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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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Thursday, December 11, 2025

Nominations Open for the 2026 Celebrating Forces Families Awards.



The Celebrating Forces Families Awards are delighted to announce that nominations for the 2026 ceremony are now officially open!

These national awards honour the exceptional contributions of UK Armed Forces families, recognising the strength, resilience, and dedication of those who support our military personnel behind the scenes. Whether through personal achievement, community impact, or professional excellence, these families play a vital role in the life of the Armed Forces.

Sarah Walker CFF, spokesperson for the awards, said:
"Forces families are the unsung heroes of our military community. These awards are about giving them the recognition they truly deserve and showcasing the incredible ways they contribute to the fabric of Armed Forces life."

Award Categories for 2026 Include:

- Inspirational Adult Family Member of the Year
- Young People’s Award - Overcoming Adversity
- Volunteer of the Year
- Away From Home Award
- Social Media Influencer
- Military Family Charity
- Armed Forces Advocate(s) of the Year
- Small Business Owner
- Public Service Award
- Business Award

Claire Lilly, winner of the 2024 Inspirational Family Member of the Year award, shared:
"Being recognised by the Celebrating Forces Families Awards was deeply humbling. My campaign, The Forcer Protocol, was born from personal tragedy, but this award reminded me that even in grief, we can create something powerful to help others. It gave me hope — and a platform to make real change for vulnerable veterans and their families."

Key Information:
- Nominations are open now
- Deadline for submissions: Monday 15th December
- How to nominate: VISIT

Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges from across the military, charity, and public sectors, and honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony in April 2026. Whether you're part of a Forces family or know someone who deserves to be celebrated, we encourage you to get nominating and help us shine a light on the people who serve in their own unique way.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 offers a unique opportunity for businesses and organisations to show their support for the Armed Forces community. By becoming a sponsor, you can align your brand with a prestigious event that honours the resilience, achievements, and contributions of military families across the UK.

Sponsorship packages are available at various levels, offering benefits such as brand visibility, networking opportunities, and recognition during the awards ceremony. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, your support can make a meaningful impact.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved, please visit our website or contact the awards team directly at: info@celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk