Children of military personnel in Cornwall helped by support groups

Dozens of support groups have been set up in primary schools across Cornwall to help children from working families.

The Diocese of Truro, which runs the groups, said Little Troopers aims to help children aged five to 11 who have a parent who may be deployed overseas.

The Bishop of St Germans and Bishop of the Armed Forces, the Most Reverend Hugh Nelson, said he was trying to expand the scheme to more of the 43 schools run by the diocese.

Speaking on a visit to King Charles Church of England Primary School in Falmouth, he said the program created a community for children in similar situations.

“It gives you a friendship group to be a part of,” he said.

Warrant Officer Daniel Laity, an aircraft engineer at nearby Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, said the group gave his two children, Marlon and Margot, a place to share experiences.

“In 2021, when I was away, the club helped Marlon in particular,” he said.

“They were able to talk about it with other kids who are going through the same thing. … I think it was really helpful.”

He said the departure was “something that plays on every sailor’s mind”.

“The school does a great job of bringing those kids together,” he added.

Charlie, a pupil involved in Little Troopers, said the group “makes me feel like it’s not just me”.

His father is currently in the service and said they regularly talk to each other on FaceTime.

“Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there,” he said.

“I have several people who could help me with the problem and I can help them if they get upset when they get upset when mommy or daddy is away.”