Scotty’s Little Soldiers launched its brand-new Scotty’s On Tour events programme in Bristol this month – bringing together bereaved military families in partnership with the Army Widows’ Association, RAF Widows’ Association, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Widows’ Association, and the War Widows’ Association – and exceeding expectations with strong attendance, heartfelt feedback, and new connections formed.
The event, held at the iconic SS Great Britain, marked the first of the regional gatherings designed to create small, welcoming spaces where bereaved military children and their families can build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. With a goal of welcoming 20 children and young people, the Bristol event exceeded that with 24 attending, alongside their parents, carers and wider family members – totalling 49 attendees including Scotty’s team, representatives from the Widows’ Associations, and entertainers Sharky & George.
The Scotty’s On Tour events are intentionally smaller in scale, designed to be less daunting and more accessible – especially for those who might find larger events overwhelming, such as families with children with SEND. The aim is for bereaved military families to build meaningful connections with others who understand their unique experiences. The Bristol event offered a vibrant mix of activities for younger children, time and space for older members and adults to talk and share, and a quieter sensory area for those who wanted it. Families also enjoyed a free tour of the iconic ship.
Importantly, 60% of families were attending their first-ever Scotty’s event – an encouraging sign that this new, regional approach is helping to break down barriers and make it easier for families to engage.
Scotty’s founder, Nikki Scott, said:
“Seeing new families come along and feel like they belonged was incredible. One parent told me that being small and not too far from home gave them the courage to attend – and that’s exactly why we’ve created these smaller, local events. They’re a chance to meet people who understand and just feel part of something. We’re absolutely thrilled with how the day went in Bristol and can’t wait to bring Scotty’s On Tour to more communities across the UK.”
Feedback gathered after the event highlighted just how impactful the day had been:
- 100% of attendees said they were pleased they attended.
- 100% said the event increased their confidence to attend future Scotty’s events.
- 100% said they met other families.
- 100% reported the event improved their sense of connection, belong and communication.
- 90% said they would stay in touch with families they met.
- 100% rated the event positively, with 80% describing it as “absolutely fantastic”.
One parent reflected:
“After speaking to Nikki (at the event), I 100% felt that me and my girls belonged there. Thank you so much for coming to Bristol. I am so grateful. It gave me the courage to come. I didn’t have to travel too far. We had an amazing time, and we will 100% be coming back to more events. We have made new friends. I have taken so much away from this event.”
Another added:
“Meeting other families and seeing my daughter interact with others and let herself go a little. She even exchanged socials with another member, which is huge for her. Everyone was super friendly and made us feel really welcome. We can’t wait to come to our next event.”
Scotty’s On Tour is part of the charity’s expanded 2025 events programme, shaped by feedback from nearly 200 Scotty Families and input from Scotty’s Council – a panel of bereaved young people supported by Scotty’s who help shape the charity’s future.
Research demonstrates that following a bereavement, children are at risk of isolation and feel that connecting with their peers – and especially those who have also experienced a bereavement – can help. Bringing families together through events can have an immediate positive impact, and the aim is that families also build connections with each other that transcend Scotty’s, having a long-term impact.
When a young person joins Scotty’s, they become a member and are supported until their 25th birthday. Whether it be 1:1 bereavement support, a respite break with the family, an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, or access to extracurricular activities, Scotty’s is always there for its members to ensure they don’t feel alone.
So far this year, Scotty’s has supported over 730 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.
*Scotty’s Little Soldiers has produced estimates drawn from reliable national datasets (including the Census 2021 and MoD data).
For more information, visit www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk
Thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Thrive Together Programme via the Invictus Games Foundation for making this event possible.
