Songs for Naval Children by Naval Children

Last summer we teamed up with Never Such Innocence, the fantastic children’s charity that provide tools for young people to reflect on the realities of war and conflict by nurturing them through the arts.

As a collective, we invited naval children to take part in a series of virtual song writing workshops with singer-songwriter Otto. The purpose was to write a song by naval children, for naval children. It soon became apparent during these workshops that a second song was forming, one specifically for the Submariner families.

After hours of writing, both songs were ready to be recorded. We then invited the young people to join us in London to record the songs at Hackney Studios, allowing a little extra time to see some of the sights!

Katie Salarie, CEO of Never Such Innocence commented on the day of recording:

‘It was amazing just watching nothing become a full entire song. What is great about it, it’s children from across the UK, they can come on zoom, have this experience, get to know one another, and then get to meet. It’s such a special opportunity for them. As they move to different posts, they may even see these friends again. That’s what makes it so special, music and the arts bringing people together.’

The recordings were a fantastic success, and we are over the moon with the finished products that our young people created from scratch. The are both below.

The ‘Navy Song’ and the ‘Submariners Sea Shanty’. We hope that you enjoy listening to them as much as we enjoyed watching them being created!

 

LEADERS UNLOCKED

Have your voice heard!

Here at the Naval Children’s Charity, we are looking to revamp our ‘Life Chances’ programme which is all about giving opportunities for young people to learn, develop and thrive (TallShip Voyages, Debating Classes, Residential Camps etc.) Now we want YOU to help shape what opportunities we give our young people. So, we have teamed up with ‘Leaders Unlocked’, who specialise in enabling young people to have a stronger voice and influence the issues that affect their lives.

Are you aged 12-25?

Do you come from a naval family and live in the UK?

Then please get involved and influence what you and your peers can take advantage of, whilst gaining valuable leadership skills and experience.

What is the Life Chances Co-design project?

The Life Chances Co-design project will give young people from naval families in the UK the opportunity to build their leadership skills and create change for other young people.

The Life Chances programme is led by the Naval Children’s Charity and offers a variety of opportunities and activities to children and young people from naval families. The Charity is keen to further develop the Life Chances programme in collaboration with the young people it aims to benefit.

The project will recruit a diverse group of approximately 12-15 young people from naval families that live in the UK.

The project aims to:

  • Co-design a new vision for the Life Chances programme and the benefits it brings to young people.
  • Understand what works well and what could be improved in the current Life Chances programme.
  • Explore young people’s experiences of the Life Chances programme, other similar activities, and new examples.

The project is a partnership between the Naval Children’s Charity and Leaders Unlocked, a social enterprise supporting young people to influence the decisions that affect them in society.

What will I get from being part of the project?

  • Enhance your knowledge and skills: You will have the opportunity to develop valuable knowledge and transferable skills, including leadership skills, co-design skills and public speaking. You will also build confidence in working with peers and adult professionals.
  • Expand your network: You will expand your network with the professionals and the partner organisations involved with the project. You will meet a diverse range of young people in the UK with a shared interest in making changes that benefits other young people.
  • Develop your experience: You will be part of a project that has co-designed a vision for a programme of activity that benefits young people. You will be able to use all the above for your CV, when applying for jobs or to Further or Higher Education.
  • Receive a payment for your contribution: You will receive a payment of £70 for your time on the project either in cash or in voucher form. For under-16s, the payment will be made in an eVoucher form (which can be redeemed in a wide range of brands / stores). Over-16s will be able to choose between bank transfer or an eVoucher.

How do I apply?

Email here for your application form and then forward your completed form to Alev Zahir: alev@leaders-unlocked.org by Friday 23rd February 2024.

What happens next?

Once we receive your application, we will then carry out brief telephone interviews with a shortlist of applicants. All applicants will be informed by the week after the application deadline whether they have been selected for interview.

Remember: please email your completed application form to Alev Zahir:

alev@leaders-unlocked.org by Friday 23rd February 2024.

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THE ANNINGTON CHALLENGE & THE OUTWARD BOUND TRUST – Adventure of a Lifetime

THE ANNINGTON CHALLENGE & OUTWARD BOUND TRUST – Take control of your summer and have the adventure of a lifetime.

