As part of the Band of Sisters project, Legasee Educational Trust created One Hundred Jumping Beans, a children’s book designed to support young readers in military families. This collection of stories addresses the unique challenges faced by children living with parents affected by PTSD, physical injuries, or frequent relocations due to military postings.

The idea for the book grew out of discussions with the Catterick Library Service, who highlighted the lack of resources for children coping with these experiences. To fill this gap, Legasee worked with Le Cateau Primary School, author Paula Rogers, and illustrator Geraldine Sierra to run workshops that gave children the opportunity to shape the book’s characters and stories. This collaborative approach ensured the content resonated directly with young readers, tackling sensitive topics in a way that is accessible and engaging.

One Hundred Jumping Beans aims to provide comfort, understanding, and hope to military families navigating the challenges of service life.

The Progression of the Understanding of UK Military Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from WW1 to the Present Day, and The Role of Family in Veteran Mental Health Care, provides a vital contribution to the study of PTSD and its ripple effects on families. Combining historical analysis and first-hand accounts, it examines the evolution of PTSD understanding within the British military, highlighting the critical yet often unseen role of families in veteran care.

These unique perspectives shed light on the emotional toll of military service, offering insights that escape traditional clinical or veteran-centric studies. By amplifying these voices, the paper aims to influence future approaches to supporting both veterans and their families.