Service Children's Champion

29/08/2026

When we talk about belonging, what do we actually mean?

For a Service child, belonging might look like:

🏫 Being welcomed into a new school.

😊 Having a friend who says "come and sit with us".

🎵 Joining a club, team or choir and feeling part of something bigger.

👂 Having their experiences understood by the adults around them.

🌟 Having opportunities to share their voice, talents and ideas.

Belonging doesn't happen by accident. It grows through small acts of kindness, understanding and connection.

Together, we can create communities where every Service child feels safe, valued and included.

What helped you feel like you belonged when you were new somewhere?

27/08/2026

Every Service Child Deserves to Belong 💜

Behind every uniform is a family. Behind every family is a child with their own story.

Service children experience unique opportunities and challenges, from moving home and changing schools to time spent apart from loved ones during deployments and training.

Yet through it all, they show incredible resilience, adaptability and strength.

Every Service child deserves to feel seen, heard, valued and connected to the communities around them.

As Service Children's Champion, I'm committed to helping create opportunities where Service children can build friendships, find their voice and know that they belong.

27/08/2026

💙 When the News Feels Worrying: A Guide for Parents

Many of our Service families have strong connections to Nepal through the Gurkha community. Following the devastating flooding and loss of life reported in Nepal this week, our thoughts are with everyone who may be affected, including those worried about family, friends and loved ones overseas.

When children see upsetting news or sense the worries of the adults around them, they often need reassurance, space to talk and reminders that they are safe.

If your family has been affected by the events in Nepal, please know that your Service community is thinking of you. ❤️

26/08/2026

Did you know North Yorkshire has a dedicated Service Children's Champion?

That's me! 👋

My role is to support Service children and young people across the county, helping to ensure their voices are heard and their experiences understood.

Whether it's working with schools, supporting community projects, celebrating achievements, or creating opportunities for children and families to connect, everything I do is focused on helping Service children feel a sense of belonging.

I'm excited to share more about the people, projects and partnerships making a difference across North Yorkshire.

Follow along! 💜

12/08/2026

Getting outside for a simple walk does wonders for young minds and bodies! 🥾🍃
​A short daily walk with your children can help:
✨ Boost mental wellbeing
🧠 Improve concentration & learning
❤️ Keep hearts and lungs healthy
🦴 Build strong bones and muscles
🤝 Encourage social connection
​Whether it’s a quick stroll around the block or exploring a scenic trail, taking steps together builds healthier habits and lasting family memories.
​👉 Why not go for a walk today? Where is your family’s favorite local spot to explore? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

27/07/2026

Defence Children Services - DCS - British Forces Services: Supporting Armed Forces children’s transitions between education systems - Educators’ toolkit
This transition resource was developed collaboratively by education practitioners and education policy professionals from across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. This involved officials from Government Departments, local authority officers, schools and Service charities from across the UK. It is designed to complement and strengthen existing practice, helping educators support effective transitions in educational settings.

Service parents with children who are moving schools across devolved nations may wish to highlight this guidance to the education professionals that they are liaising with.

To read the guidance in full online, please go to: https://dcs.school/transition/

There is also an option to download the whole booklet at this link:https://dcs.school/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026051504_BetweenEducationsystems_Transitionstoolkit_FINAL.pdf

02/07/2026

Don't delay, apply today!

⏰ There's just under a week left to apply to the Next Steps Youth Advisory Board!

Young people aged 12–19 with a parent or carer who has left, or is leaving, the Armed Forces are invited to lead UK-wide research into this experience.

Learn more and apply (or share this opportunity with a young person in your life): https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/projects/next-steps-youth-advisory-board/

02/07/2026

Do you havea young person who would like to be part of this project? It is a great opportunity for them to have their voices heard.

Life changes a lot when a parent or carer leaves the Armed Forces. We’re looking for children and young people who have experienced this change to help lead research about it. This tri-service, nationwide study will build a picture of what Armed Forces children actually go through during the trans...

20/05/2026

As many of our military families are based in Catterick and Colburn, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and share your experiences.
Your voice matters — real change happens when people step forward and take part.
Be part of the change 💜

20/05/2026

🎬 Exciting opportunity for young people from military families!
This fully funded film project at York St John University (June 2026) is your chance to:
✅ Share your experiences
✅ Learn about filmmaking
✅ Work with professionals
✅ Meet others from military families
Take part in creating a short film and celebrate your work at a special screening!
📍 Travel and catering included
📩 For more information: [email protected]
👉 Apply by scanning the QR code on the flyer