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Scotty’s Little Soldiers - The charity for bereavedmilitary children
Charity
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“Scotty’s Little Soldiers helps me feel connected to a wide community of young people who are in the same situation as I am. There are so many people I can talk to and who can talk to me. It’s this community – a big family, really – that help each other out. We’ve all lost a military parent and we’re all in the same boat”.
This is a quote from 20-year-old Alex Thomas, a member of Scotty’s Little Soldiers – the charity for bereaved military children and young people. Alex’s dad, Major David Thomas, served in the REME and died from cancer when Alex was just four years old.
Alex has been a member of Scotty’s Little Soldiers since he was 13. The charity offers a variety of support to children and young people, aged 0 – 25, who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
“I’ve always known Scotty’s was there to support me, to tell me I’m not alone and that it’s okay to not always be okay about my situation,” says Alex. “I’ve started to understand how I feel about my situation more and see all the different ways Scotty’s can help. I feel like if Scotty’s can help me, then there’s plenty of others out there who will be in the same situation they can help as well.”
What is Scotty’s Little Soldiers?
The charity was set up by Army widow Nikki Scott in 2010, following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan. After seeing the devastating impact Lee’s death had on their two young children, she 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 Armed Forces of the Crown.
Scotty’s want every bereaved military child and young person to have: • Access to the very best emotional health and wellbeing support. • Outstanding development opportunities. • The chance to smile again.
Who Does Scotty’s Support?
Scotty’s supports children and young people (0-25 years) bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, including Veterans, regardless of the cause of death. Assistance covers tri-service and is available to both Regular and Reserve Forces.
What Support Does
Scotty’s Provide?
Scotty’s services are delivered through four Family Programmes:
A young Alex with his dad Major David Thomas, REME
Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan, 2009
The SMILES Programme is all about fun and engagement and includes activities, gifts and group events, which have the purpose of making bereaved military children and young people smile again and reminds them they aren’t alone and are part of a supportive community.
The SUPPORT Programme looks after emotional health and wellbeing and includes information and guidance on childhood bereavement for parents and carers, and 1:1 bereavement support for children and young people.
The STRIDES Programme focuses on the education and development needs of bereaved forces children and young people. This includes promoting a positive attitude to learning and providing opportunities to develop life skills. It also includes a range of small educational grants.
The SPRINGBOARD Programme provides support to young adults ages 18-25 and assists with opportunities to develop their education and learning, build a career and enhance life skills.
How You Can Help
Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need. Scotty’s has launched a campaign called Help Find Their Children, which is fronted by General Lord Dannatt. You can help reach these children. To find out how, go to
www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/veterans #HelpFindTheirChildren Find out More
To find out more about Scotty’s Little Soldiers, go to
www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk And Finally...
Don’t forget to look out for Scotty’s Little Soldiers at the National Remembrance Parade. Over 50 bereaved military children and young people will be marching in honour of their parent. The group will be recognisable in their yellow and black scarves.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers member, Alex Thomas
Scotty’s Little Soldiers at Remembrance Sunday
