Category: Health

Prioritize your health with resources on fitness, mental health, healthcare services, and safety practices, ensuring well-being for individuals and families.

Invictus Games Foundation Welcomes Rob Owen OBE as Incoming CEO

The Invictus Games Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Owen OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Rob will officially take over the reins at the end of February 2025 following a few weeks of shadowing the outgoing CEO, Dominic Reid OBE, in January.

Lord Allen, Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, expressed his confidence in Rob’s leadership:

“The Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Rob Owen OBE as our new CEO. Rob’s proven track record in building strong partnerships, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and driving innovative funding mechanisms makes him the ideal choice to lead the Foundation into its next chapter. As we look ahead to the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 this February, we are excited for Rob to build on the incredible momentum and global impact that Dominic Reid has established over the past decade.”

Rob brings with him a wealth of experience, including 16 transformative years as CEO of St Giles Trust. Under his leadership, the charity grew from a regional organisation to a nationally recognised, award-winning entity, delivering impactful programs and saving the UK taxpayer an estimated £2.5 billion.

Further proving his suitability for the Invictus Games Foundation’s beyond the Games programmes, Rob has climbed Mt Everest and Mt McKinley, reached both the North and South Poles, completed Marathon des Sables, the New York Marathon, the Devizes to Westminster kayak Race, and pulled a sledge three times around the London Marathon.

Rob Owen OBE shared his enthusiasm for the role:

“I am honoured to be joining the Invictus Games Foundation, an organisation that has changed lives and saved lives over the past ten years, and inspired the world along the way. As the Foundation prepares for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, I am eager to start working alongside the team, our partners, and, most importantly, the incredible community of competitors and their families to ensure this mission continues to thrive and grow.”

Dominic Reid OBE, who has served as CEO since the Foundation’s inception, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Reflecting on his tenure, Dominic said:

“Leading the Invictus Games Foundation has been an immense privilege. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in creating an enduring legacy of support for international wounded, injured, and sick Service personnel and veterans through the power of sport. Rob’s outstanding leadership and empathy make him perfectly suited to take the Foundation forward, and I wish him every success.”

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, set to take place in February, will mark a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey, showcasing the resilience and determination of the international community with new Winter sports for the first time. Rob’s appointment post Games signals a new era of leadership, ensuring the Foundation continues its vital work in supporting those who have served, ahead of the upcoming Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

3rd January 2025
UK TO TRAIN HUNDREDS MORE UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS IN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FOR COMBAT

The UK will train 180 Ukrainian soldiers to be combat mental resilience practitioners on the frontlines in 2025 – nearly double the 100 who were successfully trained this year.

The Combat Stress Signposting Course (CSSC) has been delivered by British Army specialists to Ukrainian soldiers within positions of command as part of Operation Interflex, the UK-led international training programme for Ukrainian recruits.

As combat mental resilience practitioners – officially termed control stress operators – the Ukrainian commanders will be responsible for helping their soldiers manage the stresses of combat as they defend their nation from Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion.

So far, more than 51,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained in the UK under Operation Interflex.

Following a rise in recruits reporting trauma exposure and mental health struggles, the CSSC was initiated on the request of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Moral and Psychological Support department.

Developed with input from Ukrainian military psychologists alongside specialist mental resilience and mental health practitioners from UK Defence, the five-week course equips soldiers with battle shock management techniques for before and during combat, as well as trauma risk management and signposting for clinical support following the fight.

Minister of Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:

“The Ukrainian people are fighting with huge courage to defend their country, and it is our duty to put them in the strongest possible position.

“With hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers receiving mental health first aid training before returning to the frontlines, resilience can be spread throughout the ranks of those fighting Russia’s illegal ininvasion. The UK will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine throughout 2025 as we have done this year.”

Upon completion of the course, the newly equipped Ukrainian Control Stress Operators will have the power to train and support hundreds of their fellow soldiers on the frontlines, ensuring the initial lessons taught by British instructors continue to be spread far beyond the UK.

An example of the battle shock management techniques being taught by British soldiers includes iCover; a six-step technique that can be delivered to a person in acute stress to get them back to a functioning state in less than a minute, as well as mindfulness grounding exercises that help a soldier override their fear or stress in the heat of battle.

Operation Interflex, conducted by the UK Armed Forces and 12 partner nations, has trained 51,000 Ukrainians in essential frontline combat skills since it was established in the summer of 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The training has been extended through to at least the end of 2025, with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills.

During a visit to Kyiv on 19 December, the Defence Secretary announced a new £225M military package with a mix of funding from the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine and the UK’s own funding.

