Trigger Warning: We are exploring the lived experience of children making the transition from military to civilian life, which some may find triggering.
Learn more about how you can adapt your practice to better meet the unique support needs of pupils who might need a little help to adjust to getting used to a new school.
Young people from armed forces and veteran families have told us that they feel educators and professionals don’t always understand the lives they lead and how this can impact on education and learning, mental health and wellbeing and so much more.
At Forces Children Scotland we believe that in understanding the lives of these children and young people better, professionals will be equipped to offer the right support at the right time and will be conscious of experiences or dynamics which may impact on the child.
Whether supporting a child while their parent is deployed, a youth worker creating tailored spaces for children on military bases, or a policy professional seeking to enhance your knowledge about this community of children; we have a full learning offer to suit your needs.
Professional Learning Activity
Explore our Professional Learning Activity at your own pace and in your own time to enhance understanding and practice to support pupils from the armed forces community.
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Co-produced Learning Resources
We have co-produced resources with children and young people from armed forces and veteran families which can be used as a tool to enhance your own practice.
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Face-to-Face Training
We can provide face-to-face training sessions on a range of themes relevant to the lives of children and young people from armed forces and veteran families.
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Online Learning Sessions
We host online learning sessions which offer contextual information, evidence from children and young people, research data and much more to discuss and enhance practice.
Find out moreIt is useful to recognise the mental health symptoms and behaviours of a child or young person who may feel powerless, for example:
Encourage acceptance
Helping and supporting a child or young person accept a situation can help them feel empowered.
This can be done by encouraging children and young people to:
Focus on their strengths
If a child and young person struggles to recognise solutions, you can ask some open-ended questions:
Make sure it is a strength and not a skill. For example, gymnastics (skill) – the strength could be being disciplined.
Be a listening ear if it is needed
It’s always important for people to talk about how they may be feeling.
If you know someone who is struggling with feeling powerless, offer to be a listening ear for them.
Having a safe person to speak to can often reduce the feeling of powerlessness.
Raise awareness
Encourage children and young people to get involved in lunchtime and after-school clubs and activities.
Find out what they’re interested in and what they like to do, which will help you signpost effectively.
Signpost
Signpost children and young people to things like befriending and mental health and wellbeing activities, like our Your Mind Matters Hub.
If mental health and wellbeing support is needed, ensure they are included in discussions.
Inform
Ensure children and young people know where to go if they need to talk to a teacher or support worker.
If required, inform parents and carers of support the school offers.
Be approachable
Let children and young people feel they can approach you at anytime and that you are never too busy to listen.
Keep the lines of communication open at all times.
Be a listening ear when needed
It’s always important for people to talk about how they may be feeling.
Make them feel heard and that their feelings are validated.
Raise concerns
If you are concerned about a child or young person, approach them, if possible, on their own and express any changes you have noticed/concerns in class (such as being quiet – not answering questions).
If you do not know the child, ask open ended questions – For example, How are you settling in? is there anything you could help them with?
If you feel a child is at risk of suicide, please follow your school guidelines.
When welcoming young people to their new civilian life, remind them that how they’re feeling won’t last forever, encourage them to focus on what they can control, provide a listening ear or introduce them to your friends, and that self-care is the cornerstone of everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.
We’re always here if you have any questions too!
If you are concerned about your mental health, or if you have found yourself feeling concerned about someone else, you can also:
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.