“I wouldn't change Scotty's friend for the world.”
2024-04-11
Lexi Parrett was 11 years old when her father, Sergeant Oliver Parrett, died by suicide. He served in the Royal Air Force for 22 years, during which time he completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is an accomplished aircraft engineer and has flown on the VC10, Herc, Voyager, and A400.
“My dad was a real airplane geek and loved everything about airplanes, working on decommissioned planes and taking me and my family on trips,” says Lexi, now 15. “My father was a kind and caring man. My fondest memories are of the holidays we spent in our caravan every year. We would drive down little country roads, not knowing where we were, and he He always refused to believe that we were lost. He loved to cook, so he would often make something in the kitchen, but some things turned out better than others. . He died by suicide in February 2020, just before the lockdown.”
How Scotty's Little Soldiers Helped Me
Many bereaved children and young people report feeling alone and alone after the death of a parent. When military bereaved children and youth join Scotty's, we want them to know they are not alone. One of the ways we accomplish this is by providing opportunities for him to connect with other members of Scotty's through events, activities, and online her platforms.
“Scotties gave me friendships with people all over the country, and I wouldn't change that for the world. If it wasn't for Scotties, I wouldn't have met them, and they all I understand that. Sometimes I don't even have to explain what happened to my dad. People automatically understand and know what I'm going through, so it's really great. The team at Scotty's are all really nice too and I feel a connection with them right away. I know they'll always be there when I need them.”
What do military children find difficult after the death of a parent?
All children and young people who experience the death of a parent will face a variety of challenges. And we know that being a member of the Scotties does not ease the pain of bereavement. But with support and dedication, we hope to make these struggles more manageable for our members.
“One of the things I find difficult is being able to feel happy since my father passed away, but I know a lot of other members who feel the same way. But Scotty taught me that it's okay to be happy even if your dad isn't with you. Another thing that's very difficult is certain subjects or topics in school. Triggers are different for everyone. However, in my personal experience, schools do not do the best job of handling situations that arise during class hours, which can have a significant impact on mental health.”
Why I am a member of the Scottie Council
Scotty's Council is a group of Scotty's beneficiaries that represents the voice of military bereaved children and youth. The Council is made up of his 12 Scotties (ages 11-17) who make up the Member Council and his 12 Springboarders (ages 18-25) who make up the Springboard Council. Masu. Together they form the Scottie Council.
“For me, my role on the Members Council is to give a voice to all Scottie members and say what they want to say. I take pride in my role and in my own small way, , we want to know that we are helping more children and young people get the support they need.”
Council members meet throughout the year to give their input to the charity and provide ideas and suggestions for support that they feel would best benefit young people who have been bereaved in the military. It is because of our members that we are able to do what we do. That's why our members' opinions are so important in how we guide the future direction of our philanthropy.
My favorite Scotty's Little Soldiers memories
Lexi has been a member of Scotties since 2020 and during that time she has attended numerous fun events with other military bereaved children who can empathize with her and understand what she is going through.
“I cherish every moment I spent at a Scottie event, but if I had to choose a favorite it would be the first Scottie Christmas party I ever went to, where I made my first Scottie friend and felt like I was alone. Because I realized that” in what I experienced. For the first time since my father passed away, I felt like I was allowed to have fun. You'll be amazed at how much Christmas parties and all the events Scotty hosts help us connect with people who understand what we're going through and form lifelong friendships. ”
About Scotty
Scotty's Little Soldiers is a military charity specializing in supporting children and young people (aged 0-25) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
A work inspired by the experiences of an army widow. nicky scottAfter my husband's death, Corporal Lee Scott The charity, which started working in Afghanistan in 2009, was founded in 2010 and has provided support and guidance throughout early childhood to hundreds of children and young people who have fallen in combat.
Scotties currently supports over 650 bereaved children and young people. Services provided include bereavement support for children, guidance for parents and carers, personal education and learning support (including grants), and access to fun activities such as holiday breaks and group events. All of this is designed to remind the children and young people Scotties supports that they are not alone.
If you know a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, you may be eligible for specialist bereavement support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. Hundreds of military bereaved children are not getting the support they need, and we are here to help.
If you know someone who has lost a military child who could benefit from Scotty's Little Soldiers assistance, please visit our website. Get support page For more information.