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<\/p>\nA deliberately small event hosted in Portsmouth by Scotty\u2019s has helped bereaved military children and their families build confidence, make connections and feel a renewed sense of belonging.<\/p>\n
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Held at The Village Hotel on Saturday 28 June, the event was part of Scotty\u2019s On Tour \u2013 an addition to the charity\u2019s events programme for 2025. Designed to reduce isolation and increase accessibility, the tour brings Scotty\u2019s to different regions of the UK, creating welcoming environments for bereaved British Armed Forces families to come together.<\/p>\n
17 children and young people attended the event, with a total of 30 guests including their wider families of parents, stepparents, half-siblings and grandparents \u2013 reflecting Scotty\u2019s inclusive approach to supporting the whole family. A representative from Army Widows\u2019 Foundation also attended.<\/p>\n
Its low-key format was especially designed to support those who may find larger events daunting \u2013 including families with SEND needs \u2013 and to help build confidence in attending future gatherings.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and fun thanks to games from entertainers Sharky & George, with a sensory room available for quieter moments.<\/p>\n
One Scotty Parent said:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cEveryone was so friendly, adults and children, and I most enjoyed my usually shy little man dancing and having fun from start to finish.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Another reflected:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI always enjoy having a place to go where everyone knows why we are there \u2013 it\u2019s not taboo, and fun for the children whilst still acknowledging their loss.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Following the event, 100% of families who responded to a questionnaire said they were pleased they attended and that they met and spoke with other bereaved military families. 86% said they hoped to stay in touch with families they\u2019d met \u2013 demonstrating the power of peer connection and lasting impact of events.<\/p>\n
Although most families had been to previous Scotty\u2019s events, 14% of those who filled in feedback were attending for the first time \u2013 a key goal of the Scotty\u2019s On Tour series, which aims to make events feel accessible to those who might not otherwise take that first step.<\/p>\n
Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty\u2019s Little Soldiers, said:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAt Scotty\u2019s, we host big events, but the idea of Scotty\u2019s On Tour is to give bereaved military families the opportunity to attend small events with people who live in their region. It\u2019s less daunting, not as far to travel and friendships are easier to continue after the event \u2013 they\u2019re about confidence, comfort, and connection. Everyone\u2019s welcome!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Nikki added:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOne of my favourite moments was watching our older members encouraging our younger ones \u2013 I\u2019ll never get tired of those special moments of connection between our members.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
All surveyed families said the event improved their confidence to attend future Scotty\u2019s events, with 86% reporting a particularly strong sense of belonging.<\/p>\n
Following successful stops in Bristol and Portsmouth, Scotty\u2019s On Tour will head to Newcastle later this month, where the charity hopes to welcome bereaved military families in the region.<\/p>\n
So far this year, Scotty\u2019s has supported over 760 bereaved military children and young people. Scotty\u2019s estimates that each year 2,100 children are newly bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. The charity wants to support these children and has a long-term goal of supporting over 1,000 young people annually by 2030.<\/p>\n
Thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Invictus Games Foundation, Thrive Together and Veterans Support for supporting Scotty\u2019s SMILES Programme, which includes events like this.<\/p>\n