zhuddart@gmail.com – Naval Childrens Charity

Giving Naval Children their Voice

We live in a world where the best jobs and best opportunities go to the people who are most articulate, the people who are best at putting their point across. So, learning to debate can be incredibly valuable for young people, for several reasons:

It develops critical thinking skills:Debating requires students to think critically about complex issues, analyse
arguments, and evaluate evidence. These skills are essential for success in academic and professional settings.
It enhances communication skills: Debating provides an opportunity for young people to improve their public speaking skills and learn how to communicate their ideas effectively. This can be particularly beneficial for
those who may not have had many opportunities to practice speaking in front of others.
Boosts confidence: Participating in debates can help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds build confidence in their abilities, which can carry over to other areas of their lives, such as academics, relationships, and career pursuits.
Expands knowledge and worldview:Debating allows students to explore a wide range of topics and perspectives, which can broaden their understanding
of the world and help them become more informed and engaged citizens.

Opens doors for future
opportunities: Debating can be a valuable extracurricular activity that can impress college admissions officers and potential employers, and it can also provide networking opportunities and connections to mentors who can
help students achieve their goals.
Overall, learning to debate can provide young people with valuable skills, knowledge, and opportunities that can help them succeed in school and beyond.

We understand that children of naval families may experience loneliness and isolation due to the nature of their parent’s job. Naval families often face frequent moves and long periods of separation due to deployments, which can make it difficult for children to form lasting relationships and maintain connections with friends and family.

Frequent moves can disrupt a child’s social support network and cause feelings of isolation, as they may have to often adjust to new environments, schools, and peer groups. This can lead to a sense of disconnection and loneliness, as the child may struggle to establish meaningful relationships in their new community. So, recognising the advantages of debate training and the sometimes-isolated situation for naval children, the Naval Children’s Charity, working in partnership with the Naval Families Federation, veterans charity Forward Assist and educational charity Parallel Histories, has created a new debating programme. It’s aimed at young people from naval families who would both benefit from debate training and would enjoy getting to know and sharing experiences with other young people from naval families located in different parts of the country or abroad. And it’s free. The debate workshops are informal and collaborative and designed for young people with no previous debating experience. In fact, we really want to involve you if you are one of those people who hate public speaking. There will be some online training in small groups of two or three, then some online debating with other naval young people, and at the end of the programme a trip to London and a celebration event in the Houses of Parliament. We’ll be running this programme across the summer and into the autumn and we can schedule the training either after school during the school term time or during the day during school holidays.

How to get involved

If you are a young person aged 12-16 come from a current or former naval family, and are interested in taking part, or simply want to find out more, please email sarah@parallelhistories.org.uk

We are also looking for three or four students (18-25) who would be able to act as debating mentors. Parallel Histories will provide training on how to teach speaking skills and you would be needed for approximately 6-8 hours over the summer and autumn to mentor young people online. This opportunity would be of value to students who are: thinking about a career in education, wanting to develop their record of volunteering for
their CV, or simply interested in helping younger people achieve their potential. If you think this would suit you please email sarah@parallelhistories.org.uk

Tall Ships Sailing Adventures for Young People

During a TSYT voyage the young people develop a range of skills which can be transferred to their day-to-day lives to help them overcome any barriers and thrive. Working together as a team they grow in confidence and self-esteem and see a significant improvement in their communication and leadership skills.

Sailing adventures for young people

In partnership with the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), the Naval Children’s Charity are continuing to offer this fantasic opportunity for young people of Naval families, serving or veteran, in 2024.

We are on the lookout for the explorers of tomorrow to take part in a thrilling sea adventure along the coast of the British Isles on board one of the TSYT’s iconic 72ft Challenger yachts.

How to apply

There are four voyages this year, depending on the age of the young person. There are 10 places on each voyage, these will be allocated based on the information provided on the expression on interest form, taking into account family circumstances, and particularly the statement from the young person outlining why they are applying.

Email ncc@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk to receive the form or follow link below

“James loved every minute of it. The best part was the people he shared it with.”

James’ Mum, Amy

Voyages

There are three voyages this year, depending on the age of the young person. There are 10 places on each voyage, these will be allocated based on the information provided on the expression on interest form, taking into account family circumstances, and particularly the statement from the young person outlining why they are applying.

Closing date

The closing date for applications for Voyage 1 is Thursday 11th January.

The closing date for applications for Voyage 2 is Thursday 11th April.

The closing date for applications for Voyage 3 is Thursday 17th July.

Dates

Voyage 1: Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Tuesday 13th – Saturday 17th February
(Age 12-15yrs)

Voyage 2: Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Wednesday 29th – Sunday 2nd June
(Age 14-25yrs)

Voyage 3: Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Sunday 13th – Thursday 17th October
(Age 12-15yrs)

Full criteria: this opportunity is open to the child of any parent or guardian who
is serving or is a veteran of the Royal Navy, including Royal Marines, WRNS, QARNNS,
Reserves and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Please provide the service details of the parent
or guardian when you enquire

Other Life Chances

PGL’s multi-activity camp

Tech Camp

Forces Children’s Trust – Week Adventure Holiday in the Lakes

A week’s adventure holiday in the Lake District for 10 – 22 year olds.

This year the Naval Children’s Charity has formed a partnership with the Forces
Children’s Trust, to offer up to six young people from Naval families (serving and ex-serving) the opportunity to take part in a fully inclusive, residential activity week in the Lake District from the 19th – 23rd August 2024. This exciting event will be run by The Outward Bound Trust, who specialise in outdoor learning courses that provide an alternative education and give young people the confidence to tackle the real world head on.

The event will be held at the Howtown Centre, located in a secluded and sheltered
bay on the shores of Ullswater. All Food and accommodation will be provided. We are
also able to consider support with travel costs. Young people aged 10-22 are eligible
to attend as long as they are still in full-time education.

Criteria for participation

A young person whose parent has died whilst serving as a member of the British Armed Forces
A young person whose parent has sustained life-changing injuries whilst
serving as a member of the British Armed Forces
A young person whose serving parent is suffering with PTSD
A young person from a British Armed Forces family who is a carer for someone or who may be dealing with domestic violence.

If you fit within these criteria and you’re interested in taking part in this exciting opportunity, please get in touch with Denny Wise at the Forces Children’s Trust to register your interest, explaining where you heard about the opportunity. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so please apply early to avoid disappointment: denny.wise@forceschildrenstrust.org.uk