Scotty’s Little Soldiers has launched a new survey to gather experiences of military-connected bereavement, as the charity explores expanding its support beyond children and young people.
The charity is urging Cobseo member organisations to share the confidential online survey across their networks, with the aim of reaching as many bereaved individuals as possible before Scotty’s finalises its future plans.
Looking beyond its current remit
Scotty’s has spent more than 15 years supporting bereaved Armed Forces children and young people. It says that experience has highlighted wider unmet need across the military community and has led to research into how support could be broadened.
Ahead of publishing its new vision in 2026, the charity says it wants future bereavement provision to be shaped directly by lived experience. Insight gathered through the survey will be used to identify where gaps exist and what kinds of support people feel would make the biggest difference.
Who the survey is for
The survey is open to anyone affected by a death with a military connection, regardless of cause of death, service role or relationship to the individual. Scotty’s says this includes:
- serving personnel whose partner or spouse has died
- parents whose son or daughter died while training
- siblings of veterans
- those affected by the death of a serving colleague
Participation is voluntary and responses will be kept confidential. Respondents can skip questions if they prefer. The survey will remain open until the end of January.
Support for children remains core
Scotty’s said its existing services for bereaved children and young people will not change, and that young people will remain at the heart of its work. However, the charity believes there is now an opportunity to use its learning to support a wider group of bereaved families and individuals within the Armed Forces community.
Call for Cobseo members to share the survey
Scotty’s is asking Cobseo members to distribute the survey through newsletters, email bulletins, social media and professional networks. A short video message from founder Nikki Scott accompanies the survey, explaining why lived experience is central to the charity’s approach.
Survey link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5206455
Video message: https://youtu.be/mgUzcfyPFjE
