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Month of the Military Child 2026

In the Month of the Military Child 2026, we are coming together to celebrate our Naval children and launching our downloadable School Resource pack.
At the Naval Children’s Charity, our vision is that the children of serving and veterans, Royal Navy and Royal Marines families have their spirit and talent unlocked, giving them a brighter future and helping them to realise their full potential.

 

The pack contains information about our support for children and some activities to help classmates better understand the difficulties that Naval children can face. All while having some creative fun!! You can download or request a pack from this website.

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Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell KCB, CBE appointed President of The Naval Children’s Charity

Sir Martin Connell, a former Vice Admiral with an exceptional 39‑year career in the Royal Navy, not only brings deep leadership experience to his new role as President of The Naval Children’s Charity, but also genuine compassion and commitment. Having served for several years as the Charity’s Vice Chair of Trustees, Sir Martin has already played a pivotal role in shaping its strategic direction and championing support for Naval families. His distinguished service includes commanding ships such as HMS Severn, HMS Chatham, and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, as well as senior roles including Commander Amphibious Task Group, Naval Attaché in Washington D.C., Director Force Generation, and ultimately Second Sea Lord. Recognised with honours including CBE and KCB, Sir Martin now continues his dedication to the Naval community by leading NCC’s mission to support children and young people with a parent who serves or has served in the Royal Navy.

 

Reflecting on his appointment, Sir Martin said:

My time as a trustee of the Naval Children’s Charity for the past 7 years has been hugely rewarding, and I’m honoured to be invited to be the next President of this wonderful Charity. Families are an integral part of the wider armed forces community, but occasionally they need an additional helping hand which the NCC provides. I look forward to continuing to champion the great work of the NCC staff and advocating for all naval children.

 

Chair of Trustees, Christopher Tite said:

As we warmly welcome Sir Martin into his new role, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing President Lt General Sir James Dutton KCB CBE for his years of steadfast service. The Charity is deeply grateful for his commitment, support, and advocacy for the families and young people we serve.

 

About The Naval Children’s Charity

The NCC has supported Naval children, young people and their families for over 200 years, providing financial, emotional and practical support through its dedicated team of professional caseworkers and its various programmes of support with a focus on children’s wellbeing and development.

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MAKE:CREATE with Albatross Arts Easter camp 12-16 year old’s (Afternoons only)

MAKE:CREATE with Albatross Arts Easter camp 12-16 year old's (Afternoons only)

Dates: 13-17th April 2026 – Afternoons only

Ages: 12-16 year old’s

Location:The Annex, Helensburgh Civic Centre, 38 E Clyde St, Helensburgh G84 7PG

Fully funded opportunity

Week-long art course exploring a variety of media you don’t get in the classroom. Each day you’ll be introduced to a different artist as your inspiration and make work you can take home to use or display.

How to apply:

MAKE:CREATE is a week-long art course exploring a variety of media you don’t get in the classroom. Each day you’ll be introduced to a different artist as your inspiration and make work you can take home to use or display. Try new processes, experiment with materials, meet people with similar interests to you and have fun along the way. All materials and support provided in these artist-lead workshops. Free, creative expression opportunities on your doorstep. What’s not to love?

 

This opportunity is open to young people aged 12 to 16.

 

10 spaces are available.

The Annex, Helensburgh Civic Centre, 38 E Clyde St, Helensburgh G84 7PG

 

Spaces will be allocated based on the information on the expression of interest form.

Apply Now
Fun workshops that build creative confidence and give the opportunity to try new creative activities. A box with everything you need for the 4 weeks will be posted out to you. Great for those who already enjoy making and art with their children and to total beginners! All activities are fun, no pressure and led by experienced artists facilitators.
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MAKE:CREATE with Albatross Arts Easter camp 7-11 year old’s (Mornings only)

MAKE:CREATE with Albatross Arts Easter camp 7-11 year old's (Mornings only)

Dates: 13-17th April 2026 Mornings only

Ages: 7-11 year old’s

Location: The Annex, Helensburgh Civic Centre, 38 E Clyde St, Helensburgh G84 7PG

Fully funded opportunity

Week-long art course exploring a variety of media you don’t get in the classroom. Each day you’ll be introduced to a different artist as your inspiration and make work you can take home to use or display.

How to apply:

MAKE:CREATE is a week-long art course exploring a variety of media you don’t get in the classroom. Each day you’ll be introduced to a different artist as your inspiration and make work you can take home to use or display.

 

Try new processes, experiment with materials, meet people with similar interests to you and have fun along the way. All materials and support provided in these artist-lead workshops. Free, creative expression opportunities on your doorstep. What’s not to love?


