Children and young people in armed forces families often face unique challenges - from frequent moves and changing schools, to the impact of deployment and separation. Play and hobbies are far more than just 'free time': they are powerful tools for building adaptability, friendships, confidence and emotional wellbeing. This session will bring together professionals to discuss why access to play and hobbies matters, what research is telling us, and how Scotland can better support this community.
Speakers include:
- Amy Woodhouse, Parenting Across Scotland CEO and Churchill Fellow and author of 'Increasing Children’s and Young People's Access to Hobbies and Leisure Activities.' Amy will share insights from her research and how these lessons can be applied to armed forces children and young people in Scotland.
- Heather Armstrong, Co-Chief Executive of Starcatchers, Scotland's arts and early years organisation, exploring the importance of play in the earliest years, with a focus on the 'Wee People, Big Feelings' project and how practitioners can nurture playful approaches that support babies and young children’s emotional wellbeing.
What you'll gain from this webinar:
- A deeper understanding of why play and hobbies are essential for children and young people’s development and wellbeing
- Practical ideas for supporting armed forces children and young people, from early years through to adolescence
- A chance to hear directly from professionals shaping policy, practice and provision
Who should attend:
This webinar is for practitioners, educators, policymakers, service providers, families and anyone with an interest in supporting the rights and wellbeing of armed forces children and young people.
