Forces in Mind Trust

Forces in Mind Trust has awarded funding to evaluate the progress of support for Armed Forces families revisiting the Living in Our Shoes report. The report, published in 2020, highlighted the unique challenges faced by UK Armed Forces and made recommendations for change. New research led by authors of the original report Professor Jan Walker OBE and Dr Gabriela Misca together with Peter Davis OBE will reexamine the recommendations of the original report to better understand the challenges faced by Armed Forces families today. The research will also determine future priorities for families, and recommend the actions needed by charities and government. As part of the collaborative nature of this project the research team and Forces in Mind Trust invite those wanting to learn more to join us for the launch of Living in Our Shoes: Revisited online on 5th December from 12:00-13:00. The project is hosted by the University of Worcester and will run for 30 months. https://lnkd.in/e32KJunG

Forces in Mind Trust has awarded funding to the Probation Institute in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University and Cogito Development to enhance support for ex-Service personnel. This project will build on recent research into journeys to harmful behaviour: helping implement its recommendations through collaboration with cross-sector leaders. More information on the project can be read here - https://lnkd.in/exri7D7U

What is the role of AI in the Armed Forces community? Representatives from service charities, government and academia convened to discuss the role of AI at King's College London. The event included discussions of the impact of AI on the charity sector, research and health. Delegates also discussed how AI can be used to support the community, opportunities it can bring for service delivery, and how data and risks can be effectively managed.

Next Wednesday the Soldiering On Awards 2024 will take place celebrating the amazing organisations and people that work with and for the Armed Forces community. Collaboration is a key part of supporting Service personnel, ex-Service personnel and families. The Working Together award recognises some of those collaborative projects that are delivering positive change, and FiMT is delighted to sponsor the award again this year. Congratulations and good luck to the three Working Together finalists! Cornwall Council Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership Sunderland City Council Armed Forces Partnership

A new project helping ex-Service personnel gain sustainable employment skills through training has published its findings. Funded by Forces in Mind Trust, the project embedded a training manager within Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company where researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University carried out an evaluation of its effectiveness in supporting veterans. Learn more about the project and read the full report: https://lnkd.in/egxtfHkj

Did you leave the UK Armed Forces between 2-10 years ago? Forces in Mind Trust Research Centre are conducting new research - the Outcomes Study. The purpose of this new research is to build evidence about the impact of military Service that focuses on the ‘normative’ experience, rather than on the challenges and difficulties. If you left the UK Armed Forces between 2-10 years ago consider taking part in an online focus group. Follow the link to learn more and register - https://lnkd.in/dVhQasd8

The Forces in Mind Trust Research Centre have announced the theme for their research conference 2025. Understanding and supporting the Armed Forces community in an evolving world. More info below ⬇

Great to have spent the last few days in Edinburgh at the first Scottish international conference on Armed Forces research in society, with important discussions about the Armed Forces Covenant, families and transition. #ScotAFConf24

New project will examine the effect of trauma on accelerated aging in ex-Service personnel. Forces in Mind Trust has awarded £298,000 of funding to the University of Birmingham to research the long-term impacts of physical and mental trauma. The research will determine the biological age of those who experienced trauma during deployment. Researchers will work with Afghanistan veterans in conjunction with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre's ADVANCE cohort.

Little is understood about Early Service Leavers. Emerging evidence indicates they may be a vulnerable group. Read our latest News Feature to learn what we currently understand and the gaps that need to be addressed - https://lnkd.in/eUpPAsW3