The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability: with new maritime drones and boats, air defence systems and counter-drone systems.

28th December 2024
New research further progresses MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD

New research has successfully tested the safety of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy with five UK veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The trial supported that the treatment could be feasible, safe, and potentially effective for use in the UK, and supports that further research is warranted into the treatment.

In the phase II trial, Supporting Wounded Veterans worked in conjunction with King’s College, London (KCL), the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and NHS England in a project part-funded by Forces in Mind Trust.

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder caused by traumatic events, such as those experienced during conflict, accidents and abuse. Existing treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy can be less than 30% effective for ex-Service personnel experiencing PTSD. MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promising results in other countries for those with PTSD that is treatment-resistant but has not been tested in the UK before.

The trial’s small size allowed for careful testing of the treatment where the participants could be monitored overnight in hospital for adverse events and assessed in follow-up to their MDMA therapy.

The effectiveness of treating PTSD was similar to that witnessed elsewhere in larger studies and participants did not report any notable negative incidents.

Full results cannot be published until the conclusion of the international MAPS study, of which the UK trial forms one part. The success of the trial allows for further clinical testing of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in a larger trial.

The short report on the UK trial can be read here.

Gilly Norton, Chief Executive of Supporting Wounded Veterans, said:

“Working with King’s College London to execute this successful clinical trial on a potential alternative treatment for PTSD has been a key step in improving support for veterans affected by treatment-resistant PTSD in the UK. The rigorous protocols and establishing of safety and efficacy in trial design during research were essential to the success of the trial, and allowing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to become closer to being available for use in the UK. We are delighted to be moving the dial towards better treatment for veterans.”

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

“The vast majority of ex-Service personnel leave the Armed Forces and have a successful transition to civilian life but those experiencing PTSD often face much greater challenges in civilian life. Given some individuals can find that existing treatments aren’t effective for them, it is key that we advance new treatments to support all those with PTSD. This study forms a building block towards better treatments that can enable more former Service personnel and families to live thriving civilian lives.”

16th December 2024
Combat Stress’ Festival of Lessons and Carols 2024
On Thursday 5 December, Combat Stress – the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, held their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, in the Royal Military Chapel, at Wellington Barracks, the beautiful spiritual home of the Household Division.

The service began at 7pm, with Army Chaplain Revered Alex Bennett CF — who has spent two decades in the army, including being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan – welcoming the 260 people in attendance.

What followed was a beautiful collection of carols, including a poignant Ukrainian carol, led by the brilliant chapel choir and accompaniments from the Pinstripe Highlanders and the Band of the Welsh Guards.

The beautiful music was interspersed by readings from some of the charity’s supporters, including:
- Lt Col James Coleby, (Commanding Officer, London Central Garrison, Wellington Barracks)
- Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG KC (Former Cabinet Minister)
- Peter Turner (Royal Chelsea Hospital Pensioner)
- Fenella Woolgar (British Film, Television and Theatre Actress)
- Steve Poutney (Army veteran who received Combat Stress life-changing treatment)
- Chloe Mackay (CEO at Combat Stress)
After the service, the evening concluded with a drink’s reception at the Officer’s Mess.

Chloe Mackay, CEO at Combat Stress, said:

“As I mark my first Christmas as CEO, it was wonderful to be able to come together in this beautiful setting to mark the start of the festive season.

“For many veterans with PTSD, Christmas can be a very difficult time, so we are incredibly grateful to all those who attended our Festival of Lessons and Carols, and all those who continue to support us.”

The money raised from the event will go directly to providing specialist treatment to veterans with complex mental health issues arising from military service.
12th December 2024
FAITH: New Trauma Support Programme for Families of Armed Forces Veterans
Military Veterans mental health charity PTSD Resolution has announced the launch of FAITH (Family Assistance & Intervention for Trauma Healing), a pioneering programme supporting families affected by living with a traumatised armed forces Veteran.

The initiative responds to growing evidence that trauma can impact relatives and entire households of sufferers.

PTSD Resolution delivers free, prompt access to trauma therapy for Veterans, and now their family members too, through a nationwide network of 200 qualified Human Givens therapists, requiring no GP referral or diagnosis. The programme launches following a successful pilot showing significant improvements in family members’ mental health outcomes, with proven recovery rates of 68% among family members receiving therapy from the charity.

Recent data reveals that 17% of PTSD Resolution’s clients are related to Veterans, with partners comprising 65% of these referrals and children 32%. The remaining 3% includes parents and siblings affected by living with trauma-affected Veterans.

