Children and young people in Forces families are often incredibly adaptable, brave and resilient. There are many positives to being part of such a family, including opportunities to live in other countries and pride in being part of the military community.
And yet… most military children experience regular separations from a parent/carer because of deployments and training, sometimes for months at a time. They often face frequent moves, having to change home, town and school, causing personal and educational upheaval. This pattern of relocation makes it difficult for both parents/carers to maintain careers leaving families with only one income, making books, hobbies and after-school activities luxuries. This is the reality for many of the c.130,000 fantastic UK Forces children at home and overseas.
We exist to give something special back to these families.
Reading Force supports military children’s wellbeing and development through our free, fun shared-reading initiative for the whole family. Each personalised pack, with books, scrapbooks, and journals tailored to a child’s age and needs, connects families through story, even across distance. These moments of shared-reading increase communication, help children process their thoughts, strengthen bonds, and create treasured memories.
“Sometimes when my dad calls me, I don’t know what to say, but I can tell him about my Reading Force books”
But that’s not all. Our Book Clubs bring Forces children together to share feelings and forge friendships. We celebrate their achievements with certificates, competitions, and published content that gives them a voice and builds confidence. Our national events, featuring authors and literature activities, unite the Forces community in inspiring shared experiences.
And the impact is real:
- 90% of families say Reading Force helps children feel more connected to their mum.
- 86% say it improves connections with their dad.
- Teachers have reported improved SAT results, while many families also see stronger bonds with siblings and grandparents.
“The surprise of new books really brightens all of our days, especially when Daddy is away during the week or deployed for several months.’
“Our scrapbooks help us to capture lots of fun memories of time together as a family.”
With your support, we can provide more Forces children with books, activities, and experiences, helping them keep up with their peers and giving them the stability and joy every child deserves.
Join our patrons Sir Michael Morpurgo, Meg Rosoff, Tom Palmer, Sally Gardner, Janet Ellis and Dame Penelope Keith in championing the c.130,000 UK Armed Forces children – help them thrive with a donation today.
