This page highlights the key resources and support we can offer babies, children and young people from Regular, Reservist and Veteran families.
Co-production is essential to what we do, so the projects and strategic work you’ll read about here have been shaped by the views of other children and young people.
Please get in touch if you need support, want to get involved or have ideas for us — we always love to hear from you!
At the bottom of this page, you’ll also find phone numbers for crisis support.
This charter has been co-produced with children and young people, enabling you to reflect on your experiences and speak to your needs using the internationally-recognised framework of children’s rights.
Read the Charter
“I am as healthy as I can be” is one of the ten essential forces children’s rights.
Here is a journal to support your mental and emotional wellbeing throughout the year. In the Your Mind Matters Digital Hub, you’ll find other interactive mental health resources.
Download your wellbeing journal
Will your parent or loved one be deployed soon? This digital rollercoaster takes you through the seven stages of deployment, with resources to support you from before they go to after their return.
Take the journey
Participation Work
We work in schools across Scotland to support and connect with children and young people from forces families. Over the summer, we also offer residential programmes to bring young people from across the country together.
Participation and children’s rights drive our work, so by getting involved you will be shaping our support for babies, children and young people.
Get involved
Peer Support
The Ruby Boots Project was co-designed with children and young people to enhance the wellbeing of those facing the transition to civilian life. These sessions are delivered with the help of volunteer buddies from veteran families.
The Ruby Boots Project is available at schools in Edinburgh and Fife, with school-wide assemblies and summer sessions also taking place.
Get involved
Forces Children Scotland is a small team, and many of us are part of forces families too. You can learn more about us here.
As an organisation, we are defined and motivated by four key values — we are passionate, trusted, collaborative, and honest.
To learn more about how we work:
Although we are not a crisis support organisation, we want you to know where to turn if you are concerned about your mental health, or if you have found yourself feeling concerned about someone else.
Call 111 – NHS 24
Call 116 123 – The Samaritans
Call 0800 83 85 87 – Breathing Space
Text: ‘YM’ to 85258 – Young Minds crisis chat
If you think you are in danger of hurting yourself or other people, you should call 999 or present to your local A&E department.