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“Being a part of Scotty’s is like having a second family.”

2020-08-07

The last few months since the start of the pandemic have been incredibly challenging for the hundreds of bereaved Armed Forces children up and down the UK. For children and young people, particularly those supported by Kings-Lynn-based children’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the added pressures of lockdown have been even more difficult after already losing one parent.

This week we spoke to three members of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the children who have experienced first-hand the importance of the support network provided by the charity, and in more recent times, through its virtual events. The charity’s ability to adapt to such unprecedented times and its ability to provide virtual activities for its beneficiaries has been integral for some much-needed relief and reassurance.

Being at home the last few months and away from school has been a struggle for Austen, Molly and Brooke. “At first I thought lockdown was great because it was quite relaxed at home and I was enjoying the time with my family, but as it went on, I found it hard and felt down because I was bored and really missing my dancing, school and seeing my friends and family. I was scared too. I hated the thought of anyone getting ill and dying, especially because my dad had died, so watching the Coronavirus on the TV started to really get to me”, Brooke explained.

To combat Brooke’s mutual feeling across its members, the charity’s new-found virtual events have become one of its most successful factors and a vital channel to support its members. The feedback from its beneficiaries has been brilliant. It is because of this feedback that Scotty’s is planning a virtual festival in September to encourage the children to forget about the worries and anxiety that the outbreak has brought.

The charity’s virtual events have included a lockdown party with top London events company, Sharky and George, a quiz hosted by much-loved TV presenter, Alison Hammond, TikTok takeovers with Britain’s Got Talent magician, Richard Jones, a virtual choir, and various competitions, just to name a few.

Scotty’s member Molly discussed the events: “There have been lots of virtual events and activities that we have been able to take part in, which is so nice as it is good to know that we are not forgotten about. We took part in the Lockdown Party which was so funny. All the activities and games in the party were really fun, and anyone of any age could get involved. The virtual quiz with Alison Hammond was so funny as well.”

Commenting on how the virtual events have made them feel, Austen said, “Happy. They made me feel like I have another family who understand that it’s not easy without my daddy here.”

Brooke also felt this way: “Brilliant. I get such a buzz after them and mum has to take us out for some fresh air because we are all hyper after them. It’s brilliant to have fun with my family and see my Scotty friends on my screen. Even on the TV, Scotty’s can throw an amazing party.”

Scotty’s plan to host its Virtual Festival in September, around the time the children are expected to return to school. The festival activities have been designed on two different levels both for the children to enjoy, but also crafted to ensure every child will benefit from it. The festival will take place over Zoom, meaning it is easy for members across the UK to join, and ahead of the event Scotty’s plan to send each member a festival pack which will include everything they need to make the festival extra special.

Your Local Paper has joined forces with Scotty’s Little Soldiers to help raise as much money as possible to make the festival an event to remember. Money raised will to go towards filling the festival packs for the members, and the more money raised, the more Scotty’s can put in these packs.

Each member agreed that more virtual events hosted by Scotty’s Little Soldiers would be beneficial to them. “Knowing people care and want to help me means so much and helps me to feel safe and well. They give you something to look forward to. I think doing the festival as I start high school will be perfect timing as I am going to be really nervous then”, Brooke explained. “I love seeing all the other Scotty kids on the screen and feeling part of the family again. The festival will be amazing, I love parties with music and dancing”, added Austen. “It gives you something to look forward too and my younger sisters get so excited which is nice to see too,” said Molly.

But it’s not just the virtual events that are fundamental in delivering continued support and assistance to each child and young person. “Scotty’s always helps me. They always seem to know how to help me when I really need it. I also received calls from Emma from the team, (Emma runs the Strides Programme that supports bereaved Forces children through their education), and she sent me a year 6 transition pack which is really cool. It includes helpful information, advice and activities to help prepare me for high school. I thought this was really kind of Scotty’s because I have been quite sad that I couldn’t finish year 6 in the normal way”, concluded Brooke.

Your Local Paper has kindly started the appeal with a generous donation of £250. If you’d like to make a contribution, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ylpscottysvirtualfestival or text YLPFEST to 70085 to donate £5*.

Cheques are to be made payable to Scotty’s Little Soldiers with the reference ‘YLPFEST’ on the reverse, or you can donate over the phone by calling 0800 092 8571.

* Texts are charged at £5 plus one standard rate message

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