The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Scotty’s Little Soldiers are joining forces to provide care, comfort and community to children and young people in the US and UK who have experienced the death of a military parent.
This partnership will focus on sharing best practices and building connections between bereaved military children and young, no matter what the cause of death. The two organisations, connected for over a decade, have formalized their relationship with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Stuart Robinson, CEO of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, and Diana Roday Hosford, Vice President of TAPS, last week in London.
About TAPS
Founded in 1994, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) has provided frontline care for the families of those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Since 1994, TAPS has assisted over 120,000 surviving family members. TAPS works to provide compassionate care and comprehensive resources 24/7 through a national peer-support network and connection to critical grief resources, all at no cost to the surviving families and loved ones, recognizing the strength gained when grief is focused on giving meaning and purpose to their fallen hero’s life and service.
About Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting military children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Scotty’s currently supports over 670 members and services offered include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
Shared Commitment, Strengthened Support
Stuart Robinson, CEO of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, said:
“We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with TAPS, who celebrates 30 years of supporting military and veteran survivors this year. Their vast knowledge and experience will be invaluable to us. Our Armed Forces have always shared a special bond, so it makes absolute sense that we follow in their footsteps and work closely together where we can.”
“Both TAPS and Scotty’s Little Soldiers share the mission of supporting the families of the fallen,” said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS. “There is great value in bringing our communities together and sharing best practices, and our strengthening partnership will benefit survivors in the US and UK for generations to come.”
Diana Roday Hosford, Vice President of TAPS, said
“This collaborative effort signifies a powerful step forward in supporting bereaved military children and young people across the Atlantic. Together, TAPS and Scotty’s Little Soldiers will ensure these young people have the resources and connections they need to navigate their grief journey and build a brighter future.”
