim is a not-for-profit furniture re-use project offering electrical and household goods donated from local people & businesses to the general public with additional discounts available for households on low incomes.
Click HERE for more information or to donate unwanted household goods (in good or working condition)
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Grantham: NHS Lincolnshire Community Health Services - Have your say! on pre-school speech and language therapy support
Information provided by Grantham HIVE
Staffordshire: Family Hub - Health Relationships Newsletter - June 2026
West Midlands: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery - Ozzy Osbourne ‘Working Class Hero’ Exhibition - Free entry
The free-to-enter exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery called ‘Working Class Hero’ showcases Ozzy's music, memorabilia and awards in celebration of his solo career and global achievements.
Visit the exhibition
Due to popular demand the exhibition will now be on display until Sunday 27 September 2026 to allow for more fans to see the exhibition. Free entry
Dates: until Sunday 27 September 2026
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Open every day during Birmingham school holidays (18 July - 30 August).
Full details can be found HERE
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
July 7, 2026
Vale of Glamorgan: New - Little Pebbles Parent Support Group - For Parents & Carers of Under 5s with Additional Needs
Vale Family Information Service:
Little Pebbles Parent Support Group
Dear Parent/Carer
We’re delighted to introduce the Little Pebbles Parent Support Group, a new, friendly space from the Early Years Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Team. This is for parents and carers of young children with additional or emerging needs.
The group offers a relaxed, informal environment to meet other families, share experiences and build a supportive network, while children play. Parents and carers are also welcome to attend on their own if their child is in a setting or school.
You’ll have the chance to chat with members of the Early Years ALN Team, ask questions about your child’s early education, and access support in a welcoming setting—over a cuppa.
No diagnosis or referral needed – just drop in.
Details:
St Helen’s Community Hub, Wyndham Street, Barry, CF63 4EL
Fridays 10:00am – 11:30am
For more information text or call: 07596 889100
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
Lichfield: Family Pass Swimming - Lichfield Leisure Centre
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
Department for Work & Pensions: Latest updates
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The Department for Work and Pensions’ employment and careers digital support for citizens has now gone live. The tools aim to support people to explore careers options, search for work and prepare for job applications, and can be found on GOV.UK.
These include a new Find a Job service, a CV Builder, an Action Planning Tool and an AI Work Assistant, supporting people at different stages of their employment journey. The tools offer a more joined up job search experience and provide personalised support.
They are designed to complement the valuable support provided by partner organisations and advisers.
Further information
Motability scheme update
Reforms to the Motability scheme to ensure fairness for taxpayers, whilst still supporting disabled people’s mobility, came into force this week.
VAT will now apply to advance payments - the optional one-off top-up paid by customers who choose a more expensive vehicle - and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to new leases.
The scheme was set up to help disabled people stay mobile and independent, and these changes ensure it continues to do exactly that, while delivering genuine value for taxpayers.
Disabled people on enhanced mobility benefits will continue to receive their full award of £77.05 per week and remain eligible for the scheme, with vehicles still available that require no advance payment, meaning people can access a car using their benefit alone.
Read the full press release
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