This opportunity is open to young people aged 7 to 11.
10 spaces are available.


The Annex, Helensburgh Civic Centre, 38 E Clyde St, Helensburgh G84 7PG
Spaces will be allocated based on the information on the expression of interest form.

Apply Now
Fun workshops that build creative confidence and give the opportunity to try new creative activities. A box with everything you need for the 4 weeks will be posted out to you. Great for those who already enjoy making and art with their children and to total beginners! All activities are fun, no pressure and led by experienced artists facilitators.
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November 2025 newsletter

As the nights draw in and we look towards the festive season, we are reminded of our loved ones and how precious time spent together is. For some it is not always a guarantee, with deployment, understandably, being harder on Naval families at this time of year.

We have various resources available to help navigate what can be an incredibly difficult time coping with separation.

Wellbeing Packs and Doing Distance 
Our wellbeing packs are free for families; each contains 1 book, 1 resource and 1 additional extra. Families can tailor a pack to the child in question, meaning you can make the call on which materials best suit your individual circumstances. 

Doing Distance worksheets are also available to download, with useful activities to help support a child struggling with separation.  
Please visit our website to learn more and order a pack: https://www.navalchildrenscharity.org.uk/resources/

Other resources out there…

 
Aggies Storybook Waves
Aggie’s Storybook Waves enables personnel serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary to record a bedtime story for their children to listen to whilst they are separated. Once recorded, trained volunteer editors add a soundtrack and create a story for each child so they can listen to a parent’s voice whenever they want. You also receive a pack that includes age-appropriate deployment journals, bookmarks, and Aggie’s mini medals

Reading Force
Supports families and Ex-forces families with free, fun shared reading resources and activities such as scrap booking and wellbeing journals.

Operation Silent Star
This specialist pack was created by the lovely Jas, mother to Theo (6) and wife to a current serving Submariner. After years married to a Submariner and experiencing deployments as a parent, Jas was shocked at the lack of tailored resources for Submariner children who go through such a unique experience during these periods of separation. What started as an idea of some nautical themed colouring pages and a few puzzles – turned into Operation Silent Star! This pack is a great resource and the fact it was created by a Submariner family makes it even more special. The versatile resources can be utilised to support all children and families experiencing separation during deployments, especially around Christmas when it can become even harder.

 

To access this wonderful pack please follow the link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jogm1bApxySAbfBc0KCoLSCZjCm0keF2/view?usp=drivesdk

Sporty Stars and Albatross Arts – Spaces Available!
We are excited to announced that spaces are now available to book on two of our Life Chances programmes!

Sporty Stars’ award-winning day-camps offer traditional sports, art & crafts and inflatable activities. This opportunity is open to young people aged 5 to 12 with ten fully funded spaces available at each location.
 
Locations: Plymouth Marjon and University of Exeter, St Luke’s Campus
Dates: 22/23 & 29/30 December

Albatross Arts offers 1-hour online creative workshops led by experienced artist facilitators for children aged 10 to 14. Ten spaces available.                                                                                          
Location: UK wide – online
Dates: 22/02/2026, 01/03/2026, 08/03/2026, 15/03/2026

Spaces will be allocated based on information given on the expression of interest form. Please check out our website for more information and to apply NOW!

 
 

NCC Expense and Income Tracker
With Christmas around the corner; the thought of buying gifts, decorating the home, pantos, Santa and all things festive, can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. We have created a useful Expense and Income Tracker to help manage finances and hopefully save some money. This handy budgeting tool can be accessed via our website:

 
Best wishes



Clare Scherer MBE
CEO, Naval Children’s Charity
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The Naval Children’s Charity has been named Armed Forces Family Support Charity of the Year 2025 – Portsmouth at the SME Southern Enterprise Awards.

We are delighted to announce that we have won the Armed Forces Family Support Charity of the Year 2025 – Portsmouth in the SME Southern Enterprise Awards.  Over the years, SME News’ team have kept their ears to the ground to stay updated with news from the best of the best – whether they’re longstanding successful businesses or those in their infancy with a promising future ahead. The team ensures that only the most deserving companies and individuals are showcased in the prestigious winners list and magazine year upon year. For eight years now, the Southern Enterprise Awards has been recognising utmost excellence across the innovative region.

 

This recognition arrives in our 200th year and celebrates the impact we have on thousands of naval children across the UK – from crisis support and wellbeing help to life-changing opportunities that build confidence and future skills.

