“Research tells us that military personnel are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as non-military civilians. A culture of self-sufficiency and not admitting ‘weakness’ still exists, which is a potential barrier to accessing support.” Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS
Those working on the frontline with vulnerable veterans know this challenge all too well. It’s why the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) has made this a key priority in their Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme (EVPS), awarding over £1.5 million to 18 projects that are driving real change in veteran suicide prevention.
PAPYRUS is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Speaking about their EPVS funded bespoke training project, Ged explains:
“Veterans may not want to engage with civilian mental health services as they feel it won’t cater for their military experiences.
“We know alienation from civilian life is a large driver of suicide ideation and no veteran deserves to be alone with thoughts of taking their own life.”
Over the next two years, PAPYRUS will offer bespoke CPD accredited suicide prevention training to those working with and supporting veterans. Delivered in partnership with veteran charities, resettlement centres, COBSEO members and veteran families, the training will equip participants with skills to identify warning signs, intervene effectively, and reduce stigma around mental health and suicide among veterans.
Ged continues:
“Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and through this training for those who work with and support veterans we will be spreading greater awareness and ultimately help to prevent the tragic loss of veteran’s lives.”
Safe community spaces to promote mental wellbeing
Taking a different approach, a UK-wide veterans’ sheds project from UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is providing safe, welcoming spaces in local communities where veterans can come together to connect, create and converse. Research gathered by the UKMSA Health and Wellbeing Survey 2023 suggests 39% of Shed Leaders believe their Shed may have prevented at least one member from taking their life.
UKMSA Shed communities reduce feelings of isolation, promote mental and physical wellbeing, and provide enormous benefits not only to those directly involved, but also the wider community. Many veterans already participate at men’s Sheds nationwide and have shared stories of how Sheds have changed their lives for the better. With their EPVS award, UKMSA will recruit a dedicated Armed Forces Lead into its existing Shed Development Team to focus on maximising the benefits of Sheds for veterans and those leaving the armed forces.
UKMSA will work with partners, including the Royal British Legion, a volunteer network and the wider community to seed new Sheds and introduce an Armed Forces Accreditation Scheme to better support the military community in existing Sheds across the UK.
Amy Robinson, UKMSA’s Head of Operations and a RAF veteran said:
“Men’s Sheds have long been a source of community and support for veterans, and we are proud to now be able to provide support specifically focussed on the armed forces community. This funding allows us to better inform, signpost and guide groups in the creation of new Sheds and welcoming spaces for veterans, reservists, and current military personnel soon to leave the armed forces. We know it will save lives.”
A network of collaborative support across the UK
These are just two of the 18 projects across the UK supported through EPVS earlier this year. Ranging from peer mentor training in Wales, to an adventure-based therapy programme in Northern Ireland, from specialist housing and financial support in Scotland to a holistic wellbeing project that will use football as a catalyst in the North East of England, there is a wide range of work underway.
EVPS was developed in direct response to findings from the Trust’s successful One is Too Many (OITM) programme which aimed to reduce suicide risks within vulnerable veterans in a co-ordinated and targeted way. OITM successfully improved mental health and wellbeing in veterans, with lifesaving implications. But there is always more that can be done.
The programme evaluation highlighted three key areas which needed focus;
- addressing mental health wellbeing, help-seeking and stigma within the Armed Forces community,
- supporting staff and volunteers who work with vulnerable beneficiaries,
- addressing the needs of under-represented groups.
EPVS was designed to meet all three of these needs.
Working together to make a difference
Collaboration is central to this programme, widening the potential reach and benefits of each project. The Trust are building connections between funded projects at round tables across the UK. These valuable events provide an opportunity for projects to connect, alongside Thrive Together leads, to understand what’s happening in their region, talk about their plans, and share best practice and resources. The first of these has already taken place, bringing together Northumberland County Council, UK Men’s Sheds Association, and DMWS (Thrive Together Lead for North East and Yorkshire) to discuss the veteran landscape in their region and ways to enhance future collaboration. More are planned across the UK in the coming months.
EPVS programme lead Steven Inman said:
“The high number of applications we received shows just how much awareness there is of this issue and how many organisations across the country are ready to take action.
“While we could not fund every initiative, we’re encouraging all those who applied to stay connected with the Thrive Together programme. By working together, we can find lasting solutions to this complex and important challenge.”
Find out more
For a full list of all awardees from the Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme, visit the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk
Keep up to date with funding opportunities
For the latest updates and announcements on Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk
