July 28, 2025

Glasgow: Are you a veteran in Greater Glasgow and Clyde?

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If you are a veteran living in Greater Glasgow and Clyde who needs support, our Mental Health Peer Support Service is here for you. We can:

• Find support that is right for you
• Talk confidentially about your worries and concerns
• Help support you through your treatment or while you wait

Our service is confidential, non-judgemental, and free to use.
Reach out for a chat – either call 0800 999 3697 or email us at ref
errals@dmws.org.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Catterick: U14's Catterick Village Junior Football Club are looking for new players


 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Catterick Village Roses are recruiting new players


Inspired? The Lionesses showed grit and determination to win the Euros again. 

It's not always about the best players, but the best team. Catterick Village is all about the team. 

Never kicked a ball before or a seasoned player looking for a different challenge, our Roses are a fantastic group who welcome anyone who wants to enjoy playing football. 

Come to one of our training sessions and start enjoying being part of a friendly, welcoming and competitive team

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Leuchars & St Andrews: Trial of Health Visitor Drop - in - service

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Leuchars drop in at the Community Centre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 10am-12 Noon

***Please note that this is not for weighing babies, there is a "Weigh & Go" at St Andrews Community Hospital***

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Which School year group is my child in?

For parents unfamiliar with the Scottish education system, it may not be clear which year group your child will be in when they move a Scottish school.

Check out Forces Children's Education website for more guidance and lots of great information and resources.
https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk/which-school-year...?


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

July 24, 2025

Forres: Moray Citizens Advice Bureau Forres Outreach service

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Face to face appointments resume in Forres at the Forres JCP.

See poster for details on our Forres Outreach and how to book an appointment.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Surrey: working in early years and childcare

A job in early years and childcare is unique and rewarding. You get to be part of a child's early education and help to shape their future, and there are lots of roles to suit everyone.

Work in a nursery

Work in a pre-school or nursery school

Work as a childminder

Work in before and after school clubs

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hounds for Heroes: Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Hounds for Heroes – Supporting the Armed Forces with Life-Changing Assistance Dogs

Every day, members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services dedicate themselves to protecting others. At Hounds for Heroes, we believe that when illness or injury makes daily life more difficult for those who’ve served, they deserve steadfast support and a highly trained partner to help them on their journey.

We provide specially trained assistance dogs to those who have served in HM Armed Forces, no matter where, when, or for how long. Whether you served for days, weeks, months or years, you may be eligible. We also support those from the Emergency Services, including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard and RNLI.

Our dogs are far more than companions. They are working dogs trained to assist with everyday tasks like opening doors, retrieving dropped items and building confidence in public settings. Just as importantly, they offer loyal companionship and emotional reassurance.

Each dog is carefully matched to their Partner based on individual needs, ensuring a truly life-changing relationship that supports both practical challenges and emotional wellbeing.

Who We Help

We welcome applications from anyone who:
Is a current or former member of HM Armed Forces or Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard or RNLI)
Is living with a physical disability caused by illness or injury
(this does not need to be directly related to your time in service)

We support a wide range of conditions that affect mobility and independence, including:
Spinal injuries
Limb loss or amputation
Stroke recovery
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Serious illness or injury with lasting physical impact

We understand that the road to recovery and independence can be tough and the last thing we want is for cost to be a barrier. Where needed, Hounds for Heroes can cover the full working life of an assistance dog, including training, equipment, insurance and ongoing support. Each situation is assessed individually and we aim to remove as many barriers as possible.

If you or someone you support could benefit from an assistance dog, we’d love to hear from you. Welfare officers, medical staff and support teams are encouraged to signpost eligible individuals our way. We're here to help.

To learn more or to begin an application, visit: www.houndsforheroes.com or get in touch at: clientapplications@houndsforheroes.com.

Together, we can make a difference.

July 23, 2025

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Covenant Fund programme, Hidden Voices, reopens for applications


The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has reopened the Hidden Voices programme for applications. This is the second year of this popular programme with funded projects last year supporting:

- veterans in the justice system in

- LGBT+ veterans

- victim-survivors of Military Sexual Violence

- carers in armed forces communities

- foreign & commonwealth personnel

- And more…!

The Hidden Voices programme is about ensuring everyone in the armed forces community feels heard and supported – focusing on those who may not always get the support they need.

Prevention and early-intervention mental health support

This is a mental health and wellbeing programme, specifically for those who have been underserved or who have faced barriers to support when accessing services. These groups are ‘seldom heard’ and may be less represented in mainstream services.

As well as helping people get the support they need, the Trust is looking for projects that will help organisations to learn and share how to better support these groups within the community.

Your project will need to meet both of the following outcomes:

Leuchars: Message from the Station regarding increase in small fires


There has been an increase in small fires being deliberately lit in the nature trail and surrounding woodland areas over the past few weeks. This is not only incredibly dangerous to those starting the fires and individuals’/families in the surrounding area but with Fife Fire and Rescue (FFR) vehicles being dispatched to deal with these deliberate acts, this essential emergency service is being misused which can cause catastrophic consequences for others who may genuinely require the service. 

Can everyone please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland or continue to report a fire to FFR?

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

July 18, 2025

Dorset: Local childcare and family services

 

Image: Dorset county council 

Do you need information on child-minders and childcare facilities in your area or have a child with SEND and need support or information? Click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

July 16, 2025

July 14, 2025

Blandford: Garrison raceway kart track


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Information provided by Bovington HIVE  

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances


Simplifying overseas service finances…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.

Planning made simple

The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.

Supporting family connections

For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.

Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.

Disturbance Expenses rate uplift

From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.

More information

· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.

· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.

July 9, 2025

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel


The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

July 7, 2025

Grantham: Veterans Help & Advice Drop-in Session

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Scotland: Scottish Childminding Association - Will your little one soon be eligible for ELC funded hours?

If you haven't chosen a childcare setting already, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what is the best option for you and your family when there are so many choices 😕

For some families, this may be the first time your child has been looked after in a professional setting, for others you may be looking to prepare them for the routine of school. 
It's a big decision.

Here are some reasons why a childminder could be perfect for your family:
💠Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
💠Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
💠Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
💠Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence

St Andrews: Families First are looking for volunteers, interested in getting involved?

Families First arecurrently looking for volunteers to support parents and carers, or to offer transport to sessions (or even both).

Whether you’re keen to meet new people, use your experience, or try something new, this could be a great fit for you (or someone you know).

Pop along to one of their info sessions on Monday 21st July to find out more, or get in touch - email vc@familiesfirststandrews.org.uk.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE