Give Us Time: Summer/Autumn update 2026 & last-minute France break

Give Us Time have published their latest welfare update, covering the remainder of the summer and autumn breaks.

They also have a last-minute break to France available 22 - 29 August. The gite sleeps up to 4 people, but is not pet friendly unfortunately.

Families will be required to cover the costs of their travel, food, entertainment etc, as well as taking their own bedding for the stay. Full details of the property are in the attached brochure. 

As always

- breaks are booked on a first come first served basis
- families must be signed up on the Give Us Time website to make a booking

Find out more at www.giveustime.org.uk

Building Heroes Programmes - Register Now for Autumn 2026

Building Heroes will be welcoming learners back onto our funded training programmes from mid-September, with courses starting again across our national academy network.

Our programmes are designed specifically to support members of the Armed Forces community to gain practical skills, recognised qualifications and valuable insight into construction and built environment careers.

Depending on location and availability, our programmes include:

• Construction Multi Skills
• Green Skills and Retrofit
• Groundworks and Streetworks

We will also be launching new programmes in the new year, including Engineering and Welding.

With some courses already fully booked for the first one or two cohorts of the new academic year, now is the time to register your interest so you do not miss out on your place with Building Heroes.

Our programmes are delivered across a growing number of regions, including:

• Darlington, County Durham
• Reaseheath, Cheshire
• Ibstock, Leicestershire
• Heybridge, Essex
• Wembley, London
• Drayton, Oxfordshire
• Andover, Hampshire
• Salisbury, Wiltshire
• Plymouth, Devon

With academies located across the country, there may be a Building Heroes programme close to where you plan to resettle. This means you can gain training in the region where you hope to live after service, while also meeting employers and industry partners in that local area.

If you are within your final 18 months of service, have already transitioned from the Armed Forces, are a Reservist, or are an immediate family member keen to upskill, our programmes can help you take a positive next step.

Our training provides:

• Valuable knowledge of the construction and built environment sector
• Practical skills and recognised qualifications, which may include a Diploma, Health and Safety Award and CSCS card, depending on the programme
• Funded training to help you build confidence in your capabilities alongside specialist tutors
• Employability support, underpinned by knowledgeable employability and career coaching specialists
• Confidence and insight to support transition into civilian life
• Access to our wider support offer, including guidance, employer engagement and links to our network of industry partners
• A pathway towards meaningful second careers after service

Places are limited and demand is already high for the autumn term, so we encourage you to register your interest as soon as possible.

To find out more and apply, please visit:

www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses

Chatham: The Historic Dockyard Chatham Steve Backshall's Awesome Oceans Family Trail

 

Dive into the ultimate summer adventure and become an Ocean Guardian with Steve Backshall

Calling all explorers! This summer, we’ve teamed up with legendary wildlife expert and adventurer, Steve Backshall, for an extraordinary journey beneath the waves.

Explore the planet’s coolest underwater habitats and discover the secrets of its most fascinating creatures with Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail. As you explore the Historic Dockyard, you’ll tackle an action-packed trail loaded with hands-on challenges, mind-blowing stories, and interactive missions, all inspired by Steve’s adventure

Click HERE for further Information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Alton: What's On in the Library

 

Turn up the volume on reading this summer!

This summer, The Reading Agency invites children to discover the joy of reading through Read to the Beat! — the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026. With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels. Best of all, books are FREE to borrow from the library. As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at Alton library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs from Saturday 11 July - Saturday 12 September

Sign up at Alton Library during opening hours:

Monday: 9.30-1.30

Tuesday: 9.30-5.00

Thursday: 9.30-5.00

Friday: 9.30-5.00

Saturday: 9.30-5.00

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Alton: Town Council Fun Fridays Free Children's Entertainment Alton Public Gardens 1400hrs - 1500hrs

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Defence children Services: Supporting Armed Forces children’s transitions between education systems - Educators’ toolkit

This transition resource was developed collaboratively by education practitioners and education policy professionals from across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. This involved officials from Government Departments, local authority officers, schools and Service charities from across the UK. It is designed to complement and strengthen existing practice, helping educators support effective transitions in educational settings.

Service parents with children who are moving schools across devolved nations may wish to highlight this guidance to the education professionals that they are liaising with.

To read the guidance in full online, please go to: Transition

There is also an option to download the whole booklet at this link: https://dcs.school/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026051504_BetweenEducationsystems_Transitionstoolkit_FINAL.pdf

Bovington: Military wives choir sessions

Click on poster above to enlarge

New members welcome. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

MOD Veterans Services: An overview of the support available to Service personnel, veterans and their family members

To find out more about the MOD Veterans Services support available to Service personnel, Service leavers, veterans - and their family members - please go to: Get help from Veterans Services - GOV.UK

Also, a reminder that there is now an online Veterans Services referral form in place, which can be used by the Chain of Command/internal MOD organisations, external stakeholders and for self-referrals: Make a referral to Veterans Services - GOV.UK

Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates

To register for a Briefing, and provide your details please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing

For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families

Blandford: Garrison world faith prayer room

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE