This week (9-15 February) marks Children’s Mental Health Week, a national campaign that amplifies the voices of children and young people, and raises awareness of their emotional wellbeing. This year’s theme, This is My Place, focuses on helping every child feel they belong.
For children from Army families, there can be particular challenges. Frequent moves, long separations from a serving parent and, in some cases, bereavement, can all affect their mental health.
The Army Benevolent Fund is committed to supporting organisations that help children from Army families feel safe, supported and understood. Below are three organisations we have recently funded, whose work is making a meaningful difference to the mental health of Army families.
Army Welfare Service
The Army Welfare Service (AWS) provides specialist and confidential support for serving personnel and their families, with a strong focus on children’s wellbeing. Through youth work, play activities and mental health programmes, the AWS helps children from Army families build resilience, confidence and essential life skills.
Our £200,000 grant to AWS is contributing to the delivery of a high‑quality education and residential activity programme that offers children the chance to learn, grow and connect in a safe environment. These opportunities encourage teamwork, communication and healthy risk‑taking, all of which strengthen mental health and support children in navigating the unique pressures of Army life.
Little Troopers
Little Troopers provides consistent support for children from military families who may struggle with frequent moves, separation and uncertainty. The charity’s child‑focused programmes offer stability, creative expression and a sense of community when life feels unsettled.
Through our recent grant of £14,224, Little Troopers continues to deliver emotional and practical support through initiatives such as the Little Troopers Gazette, All Together online workshops, Christmas Smiles and the national Dandelion Day. These projects help reduce isolation, build resilience and nurture positive emotional wellbeing for children facing change and disruption.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports bereaved children and young people from the Armed Forces families. The charity’s Smiles, Support and Strides programmes work together to help children navigate grief, rebuild confidence and find connection with others who have lived through similar experiences.
Our £50,000 grant is helping Scotty’s provide emotional support sessions, respite activities, educational assistance and opportunities to meet other bereaved military families. This integrated approach helps protect the long‑term mental health of children from Army families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. More than 500 children are expected to benefit from this support, helping them feel understood, supported and connected as they move through grief.
