Ruby Boots was an idea generated by children and young people from this community. It brings pupils whose parents are preparing to or have recently transitioned from a military to veteran family, with those who have already made this change and understand their experience.
These peer support groups are delivered in school settings, providing a much-needed sense of belonging and community. Sessions are facilitated by Forces Children Scotland’s Ruby Boots Project Coordinator, who also provides training for peer supporters to prepare them for their role.
Ruby Boots also helps to identify further key challenges during this transition and work toward addressing them locally and nationally through our policy work.
We want to build evidence on how this transition affects families. Ruby Boots helps us to explore this area further with children and young people to find solutions at this challenging time.
Make a referral Ruby Boots LeafletRuby Boots is generously funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
First and foremost, children and young people from armed forces communities have told us it’s needed.
“I thought there would be a lot of military kids but I haven’t met one, so I won’t have anyone to share that experience with. I guess no one can connect with me on that level. I wish I had someone who had a very similar experience, like moving and leaving everything behind. I wish I had someone who felt that way so that they could help me through it because it was difficult.”
During the transition to civilian life, children and young people struggle with the feeling of losing connection to the armed forces, and research indicates that many will need specialist support. When this is not readily available, it leads to lasting challenges.
The Ruby Boots Project offers peer-led support, showing children and young people they are not alone and offering numerous other social and emotional benefits during this transition.
To discuss how Ruby Boots can make a difference at your school, get in touch with the project coordinator: rubyboots@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk
Are you a young person experiencing the transition to civilian life and looking for support and connections? We’d love to hear from you!
Contact the Project CoordinatorWe’re also actively seeking volunteers to facilitate Ruby Boots peer support sessions. Learn more about this flexible and rewarding opportunity: