Chippenham: Free HomeStart Parent & Child Group on Thursdays

 

Please click here for further details or to register for a place

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 August 2026

Be the voice of Service families in your area
DIO is launching Regional Experience Committees (RECs) across the UK, bringing together Service family volunteers who are passionate about improving housing services and ensuring family voices are heard.

This is an exciting opportunity to become a Service Family Customer Representative for your region to help influence positive change in military housing. By joining, you will play an important role in highlighting local issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and sharing what matters most to Service families.

As a member of your REC, you will work alongside other representatives and key figures within DIO to provide constructive feedback, discuss common themes and challenges, and represent the lived experiences of families in your area.

To read more about the role and how to apply, click here.

Amendments to Surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Policy
What is changing?
From 1 September 2026, the policy for applying for and allocating surplus Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is changing. The changes are designed to make sure surplus homes are managed fairly while work continues to transform and expand the estate as part of the Defence Housing Strategy.

How surplus SFA is prioritised
When surplus homes are available, applications will be considered in a new priority order. This means some family circumstances will be prioritised first. The updated prioritisation list will be reflected in JSP 464 from 1st September 2026.

How to apply for surplus SFA
From 1 September 2026, if you wish to request surplus SFA, you need to apply every time you receive a new assignment order dated on or after that date.

Mid-assignment applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. If this applies, please submit a case through your single-Service personnel branch.

If you receive another assignment order in future, you will need to apply again, even if you are staying at the same duty station.

If you are currently live in surplus SFA, receive a new assignment order, and wish to retain your SFA, you must also submit a new application alongside a retention form available here.

Existing applications for Surplus SFA
We are reviewing the surplus waiting list using the new priority order. Applications will stay active on the waitlist if they meet the new criteria and you have more than six months remaining at the duty station requested.

The Accommodation Support Cell will contact you directly if:you applied for SFA using a previous assignment and at a different location from your current duty station.

• you have less than six months remaining in your current role and location.
• according to your Future Availability Date (FAD) on JPA.
• you have submitted more than one e1132 application at the same time.
• you have already been housed in SFA.

Further information
For queries related to the Surplus SFA policy changes, please contact the Accommodation Support Cell at People-Accom-ASC@mod.gov.uk or call 0800 368 7406

Housing Matters Podcast
You can now watch the latest episodes of Housing Matters, the podcast exploring military housing and the issues that matter most to Service personnel and their families.

Episode 3 focuses on damp and mould, one of the most significant challenges facing military housing. Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and Sebastian O'Hara, DIO Operations Manager South, are joined by Nikki Simmons from VIVO and Matt Smith from Amey. They discuss what causes damp and mould, the work of the Damp and Mould Taskforce, and the steps being taken to improve how these issues are identified, managed and resolved.

Episode 4 looks beyond the home itself to explore the wider community and support networks that help make life on a patch work. The discussion covers the role of NHS services, welfare charities, and the social value initiatives delivered by DIO and its suppliers, showcasing how organisations work together to support Service personnel and their families.

Episode 3 and Episode 4 are available now, alongside the first two episodes in the series. Whether you are interested in housing maintenance, community support or the future of military housing, Housing Matters offers insight into the issues that affect Service families every day.

Families First newsletter
The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.

DIO: Families First Newsletter – 27 August 2026

The latest issue of the DIO Families First newsletter for SFA occupants is now available to read online at Families First Newsletter - Issue 41

You can sign up to receive the latest news direct to your own inbox from DIO at: Newsletter Landing Page – Defence Homes

Lichfield: Pinnacle & Amey Housing Surgery - Tuesday 13 October

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

York & North Yorkshire: Just B supporting Mens Mental Health

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Scotland: 2 Day Woodland Retreat for the Armed Forces Community – Aberdeenshire

DGS Highland Roots Workshop, a 2-Night Nature - Based Woodland Retreat delivered by Operation Cairngorms in partnership with DGS.

