AFF is often asked to support specific research projects and studies where they complement areas of our policy work. AFF Health & Additional Needs Specialist, Karen Ross, provides an update on the research and work she has been involved in recently…
SUPPORTING ALL TO THRIVE
AFF has been invited onto the steering group for the Oxford Brookes University research study Supporting All to Thrive. This project is being funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, under the MOD Armed Forces Family Fund Research Grant programme.
The study’s aim is to provide a clearer overview of the educational outcomes of service children with Special Educational Needs and Disability and to understand their educational experiences.
LIFE Q STUDY
The Families Federations have been invited onto the study advisory group for King’s College London’s Life Q study.
The study is being undertaken to learn more about lifestyle behaviours such as alcohol use, exercise, eating, smoking, vaping and the social lives of non-serving spouses and partners of military personnel and veterans. It has now reached the second stage where the researchers are undertaking literature reviews and looking at life contexts and behaviours. We will be providing updates on this at aff.org.uk
UK VETERANS FAMILY STUDY
The UK Veterans Family Study was funded by the Forces in Mind Trust and National Lottery Community Fund and provides the first overview of the psychological health and wellbeing of the UK’s veterans and their families. The study involved researchers from the King’s Centre for Military Health Research and Queen’s University Belfast.
Karen, alongside the other Families Federations, was part of the expert advisory group. This study and subsequent report has recommended that research, policy and services should start focusing on the wellbeing of family members of veterans in their own right, rather than just as potential support for the veteran.
It said that most veteran families appeared to have good psychological health after military service, but there was a small number of veterans, partners and adult children who might need support with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse.
The mental health impact of caring for a veteran with PTSD was mentioned in interviews with participants. Families also reported difficulties managing finances during and after service, especially when their soldier was discharged unexpectedly and they had no time to plan.
ARMED FORCES PATIENT AND PUBLIC VOICE GROUP IMPACT REPORT 2020-23
The NHS has a legal requirement to consult with patients, families and carers on the services that it delivers. This is done through Patient and Public Voice (PPV) groups.
Karen represents AFF on the Armed Forces PPV group. Members include serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families.
The group works with the NHS England Armed Forces healthcare commissioning team to ensure that the needs of the armed forces community are considered.
HELP SHAPE RESEARCH
The King’s Centre for Military Health Research is looking for family and friends of serving personnel and veterans to join its Military-Connected Family and Friends Panel to help shape research into the serving community. If you’re interested in taking part, email micfam@kcl.ac.uk