Scotty’s on Tour has brought bereaved military children, young people and their families together in Devon and Scotland, helping them build friendships and connect with others who understand their experiences.
In September, Scotty’s – the military bereavement charity, hosted two regional events at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and Edinburgh Zoo. Professional event planners Sharky & George organised activities to help bereaved military families get to know one another, followed by free time to explore the attractions.
The Devon event welcomed 47 members of the bereaved military community, including 22 children and young people. In Scotland, 37 people attended, including 17 children and young people. While the events focused on children and young people, parents, carers and wider family members, including grandparents, step-parents and half-siblings, were also welcome.
The events were deliberately close-knit and relaxed, offering a welcoming environment for families who may find larger gatherings daunting, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These smaller regional gatherings complement Scotty’s larger events, working together to ensure everyone feels like they belong.
Feedback from people who attended showed just how much these opportunities to come together mean to families. 100% of those who completed a post-event survey said the event had helped them feel a sense of connection, communication and belonging. The events received a 96% satisfaction rating.
The charity was pleased to welcome families attending a Scotty’s event for the first time. Feedback showed that families were glad they had come, and many said they were likely to stay in touch with the people they had met.
One parent said:
“It really helped me to chat to other mums and parents that understand what I’m going through. I’m only a year in and been feeling so lonely and down”
Another shared:
“Attending this event has made me feel connected to people who understand what myself and my kids are going through. The support is truly appreciated.”
Other feedback included:
“Fantastic day to mix with other parents who shared the same experience and emotions. My children bonded with other kids and had fun. We continued the day with another family around the zoo”
Scotty’s on Tour gives families the freedom to take part in a way that feels right for them, whether that means joining in with activities, chatting to other families or enjoying time together exploring the venue.
Scotty’s founder, Nikki Scott, said:
“Bereavement can feel incredibly lonely, and it can be hard to explain what you’re going through to people who haven’t had a similar experience. Bringing families together helps them realise they aren’t alone. Children can meet others who understand, and parents can talk openly and build friendships.
“We run larger events too, but these smaller gatherings are just as important. They offer a more relaxed way for families to meet at their own pace and build connections that can last beyond the day.”
Founded in 2010 as Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity originally supported children and young people bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. It now supports adults too, helping anyone affected by a military-connected bereavement, whatever their relationship to the person who died or the circumstances of their death.
So far in 2026, Scotty’s has supported 851 children and young people and 129 adults. Through events like Scotty’s on Tour, the charity is helping more people across the wider bereaved military community find support, build connections and discover that they don’t have to face bereavement alone.
With thanks to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Veterans’ Foundation, Army Benevolent fund and the Advanta Foundation for making these events possible.
To find out more about Scotty’s or access support, visit www.scottys.org.uk, email welcome@scottys.org.uk or call 0800 092 8571.
