January Newsletter

Our January newsletter is a particularly special edition, filled with fantastic opportunities for both our young people and adults as well.

First and foremost, it is truly remarkable to reflect on the fact that The Naval Children’s Charity has been supporting the children of Naval personnel in various ways for 200 years. Throughout this time, the ways in which we have provided support have evolved, from the original orphanages to current charitable initiatives. Our core focus has always been to prioritise the wellbeing and development of children, either through financial grants or more holistic wraparound support. Originally the orphanages provided direct aid through housing and education, we then diversified into proudly supporting children across the UK, from those facing crises to those coping with the challenges of service life and those seeking opportunities to improve their life outcomes. If you wish to delve deeper into the history of our Charity, kindly click here.

To celebrate this incredible milestone, we have launched an exciting competition for our young people. We are searching for talented young artists to craft a unique ‘200th birthday’ creation using one of our complimentary craft kits. It could be a birthday card, a collage depicting an historical event or even their personal experiences as a Naval child. Exciting prizes are up for grabs, including a £200 Merlin Voucher for the first prize winner. The competition is divided into two age categories: 3 – 8 years and 9 – 14 years. Further information can be found here

As you may be aware, in light of the decision taken by the Government to apply VAT to school fees, Greenwich Hospital, in partnership with the Naval Children’s Charity, set up a hardship fund to provide financial support to those who fulfill the certain criteria. We have extended the deadline to apply for this financial support to January 31st. All necessary details for application can be found here.

With education at the forefront, SCiP Alliance has announced dates for the next three sessions of the FREE Thriving Lives Toolkit Webinars, aimed at offering valuable insights and practical advice for supporting Service children in schools. The first session, scheduled for Thursday, 30th January at 4 pm, will focus on supporting Service Children in Schools with Small Cohorts. Featuring Charmian Hickman, CEO of the Armed Forces Education Trust, and leaders from Cwmclydach Primary School, this session will discuss effective support strategies and available grant opportunities. For more information and to register, please follow this link.
 
In further exciting news, we are once again teaming up with the Tall Ships Youth Trust to provide young individuals aged 12-16 the chance to participate in a fully funded 5-day voyage aboard a 72ft Challenger Yacht. In addition to acquiring new life skills and connecting with other Naval young people, participants will have the opportunity to gain recognised RYA qualifications and can use this experience towards Duke of Edinburgh Awards – no prior sailing experience required! For more details and to apply, click here.


Best wishes,



Clare Scherer MBE
Chief Executive Officer, Naval Children’s Charity

High 5 – Galaxy Explorers Half Term Activity

High 5 Camps

Galaxy Explorers Half Term Activity, Plymouth

We are very pleased to be partnering with High 5 Sports Camps to offer our Naval families the opportunity to take part in their ‘Galaxy Explorers’ camp taking place in February half term.

Families can apply for anything from just the 1 day, to all 4!

Days run from 8.30am – 4.30pm, an option for extended days 8am – 6pm is also offered.

Dates & locations:

17th – 20th February 2025

China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, PL12 6LJ

Age range: 5 – 12

Cost: Partial to Full funding available, subject to means testing upon application

Please note: This offer is for day camps only & does not include any overnight accommodation. Children will also need to take their own packed lunches & snacks with them each day.

Register your interest:

https://forms.office.com/e/xfvPwNijGQ

Inspired by the wonders of space and popular galactic themes, we invite all children 5 – 12 to dive into a universe of fun and adventure.

Imagine your child stargazing like a guardian of the galaxy, building their very own space rocket, or crafting an entire solar system! Our full range of zero-gravity inflatables offer a unique, defy-gravity experience, while our themed activities, including Jedi training and alien blaster wars, promise endless excitement. They’ll even learn to moonwalk!

Sports enthusiasts can engage in intergalactic team sports like basketball, dodgeball, football, and tennis, all with a cosmic twist. Here at High 5 we’re dedicated to making this camp a ‘one small step for man, one giant leap for your child! experience.

December Newsletter

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and 2025

As we hurtle towards Christmas, the past few weeks have filled us with plenty of Christmas joy: V2 Radio, the local commercial station for Sussex, asked their listeners to take part in their annual toy appeal, and we were delighted to be the recipient of a huge pile of fabulous toys.  The generosity and Christmas spirit didn’t end there, as the Second Sea Lord’s command team decided to ditch their annual secret Santa and instead donate presents to us. As you can see from the pictures above, we received an incredible number of gifts that will make Christmas morning a little more special for some of our young people.

We need to let you know that our office will be closed over the Christmas period from midday on Monday 23rd December through to the Monday 6th January and the team is looking forward to some time off to recharge their batteries after an incredibly busy 2024.

We do appreciate that Christmas is not always an easy time for everyone and that many of you will be struggling at this time of year, for many different reasons. If you do experience difficulties during this period and need some help in an emergency please contact your local authority or the NHS on 111 or www.111.nhs.uk if you need support during this period. If you’re struggling with your mental health, reach out to The Samaritans either through their website or their 24/7 helpline 116 123 (freephone). Mind’s website has some brilliant resources for managing your wellbeing.

Looking forward into the New Year, 2025 is a very special year for us here at The Naval Children’s Charity, as we will be celebrating out Bicentenary: 200 years of supporting Naval children and young people. We would love to have your support during the year in helping us celebrate – is there something that you can do to help us mark such an important milestone? We would love to hear from you and for you to share your love of The Naval Children’s Charity by holding an event of your choice. Why not hold a fundraiser and in return be inducted into the NCC Club 200 Hall of Fame? Whether it is a bake sale, a fancy-dress competition at work or a community event, you just need to let us know and we will help promote it across our website and social media platforms. Contact us for one of our Fundraising Packs. Keep an eye out on our Socials to find out how you can get involved.  #NCC200

Finally, I would like to end the year by thanking all of you who have supported us in so many ways in 2024.  From our wonderful Major Funders – the RNRMC, Greenwich Hospital, The Seafarers Charity, and Trinity House to the many other Trusts and Foundations and individuals who have donated their time and money, helping us to help our beneficiaries.  We would particularly like to thank Sirius Analysis Ltd for their ongoing support. We thank you all. 

And to our wonderful children and young people, some of whom have really helped us to understand their lives and challenges this year. We welcome our new Youth Council who have spent some considerable time this year working with us on a project to develop an exciting new range of opportunities, our lovely Young Ambassadors, our President, Vice President and Patrons and our Trustees who dedicate so much of their time to us. And to my amazing team of staff who have worked so hard this year – you are all brilliant.
On behalf of everyone at the Naval Children’s Charity, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best wishes,



Clare Scherer MBE
Chief Executive Officer, Naval Children’s Charity