News
Big Lottery Fund - Announcement of the New Forces in Mind Programme
8th March 2010
The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) has announced details of a new £35 million fund to help veterans who struggle with the transition to civilian life. The Forces in Mind Programme will assist veterans whose psychological wellbeing impacts on the quality of their life and others around them. Former armed forces personnel and their families are set to benefit.
BIG intends to establish an independent trust to provide long-term support and advocacy for those who served in conflicts including Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf War. The Trust will draw on the expertise of existing charities working in this field and will provide support for those working with veterans to improve their psychological wellbeing.
Charities and other experts in the field are clear that where the impact of the transition from Forces to civilian life is traumatic it can lead to issues such as depression, family trauma, substance misuse, homelessness and even suicide. It will be the Trust's challenge to help veterans tackle these issues.
Forces in Mind will enable existing organisations that support veterans and their families to improve access to appropriate and relevant services. It will also fund research, awareness raising and advocacy work.
Further information about the new programme, including details of any open bidding rounds, can be found on the BIG website here.
