RecruitingInterventional

Evaluating the Veteran Connection Programme: supporting veterans' mental health through social connections

Leaving the UK Armed Forces is a major life change. Many veterans miss the strong bond of military life and struggle with feeling lonely, low, or anxious. While help exists for finding housing and employment, there is less focus on building social connections and personal identity. The Veteran Connection Programme (VCP) was designed to fill this gap. It offers safe, small-group workshops led by psychologists and trained veterans to help people share experiences and build supportive networks. This study will check how practical the programme is and whether it helps improve mental health and take pressure off the NHS. Half of the participants will attend the workshops (one day in person plus two short online sessions), while the other half will receive an information leaflet with existing support options. Both groups will answer questions about their wellbeing.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

12 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

15 Feb 2027

Mental health

What is this study about?

Every year, thousands of people leave the UK Armed Forces. For many, stepping back into civilian life is challenging. Service leavers often lose their daily routine, their close-knit team, and their sense of purpose. This transition can lead to feelings of loneliness, stress, and depression, with some turning to alcohol or unhealthy habits to cope.

Research shows that being part of a trusted group helps people manage major life changes. The Veteran Connection Programme (VCP) was created to give veterans that vital sense of belonging. Run by trained psychologists alongside former service personnel, the programme provides a safe, welcoming space where participants can open up, share stories, and learn how social bonds protect mental health. Early feedback from veterans who tried the programme showed that it helped them feel less alone, happier, and more confident.

This study will test whether running the VCP on a wider scale is practical and effective. Researchers also want to find out if it saves the NHS money. By comparing people who attend the workshops with people who receive a support leaflet, the team hope to gather the evidence needed to launch larger support programmes across the UK.

Key takeaways

The study tests a group workshop designed to help military veterans build social connections and improve wellbeing.
Open to UK Regular Armed Forces personnel in resettlement or veterans who left within the last 10 years (aged 18 to 55).
Half of the participants attend the group programme, while the other half receive a support information leaflet.
Workshops include one full in-person day in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, or North Yorkshire, plus two short online check-ins.
No medications are used, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 to 55 who are currently serving in the UK Regular Armed Forces and within six months of leaving, as well as veterans who left service within the past ten years. Participants need to speak enough English to join in group conversations and be able to attend one full-day workshop in person alongside two brief online sessions.

This study is not suitable for people who are currently experiencing an active mental health crisis, receiving intensive hospital care, or dealing with unmanaged severe mental health conditions (such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe suicidal thoughts). It is also not open to currently serving personnel who are not yet in their official resettlement period.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Did you serve in the UK Regular Armed Forces, or are you within 6 months of leaving?
If you have left the military, did you leave within the last 10 years?
Can you attend one full-day workshop in person and two short online calls?
Are you free from severe, unmanaged mental health conditions or crisis care at this time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts across several months. Participants are randomly put into one of two groups by chance. One group takes part in the Veteran Connection Programme, which involves a short online welcome session, one full-day face-to-face workshop, and a brief online follow-up session. In-person workshops will be held in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, or North Yorkshire. The other group will receive a helpful information leaflet outlining existing veteran support services.

There are no medications or medical tests involved. Everyone will complete brief online questionnaires and may be invited to do an interview to share their thoughts on the support they received and how it affected their wellbeing.

Potential risks and benefits

Participants in the programme may benefit from learning practical ways to stay socially connected, meeting other veterans with shared experiences, and feeling less isolated. The main risk is that talking about past experiences or personal challenges during workshops or surveys might bring up uncomfortable thoughts or emotions. Support safeguards and screening are in place to ensure everyone stays safe. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to stop at any time without giving a reason and without it affecting your medical or veteran support.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Exeter Mood Disorder Centre
City only
Exeter, England
University of Exeter Medical School
City only
Penryn, England
Ark at Egwood
City only
Merriott, England
Catterick Medical Centre / Catterick Integrated Care Centre
City only
Catterick, England

Common questions

Will taking part affect my normal NHS care or veteran pensions?

No. Taking part in this research is separate from your routine healthcare, benefits, and military pension. Your normal support will continue as usual.

Do I have to pay anything to attend the workshops?

No, taking part in the study and attending the workshops is free.

What happens if I am placed in the leaflet group?

You will receive clear, helpful information about support services available for veterans. You will still complete the study surveys, which help researchers understand how to improve future care.

Where are the in-person workshops held?

Workshops will take place at set venues in Merriott (Somerset), Plymouth (Devon), Penryn (Cornwall), and Catterick (North Yorkshire).

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any point without needing to give an explanation, and your rights will not be affected.

How to find out more

Stacey Denyer

S.Denyer@exeter.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.