We have joined forces with our friends at the both the Annington Challenge and the Outward Bound Trust, whose missions are to inspire young people to believe they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

If you are from a Naval family, are aged 10-19 and ready for an adventure… then look no further, we have a  unique opportunity for you to take on the Annington Challenge. This is the chance for young people to experience an Outward Bound course at a heavily subsidised price. Places are available for all young people, regardless of their parent or guardian’s rank.

Choose from 5-19 day experiences in amazing locations. From rowing across lakes to camping in the wild, outdoor adventure will be at the heart of everything you do. All accommodation, food and equipment are provided.

Apply HERE now for 2024 and get ready the summer of a lifetime! It only takes a few minutes.

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OVER THE WALL – Fab & Fun Residential Camps

Mischievous and Magical residential camps for children and young people with health challenges and disabilities.

We are delighted to have teamed up with Over The Wall, a UK based charity for children and young people with health challenges and disabilities to discover a world of mischief and magic.
They provide a safe place to step outside of comfort zones, establish friendships and build confidence through meaningful and exciting activities and we have secured 8 places at a selection of different camps.

We are inviting applications from children and young people aged 8-17 years, who are currently experiencing health challenges or have finished treatment in the last 3 years. Also, the invitation is open to children and young people aged 8-17 yrs who have a sibling (0 – 17yrs) who is currently experiencing health challenges or has finished treatment in the last 3 years.


There are spaces available at:

Scotland Health Challenge / Siblings Camp, Strathallan School, Perth – Mon 8th – Fri 12th July

Midlands Week 1 Health Challenge / Siblings Camp, Whitemoor Lakes, Staffordshire – Mon 5th – Fri 9th August

Midlands Week 2 Health Challenge / Siblings Camp, Whitemoor Lakes, Staffordshire – Mon 12th – Fri 16th August

You can apply directly here: https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/42643514508958

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ARTSWORK – Your Creative Future

Learn about Creative Careers and explore pathways into Creative Work.

We have recently formed an exciting partnership with Artswork, a youth arts charity whose work is to empower children and young people through creativity. A specific programme, called ‘Your Creative Future’ gives Naval families (serving or Veteran) an opportunity to attend a series of workshops completely free of charge. These fantastic workshops give young people the opportunity to explore their potential in a creative career.

Your Creative Future is a short programme of activities will give Naval families the opportunity to learn about the wide range of creative careers and explore the many pathways into creative work to help them take the steps into a career they love.

 

When?

Five Saturday morning workshops:

20 April; 4th May; 18 May; 8 June; 22 June 2024

Where?

Accessible online via Zoom from wherever you are.

What is included?

  • Five online interactive workshops/talks with guest speakers
  • Two one to one mentoring sessions
  • Self-guided learning packages that you can complete in your own time
  • A digital badge on completion of the programme – find our more about digital badges here. 

Please sign-up to the programme by filling out this application form.

The FAQ’s can be seen below but if you would like a downloadable PDF of these to keep handy, please find that below:

Your Creative Future – FAQs

If you would like to share the poster with people you know, you can find a downloadable version below:
Your Creative Future – NCC x Artswork

If you have any questions about the programme, please email info@artswork.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

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Giving Naval Children their Voice

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

Tall Ships

In partnership with the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), the Naval Children’s Charity are continuing to offer this fantastic opportunity for young people of Naval families, serving or veteran, in 2025.

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.

NCC-Sailing-Adventures-ft-img

How to apply

There are 10 places on each voyage, these will be allocated based on the information provided on the expression of interest form.

Email ncc@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk to receive the form or follow link below
Sign up
“James loved every minute of it. The best part was the people he shared it with.”
James’ Mum, Amy

Voyages

Across the 5 days, young people work together as a team, grow in confidence and self-esteem and see a significant improvement in their communication and leadership skills. They have the opportunity to work towards recognised RYA sailing qualifications and can also use the experience towards achievement of Duke of Edinburgh awards.

 

 

Dates

Voyage 1: Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Mon 27 – Fri 31st October 2025
(Age 16 -25yrs)

Our other 2025 voyages have now been filled, keep an eye out for new date releases!

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

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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

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PETA Apprenticeships

PETA Apprenticeships

Overview: As the leading training provider in Hampshire, PETA provides quality apprenticeship programmes to over 400 apprentices every year, with up to 96% continuing their career or graduating onto higher-level learning. They work with local schools and businesses to build the next generation of Engineers, Technical Experts and Business Leaders by creating fair opportunities for young people to advance from education to employment.

