Moray Council backs Forces Children’s Rights Charter
Moray Council is to endorse the Forces Children’s Rights Charter and continue building on the success of the Dandelion Project, which supports children and young people from Armed Forces families across Moray.
Moray is home to the highest number of children from Armed Forces families in Scotland, with 1,619 pupils from military backgrounds attending schools across the area.
By endorsing the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, the council will commit to ensuring Armed Forces children are seen, heard and supported, while embedding their rights and needs into future planning, policy development and service delivery. It was also agreed that officers should explore future funding options to continue this work beyond the current Dandelion Project.
The Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee heard that the Dandelion Project, launched in 2024 through funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, has helped strengthen support for military families and raised awareness of the unique challenges faced by Armed Forces children. The project has worked with schools, families and partner organisations to improve educational experiences, strengthen wellbeing and help children feel connected to their communities.
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Chair of the Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee, said: “Moray has a proud and long-standing connection with the Armed Forces community, and it is important that we recognise the unique experiences and challenges that many Forces children face.
“The Dandelion Project has made a significant difference to children, young people and their families by providing support, building connections and helping schools better understand their needs.
“By agreeing to sign up to the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring these children and young people are supported to thrive, succeed and have their voices heard. We also want to build on the excellent work already taking place and explore how this support can be sustained in the future.”
Commenting, Steven Sweeney, Chief Executive of Forces Children Scotland, said: “As Moray has the largest military footprint of any local authority in Scotland, its endorsement of the Forces Children’s Rights Charter marks a significant step forward. One in four Forces children in Scotland now live within local authorities that have adopted the Charter.
“The work currently being done to support children from Forces families in the area shows what can be achieved to ensure these young people feel fully supported during challenging periods. This is in no small part due to the work of the Dandelion Project.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Moray Council, Cllr Robertson and Armed Forces Champion Cllr Bloomfield to realise the aims set out in the Charter and ensure Forces children get the very best start in life.”
The Dandelion Project supports children from serving, reservist and veteran Armed Forces families. Through resources, events, school engagement and partnership working, it helps schools and communities better understand military life and provides practical support during periods of transition, deployment and change.
The Forces Children’s Rights Charter is built around 10 rights-based commitments designed to ensure Armed Forces children have access to the support, opportunities and information they need to flourish.