Colonel Tony Gauvain (retired) Chairman and founder of PTSD Resolution, explains:

“FAITH represents a significant evolution in military mental health support. When a Veteran struggles with trauma, the entire family may be bearing that burden. Our data shows that with proper support, families can heal together. With our growing understanding of the issues, 68% of clients see a reliable improvement after therapy. This programme offers hope to thousands of families across the UK.”

The programme’s success stems from the charity’s comprehensive approach, delivering:
- Personalised treatment plans
- Average of seven therapy sessions per family member
- Individual and joint family sessions according to need
- Continuous progress monitoring using clinical assessment tools
- Choice of in-person or online therapy
- Immediate access without waiting lists
Dr. Ben Grall, Specialty Doctor and member of Change Grow Live’s Veterans Task Force, comments:

“FAITH addresses a critical gap in Veteran support services. The programme’s focus on the whole family unit, combined with its impressive recovery rates, makes it a vital resource for military families struggling with the impact of trauma. The ability to access treatment without lengthy referral processes is particularly significant.”

PTSD Resolution’s latest data demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness, with 68% of clients seeing a reliable improvement after therapy.

The FAITH programme builds on PTSD Resolution’s established record in Veterans’ mental health support, maintaining their commitment to prompt, effective treatment. The charity, accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services, continues to offer free support to Veterans, reservists, and their families.

PTSD Resolution is a UK charity providing mental health therapy for Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families. The charity has helped over 4,500 people to date, with an average treatment cost of £940 per person. All treatment is delivered free of charge to beneficiaries.

The charity operates with no salaried staff or assets, ensuring 93% of donations directly support treatment delivery.

Families seeking support can access FAITH services immediately by calling 0300 302 0551 or visiting www.ptsdresolution.org
12th December 2024
carers receive military charity award

A group of carers from Lincolnshire have received a military charity award for their dedication to caring for a blind veteran supported by Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

Lisa Cott, Rachael Roberts, Clare Whitwell, and Leanne Taylor, all from Holbeach or its surrounding villages, received a ‘Carer Recognition Award’ as part of Blind Veterans UK’s annual Founder’s Awards.

Lizzie Bingham, Community Support Worker for Blind Veterans UK, nominated the group for the award for the care they provide for Holbeach resident and blind veteran, Ken Hibberd. She says:

“These ladies’ passion and dedication to supporting individuals in a care capacity is second to none. Their commitment and sense of duty is exemplary, always going the extra mile for Ken with whatever he needs.

“Through the support of Lisa and her team, Ken has been able to remain living at home as he wished to, which was against the odds. The support he receives enables him to live with dignity and peace.”

The four were presented with certificates and a commemorative coin by Blind Veterans UK supporter and serving member of the RAF Police, Corporal Chris Lake. He presented the certificates and coins at the charity’s monthly lunch club in Spalding, which aims to alleviate the loneliness often experienced by veterans as they get older, which is only exacerbated by sight loss.

Ken’s son Steve says:

“I’m delighted that my father’s care team have been recognised for their outstanding work ensuring he can continue to live with dignity in his own home as per his wishes.”

Lead carer Lisa says:

“Ken has a beautiful character, he always has a smile and a cheeky comment to brighten up our days, it is always a joy to look after him and we will do whatever he needs to support him to live well”.

Blind Veterans UK’s Founder’s Awards mark the anniversary of the founding of Blind Veterans UK when Sir Arthur Pearson opened the doors to war-blinded veterans in 1915 for the very first time. They recognise the inspiring contributions of blind veterans, their family members and carers who share the same boundless spirit as the charity’s founder.

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans like Ken, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

29th November 2024
Veterans’ Mental Health Conference

The King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) is delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for its upcoming Veterans’ Mental Health Conference 2025, held in London on Monday 19 May 2025.

Cobseo members receive a 50% discount, please see ‘ticket info’ on its website for more details on how to claim this.

26th November 2024
Supporting nursing care for the Royal Navy Community

Greenwich Hospital has awarded the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society a grant of £221,360 to provide funds to bridge the gap in care fees for eligible former Royal Navy personnel, spouses and partners.

The grant helps to alleviate the financial shortfall experienced by residents funded by their local authorities. It will ensure continuity of care for existing residents, a vital consideration for the health of vulnerable and often elderly dementia patients.

Founded in 1865, the Society is dedicated to the welfare of retired seafarers and their dependants, providing nursing care, living with dementia care, respite care and sheltered housing to enhance residents’ quality of life. Supporting the Society with this funding also helps to ensure quality of care for all residents and ensures places continue to be offered to those with a seafaring background, irrespective of their financial status.

