Projects we have funded

A grant to help fund an independent evaluation of the RBL’s pilot online mentoring platform. The project trialled an innovative method of delivering networking and guidance to members of the ex-Service community who were actively seeking employment.

An 18-month study into the internal and external barriers to help seeking experienced by ex-Service personnel with mental health problems. The final report completed in Autumn 2017.

Initially awarded as a project in its own right under the MHRP, working alongside its (non-MHRP) sister project, 'Understanding, supporting and serving the NI veterans’ community', these two projects became joined in February 2017 under what is now known as the Northern Ireland Veteran Health and Wellbeing Study (NIVHWS). The mental health (Hidden Veteran) element is now intertwined within the main project, but will have its own specific section within the final NIVHWS report, looking specifically at the Hidden Veteran Community within the sensitive context of Northern Ireland.

Building on the well-received Joint Health Needs Assessment (England) review of 2015 (known as ‘Call to Mind: England), this is a one-year follow on study, tailored to the unique circumstances of each of the devolved nations, to review whether the mental and related health needs of veterans and their family members are being assessed appropriately (read the press release).

In 2016, a report looking at the charitable sector in Scotland was released.

A development and employability programme, plus evaluation, tailored to the needs of a specific cohort who require additional, specialist assistance transition to civilian life.

A grant (£​210,859) to help ex-servicemen and women make a successful transition back to civilian life. The Project identified gaps in the cultural differences between military and civilian life. An additional grant of £​21,681 was awarded in June 2015 for the dissemination of the original project.

Initially a 3- year project to generate a comprehensive understanding of Northern Ireland that would be used by policy makers and service deliverers across the sector. The mental health element was split out and awarded under the MHRP 3 months later, entitled, 'Mental Health Needs of the Hidden Veteran Community in Northern Ireland’. These two projects became joined in terms of work packages in February 2017 under what is now known as the Northern Ireland Veteran Health and Wellbeing Study (NIVHWS).

A grant was awarded to the Institute for Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, based at Queen’s University to research how counter-insurgency warfare experiences impact on the transition of land-based personnel.

A grant was awarded to carry out a systematic review of alcohol screening and brief interventions for Service personnel prior to their transition to civilian life.