Children’s Mental Health Week is an important opportunity to highlight the support available to young people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) alongside Greenwich Hospital (GH) are proud to fund Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ bereavement support programme, helping children and young people from military families navigate grief, loss and the complex emotions that can follow the death of a parent who served.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers provides specialist, child-centred support to bereaved military children across the UK. Through tailored emotional and practical support, their programme helps children feel understood, connected and supported - often at times when grief resurfaces or intensifies.
How funded support can make a difference
One composite case supported through Scotty’s programme highlights the importance of this work.
Alex*, aged 12, had experienced multiple major transitions in his life in a short space of time - moving to secondary school, relocating away from familiar surroundings, and coping with the loss of their mum, a serving member of the Armed Forces, who had died by suicide. As grief resurfaced, Alex struggled with feelings of guilt, confusion and isolation, alongside declining confidence at school.
Through bereavement support funded by RNRMC, Scotty’s worked with Alex and their family to provide age-appropriate, compassionate conversations about grief and loss. This support helped Alex understand that they were not responsible for their parent’s death, develop language to express their emotions, and rebuild confidence both at home and at school.
Alongside family-based support, Scotty’s also worked with Alex’s school to ensure understanding and flexibility during particularly difficult periods. Over time, Alex was able to reconnect with peers, re-engage with learning, and hold pride in their parent’s service while processing their loss in a healthier way.
Importantly, Alex and their family remain connected to the military community through Scotty’s - including taking part in remembrance activities that honour their mum’s life and service.
We’re so grateful to Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity for their continued support. Their previous grant made such a difference to our SMILES Programme, helping bereaved military children feel less alone and part of a supportive community. Their most recent grant is enabling us to provide vital emotional wellbeing support through our SUPPORT Programme, ensuring children and young people have the guidance they need to navigate life after the death of their Navy or Marine parent. Knowing RNRMC is with us on this journey means so much, and together we’re making a real difference to bereaved military families.
Nikki Scott, Founder - Scotty's Little Soldiers
Why this matters
Alex’s story illustrates how children’s mental health needs can evolve over time, particularly during key developmental stages. Grief does not follow a fixed timeline, and without the right support, children from bereaved military families can feel isolated in their experiences.
By funding Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ support programme, RNRMC and GH help to ensure bereaved children from Royal Navy and Royal Marines families have access to specialist, long-term emotional support - not just immediately after a loss, but in the years that follow.
During Children’s Mental Health Week, we recognise the resilience of these young people and reaffirm our commitment to funding services that place children’s wellbeing, understanding and connection at their heart.
* This is made up of elements from several of Scotty’s cases to be anonymous and safeguard our members.
Where to seek help
If you need support from Scotty’s please see their website here: Charity for Bereaved Military Children | Scotty's Little Soldiers
*Images provided by Scotty's Little Soldiers
