Speak to the project team at the Launch event of the Living in Our Shoes Revisited project on 5th December.

The publication of the ‘Living in Our Shoes’ report five years ago highlighted the unique challenges faced by UK Armed Forces families and made over 100 recommendations for change. Forces in Mind Trust has now awarded £329,366 for research to evaluate the progress in meeting these challenges, determine the future priorities for families, and recommend the actions required by government and the third sector. Given the increasing demands on Armed Forces personnel in a complex and insecure world, it is crucial that the impact of Service life on families is recognised and addressed.

During the 30-month project, the research team will analyse recent changes in the strategic context, conduct a high level policy review, and undertake an in-depth evaluation of each of the identified priority areas of need, highlighting examples of best practice in support of Armed Forces families.

The research project will be hosted by the University of Worcester, and will be carried out by the two co-authors of the Living in Our Shoes report, Professor Janet Walker OBE and Dr Gabriela Misca as Principal Investigator, together with Peter Davis OBE, who previously led on Armed Forces Families policy in the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The team will work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including the MOD, the single Services, government departments, the devolved administrations, the third sector and Armed Forces families’ charities. A key focus for the review will be on hearing the voices of Armed Forces families themselves. The team will publish regular briefings to guide policy and practice in both the short and long term.

Emeritus Professor Janet Walker OBE, said:

‘It was a privilege to conduct the ‘Living in Our Shoes’ review and to see many recommendations enshrined in the Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022-2032. Much progress has been made but now is the time to take stock and determine refreshed and well thought through priorities and practices which will support Armed Forces families. I look forward to engaging with all those who serve our nation, their families and those responsible for supporting them, in order to further our understanding and guide policy decisions in the future.’

Dr Gabriela Misca, said:

‘Armed Forces families are an under-served population, an “invisible subculture” at the interface between military and civilian cultures. Within the context of on-going armed conflicts, advancing understanding of the challenges faced by, and the support needs of, these families is a key priority. It is therefore crucial that strategies to address these are informed by up to date research evidence.’

Mr Peter Davis OBE said:

‘Ensuring that Armed Forces families receive the support they need and deserve is critical to our national security interests. But there is real complexity in understanding what those needs are and in terms of designing and delivering effective policies and practices to satisfy them. Delivery has to be a co-ordinated effort within and between the Ministry of Defence and single Service policy teams, with other central government departments, the devolved administrations and the Armed Forces charities each playing a vital role.’

Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said:

‘Successive official reports have emphasised the crucial role that families play in the Armed Forces community, from Living in Our Shoes to the Haythornthwaite Review. Whilst these reports have helped to increase focus on this important area of government policy, there is still more that needs to be done to address the challenges our families experience due to the unique demands of Service life. We are delighted therefore to fund this project, which will provide a valuable stocktake of progress to date and determine where and how future efforts should be focused to support Armed Forces families.’