As part of our drive to support local charities, this week we are highlighting the incredible support provided by Norfolk-based Scotty's Little Soldiers to young people across the country who have experienced the death of a parent who served with the British Armed Forces.
How Scotty’s Little Soldiers support bereaved military children over Remembrance
“When people think of Remembrance, I think they forget about all the people who are fighting and dying right now. People like my dad. Everyone thinks about big World Wars because that’s what we learnt about in school, but there are people still out there risking their lives today.” - Scotty member
Remembrance is a time of mixed emotions for members of Scotty’s Little Soldiers. On the one hand, it makes them so proud to see hundreds of people join together to remember their parent and honour the sacrifice they made. On the other, it can bring back lots of painful memories surrounding their bereavement.
When we think about Remembrance, we often associate it with the older generations who fought in World War I and World War II, but Scotty's talks to families and children impacted by conflict every single day.
“For me, it can be happy but it can also be sad,” said one Scotty member. “I wake up on Remembrance knowing I'm going to spend the day thinking about my dad, but everyone talking about him gives me a better understanding of the kind of person he was and the stuff he was interested in.”
What is Scotty’s Little Soldiers?
Scotty’s Little Soldiers was set up by Army widow Nikki Scott in 2010, following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan. Lee was born in Ely and grew up in King’s Lynn, where the charity is based. After seeing the devastating impact his death had on their two young children, Nikki wanted to support other young people in the same situation.
The charity’s mission is to provide relief from the effects of bereavement to children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served with the British Armed Forces.
Scotty’s want every bereaved military child and young person to have:
Access to the very best emotional health and well-being support.
Outstanding development opportunities.
The chance to smile again.
Attending the London Remembrance Parade
This year, Scotty’s is once again attending the National Service of Remembrance in London with a large group of their members so that the children and young people they support have the chance to honour their parents together, as a community. They do this to show them they’re not alone, that there are other young people who understand what they’ve been through, and that their loved one has not been forgotten.
“Walking in the parade felt really good because it showed me there’s loads of people in the world who have been affected by war apart from me,” said one Scotty member who attended the National Service of Remembrance. “It’s nice to be part of such a big event because it helps everyone remember all of the soldiers – not just my dad – who have put their lives on the line.”
Another said: “You’re finally around people who get it. You know what they’re thinking about and they know what you're thinking about. It’s the best bit about that day for me, because you see everyone cares and understands. It makes me so happy.”
Scotty’s Remembrance Support
In addition to attending the National Service of Remembrance, Scotty’s members will also be going to BBC One’s Festival of Remembrance. All Scotty’s members have been sent Remembrance packs which include suggestions on how to remember their loved one, guidance on looking after themselves, a special Remembrance colouring-in sheet, and a voucher to spend on a meal so they can take some time out. The pack also includes information that can be given to their schools to help with challenges that may be faced during the Remembrance period.
Who Does Scotty’s Support?
Scotty’s supports children and young people (aged 0-25) bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces (Army, Navy, RAF and Reserves) regardless of their cause of death.
What Support Does Scotty’s Provide?
Scotty’s services are delivered through four Family Programmes:
The SMILES Programme is all about fun and engagement and includes activities, gifts, respite breaks and group events to help bereaved military children and young people smile again and remind them they are not alone.
The SUPPORT Programme looks after emotional health and wellbeing and includes 1:1 support for bereaved children and young people, as well as guidance and advice on childhood bereavement for parents and carers.
The STRIDES Programme focuses on education and development and promotes a positive attitude to learning, as well as providing opportunities to develop key life skills. It also includes a range of small educational grants.
The SPRINGBOARD Programme provides support to young adults ages 18-25 and assists them with developing their education and learning, building a career and enhancing life skills.
How You Can Help
Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need. Scotty’s has launched a campaign fronted by Norfolk-based General Lord Dannatt, former head of the British Army, to help find them.
You can help too – it's really simple. To find out how, please go to: www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/veterans
And Finally...
Don’t forget to look out for Scotty’s Little Soldiers at the National Remembrance Parade this weekend! 55 bereaved military children will be marching with the charity in honour of their parent. You’ll be able to spot them by their distinctive black and yellow scarves.
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