The STRIDES Programme
The STRIDES Programme is designed to help address the educational and employment challenges that can come as a result of a military-connected bereavement. Bereavement within the military community can have long-term consequences for the educational outcomes of young people, the employment of bereaved adults, and the financial security of families already navigating the employment disadvantages that can come with military life.
Our STRIDES offer today is largely focused on children and young adults, and will grow in the future to include more support for adults. Our current activities include:
Education and development grants
Removing the financial barriers for children and young adults to participation in education, extracurricular activities, and experiences that help build confidence, aspirations and social connections.
Development Opportunities
Mentoring and skills programmes to help bereaved young people to build futures shaped by their potential not their loss.
Training for Schools and Employers
Resources and our online learning platform Scotty’s Learning include courses for those working in education and employers.
Scotty's Higher Education Grant
Members can apply for a higher education grant of £1,000 towards the cost of going to university.
Policy Influencing
Working closely with bereaved military families to change the systems which are currently failing them.
Educational Advocacy
Working with military bereaved families when they need some extra support with education or school related challenges.
Referral pathways for adults
We work with a number of partners who provide employment support for those in the military community and are happy to extend this support to the bereaved.
Of people supported by STRIDES felt that the support they received has had a positive impact on their future.
STRIDES packs have been sent out in 2026 so far.
Grants have been issued so far in 2026.
Our people
Meet the STRIDES Team
Rob
Head of STRIDES
I look after the STRIDES programme and support our Members in removing barriers to learning and providing opportunities to develop life skills through the giving of grants and talking with schools about the ways they can help.
To access our STRIDES 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.