The Ripple Pond is a UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting the adult family members of physically or psychologically injured British Armed Forces personnel and veterans. Founded in 2012 by family members with lived experience of military injury, The Ripple Pond exists to ensure that those affected by the “ripple effect” of service-related trauma are seen, heard, and supported in their own right.
We support the Armed Forces Community by focusing on those who are often behind the scenes, the family members and loved ones who serve and support without question, while living with the long-term impacts of injury, trauma and military service themselves.
We provide a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental community where family members can access a host of wellbeing activities, information, family support, practical one-to-one guidance, specialist resources, peer support and more. Our services are designed to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, build resilience and empower families to navigate the challenges that can arise when supporting an injured serving person or veteran.
Research increasingly shows that supporting families leads to better outcomes for veterans themselves. While a veteran may receive formal support for a few hours each week, it is often their partner, parent, sibling, adult child or close friend who is providing support every day, helping them manage the ongoing realities of recovery, rehabilitation and daily life. When families are equipped with the right knowledge, support and coping strategies, they are better able to sustain their own wellbeing and continue providing effective support to their loved one.
As a UK charity focused solely on the adult families and chosen family members of injured serving personnel and veterans, we strengthen the resilience of the whole family unit, ensuring that those living with the ripple effects of military injury are recognised, supported and never face their journey alone.
What makes us particularly proud is the impact of our recent Family Focus project, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The project recognises that when a serving person or veteran is injured, the effects are often felt throughout the whole family, including children. By supporting parents and carers with the knowledge, confidence and resources they need, we are helping to reduce the risk of trauma being passed from one generation to the next.
Through the project, we have developed a range of innovative, family-focused resources that help parents have open, age-appropriate conversations with their children about injury, recovery and the challenges military families may face. These include videos, interactive conversation guides and practical resources that make difficult topics easier to discuss.
The resources on understanding injury, navigating Remembrance and fireworks season are transformational. Produced alongside a clinical psychologist, educational professional and those with lived experience these guides provide families with real, tangible advice, guidance and structure to support understanding and emotional wellbeing. At the heart of the project is a commitment to building emotional literacy across the whole family, helping children and adults recognise, express and manage their emotions in healthy ways.
Seeing families gain confidence, communicate more openly and feel better equipped to support one another has been incredibly rewarding. We know that strengthening family resilience today can end cycles of generational trauma, and we are proud to be helping military families create that foundation.
Cobseo provides a valuable platform for collaboration, learning and shared purpose. Through membership, we can connect with organisations across the sector, share expertise, stay informed about emerging issues and best practice, and help ensure that the voices of military families are represented in shaping support for the Armed Forces community.
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here