Martin Whitfield MSP has attended a parliamentary reception showcasing the work of a charity that supports children and young people from armed forces and veteran families.

As well as providing support with issues such as mental health and wellbeing, education and financial support, Forces Children Scotland also seeks to ensure that the voices of children and young people in forces families are heard by decision-makers.

The parliamentary reception provided MSPs with an opportunity to meet with the charity’s representatives as well as hear directly from some of the young people involved in its work.

The day after the reception a parliamentary debate was held on veterans and the armed forces community in Scotland. During the debate, Mr Whitfield highlighted the work of Forces Children Scotland and urged the minister for veterans to talk about the challenges the charity has been highlighting.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Forces Children Scotland is a highly effective charity working for and with children and young people from armed forces and veterans’ families.

“It does a fantastic job supporting and highlighting the unique challenges faced by these children and young people, as well as providing a platform for their voices to be heard by decision-makers.

“I welcomed the chance to attend the reception and recommit my support for helping to ensure that the voices of children and young people from armed forces and veteran families are listened to when making policy.

“I congratulate the charity on a wonderful night with some inspirational young people and look forward to continuing to work with it on the various challenges they experience.”

Further information about the work of Forces Children Scotland can be found at https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk.