Scotty's Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved British Forces children, are arranging a special virtual festival to help its beneficiaries forget the pressures of lockdown and feel connected with other children who have lost a parent who served our country. Your Local Paper are launching an appeal to raise funds to make it a festival to remember.

Scotty's currently supports over 400 bereaved British Forces children and young people across the UK. Life is already hard for these kids, who are grieving for their parent, so this year has been particularly tough. Their usual support network of friends and extended family havent been there throughout lockdown, and for children who have already lost a parent, scary news reports about the Coronavirus can increase anxiety levels.

Unfortunately, no one can take away the pain that comes with losing a parent, but Scotty's Little Soldiers are able to help its members feel less alone. Throughout lockdown, Scotty's has offered continued support to ensure bereaved military families know they are part of a community, and now the charity wants to invite its members to a special virtual festival.

The Scotty's Virtual Festival is planned for September and is hoped will encourage the children to forget about the worries and anxiety that the Coronavirus outbreak has brought.

The festival will take place over Zoom, meaning it is easy for members across the UK to join, and will include live music, special performances and lots of fun and games. Ahead of the event, members will be sent a pack containing everything they need to make the festival special.

Your Local Paper, based in Scotty's home town of King's Lynn, selected Scotty's as their charity of the year at the beginning of 2020 and are launching an appeal to raise funds to ensure the festival is an occasion to remember.

Money raised will go towards filling the festival packs with anything from T-shirts and wristbands to crafts that can form a workshop or props to be used as part of the festival. Expenses associated with the event, such as postage costs for sending out the packs, will also be taken from the money raised.

Nikki Scott, Founder of Scotty's Little Soldiers, said: These kids have already been through so much in their lives and this year has been exceptionally difficult for everyone, let alone children who already face challenges. We want them to put their troubles behind them, even if just for a short while, have a great time and feel connected with others in the same situation. We hope this festival will be really special and the more money we raise, the better we can make it. We are so grateful to Your Local Paper for their support and thank you to everyone who is able to make a donation. Every penny makes a difference.

Your Local Paper have kindly started the appeal with a generous donation of £250.

Photos supplied by Ian Burt / Your Local Paper.

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