The Society looks after seafarers and their loved ones at its recently modernised 68-bedroom nursing care home (Belvedere House) in Surrey. Its Princess Royal Wing has 37 bedrooms dedicated to dementia care. On the same 14-acre site, Weston Acres offers modern sheltered accommodation options for active residents living independently, including 18 single occupancy flats and several flats for couples.

Most residents at the Royal Alfred have a lifelong connection to the sea, having either served in the Royal Navy or worked within the maritime industry, helping to create shared backgrounds and interests for the residents and their dependants.

Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said:

“Supporting former Royal Navy personnel and their partners as they approach the end of life is essential to the ethos of Greenwich Hospital, which was founded to provide residential care. We are pleased to ensure continuity of care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

David Dominy, Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, said:

“Our historic Society has been a sanctuary of care, comfort and community for ageing seafarers and their loved ones since 1865. Our focus is on delivering exceptional care, fostering camaraderie and celebrating individuality.

“Thanks to funding from Greenwich Hospital, our dedicated and experienced team will be able to continue to provide a safe haven for Royal Navy veterans and their loved ones.

“Anchored in a legacy of service, we will continue to walk alongside and care for ageing seafarers through this next voyage, ensuring their lives remain dignified and fulfilling. We will continue to ensure that seafarers, irrespective of their financial means, receive the support they deserve.”

11th November 2024
Change NHS: A health service fit for the future

NHS England are encouraging Armed Forces organisations to connect with their recently launched Department of Health Social Care and NHS England engagement, Change NHS: A health service fit for the future, the findings of which will help to inform a 10 year health plan.

Kate Davies CBE, Director of Health & Justice, Armed Forces and Sexual Assault Services Commissioning NHS England, has shared the following message:

From an Armed Forces health perspective, I encourage you to consider what you and your organisation would like to see in the 10 year health plan and why. The engagement is centred on three shifts:

Shift 1: Moving more care from hospitals to communities

Shift 2: Analogue to Digital

Shift 3: Sickness to Prevention

I am particularly keen for your input, as the health and wellbeing of the Armed Forces community can sometimes be overlooked or prioritised differently in the bigger picture.

It is important that we hear from partners, stakeholders and those involved or working in Armed Forces health services, so that the different aspects required for our patients and service users, whilst looking through the lens of the three shifts, are taken into consideration in the formulation of the plan.

This is a fantastic opportunity to engage and help to ensure that your views, experiences and ideas shape the new 10 Year Health Plan for England The deadline for submissions is 17:00 on Monday 2 December.”

The URL for organisational submissions is here and for any personal engagement, please use this link.

11th November 2024
Looking to use your ELC towards boosting your career in Health & Safety?

SHE Knows are proud to be listed as an approved learning provider with the Armed Forces Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme.

If you are currently serving or have served in the MOD, why not consider using the ELCAS financial assistance towards our Health & Safety NVQs?

Our learners think that our NVQs are a brilliant way for safety professionals to gain the qualifications they need to further their careers without the need to take time off work to sit in a classroom, and, more importantly, with no exams!

With help and guidance from an appointed assessor via email, telephone, WhatsApp etc, candidates will build a portfolio of work-based evidence alongside their day-to-day job, or they can use work and learning undertaken over the last 2 years. Evidence will be collected via a range of methods, which could include the assessor visiting the candidate’s workplace to conduct observations, witness testimonies from colleagues, examination of work produced, and verbal discussions. The assessor will ensure that all evidence/responses are suitable to demonstrate a level of competence in line with the course standards/criteria.

Achievement of the NVQ will allow you to enrol as a member of IOSH, the world’s largest chartered body for Health & Safety professionals.

There is an NVQ to suit the various stages of your career, whether you are new to the world of Health & Safety and want to take the first steps (NVQ Level 3 Certificate in Health & Safety – equivalent to the NEBOSH General Certificate) or are more experienced want to gain CertIOSH (NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice – equivalent to the NEBOSH National Diploma or a Bachelors Degree).

Our friendly team of assessors are there for the learner from start to finish, (you won’t have to rely on a learning platform) and are happy to give candidates a helpful nudge to keep the ball rolling to get their qualification done. All of our assessors are highly experienced in the field of Health & Safety and have been in the candidates’ shoes themselves, so know what they are going through!

If you’d like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch:

Email: info@she-knows.com

Tel: 01482 228942

Website: she-knows.com

ELCAS Number: 11386

9th October 2024