Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Help shape our 2027–2030 funding – your insight matters

AFCFT message to the Service community:

We are beginning our consultation to shape the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s funding approach for 2027–2030, and we would really value your insight as serving personnel. We have the approval of Gen Humphris (ACDS(People)) to reach out to you.

We want to understand the issues you and your families are experiencing, particularly during periods of high operational tempo, and where there may be gaps or emerging needs. Your lived experience is essential in helping us focus our funding on what would be most genuinely helpful.

We are very conscious of the pressures on your time. So we are asking if you are able to complete an online survey, anonymously, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWPQ6TY.

Our role is to complement what already exists by funding services and support that add practical value for you and your families.

If you are willing to share reflections, examples or priority areas we should be considering, your contribution would directly inform how future funding is shaped.

Thank you for everything you do, and for considering supporting this work.

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

Image Credit: Gurkha Brigade Association

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

On 4 July 2026, one of the most significant occasions in Gurkha sport returns as the Nepal Cup Final is broadcast live exclusively with BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), bringing together tradition and pride in a showcase event at the heart of the military sporting calendar.

The hugely anticipated final will be streamed live on Forces News YouTube and on BFBS TV (serving personnel and families overseas only) ensuring those in active service, veterans, and military football followers across the globe can follow every moment of the action as it unfolds.

The Nepal Cup is widely regarded as one of the most important days in Gurkha sport, combining elite competition with cultural celebration and ceremonial tradition. The Queen’s Gurkha Signals have dominated recent years, lifting the trophy for the past two seasons, including a 2-0 victory over the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment in last year’s final. In 2024, the competition delivered one of its most memorable editions to date, featuring a five-goal thriller packed with outstanding goals and emotional reactions.

Kyle Dixon, BFBS Sport Reporter & Producer, said: “BFBS looks forward to sharing the livestreamed experience in this final, a standout occasion where tradition and sporting talent come together to unite the military community. Being able to capture the colour and intensity in real-time is at the heart of what BFBS Sport does.”

BFBS broadcasts more than 60 live military sporting events each year, continuing its mission to connect the global forces community through sport. This year’s final promises to deliver another iconic moment in military sporting history, with news coverage also available here: https://www.forcesnews.com/sport/football/nepal-cup-final-experience-amazing-gurkha-football-event-live-bfbs-sport

Don’t miss a moment, follow BFBS Forces News on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Northern Ireland: Road Map to Recovery - Peer support for Veterans in Northern Ireland

  

Road MAP to Recovery is a veteran led, peer support programme for veterans as well as their families and carers across Northern Ireland.
They offer veterans the opportunity to regularly come together in a safe, peer-supportive environment to find better ways of coping with issues around relationships, feelings of anger, loneliness, addiction and trauma.
There are a number of groups across Northern Ireland. So, if you or someone you know needs support, please contact Michael on 07422 074363 or visit Contact Us - Inspire Wellbeing

Information provided by HIVE NI

Blandford: Garrison housing drop in session - Wed 1st July

If you are experiencing any issues or have concerns with your service families accommodation and would like to speak to someone in person, you're welcome to drop in to the Pinnacle housing office on Mudros Road. (Blandford Camp), no appointment necessary.

Housing drop in is 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. 0900 - 1200hrs.

You can also report an issue with your SFA by calling 0800 031 8628 or send an email to hello@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

 

Blandford: Garrison - Blandford ladies community fundraising event Wed 1st July

Click on poster above to enlarge

Blandford Ladies Community will be organising a authentic Nepali food sale for Downlands Community School & Butterfly Hub outside the Glass House. (Camp centre) 
Time: 1000 - 1200

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison cinema showing 'Minions & Monsters' Sun 5th July

 Food and drink available to purchase at the door.

Ticket prices

Adult (15+) £4

Senior (60+) £3

Student £3

Cinema Price changes.

From 25 June to 1 September 2026 (inclusive), VAT will be cut from 20% to 5% on eligible activities and items, and this applies to certain cinema tickets.

This saving will be applied to all Family and Child tickets purchased during this period.

                    Was    Now
Child Ticket   £3    £2.63

Family Ticket £11  £9.63

For more information and to watch trailers click https://cinemas.bfbs.com/blandford

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Employment support drop in session Wed 1st July

Appointments not necessary, just turn up.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison pregnancy, maternity & new parent network session - Tues 30th June

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

Connecting expectant parents with experienced parents, plus educational talks on topics like breastfeeding, babies first aid etc.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison shuttle bus service to Blandford town (every Tuesday)

 

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Please see below for estimated timetable, please allow enough time to ensure that you do not miss the Bus.

Pick Up	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Drop off only
Pass Gate House for Security Clearance	0930	1015	1110	1230	1325	1420
South Cresent/Racedown Road (either bus shelter)	0935	1020	1115	1235	1330	1425
Gunville Down Road (either bus shelter)	0940	1025	1120	1240	1335	1430
Ashley Wood Road (opposite bus shelter) [Officer's Quarters]	0945	1030	1125	1245	1340	1435
Black Lane	0950	1035	1130	1250	1345	1440
Drop Off
M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)	0955*	1040*	1135*	1255*	1350*	-
East Street/Market Place Bus Stop [Drop-off only]	1000	1045	1140	1300	1355	-
Arrive Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)	1005*	1050	1145*	1305	1400	-
Return Journey
Depart Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)	-	1055	1215	1310	1405	-
The Ham Bus Stop (Morrisons Car Park) [Pick-up only]	-	1100	1220	1315	1410	-
M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)	-	1105	1225	1320	1415	-
	*Drop-off by request

This service will run every Tuesday up to and including 22 December.
Pilot Funded by Dorset Council. Service operated by Dorset Community Transport.

If you need any further clarification, please email blandfordgar-bgsuwelfare@mod.gov.uk.

NOTE: Anyone travelling into town on final run (1330/1340/1345 Camp pick-ups) will need to make their own way back.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via Blandford BGSU welfare office.