The health and wellbeing of military and veteran populations is a global issue, as the military experience translates across social and cultural boundaries. There are health and wellbeing issues specific to a military and veteran population as a consequence of the military environment, irrespective of which brand of the Armed Forces, or country in which a veteran has served.
These issues include mental health and wellbeing, understanding and challenging stigma towards help-seeking behaviours, social isolation and loneliness, and resettlement and reintegration into civilian society.
The Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute is a Platinum Partner of Veterans in Crisis Sunderland (VICS), working together on research and knowledge exchange projects to improve health and wellbeing for veterans and their families in Sunderland. The Institute, supported by VICS and Sunderland CCG have a three year PhD project exploring social isolation in the veteran population of Sunderland. Our Time for Tea social prescribing project (see Health and Care Interdisciplinary Workforce) made a positive impact on veteran wellbeing, and we have been awarded funding to continue this work, working in partnership with the National Glass Centre.
The Office for Veteran Affairs is a new Ministerial unit in the Cabinet Office with responsibility for championing veterans’ interests in government, and ensuring no veteran is excluded from help after leaving service. The Strategy for our Veterans outlines a 10-year plan for veterans in the UK to 2028, addressing the needs of veterans and ensuring a smooth transition into civilian society which acknowledges their experiences and value to society.
The Institute is part of the Sunderland Armed Forces Network and has existing partnerships locally, regionally and nationally.