Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

London, 24 April 2026 – The fifth annual Celebrating Forces Families Awards took place on Friday evening at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, recognising the extraordinary contribution of Armed Forces families across the UK and overseas.

Bringing together families, organisations and advocates from across the military community, the awards shine a light on the resilience, dedication and often unseen impact of those who support Service life every day.

This year’s winners included:

• Young People’s Award: Jack and Luke Woodhouse
• Social Enterprise Award: NeuroDiverse Community CIC
• Business Award: QinetiQ
• Small Business Owner Award: Dionne Ross
• Family Volunteer Award: Lesley Collier
• Social Media Influencer Award: Padwives Unfiltered
• Public Service Award: Lisa Brown
• Armed Forces Advocate Award: Angela Lewis
• Inspirational Adult Family Member: Shelley Ellis
• Overcoming Adversity Award: Jo Gordon
• Away From Home Award: Katherine Sones

BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday!

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....

FREE Museums Sunday! Over 160 museums are available to visit at no charge whatsoever, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore everything from history and art to the weird and wonderful that makes Belgium a great place to live! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime and make the most of this brilliant cultural initiative.

Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.

Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.

Happy Exploring!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Floraliën Gent, Friday 1st to Sunday 10 May 2026

Once every four years, a gorgeous international plant and flower festival arrives in Gent for 10 days and 2026 is the year for this.

Between the 1st and tenth of May, come along and enjoy this unique floral and green oasis set on the Gent's arts district.

WHEN: Friday 1st to Sunday 10th May 2026
WHERE: The city of Gent
MORE INFORMATION & TICKETS: HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Waterloo Ball, Saturday 13 June 2026, 19:00 until late

The British Army at SHAPE is proud to present the first ever Waterloo Ball on Saturday 13 June. This event is for the whole UK community, their partners and guests, including international colleagues to celebrate the Alliance success at Waterloo.

The evening will begin outside with reception drinks and a re-enactment display from 2nd  Battalion 95th Rifles, followed by dinner accompanied by the SHAPE International Band. The evening will finish with a disco indoors and a reenactors display outside.

Please use the QR code for sign-up; tickets are going fast and the event is limited to 200 spaces!

The evening is set as a slightly less formal occasion than the traditional military dinner nights, with the emphasis being on the celebration of the history and ensuring the enjoyment of those attending.

Table plan: Available from the 13th May onwards in the Brit Bar.
Payment: Required by 13th May (account details available on the sign-up form).

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Help for Heroes: Seeking Help and Recovery College Courses.

Help for Heroes have a new leaflet to explain how they can support, and how to access this. To view the leaflet please click HERE

There is also a range of courses available through the Help for Heroes Recovery College. Information and the prospectus can be found on the Help for Heroes website: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/recovery-college/self-help-guides/

For further details on Help for Heroes services and how to get in touch, please go to: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

Op ASCEND – Careers After Service

Op ASCEND is a free, government-backed service to support veterans in growing their careers.

Whether you’re a veteran seeking employment or an employer looking to attract skilled veterans to your workforce, find out what signing up to the Op ASCEND service can do for you.

For more information visit: https://careersafterservice.campaign.gov.uk

Universal Credit for Armed Forces personnel posted overseas.

Serving Personnel and families are entitled to claim Universal Credit, regardless of their location. This means families stationed overseas can submit claims in the same way as those in the UK.

Please click here to find out more

Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - You are not alone.

Click image to enlarge.

Anyone (Service or Civil Servant) who has been the victim or witness of serious crime at any point of their Service in the MOD can call the Service Police Crime Bureau on 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180, or the Service Police confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, available 24/7. You will be listened to, there is support available for victims and all allegations are taken seriously.

England: Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

There are 48 SARCs across England, which provide help 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs.

MOD bullying, harassment and discrimination helpline.

You can also access support by visiting the Workplace Well being Platform at MOD | (workplacewellbeing.com)