Service Children's Champion

09/03/2026

Just wanted to share this poem from Dande-Lion Diaries. We are often say that Service children are 'resilient' but it is also true that many of them struggle and we need to let them know that their feelings are valid but that they are safe and loved.

06/03/2026

💜🩷New Resource for Service Families!🩷💜

I am so excited to share details of the brand‑new Service Families Autism Support Directory — a comprehensive and easy to access
guide, signposting to support in North Yorkshire for children, young people and their families. This directory was created by the Service Families Autism Project, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.

From health and wellbeing to education, community groups and military charities, this directory helps families and professionals find the right support, at the right time — all in one place.


👉 Explore the directory here:https://localityboardsnorthyorks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/News-Service-Families-Autism-Support-Directory-2026.pdf

05/03/2026

New school? Big move? Dad or Mum away from home?

​Books are a superpower for Service children! They provide comfort, build confidence, and show our kids they aren't alone in their experiences.

​Check out our World Book Day Recommendation List for military families! Which one is your child’s favorite? Let us know in the comments! 👇
​

05/03/2026

What a lovely way to mark World Book Day and something positive for our children and families to do together! If you live in Catterick Garrison why not go after school and join in the fun. Happy hunting!

03/03/2026

Here are some useful tips for parents that may need to help younger children who may be worrying.

03/03/2026

Today I meet with Elise from Dande-Lion Diaries to talk about her beautiful books for children from military-connected families. The aim of the books is to support young children and help them through challenging times such as deployments. Be sure to visit Dande-Lion Diaries and find out more.

Do you know what a Dande‑Lion is?
Inside every one of our books, there’s a page written especially for families — a gentle way to explain the meaning behind our name and why Dion was created. We poured so much care into shaping a mascot who reflects the courage, softness, and resilience we see in service children every single day.

For forces families, these symbols matter. They help our little ones make sense of their world, especially when life brings change, distance, or new beginnings.

Just as the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance, our hope is that the Dande‑Lion becomes a symbol of pride for service families and children— a reminder of the strength, resilience, and spirit that make our children truly extraordinary.

03/03/2026

Following on from my post yesterday here is some useful advice for older Service children...

02/03/2026

A gentle reminder...

18/02/2026

So excited to see the artwork created by children from PT Childcare last summer, during a workshop with me, finally displayed at the construction site of our new community centre.

27/01/2026

Information regarding sessions being run by North Yorkshire Council for parents and carers of neurodiverse children.

Links to the meetings are here:

28th Jan - https://bit.ly/4t11YSy
25th Feb - https://bit.ly/3YZKFDx
25th March - https://bit.ly/4jVaKNC