A new research project led by Brunel University London will explore the experiences of children and young people aged 8 to 21 as their parents transition from military to civilian life, in a bid to improve understanding and support for this often-overlooked group.
The two-year project, which begins in September 2025, is being delivered in partnership with the University of Portsmouth, Forces Children Scotland, and Academic Consulting and Education Services (ACCESS). It has been commissioned by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), which supports research into the challenges and opportunities surrounding Armed Forces transition.
There are estimated to be more than 120,000 children in the UK with at least one parent serving in the Armed Forces. While awareness of the difficulties faced by Service leavers has grown, there is still limited evidence on how the transition period affects their children. The project will examine how young people experience this shift before, during and after their parent or carer leaves the military, and will explore how support can be better tailored and embedded into both policy and practice.
The research will use a co-design approach, placing the voices of children and young people at the centre of the study’s design, delivery, and outputs.
Anne Chappell and Ellen McHugh, from Brunel University London, said: “As a project team that includes Amanda Carr, Liam Satchell, Liz Spruin and Meg Thomas, we are delighted to have been awarded this research funding from FiMT. It provides an exciting opportunity to work innovatively with children and young people to co-design and develop research into their unique experiences at a particular transition point in their family life. The evidence from this research will be used to identify the most appropriate support and provide recommendations for embedding the support in both policy and practice.”
Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of FiMT, said: “Children from Armed Forces families often benefit from opportunities and experiences through being part of a military family. However, they also face distinct challenges. While some of those challenges and opportunities are known, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of Service children as they navigate their own transition away from the military community. Therefore, FiMT are proud to be funding this project, which aims to bridge those gaps in knowledge and help drive meaningful change in the support for Service children.”
The study will build on growing calls for more inclusive Armed Forces transition policy, ensuring that the needs of the wider family are understood and addressed alongside those of the serving individual.
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