We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board as we build on our 2020 Strategy.
We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees
Read how we are celebrating
New research commissioned by the Naval Children’s Charity has found a number of issues faced by military children in today’s society.Continue reading
New researched commissioned by the Naval Children’s Charity on the effects of social media on serving families needs volunteers! Find out how you can help.Continue reading
After suffering a serious injury during her time in service, Tracey was forced to leave the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). Along with her son Luke and their furry friend Chewbacca, they embarked on a bike ride to raise money for the Naval Children’s Charity. Continue reading
To celebrate Mother’s Day, we’re releasing Henry and the Time Penguin as an audiobook! This story – read beautifully by star of stage and screen, Imogen Stubbs – has helped many children while mummy has been away on deployment. Continue reading
We’re proud to provide continuing and sustained support to naval families. In this case, we’ve helped an ex-serving family look after two generations of their family, for the past 12 years.
The Websters* first came to us in 2008. Dad was about to be deployed and, with five children, Mum needed some help during the school holidays. Their eldest son, Dan, has learning disabilities, while his younger brother, Sam, has Autism.
We continued to support the family through the hard times and the good. We provided respite activities for the two boys with special needs during the holidays and supported Mum as the marriage broke down.
After Amy, her eldest daughter, began to show a promising academic streak, we helped with an educational grant that part-funded her tuition at a private school.
Despite her difficulties mum has continued to provide amazing care for her children. Her third son has now joined the Army, and she has recently become responsible for her two grandchildren, holding special guardianship for both children.
We recently gave the family one of our Christmas grants, to help with groceries and presents over the festive period. A special delivery was also made for the latest addition to the family, as we were able to supply baby toys and clothes for her youngest grandchild.
Testimonial:
“Thank you so much for all of your help, without your kindness I would have encountered real difficulties.
I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to you for all of your help and support.
You have really made a difference to us.”
* The names included in this article have been changed to protect the subjects’ identities.
At Crofton Hammond Infant School in Fareham, Hampshire, the teachers identified a recurring issue, impacting the children’s wellbeing.
In July 2019, 32% of the school’s pupils were from Armed Forces families, with the majority of those parents serving in the Royal Navy. The staff observed that high numbers of these children were suffering in their parent’s absence, affecting their engagement and learning.
As per The Children’s Commissioner’s 2018 Kin and County report, primary school children can suffer from ‘sadness, worry and general unease’, due to the short- or long-term deployment of a parent.
The teachers decided to implement a ‘deployment package’, that would help children adjust to a period of separation.
Drawing inspiration from our ‘Knit the Family’ initiative, the school decided to create a special set of dolls for each family.
A proficient knitter created bespoke dolls in the likeness of a child and their parent. Following a successful implementation, the scheme was extended to include civilian children whose parents worked away during the week.
Many parents reported that the child and doll were inseparable, and that the children were overjoyed to see their doll doppelgängers out on deployment with mummy or daddy.
Staff observed a positive impact on the pupil’s wellbeing and readiness to learn, while many parents reported a greater sense of community within the school. It has also raised awareness within the children to be sensitive around a peer when their mum or dad is on deployment.
A Year 1 teacher at Crofton Hammond Infant School said:
“One child, who found it particularly tricky that her dad worked away Monday to Friday, just pops her ‘Daddy Doll’ in the front of her jumper when she comes to school and consequently, she can cope a lot better, and her learning has really improved.”
You can read more about the school’s deployment packages by downloading the report. This case study was provided by the Service Children’s Progression Alliance, a charity that strives to improve educational outcomes for children and young people from Armed forces families.
We’re always on the lookout for knitters to volunteer their skills. We’ve found that a version of mummy or daddy, or the protagonists of our short stories, The Time Rabbit and Time Penguin, can help children struggling with separation profoundly. Please visit the fundraisers & supporters page of our website to find out more.
Our popular short story, Zoe and the Time Rabbit, helps children while their daddy is away on deployment. You can now download an audiobook version, read by star of screen and stage, Ivan Kaye. Continue reading
This young family needed our support in keeping their two children with disabilities active. Here’s how we helped.
With more months of isolation ahead, many children will be struggling with their mental wellbeing. We’ve collated tips and resources from our partners, and charitable organisations, to help your family through this tough time. Continue reading
The Naval Children’s Charity (NCC) has provided over 400 families with grants to help them through the Christmas period.
These grants were made available to some of the most in need children known to the charity.
Some 350 families received a sum of £300 to cover the cost of groceries over the festive period, with a further £100 donated to cover the cost of a present for each child.
A further 50 children have received a gift directly from NCC.
2020 has been a rough year for us all, both mentally and financially. Research conducted by the University of Essex estimates that the average family is £515 worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This will cause many families further stress in the buildup to Christmas. We asked some of our beneficiaries in 2020 to describe their feelings and emotional state before and after receiving the grant.
Of the 98 respondents to our survey, the percentage of parents feeling anxious (85%), stressed (84%) or worried (83%) was nearly identical.
However, after receiving help from the charity, the overwhelming majority of respondents said they now felt both supported (88%), and relieved (87%). Over two-thirds (68%) said that the grant would improve their lives, while 76% reported an improvement in their wellbeing.
We asked some of the recipients of the grant to confidentially share their thoughts on the grant process:
“I am so thankful to the Naval Children’s Charity for the financial support they provided me and my children. The process was easy to go through and the team were all amazing. They really care about people and the children and families they help and I’m so overwhelmed they helped me.”
“Your team was compassionate, approachable and took away the stigma from asking for help.”
“The support my children and I have received has been phenomenal, I can’t speak highly enough of those I have had contact with. I’m truly grateful for the support.”
Clare Scherer, CEO of the NCC commented:
“The Naval Children’s Charity gives help throughout the year to families around the UK. This has been a particularly difficult year for our families and we have seen many more than usual who are in crisis and are facing hardship.
“We are delighted that we were able to offer some extra help to some of our children this Christmas. By giving these grants for groceries and Christmas presents for the children we hope that we have managed to spread a little joy.”