 

A word from our CEO, Clare Scherer MBE:
“Thank you to SME Southern Enterprise. As we celebrate our 200th Anniversary, this Award recognises the difference we make every year. Whether we are supporting families through difficult times or opening doors to new opportunities, our team brings compassion, empathy and expertise to help children and young people thrive.”

 

Learn more about the awards and this year’s winners:
smenews.digital/awards/uk-southern-business-awards/

 

Houses of Parliament: Afternoon Tea

In October, the Naval Children’s Charity were honoured to hold a Bicentenary Reception at the Houses of Parliament. Hosted by Amanda Martin MP, it was a wonderful opportunity to continue our Bicentenary as we celebrate 200 years of the Charity supporting Naval children and their families. We were joined by members of our incredible Youth Council and their parents, as well as some of our Young Ambassadors, Trustees and supporters of the Charity. The Youth Council spoke passionately to visiting MPs about their volunteering roles and how the Naval Children’s Charity have supported them.

 

We were delighted to be joined by some of our wonderful Funders, including Deirdre Mills Director of one of our Primary Funders, Greenwich Hospital. Deirdre spoke with Outreach Caseworker for the Southwest, Karolina Kubica. She was able to hear firsthand about the vital work we do in the Southwest and wider communities and the support we offer.

 

The afternoon would not have been possible without Amanda who gave such a warm welcome and spoke passionately about her commitment to raising the Charity’s profile.

 

It was a truly joyful afternoon filled with laughter, conversation (and delicious sandwiches!) offering a moment to reflect on the Charity’s achievements and the lives it continues to support.

 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone that made this memorable event possible!

University Bursary application deadline extended! 

We are delighted to announce that we are extending our deadline for applications to our University Bursary scheme.  If you/your young person has not yet applied, they now have until the end of November.  Full details on eligibility and criteria can be found on our website here:  University Bursary Scheme – Naval Children’s Charity

 

New Families Hub – your one place for Service family support

The MoD’s new Families Hub is a “one stop shop” digital platform which signposts to helpful support, guidance and useful organisations.

 

It offers Service families a wealth of information, guidance and support to help navigate Service family life. The Families Hub is for all Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) personnel and families, wherever you are in your Armed Forces journey – from the moment you enter the Forces, through to when you leave.
The significant role that Service families play in the Armed Forces community, and the unique pressures that can come with Service life, particularly in times of deployment and separation is fully recognised. To address the challenges faced by Naval families and the pressure Service Life can have there is a wide range of family friendly policies, guidance, and organisations that provide support.

 

To find out what help is available, use the following link to take you to the new
Families Hub www.discovermybenefits.mod.uk/families/

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Albatross Arts | Online Creative Workshops

Albatross Arts | Online 1 hour creative workshops

Dates: 22/02/2026, 01/03/2026, 08/03/2026, 15/03/2026

Location: Online

Fully funded opportunity

Online 1 hour creative workshops for children aged 10 to 14. A parent or guardian must be present. A box of materials will be posted to you before the workshops start. Led by experienced artist facilitators.

How to apply:

This activity is now closed – please take a look at our other Albatross Arts workshops taking place this year.
Apply Now
Fun workshops that build creative confidence and give the opportunity to try new creative activities. A box with everything you need for the 4 weeks will be posted out to you. Great for those who already enjoy making and art with their children and to total beginners! All activities are fun, no pressure and led by experienced artists facilitators.
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Naval Children’s Charity won the Armed Forces Family Support Charity of the Year 2025

The Naval Children’s Charity are delighted to announce that they have won the Armed Forces Family Support Charity of the Year 2025 – Portsmouth in the SME Southern Enterprise Awards.  Over the years, SME News’ team have kept their ears to the ground to stay updated with news from the best of the best – whether they’re longstanding successful businesses or those in their infancy with a promising future ahead. The team ensures that only the most deserving companies and individuals are showcased in the prestigious winners list and magazine year upon year. For eight years now, the Southern Enterprise Awards has been recognising utmost excellence across the innovative region.


Including the success stories of animal sanctuaries to financial consultancies, mental health playlists to commercial removals, wealth planning and investment management to independent rock music productions, and so very much more, this year’s awards programme features another hugely diverse collection of accolade-worthy enterprises and individuals.


Awards Coordinator Kaven Cooper enthused: “Recognising and awarding such a fine variety of businesses in our Southern Enterprise Awards 2025 has been a fantastic journey for me, and for all of us at SME News. Every year we aim to discover and reward businesses which are setting the pace for their industries. I want to wish a sincere congratulations to our winners as they are featured in 2025’s winners list and magazine.”


