The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has launched a new version of their HeadFIT initiative which is available to all Defence personnel, including those in the Civil Service, incorporating research from King’s College London that was funded by Forces in Mind Trust.
HeadFIT is a mental fitness initiative that aims to provide effective resources and tools to help promote proactive management of good mental fitness. The original initiative was developed by The Royal Foundation and MOD to help encourage self-maintenance of personal mental fitness, alongside maintaining physical fitness.
The independent evaluation conducted by King’s College London consisted of interviews with a range of stakeholders from across Service branches and the Civil Service in order to evaluate positive aspects and potential areas for improvement – both in terms of the roll-out itself and of the HeadFIT content. The findings were then used by the MOD as part of the redevelopment phase of HeadFit prior to its relaunch in 2024.
Forces in Mind Trust has now published the evaluation carried out by King’s College London in 2020.
Dr Sharon Stevelink, Reader in Epidemiology King’s College London and one of the lead investigators on the FIMT funded HeadFit evaluation, said:
“We are delighted that our recommendations on how to improve HeadFIT have been taken onboard, and that the initiative has now been rolled out across the Armed Forces community. We are excited to be able to play our part in helping to improve the mental fitness and readiness of Defence personnel throughout their careers and beyond.”
Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust conmented:
“Mental fitness and wellbeing are very important in both operational capability and in preparing Service personnel for the transition to civilian life. The launch of the new version of HeadFIT demonstrates how researchers can work with the Ministry of Defence to bring about positive change for the Armed Forces community. As awareness of HeadFIT continues to increase through sustained communication, we look forward to seeing how the initiative grows and provides important support to the Armed Forces community.”