The retreat is open to members of the Armed Forces Community and offers two nights away in a relaxed woodland setting with an opportunity to switch off from everyday pressures, spend time outdoors and connect with others.

Across the weekend participants will have the opportunity to enjoy nature connection, practical woodland skills, time around the fire and space to rest and reset. The emphasis is very much on a welcoming, supportive environment rather than a formal programme and no previous outdoor experience is required.

Accommodation is provided on site in yurts and bell tents, and all meals are included.

Arrival: Friday 25 September from 6.00 pm
Departure: Sunday 27 September by 10.00 am
Location: Operation Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4UX
Cost: Free
Places are limited and advance registration is required.

25-27 Sept 2026 - Highland Roots Op CG 2 Night Retreat - Expression of Interest (EOI) (3) – Fill out form

To register an interest ask any questions or reserve a place, please contact pip@defencegardens.org.

Tri-Service Contact House Directory – where to find it online, or how to request a copy

Contact Houses, also known as Welfare Houses or Short-Term Families Accommodation, are military accommodation available predominantly for short-term welfare-related bookings, but can sometimes be used by those visiting for leisure reasons. These houses are usually managed by unit staff, where there will be localised policies on priorities for bookings, booking procedures, costs and how to pay.

To access the most up to date version of the Tri-Service Contact House Directory, please use any of the following options:

• Go to the Army HIVE webpage at www.army.mod.uk/hives and there is a button to download the Directory at the bottom of the page
• Contact your nearest HIVE or RN Family & People Support to request a copy by email. Army HIVEs are listed on www.army.mod.uk/hives, RAF HIVEs can be found on the RAF HIVE Finder at https://www.raf.mod.uk/community-support/serving-families/hive-finder/ and RN Family & People Support local office contact details are at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-support-offices
• Contact Army HIVE HQ to request a copy by email via RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
• Contact us via Direct Message on any of our social media channels – please include an email address so the Directory can be sent as an attachment
• Use the Contact Us button on any of the three Army HIVE blogs, where you can submit a request via MS Forms
• Go to Army HIVE SharePoint (MODnet access will be needed) to download a copy

Catterick: Love to sing? Join the Military Wags Choir

Ever catch yourself belting out tunes in the shower, or treating the kettle boiling to a full blown kitchen concert?

Time to bring that main character energy somewhere it's actually appreciated. 

​Whether you’re a soprano hitting glass shattering high notes or an alto happily rumbling away down below, we honestly don't care if you sound like an angel or a very enthusiastic blender.

There are zero auditions, zero stress, and absolute zero judgment.

​Military wives, affiliates, girlfriends, and servicewomen-you are officially in.
​When: Thursdays from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
​Where: Garrison Memorial Church (DL9 4ES)
​The best bit: We have a free crèche available, so you can hand over the kids, escape reality for a bit, and enjoy some well deserved adult time.

​Whether you want to shine in big concerts or just fancy a weekly singalong to get out of the house, come find your crowd.

​Drop us a message or head over to militarywagschoir.co.uk and come see what all the fuss is about!

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Ripon: Thinking about Learning with ALSS?

 
If you're thinking about enrolling on an Adult Learning Course, the team will be at Ripon Community House between 1pm and 3pm on Tuesday 8th September to give advice and help you through the process.

For more information visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/adultlearning
Tel: 01609 536 066 or Email: AdultLearningService@northyorks.gov.uk

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Black Redcoats: The Corps of Colonial Marines 1814-1816 - The Prince Consort's Library Tues 6th Oct 2026 doors open 1730hrs talk starts 1800

 

Black Redcoats: the Corps of Colonial Marines, 1814-1816 – Tuesday 6th October
The speaker will be the author Dr Matthew Taylor, a military historian and Civil Servant who has worked for the House of Lords for over a decade and previously given a talk to the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre.
His book explores the story of when the Royal Marines recruited escapees from American slavery to help them in the War of 1812 against the United States.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub