Can anyone believe how quickly this year has flown by? We're heading into the final two months of 2026 and already talking about Christmas!

Before we dive into all things festive, I wanted to share this photo from our annual team day with some of the team. We're a small team, with most of us working part-time, so it's always lovely to get everyone together. We spent the day reflecting on everything we've achieved, sharing ideas and making exciting plans for the future. There's so much we want to do, and I'm already looking forward to what 2027 will bring for Little Troopers!

But first…..Christmas! This year marks 10 years of Christmas Smiles and we're planning to make it extra special. We've got some lovely things in store for military families, so keep an eye on your inbox for announcements about our Christmas boxes and festive activities.

Lots to look forward to as we head towards the end of the year.

All Together Online

31st October - Kiddy Cook

21st November - Art Base

12th December - Zoolab

28th November  - Royal Hospital Chelsea

SNOWDON - SAVE THE DATE!

11th September 2027

Rain stopping play? Not for our little troopers!

Autumn has well and truly arrived and with the colder, wetter weekends creeping in, we've got plenty to keep your little troopers busy!

Our autumn All Together Online programme is now underway, with some brilliant sessions to come. From Halloween-themed baking to our ever-popular art workshops and a special animal-themed session in the run-up to Christmas, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

All from the comfort of home, whatever the weather!

Christmas Smiles Boxes - Bulk Bids OPEN

We're excited to announce that our Christmas Smiles Boxes are back for 2026! Packed with separation support resources and festive goodies, they're designed to bring a little Christmas joy to military children missing their serving parent.

BULK APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Military welfare teams, units, ships and bases can now apply for 15 boxes or more to distribute to families in their communities.

Military families: Please encourage your welfare team to apply on behalf of families facing separation this Christmas.

Just need one box for your Little Trooper? Individual applications aren't open yet, so please don't use the bulk application form. Keep an eye on your inbox for details of how to apply towards the end of November.

Six years of our special Gazette!

Launched during the pandemic, the Little Troopers Gazette was so popular that it became a permanent part of our work to connect military children.

This unique newspaper is completely packed with stories written by military children, for military children.

Louise said, “We wanted to build a sense of pride and community among military children and with every issue printed, I believe we do that.”

To date, over 60,000 copies have reached little troopers at home and through schools. The latest edition is officially hot off the press order your copy today!

Logan is our Little Trooper of the Month

For the past seven months, Logan’s dad has been deployed overseas with the British Army. During this time, Logan has had to navigate a long period apart from his dad, alongside a huge amount of change in his young life.

Logan has been processing the sudden loss of his grandad last year and recently received diagnoses of both ADHD and Autism. He is just beginning to understand and navigate what these mean for him.

Logan’s mum, Katie, said: “It’s such wonderful news that Logan has been chosen as this month’s Little Trooper of the Month. He’s been through a lot over the last seven months and seeing the joy on his face when he found out,  has meant so much to us.

Fundraiser of the Month

This month we want to say a massive thank you to BM Caterers. Each year the   contract catering company organise an incredible fundraising dinner and we are lucky to be their nominated charity.

At this year’s event guests were incredibly generous and raised £13,500 in one night through tickets, an incredible raffle and auction.

We are so grateful for their ongoing support, this money will make such a difference to our little troopers.