New research has identified practical ways to improve how Armed Forces families prepare for life after service, focusing on making existing support easier to access and use.
The study, published by Forces in Mind Trust and delivered by Thinks Insight & Strategy, found that while support is widely available, many families struggle to engage with it at the right time.
Researchers found that information can feel fragmented and overly focused on serving personnel, leaving partners reliant on second-hand guidance and often engaging with support only when problems arise.
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The report sets out three prototype tools developed with service families to address these challenges. These include a personalised transition journey map to help families understand their progress and next steps, an AI-enabled chatbot offering tailored and jargon-free guidance, and careers support designed specifically for service partners.
Rather than creating new systems, the tools are intended to improve access to existing support by simplifying pathways and reducing information overload.
The research involved more than 40 service partners in qualitative interviews, followed by co-creation workshops with stakeholders including the Ministry of Defence and service charities. Digital prototypes were then tested with additional participants to assess usability and impact.
Findings also highlighted the importance of peer networks, with families often relying on informal connections for advice and reassurance during transition.
Ella Jenkins, behavioural science lead at Thinks Insight & Strategy, said the issue was not a lack of support but how it is experienced, adding that clearer and more accessible tools could help families engage earlier.
Michelle Alston said the work demonstrated the value of developing solutions alongside service families, but stressed that impact would depend on how the tools are integrated into existing systems.
The charity is now calling on organisations across the Armed Forces sector to collaborate on refining and testing the interventions at scale.
