Appeal to military and 999 staff to take part in mental health study

Military men and women, as well as those working in the emergency services, are needed for a new mental health study.

Researchers at Loughborough University are looking for serving personnel and veterans to take part in group discussions on mental health.

The team from the university’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences is hoping to develop interventions which can help to improve wellbeing and reduce symptoms of psychological trauma in frontline jobs.

Researchers want to hear the views of serving regular and reservist military personnel, veterans, organisations that support them and staff from all the emergency services on the challenges they face and what could help mitigate these.

“Our research will focus on how we can help support people in these roles, providing them with the tools they need to boost their resilience.”

She added: “Not only will this enable them to maintain their fitness to work, but also increase their quality of life post-service.

“We want people from all areas of the military and emergency services to come and share their experiences and opinions with us and help us improve the support that is available to them.”

The study has the backing of East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas).

Terry Simpson, head of mental health services for Emas, said: “As a supportive and compassionate employer we are aware of the traumatic incidents our dedicated staff regularly attend.

“Such workshops will be highly valuable and we are excited about the prospect of collaborative working, research and development in partnership with Loughborough University.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the roundtable discussions – due to take place at the beginning of next month – is asked to contact call 01509 223084 or e mail:G.L.Witcomb@lboro.ac.uk