Frontline Families is a new charity set up in 2011 to support children in difficult family situations. Did you know that 180 children have lost their fathers in the war in Afghanistan not to mention those who fathers have come back physically or mentally disabled (suffering from Post Traumatic Stress) causing an inability to reintegrate into mainstream society and that many more forces children suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of this loss or the absence of their parents. In addition, their continually moving from one army base to another can have a detrimental effect on emotional and social relationships with their peers and the forming of long-term friendships. This can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation and have an effect in adulthood in their ability to form and maintain relationships.

Other children find themselves with no time to play or simply be children as a result of being carers for their parents. Increasingly, children are born into families where drugs and alcohol abuse is present not to mention those facing sexual abuse and more or who are neglected for other reasons. Finding a 'safe' place to communicate and obtain support can be difficult for those in such situations.

Frontline Families is a charity set up by Scott Ballantyne (9) a young entrepreneur who wants to help children in these situations by offering a forum where they can find help; openly or in confidence discuss the difficulties they find themselves in. Many websites are geared to adults seeking support for children, but few if any are geared to children. Even in bereavement it was highlighted recently, in a TV programme 'My Dad's Army' that children's needs and feelings are not often addressed or recognised.

Through play and integration, Scott wants to bring some happiness and a sense of inclusion to children in difficult situations and where possible offer practical help and access to professional advice and support. Scott's website will be a mixture of fun and information with the overall aim of making families feel understood; recognised and included.

Scott has designed a game called CraziClix™ and branded one version for children of military families and would like to offer these children a free game or introductory pack for the charity. His family have funded the design and development of the game and we are now looking for donations from other sponsors that will help fund our website; the manufacture and postage of games; design and development of promotional materials for the charity and relief packages for families and children who are struggling.

Please help us
Scott Ballantyne (Aged 9)