The Naval Children’s Charity have partnered with PETA to promote their apprenticeship programme, so our young people can enjoy the benefits of a rewarding career whilst gaining the qualifications they will need to progress in the future. Even better, we can offer help any associated costs (equipment, travel etc.) so all you have to worry about is settling into your new role and working towards the career you’ve always wanted.

FAQ’s:

What qualifications do I need before I apply?

English and Maths GCSEs (Grade 4-9) are mandatory requirements for all PETA’s apprenticeships with the exception of their business programme, although applicants must still have a pass in one of these subjects and a minimum of a D / 3 in the other. If for any reason you haven’t achieve these grades PETA would look at enrolling you on a Functional Skills programme, which could be completed alongside your apprenticeship and would act as an equivalent, but they would need to undertake a full assessment with you first to make sure they felt this option was viable for you.

How do I apply?

Apprenticeships follow a similar process to a regular job application process. You can apply directly with PETA, who will meet with you to discuss your interests and help find the right career path for you. They will then help manage the application process between you and the employer.

How much will I earn?

All apprentices must receive at least the national minimum wage set by the Government for which the current hourly rate can be viewed here. However, PETA actively encourages employers to pay above the minimum wage.

Where will my training take place?

Most apprenticeship training will take place with your new employer (on-the-job) and the rest will take place at one of PETA’s training centres based in Cosham and Havant.

What next?

Just click the link below to access PETA’s apprenticeship vacancy pages and start your search. You can apply whilst you’re still in school but you must be aged 16 or over by the time your apprenticeship starts. apprenticeship vacancy pages.
If you do secure an apprenticeship, but need some additional support with things like travel or equipment costs, you can get in touch with The Naval Children’s Charity caseworker team to see if we can help: 023 9263 9534 / caseworkers@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk

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London Irish

London Irish
The ACE scheme – Academy, Colleges and Education

ACE London Irish is an academic partnership between London Irish and Bishop Wand School. The Naval Children’s Charity have partnered with London Irish to promote this scheme to our young people, and will be able to support any successful candidates from Naval families with their costs, including accommodation, whilst on the programme

Overview from the London Irish website

The ACE scheme – Academy, Colleges and Education – is targeted at talented Year 12 and Year 13 students who have the aspirations and potential to play at the elite end of the game. The ACE scheme gives boys the opportunity to combine rugby training on a daily basis at London Irish with academic study at our education partner Bishop Wand School as of the 2020/21 academic year. This combination allows the students to not only gain an excellent education, but also experience high quality rugby training and match opportunities. Ofsted rating: Excellent The rugby component of the combined development process will be delivered on site at the London Irish training ground and will be led by ACE Head Coach Richard Pryor supported by Pierre Clark, Simeon Barnes and Delon Armitage.

All students receive an Individual Development Program that is worked out to their individual needs and will also include a competition program which will consist of RFU ACE league games, friendlies, junior club games and representative games where appropriate. In addition to this students will also receive a personalised strength and conditioning programme and will have access to a full time physio.

The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young talented rugby players to really develop their potential in a professional environment alongside like-minded players whilst continuing their academic education.

Some of the key highlights of the program include:

  • 8 of the 15 senior academy players all graduated from ACE
  • 36 former London Irish ACE players currently playing professional rugby
  • School Ofsted rating Good
  • 12 hours of rugby as part of a bespoke school timetable
  • Excellent links to top BUCS universities

For any specific questions regarding the programme email Richard.pryor@london-irish.com
What is ACE?

ACE is an academic partnership between the club and Bishop Wand School. It is a program run to provide a 6th form education as well as access to the highest level of coaching and playing opportunities at schoolboy level in England. We act as a feeder school to the academy and provide between 40-50% of the academy U18 squad each season.
There are only 14 ACE colleges/schools in England all linked to a Premiership Academy so competition for places is high.

It is aimed at anyone who wishes to develop their rugby further and is not purely open to boys within the DPP structure. As we have 12 hours of rugby for the 2 years of 6th form education, we know the players who come on ACE will develop significantly physically, mentally, technically, and tactically.

I reiterate, this is the highest level of schoolboy rugby in the country and is a fantastic opportunity for young men who wish to become better rugby players while receiving an excellent education.

It also must be remembered that if your son does not make it from U16 DPP into the U18 academy, ACE is the best place for him to be if he harbours a desire to get back into the academy as all staff work for the academy and we train and play at the home of the 1st team and academy therefore your son will be seen on a daily basis developing as a player.

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