Young people experience significant change in their lives as they move from childhood to adulthood. Jill Misson explores support available for 16 to 24-year-olds in the Army community.
Growing up, you can’t wait to take control of your life and decide its direction, but the reality of that responsibility can feel daunting. From what to study and deciding a career path to where to live, young people face some crucial choices.
Ruby, 17, is studying English Language, Sociology, and Media Studies at sixthform college. She says: “I chose these courses because I believe that they will help me succeed in the future. I know I definitely want to do something in the media industry and I plan to go to university or do an apprenticeship next. The only challenge I am concerned about is moving away from home as it will be a huge leap.”
Being a child in an Army family has helped Ruby to develop vital skills and a positive mindset. She says: “I am adaptable and can adjust to new communities, schools or countries. I am confident when meeting new people and getting comfortable in unfamiliar environments. I am resilient due to coping with change and overcoming challenges such as frequent moves, making and leaving friends and my dad being away.”
Help from grants
The Armed Forces Education Trust (armedforceseducation.org) can award grants to individuals up to age 25, where their need is directly linked to their education having been disadvantaged due to their parent’s service.
CEO Charmian Hickman says: “This could be to give a young person the continuity they need at their school to finish A-levels or help someone whose schooling was heavily disrupted by mobility to pay for an access to education course so that they can later move into higher education. We are always happy to discuss your situation and see whether we can help.”
Ethan* was due to start a BTEC course at Peter Symonds College in Hampshire when his family arrived back in the UK from Cyprus. However, his father’s posting changed suddenly, meaning they would be living too far away for him to attend unless he started boarding.
When an application for Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) was not approved, Ethan’s parents contacted AFET and a grant was awarded for part of the boarding fees. His mum Helen* says: “Ethan needed to be at a school where his skills would be developed further and where he would have lots of opportunity to reach his full potential. When we thought we’d been let down, the trust helped us out and he is definitely reaping the benefit.”
Teens left in limbo
Children with a non-UK serving parent are legally entitled to attend school up to the age of 16, regardless of their immigration status, but the rules change as they get older.
AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist Katherine Houlston says: “Once they reach 16 they must be legally resident in the UK to continue their studies so schools and further education colleges can refuse to accept students who don’t have a legal right to remain in the UK.
“To undertake higher education courses they must also have three years legal residence before the start of the course, so if they have been overstayers in the three years prior, they won’t be eligible for home fee status.”
To find employment they must have a valid visa, she explains. “We have come across many cases of children who have finished school but are left in limbo because they are not able to continue their education, get a job or rent independently. If someone is in this position they must come to us and we can support them to regularise their status.”
AFF offers support to young people who are serving too, including briefings for non-UK recruits in Phase 1 training. Katherine says: “We like to catch them early so that they are aware of what we offer, so they don’t start paying for immigration advice when they don’t need to and they know where to come for a fully-qualified free service when they need help.”
For young people considering a military career there is information about the application process and the jobs available on the Army recruitment website jobs.army.mod.uk. Anyone under 18 needs parental consent to join and all training for 16 and 17-year-olds takes place during residential courses at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.
For school leavers who have not yet made up their minds about what they want to do, AFF Employment and Training Specialist Lucy Ritchie recommends finding work experience.
“It gives them the opportunity to explore a range of jobs and careers. Springpod (springpod.com) offers virtual work experience through on-demand online courses and The Forces Employment Charity (forcesemployment.org.uk) has advisors to help with CVs and applications, and finding work experience, internships and apprenticeships.”
Don’t be scared to put your hand up
Forces Children Scotland forceschildrenscotland.org.uk offers in-person and online support to young people from Armed Forces families in Scotland. Their projects focus on enhancing wellbeing, fostering a sense of community and advancing children’s rights.
Erin, 18, says: “Contributing to research, being able to speak face-to-face with decision makers and meet new friends is my proudest achievement. The difference in my life has been positive and helpful; I’ve become more confident to speak about matters which are important and I’ve been able to understand things I didn’t quite grasp. I’ve got more comfortable putting my hand up for opportunities and trying new things.”
Additional help
For young people struggling with their mental health there are resources available to access online. Young people still at school are eligible to apply for the Little Troopers Therapy Programme littletroopers.net.
AFF Health & Additional Needs Specialist Karen Ross also signposts to Talking Therapies and Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services. She says: “Once a child is 18 they will access adult mental health services and this can be from 16 in some locations. In the UK you should call NHS 111 for urgent mental health support.”
Young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should continue to be supported up to the age of 25 if they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Karen says: “For Army families where it is demonstrated that a child with a disability cannot live independently they can continue to live with their parents in Service Family Accommodation (SFA). The serving parent is advised to register their family member’s additional support needs to inform their career managers when assignments are considered.”
When children without additional needs reach 18 they are classed as nondependent adults. Although they are allowed to continue living in SFA they no longer count towards their serving parent’s entitlement which could result in downsizing to a smaller property on the next assignment.
There is more information at aff.org.uk
Nuances for NEETs
Entitlement remains for young people under the age of 25 who are unmarried and in full-time education or taking a gap year between school and university but does not extend to those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
For overseas postings, the circumstances of older children matter. AFF Overseas Manager Esther Thomas says: “Young people who are NEET do not automatically qualify to accompany their parents. Some locations, such as USA, remove dependant status at 18 meaning they must leave the country. Local employment opportunities are limited both by locations and by visas.”
There is financial support through School Children’s Visits to help eligible young people at boarding school and university to visit their parents overseas.
Esther says: “It’s six return journeys for school-age children and three for students but there is no travel support for NEETS living in the UK.”
The Office of National Statistics reported earlier this year that the number of 16-24 year olds classed as NEET had risen to over one million. The King’s Trust (kingstrust.org.uk) believes that every young person should have the chance to succeed. UK CEO Jonathan Townsend says: “At a time when more young people are out of work, education and training, we’re seeing the impact of health challenges, financial hardship and a difficult jobs market.
“For those without strong support networks or opportunities, these barriers can be even harder to overcome. We help young people access opportunities and build the confidence, skills and connections they need to achieve their goals.”
*Names have been changed