Outside the Wire
Outside the Wire, launched in January 2025 and is funded by the Thrive Together programme, this project supports spouses and family members of serving and ex‑military personnel.
Working with Colburn Hub and Café and Colburn Community Support, we provide peer connection, wellbeing support, and employability help across Northallerton, Colburn and the surrounding areas, which includes RAF Leeming and Catterick Garrison.
Peer Support
Military life can be demanding, unpredictable, and isolating. Our peer support groups provide a friendly, safe, understanding space where spouses and family members can:
- Connect with others who share similar experiences
- Talk openly about the challenges of military life and transition in civilian life
- Build supportive friendships and community
- Access guidance, resources, and wellbeing support, to help reduce isolation.
Our Current peer support groups are held at:
- RAF Leeming Community Centre – Tuesdays, 9:30–11:30am
- Colburn Village Hall – Fridays, 9:30–11:00am (run by Colburn Hub & Café)
HCA also provides an evening social group for over 18’s:
- At The Bowl, RAF Leeming – 2nd & 4th Thursday evenings of the month, 7:00–8:30pm
Employability Support
Military life can disrupt careers and affect confidence. As part of this project, we also offer employability support, which is designed with flexibility and understanding, offering:
- CV writing and career pathway support
- Help with application forms and job searches
- Interview skills and confidence‑building sessions
- Guidance on training, volunteering, or returning to work
Delivered through HCA’s Stepping Stones project (Northallerton area) and Colburn Community Support (Colburn area).
Together, we are building a supportive network that empowers the families who stand—and have stood—behind our forces every day.
Outpost Leeming
Outpost Leeming, launched in January 2026, funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and supports anyone who has a serving loved one posted to or living on or around RAF Leeming. An HCA staff member is based in the Community Centre at RAF Leeming Tuesday–Thursday, 9:30am–2:30pm each week.
Volunteering Opportunities
We offer a range of flexible volunteering roles on and around RAF Leeming to help spouses and families:
- Build confidence and new skills
- Connect with others
- Contribute to meaningful community projects
- Improve wellbeing and purpose
Whether you can give one hour a week or more, you’ll be supported and welcomed.
Car Scheme
We are creating a station‑specific version of our car scheme to help families access:
- Essential appointments
- Local services
- Food shops
- Wellbeing and community activities
Monthly Support Group
On the last Wednesday of each month, 3:30–5:30pm in the Community Centre, we run a relaxed social group for anyone with a loved one away, no matter which service they are from and regardless of how long they are away for, whether it is 1 day, 1 week, or longer.
The group offers:
- Social connection
- Peer support
- A friendly place to chat
- Light refreshments
Outpost Leeming aims to reduce isolation, build community, and ensure spouses and families feel supported, valued, and connected.