Forces Children Scotland

Forces Children Scotland Supporting children and young people from armed forces and veteran families. Better still, we can continue to support you if you move from Scotland!

As Scotland's oldest military charity, we have over two hundred years experience in supporting children and young people. Our charity was founded just four days before the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, which provided accommodation, education and trade skills to children and young people whose parents were killed or experienced life-changing wounds during the Napoleonic Wars. Today, we help children

and young people from serving, reservist and veteran families across Scotland grow in confidence, develop new skills, and gain valuable experiences by co-producing impactful projects and services which focus on topics including mental health and wellbeing, education and learning, and putting their unique experiences on the radar of civilian audiences. We provide life-changing experiences to forge new friendships, through a sense of belonging, shared experience, and solidarity. We will work directly with children and young people to amplify their unique experiences to help civilian friends as well as those who support them or make important decisions about their future better understand what they’re going through and bring about big changes. We listen and provide financial help in lots of different ways for children, young people and their families. We can support children and young people care for loved ones or a member of the local community or help them gain a qualification at college or university. We can also help by providing families with that little bit extra financial support to cover essential living costs and so much more. You can get involved with Forces Children Scotland if you have Scottish parents who are a regular, reservist or veteran of the British Armed Forces - whether that’s the Army, Navy You can also get involved if your parents aren’t Scottish - We can support children and young people from families currently based in Scotland.

02/06/2026

"I thought I knew everything about moving house and school and losing friends because I had done it so many times before. This was different."

When a Forces parent transitions to Veteran status, the whole family feels it. Forces children's lives and identities can change overnight, and the support that is available to serving families doesn't always follow them to civvy street.

Children and young people from Armed Forces families deserve to be prepared for this transition, with the information, community, and continuity they need.

In April, we introduced you to Sergeant Scott Urban, who reflected on how growing up as a Forces child and now being a p...
28/05/2026

In April, we introduced you to Sergeant Scott Urban, who reflected on how growing up as a Forces child and now being a parent himself inspired him to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon for Forces Children Scotland.

We'd like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Scott, who completed the Half Marathon on Sunday and successfully raised almost £1,000 for the babies, children and young people we support!

28/05/2026

Check out this amazing new, free, co-created e-storybook and accompanying resources from the clever team at Forces Children Scotland. We are so impressed with your work! A huge congratulations on covering such an important topic - transitioning from service to civilian family life. You can download the book here and explore their other resources here: https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/projects/maxs-big-move/

27/05/2026

The launch of Max's Big Move has us thinking... what does it mean to work with young people to tell their stories?

Ethel, our Communications and Marketing Officer, reflects on what is gained by sharing power and co-producing projects with children and young people, including a recent collaboration with a young artist who illustrated the many paths to Civvy Street. 🦕

https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/news/how-we-work-with-young-people-to-tell-stories-that-ring-true-for-armed-forces-families/

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the webinar launch of Max's Big Move yesterday. We're so happy to be getting Max's ...
27/05/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the webinar launch of Max's Big Move yesterday. We're so happy to be getting Max's story out into the world! 🎉

In case you missed it, or are looking for ways to keep the story going, you can find the book, video, and other free resources on our website: guided reading activities, colouring sheets, puzzles and more, all designed to help young children explore feelings of change and belonging at their own pace.

26/05/2026

Max's Big Move is officially here, and we couldn't be more excited! 🎉

Judith, our Learning and Development Worker and Forces mum herself, has brought the story to life in this animated read-aloud.

Follow Max as his family leaves the Armed Forces, and he starts a brand new chapter: new house, new school, new beginnings. This story written with Forces children, for Forces children, with beautiful illustrations by Catherine Lindow.

We can't wait for The Big Day Out! Come along to celebrate ahead of Armed Forces Day with a range of family-friendly act...
26/05/2026

We can't wait for The Big Day Out!

Come along to celebrate ahead of Armed Forces Day with a range of family-friendly activities, including the annual BRAVEHOUND Dog Show.

🗓️ Saturday 20 June, 12-4pm
📍Craiglockhart Campus, Edinburgh Napier University

We'll be there with an Information Stall, alongside other local organisations working with Armed Forces families, so do say hello. 👋

There are just a few days left to apply for these two vacancies on our team!Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser: A home-ba...
22/05/2026

There are just a few days left to apply for these two vacancies on our team!

Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser: A home-based, full-time role implementing our forthcoming fundraising strategy and increasing our capacity to deliver support for Forces children.

Participation and Rights Worker (East) [Maternity Cover]: A part-time role where you will help co-produce projects and ensure Forces children across Edinburgh City and Penicuik feel seen and supported.

There's only one week left until the launch of Max’s Big Move! 📚Written with children and young people from Armed Forces...
19/05/2026

There's only one week left until the launch of Max’s Big Move! 📚

Written with children and young people from Armed Forces families, Max’s Big Move tells the story of a young boy whose Mum leaves the Armed Forces, and what happens when his family leaves the patch behind.

Beautifully illustrated by Catherine Lindow, this new resource has been shaped by the voices of Forces children and young people.

Alongside the book launch, this webinar will explore real-life experiences of Armed Forces families and how professionals can support them.

Address

C/O The Melting Pot
Edinburgh
EH88DL

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