The SMILES Programme
Our SMILES Programme creates opportunities that the bereaved military community needs: spaces where no one needs to explain themselves, where shared experience is the common language, and where it is possible to remember how to laugh without feeling guilty.
SMILES is designed to help individuals connect to others who have shared a similar experience and to provide opportunities for families to reconnect with each other. Our services are tailored for specific needs and groups but include:
Events
In-person and online, our events programme grows each year to include more opportunities to bring the community together. From large scale festivals to accessible regional meet ups, and fun activities to create opportunities to remember.
Care Packages
A little something at the times which matter most, to let you know you aren’t along and haven’t been forgotten. You can opt in or out to receive our care packages which include gifts for children and young people and cards for adults.
Peer Support
No one knows how to offer advice better than someone who’s been there themselves. We offer opportunities for peer support through community platforms, groups and networks.
Respite Breaks
Currently available to families with children, young people, and young adults our respite breaks allow families to step outside of their day-to-day, have time to reconnect as a family, and experience joy again in a safe and supported setting.
Experiences
Sometimes we get the chance to do something very special and unique with our community that you can get involved in, and will create memories that last a lifetime. Keep an eye on our regular emails for some exciting opportunities throughout the year.
Of families report an improvement in their wellbeing following a SMILES break (so far in 2026).
Of families feel more connected and a sense of belonging following a SMILES event.
Children and young people received a care package in 2025.
Our people
Meet the SMILES Team
George
Events Manager
I have the privilege of organising the events that bring our families and members together, helping them connect and create special memories. From small meet-ups to our larger festivals, my aim is to create experiences that build community and bring lots of smiles.
Katie
SMILES Executive
I look after the SMILES Programme and am responsible for sending out gifts and vouchers and booking Scotty Breaks for our bereaved military families.
Nikki
Founder & Head of SMILES
I founded Scotty’s after my husband, Corporal Lee Scott, was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Today, my role is to help ensure that everyone in the bereaved military community has a place to belong, while helping to shape and develop our services through the SMILES Programme. I also act as a spokesperson for the charity, sharing my own experiences and being a voice for our community to raise awareness of military bereavement and the work of Scotty’s.
To access our SMILES services please join the community and look out for our emails with more details.
For parents and carers of young people you can register them for our Scotty's Little Soldiers activities here.
Join the
Community.
If you've been affected by a military-connected bereavement, the Scotty's community is here for you. Join the community and get involved as much or as little as you want.
What you'll get
- A monthly email, tailored to you
- Help navigating your entitlements
- Access to bereavement support
- Invitations to events and webinars
- Our annual magazine by post
- Care packages on anniversaries and difficult dates
- And lots more
Phone / WhatsApp
0800 092 8571
07392 868291
welcome@scottys.org.uk
Need help now?
Call our team directly or dial 999 in an emergency. You don't need to join first to get support.
Join the
community
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By clicking “Join” you agree to our terms and for Scotty's to be in touch about the support available to you. You can leave the community at any time.