To find out more about these prestigious awards, and the magnificent enterprises that have been selected for them, please visit smenews where you can view the winners supplement and full winners list.


CEO of The Naval Children’s Charity, Clare Scherer MBE said:
On behalf of all at the Naval Children’s Charity we offer our warmest thanks to SME Southern Enterprise.  As we celebrate our 200th Anniversary this Award recognises the impact we have on thousands of children annually around the UK.  Whether we are supporting their wellbeing in times of crisis or providing life changing opportunities to improve their development The Naval Children’s Charity bring compassion, empathy and expertise to helping our children and young people thrive. 


The photo shows the CEO, members of our Youth Council and our MP for Portsmouth North, Amanda Martin

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Visit by Patron HRH The Princess Royal

The Naval Children’s Charity were delighted to receive a visit from their Royal Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, to their offices in Portsmouth on Wednesday 24th September 2025.

 

The Princess Royal became Royal Patron of The Naval Children’s Charity in March 2025, following many years of Royal Patronage by her mother, Her Majesty the late Queen, who was Royal Patron for over 70 years.  As we celebrate our Bicentenary, 200 years of supporting Naval children, patronage of The Princess Royal is of particular significance.


Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Christopher Tite, Chair, and Clare Scherer MBE, CEO, and met with Staff, Trustees, volunteers and beneficiaries of the Charity.  The work of the Charity was explained to her in depth, and she particularly enjoyed hearing the stories from members of our Youth Council about their experiences of receiving support from the Charity and their lives as Naval children.

Her Royal Highness unveiled a Plaque commemorating her visit in the Charity’s Bicentenary year and met members of the Youth Council.

Her Royal Highness has a long history of supporting military families and promoting the well-being of children. The Princess Royal’s patronage of The Naval Children’s Charity highlights the Charity’s vital work and helps to ensure that children of Naval personnel receive the support they need to thrive.

 

CEO of The Naval Children’s Charity, Clare Scherer MBE said:
“On behalf of all at the Naval Children’s Charity we offer our warmest thanks to Her Royal Highness for agreeing to be our Royal Patron and for her visit to learn more about our work.  The Princess Royal has taken great interest, over the years, in the wellbeing of our families and Her Royal Highness’s commitment to the charities that she serves is outstanding.
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July 2025 newsletter

With Summer in full swing and the school holidays upon us, we have lots of exciting news to share! We are thrilled to announce the re-launch of our website and hope that you will enjoy a fresh more user-friendly and accessible experience.

Our website is the best ‘port of call’ (pun intended!) for anyone seeking help or wishing to volunteer or donate to The Naval Children’s Charity. We have a range of free resources available to help support Naval children and their families.
 
Wellbeing Packs
Which brings us on to some exciting news. We have teamed up with the Naval Families Federation to offer Wellbeing Packs for Naval children and young people as well as their parents and carers. We are now offering each family member a ‘pack’ of resources that can be tailored to them. No matter your age or circumstances, we’ve got something for you – including some of our very own creations!

Please check out our website to learn more and request a pack

University Education Bursary Scheme
Applications for the University Education Bursary Award Scheme 2025 – 2026 are now open!

The Naval Children’s Charity are delighted to launch our new University Education Bursary Award Scheme in collaboration with the JS Group through their innovative Aspire platform.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2025.
Please visit our website to Learn more  about the scheme and how to apply

 
Barnstaple Sea Cadets
In other news, Barnstaple Sea Cadets are recruiting! Sea Cadets offers young people a different kind of adventure, from catering to rowing and paddleboarding to adventure training.

If you are looking for a rewarding way to give back to the community then perhaps you would like to join their team as an adult volunteer? They are currently looking for Instructors and Trustees.

To find out more contact Barnstaple Sea Cadets today:
E: seacadetsbarnstaple@gmail.com 
Facebook: /barnstaplescc sea-cadets.org/barnstaple
 
The Military Connected Children and Young People (MCCYP) Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Surveys is now live!
Our wonderful Youth Council have contributed to the co-production of this survey and as we at the Naval Children’s Charity love a survey, we would like to share this exciting opportunity for children and young people aged 8-18, with a parent serving in the Armed Forces, to take part.

These short surveys (10-15 minutes) will help gather vital insights into their lived experiences within social frameworks that impact health – such as education, housing, community, and access to services. This work will help ensure Naval children and young people’s voices are heard and help shape how we understand and respond to their needs.

Each age group has a dedicated QR code to access their survey below:
 

We would like to thank you again for your continued support and wish you all a wonderful Summer!

All the best,