Scotty’s Little Soldiers has received a generous grant of £96,745 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) to launch a pioneering pre-bereavement support programme for children and young people from military families.
This initiative, part of the AFCFT Family Focus Programme, will enable Scotty’s to extend its support to military children before the death of a parent who has a terminal diagnosis, offering seamless support from diagnosis through bereavement and until their 25th birthday.
This funding marks a transformational step in the charity’s evolution. Until now, Scotty’s has supported bereaved British Forces children and young people after the death of a parent. This new programme – now a permanent part of the charity’s offer – recognises the critical importance of early intervention. By supporting children from the point of diagnosis, Scotty’s can help families build resilience, strengthen communication, and prepare for the challenging road ahead.
This is not a replacement for NHS or hospice care. Instead, it provides a wraparound service, offering continuity and stability in a unique military space. Whether working alongside local palliative teams or as a standalone service for families who prefer support from a dedicated Armed Forces charity, Scotty’s will adapt to meet the needs of each family.
Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, said:
“We’re so thankful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for making our new pre-bereavement support possible. We’ve heard from families who were facing the toughest days of their lives, and it’s been heartbreaking not to be able to step in until it was too late. Once we launch this support later this year, that will change. We’ll be able to walk alongside families from the moment they hear that devastating diagnosis and give them the support, comfort, and understanding they so desperately need. This will make such a difference – and I’m so proud that Scotty’s will soon be able to offer this kind of care.”
AFCFT CEO, Anna Wright, said:
“We recognise that a terminal diagnosis for a member of the armed forces changes family life forever. And that’s where this funding comes in, supporting family members as needed as they prepare for bereavement and navigate what comes next. We very much hope this support will make a difference.”
Scotty’s is uniquely positioned to deliver this support. The charity’s existing programmes are designed to be there for families over many years, providing consistent help as children grow. In 2024, 29% of young people who joined Scotty’s had already experienced the death of a parent due to a terminal illness. By offering early access to support, the charity can ease the transition through bereavement and beyond, minimising long-term emotional, social, and educational impacts.
The team at Scotty’s includes a counsellor with more than 10 years of hospice and pre-bereavement experience, as well as staff trained to Level 6 in Childhood Bereavement. A bereavement counsellor will also be recruited in preparation for the launch of pre-bereavement support later this year.
For families navigating a parent’s terminal diagnosis, Scotty’s new support pathway will be life-changing – offering not only understanding and connection, but a sense of security and continuity that no other organisation currently provides for military families in the UK.
For more information, visit www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk
