Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme

Exciting update for UK schools supporting service children!

The Service Pupil Support Programme is back and bigger than ever, now offering grants up to £150,000!

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), the Service Pupil Support Programme will award grants between £5,000 and £150,000 to projects supporting service children along their educational pathway, and to reach their full potential.

What’s the programme all about?

This year, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is focusing on supporting schools and local authorities across the UK with projects that meet one of four themes.

• Closing the academic gap.

• Support for service pupils with SEN/D, ASN,ALN.

• Mobility, deployment, and separation.

• Low numbers of service pupils.

New for this round is the theme of ‘mobility, deployment and separation’ in recognition of the challenges these issues can present to service children.

Once again, The Trust are encouraging schools to come together to maximise the impact of projects. The Trust are offering two routes to funding depending on the number of service children you are working with. You can find full details of the programme, eligibility and how to apply on the Trust website.

Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition

T​he updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.

Please click the link to read this edition online.

Gloucestershire: 'Your Circle' online directory

 

Welcome to Your Circle - a directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Gloucestershire: Drug and alcohol services now provided by Via

 

Since 1 April 2024, Gloucestershire’s Adult Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service has been delivered by Via.

Worried about your own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use?

Via provide free and confidential advice, care and support for people in Gloucestershire aged 18+.

Please click here to visit the website

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Chepstow: Castell Roc in August 2025 at Chepstow Castle

Another fantastic line-up from the Castell Roc - Chepstows Friendly Festival team! We recommend getting tickets soon as they are selling fast!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Dorset: Blandford Job centre information

Find out about job vacancies in the Blandford area and also get advice on CVs and job interview tips

Blandford job centre can also administer claims - Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Groups & activities for ages 0 - 5yrs.

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Wales: New ADHD Film from Neurodivergence Wales

We are excited to launch our new online film, 'What is ADHD?'

The film has been designed to raise awareness and understanding of ADHD. The National Neurodivergence Team have worked to keep their resources and language updated and current to reflect what people with ADHD would like people to understand.

The film provides insights from people with ADHD and professionals – covering the different types of ADHD, executive function and working memory, emotional regulation, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, procrastination, and more, alongside real-life experiences of how ADHD can impact on daily life.

Watch the film here

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 21 February 25

Reporting Damp and Mould

Tackling damp and mould in SFA remains a top priority for DIO and our suppliers. Over 9,000 homes have already benefited from the delivery of damp and mould works since the taskforce stood up in 2023. In response to the works delivered, reoccurrence of damp and mould has been addressed in circa 85% of cases.

It is important that you report all cases of damp and mould and to let us know of any reoccurrence of the issue so that we can continue to tackle this. Please also see our guide for families that outlines helpful tips to prevent damp and mould developing in your homes.

We are aware of a recent IT issue which may have affected your ability to log damp and mould issues using the online repairs form on Pinnacle’s website. This has now been resolved; however, if you have used the online form to log an issue and have not yet received a follow up call, please call Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628, selecting option 1.

Any issues of damp and mould can also be reported by calling Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628 or emailing repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk

SFA Roadshows

Sign up to a DIO Service Family Accommodation Roadshow in 2025

Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Dog owners urged to keep their dogs under control during lambing season

Spring marks a significant time for British farmers as they prepare for the arrival of lambs across the local countryside.

We are urging dog owners to take care of their pets around newborn lambs as they find it difficult to deal with stressful situations – such as encounters with dogs – and can even die from shock days after.

If you are taking a walk in the countryside with your dog, be sure to keep an eye on whether you may encounter any livestock.

Should you encounter livestock on land you walk thorough then please -

- Ensure your dog is on a lead at all times

- Keep them under close control when walking through fields of livestock, particularly sheep.

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and comes under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

‘Worrying’ is where a dog attacks or chases livestock causing injury or suffering.

This isn’t just a threat to a farmer or land owner’s livelihood, it’s also a dangerous situation for the animals involved, and could lead to more risk if the animals get onto the road.

A farmer is allowed to take action if dog(s) are worrying their livestock.

Always keep your dog under control around other animals and if you see a dog on the loose worrying animals please report this to us.

For more information please refer to our website - Animal crime | Staffordshire Police

Information provided by Stafford HIVE