Children & Young People : in Armed Forces families to thrive

Max’s Big Move

When his mum has to leave her job as a soldier, Max has to get used to a world outside their Forces community. How will he adapt?

Max’s Big Move is a story created with children from Armed Forces families, designed to support families and the practitioners who work alongside them as they experience change — including the transition to civilian life.

Co-written with Forces pupils, the story reflects real experiences of leaving the patch, adjusting to change, and navigating feelings of belonging and uncertainty.

Through Max’s journey, young readers can see their feelings represented, begin to make sense of change, and feel reassured that they are not alone.

We’re so excited to share the full book, an animated read-aloud and a range of playful and supportive resources with readers worldwide.

Camouflaged in the education system: The experiences of children and young people from Armed Forces families

This new report shows that children and young people from Armed Forces families are not always receiving the support they need at school, and what needs to change.

The ask is clear: they need understanding, consistency and support that follows them, rather than support that resets every time they move.

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland asked us to gather the views of Forces children for this report. Read the report to see what they have to say:

Forces Children’s Rights Charter

The Forces Children’s Rights Charter, co-produced with children and young people, aims to champion the rights of babies, children and young people from forces families and drive forward positive change.

In the words of Cadence, one of the young people who helped create the charter: “This is more than a document; it’s a representation of our ideas, stories, and vision for the future. It’s a message that forces kids deserve fairness, recognition, and support.”

The Ruby Boots Project

The Ruby Boots Project is a school-based peer group mentorship project for pupils from Armed Forces families in Edinburgh and Fife.

Ruby Boots was an idea generated by children and young people. It brings together pupils whose parents are leaving the military with children from Veteran families, who have already made this change and understand their experiences.

The Deployment Rollercoaster

Join the McLennan family on a journey through the ups and downs of the deployment. There are seven stages, here to help children and young people navigate the deployment journey:

1. Before they go
2. Last few days together
3. My serving parent or loved one is away
4. I am used to them being away
5. I hear that my serving parent or loved one will be returning
6. My serving parent or loved one returns home
7. Things are getting back to normal

Tornado of Change

When parents leave the Armed Forces, it can feel like a tornado for children and young people. There experiences are centred in three short films produced as part of the ‘Tornado of Change’ campaign.

These films explore the emotional impact of that transition, from anxiety about the unknown to feeling isolated in an unfamiliar place, and a sense of powerlessness as their families adjust from military to civilian life.