BAE Systems – a leading defence and technology company – has committed £100,000 over the next two years to help Scotty’s Little Soldiers continue its vital work supporting bereaved military families.#
The partnership reflects Scotty’s increasing focus on building strong, long-term corporate relationships to help create a financially sustainable future for the charity. This stability, alongside other funding sources such as grants, is vital to ensure Scotty’s can continue providing life-changing support for bereaved military children and young people for many years to come – and, with sufficient funding, explore opportunities to extend its services to the wider military community in the future.
Founded in 2010 by Army widow Nikki Scott, Scotty’s supports children and young people from birth to age 25 who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces – whether serving or a veteran at the time of their death and regardless of the cause. This includes pre-bereavement support from the point a parent receives a terminal diagnosis.
Nikki Scott, Founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, said:
“Thank you so much to BAE Systems for their commitment. Support like this is so important in helping us build a sustainable charity that will be here to support bereaved military children and young people not just now, but for many years to come. This commitment means we can plan ahead with confidence, reach more families, and explore ways we might support the wider military community in the future. It’s thanks to the backing of organisations like BAE Systems that we can continue making a lasting difference.”
Gabby Costigan, Group Business Development Director, BAE Systems, said:
“Behind every person in uniform is a family – and when the worst happens, it’s the children who carry that loss in ways we often don’t see. Scotty’s Little Soldiers offers specialist support that helps those children find hope again. As a veteran, and as someone who’s seen the cost of service, I’m proud we’re standing beside this charity. Supporting the whole military family is not just the right thing to do – it’s part of our enduring commitment.”
Scotty’s delivers its support through three key programmes: the SMILES Programme (fun activities, gifts, breaks and events to build friendships and connection), the SUPPORT Programme (emotional health, counselling and advocacy), and the STRIDES Programme (education, grants and training for teachers).
So far this year, Scotty’s has supported over 760 bereaved military children and young people. Scotty’s 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, as well as hopes to support the wider military community, should funding allow.
Find out more about Scotty’s at www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk.
