April marks Month of Military Child, the annual campaign about recognising, understanding and celebrating the unique lived experiences of children from military families.

Martin Whitfield MSP is again supporting and helping to promote this year’s campaign which takes place throughout April and celebrates children and young people from Armed Forces and Veteran families across the globe.

Children from Armed Forces families lead unique lives being incredibly geographically mobile and often facing the challenge of interrupted learning. They are a unique group, and it is vital society celebrates their lived experiences and provides the additional support they need.

Research suggests that there are around 12,500 children and young people with an Armed Forces background in Scottish education right now and they are present in all 32 council areas.

Forces Children Scotland is a charity that supports children and young people from serving personnel, reservist and veteran families to reach their potential and thrive. It achieves this by working collaboratively across sectors to drive improvements which reflect and support the unique challenges they face and amplifying their voices on the development of policy and practice.

Events for the month in Scotland are co-ordinated by Forces Children Scotland, with a Celebration Pack at the heart of suggestions for activities to be held during the month.

Commenting on his support for the month, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Month of the Military Child provides an opportunity to celebrate the unique identity of armed forces children, helping to ensure that children and young people from this community feel heard, are seen, and their lives better understood.  

“I welcome the month and the work of Forces Children Scotland and encourage anyone working with children from this community to get involved,  find out more about the specific challenges and obstacles to be faced and overcome, especially in relation to education, and help celebrate them.”

For more information about Month of the Military Child in Scotland visit Month of the military child – Forces Children Scotland.