Armed Forces Support Network ‘HIVE’ event brings community together
Over 90 Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and family members recently attended the first Armed Forces Support Network 'HIVE’ community event at Bream Sports Club, bringing together vital services and support for the community across the Forest of Dean.
Armed Forces Champion for Forest of Dean District Council and a veteran himself of 9 years Royal Air Force service, Cllr Alan Preest said:
“It was incredible to see so many people from the community at our first ‘HIVE’ hub event.
“We know that there are nearly 4000 members of the Armed Forces community living in the Forest of Dean and many of them are unaware of the support available to them. This is where the Armed Forces Support Network can help.
“The Armed Forces Support Network has been set up in partnership with local organisations to ensure that our Armed Forces members and their families across the Forest of Dean can receive the correct assistance, in a timely manner, should they ever need it.
“I am extremely proud of the work done by everyone in putting on this event and would like to say a huge thank you to all of the partners who attended, as well as Bream Coffee Shop and Tesco Cinderford for their support with refreshments.
“We have more events planned in early 2026 and details of these will be published on the Council’s website.”
Attendees at the event were able to share free warm food and hot drinks, as well as access support and guidance from a wide range of organisations committed to the wellbeing of the armed forces community.
Representatives from Help for Heroes, the NHS, local Police, Forest of Dean District Council Health and Wellbeing Team, and many other partners were present, offering advice, emotional support, and signposting to essential resources. The event highlighted the strength of collaboration across agencies, ensuring that those who serve, and their loved ones, are never left without help when they need it most.
The 'HIVE’ also reinforces the importance of long-term support networks. Families and personnel are able to communicate directly with professionals in an informal setting, ask questions, and build relationships that will continue to offer benefit far beyond the day itself.
Future Armed Forces Support Network ‘HIVE’ events will continue to take place at Bream Sports Club, High Street, Bream, GL16 6JF.
Dates and times for future events are listed below:
Wednesday, 07 January 2026 - 12.00 - 15.00
Wednesday, 04 February 2026 - 12.00 -15.00
Wednesday, 04 March 2026 - 12.00 -15.00
Wednesday, 01 April 2026 - 12.00 -15.00
Further information for the Armed Forces Support Network, including links to partners, can be found on the Forest of Dean District Council website: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/communities-health-and-leisure/support-for-communities/forest-of-dean-armed-forces-support-network/