February 17, 2026

Fairford: Quiet play sessions at Hocus Pocus Play near Cirencester

   

Please click here to visit the website or click here to visit the Facebook page

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Gloucestershire: 'Stay well this Winter' campaign from NHS Gloucestershire

Find out more about these campaigns at https://www.onegloucestershire.net/campaigns/winter/

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

DMWS Bereavement Support

You don’t have to go through grief alone.

If you have lost a loved one in the Armed Forces in service or due to service related reasons, we are here for you.

DMWS are working alongside Scotty's Little Soldiers, Cruse Bereavement Support, Cruse Scotland, and The Poppy Factory to help those who may need support and advice after the loss of a loved one in service or for service related reasons.

Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or help accessing services, we can help.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in our support, please visit: https://dmws.org.uk/supporting-military-bereaved-family...

Army Welfare Service (AWS) Specialist Welfare referral form

The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has launched the new Specialist Welfare (SW) referral Microsoft Form, which is now the standard method for submitting all SW referrals.

You can access the form here:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5blCeF6QlzxDtMb3LsYsTplUOEE…

The new form is designed to:
  • Capture the right information upfront
  • Support effective risk assessment and triage
  • Reduce incomplete or insufficient referrals.
  • Allow self-referrals

If you need to self-refer to AWS but you are unable to complete the form, you can still contact the AWS directly. More information about the AWS and our services can be found at Army Welfare Service | The British Army.

North East: Military Veteran Football


Welcome to Military Veteran Football Club, a unique initiative founded in 2022 by a dedicated team of veterans: David (RAF), John (Army), Russ (Navy), and Laura (Dependant). Based in the North East of England but extending our reach across the UK, we are committed to providing casual football sessions for military veterans and service personnel.

At MVFC, we believe that everyone deserves a place to play. Our ethos is simple: any veteran or service member, regardless of age, gender, ability, or length of service, is welcome to join our sessions. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where individuals can be themselves, fostering both physical and mental well-being while combatting social isolation.

Led by veterans who understand the unique challenges of military service and the transition to civilian life, our sessions are designed to promote camaraderie, fitness, and friendship. Join us on the pitch to connect with fellow veterans, enhance your physical health, and enrich your life through the power of football. Together, we can build a supportive community that celebrates resilience and unity.

contact us

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Richmond: The Richmond Banking Hub

 


The Richmond banking hub is located at 20 King Street, DL10 4HP
Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

The hub offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions, whenever it's open.

A community banker service is also available where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on allocated days:

Community Banker availability
Mon:
NatWest
Tue:
Lloyds
Wed:
HSBC
Thu:
Barclays
Fri:
Halifax

Strensall: Health Child Service Drop in Clinic, Every 2nd Thursday of the month 10:00 – 12:00



A baby Drop In Clinic will be held in Hurst Hall Community Centre, on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Pop along to have your baby weighed and speak to local midwives. For further information please see the following link:

Healthy Child Service – Raise York

Information provided by North HIVE Hub



 

Nexus/The Children’s Society: Young carers in the Armed Forces latest newsletter


Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

To view the latest newsletter, please go to: Nexus Winter Newsletter 2026

The next webinar – A guide to the young carers covenant for the Armed Forces – is on 11 Mar at 1100hrs. For more info and to register please go to: The Young Carers Covenant Guidance for Armed Forces Services Webinar Tickets, Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Electoral Commission: Guidance and key dates for registering to vote in elections on 7 May


The Electoral Commission has published key dates for voters ahead of the UK-wide elections on 7 May.

Please go to Key dates for voters in 2026 | Electoral Commission, where information for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can be selected. Deadlines start from 20 Apr 2026.

There is also information available for the Armed Forces and their spouses/partners on registering to vote at Voting as a member of the armed forces | Electoral Commission and also on Gov.uk at: Register to vote (armed forces) - GOV.UK. These webpages include options to vote by proxy or post.

February 16, 2026

BFBS’ Award-Winning Sitrep Podcast Live from Munich Security Conference


BFBS Sitrep: Live from the Munich Security Conference

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has broadcast a special edition of its flagship Sitrep podcast from the Munich Security Conference 2026, marking the organisation’s first-ever presence at the world’s leading global security forum.

Titled BFBS Sitrep: Live from the Munich Security Conference, the episode was recorded during the event and released on Sunday 15 February, bringing expert analysis and discussion to audiences across global BFBS Forces News’ platforms.

The exclusive episode features Forces News reporter Simon Newton in conversation with former Director of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Sitrep defence analyst, Professor Mike Clarke, alongside General Ben Hodges, former Commanding General US Army Europe and Oana Lungescu who spent 13 years at the heart of NATO as its longest serving spokesperson, examining the UK’s announcement that it will send a Naval fleet to the Arctic, exploring whether the words of support for Ukraine are matched by action, and breaking down the fragile state of defence relations between Europe and the US from Munich.

Recorded at one of the most influential international security gatherings in the world, this in-depth episode of Sitrep offers expert insight and context on what may be a turning point for European defence independence, emerging from the forum.

The episode is live now on Forces News YouTube and BFBS Radio Sitrep.

For general updates, follow BFBS Forces News on Facebook, Instagram and X.