Symposium and evaluation report launch
Thursday 22nd June: 13.00 until 4.30pm
Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice at Sheffield Hallam University and Addaction are hosting a free symposium on military identity, at which they will be launching the evaluation of Addaction’s ‘Right Turn’ recovery project funded by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT).
The ‘Right Turn’ veteran-specific model of support service delivery was developed by Addaction Sheffield, who identified that a number of their service users had been members of the Armed Forces and they often proved difficult to engage in mainstream services. The Addaction development team committed to exploring whether facilitating this group to meet together could provide an opportunity to support their recovery. A treatment group consisting of veterans was established, delivered in partnership with the local branch of the Royal British Legion. In 2015, the FiMT announced a grant award of £177,949 to Addaction to deliver an impact evaluation of the delivery model and extend the Right Turn project.
This event is timely, given that next year marks the 10 year anniversary of National Association of Probation Officers report that initially identified over 20,000 veterans in the UK criminal justice system. Whilst these figures have subsequently been contested, this report marked the start of what was to become a decade of research and policy discourse both investigating and attempting to identify the most effective models of support to address the issues faced by UK military veterans.
You are most welcome to join us at this free event in Sheffield to launch the evaluation report findings. Please see the programme of events – as we have a fantastic line up of speakers. The event is to be opened by Dan Jarvis, the Parliamentary candidate for Barnsley. A veteran himself, Dan is keen to highlight the importance of ensuring transition is on the policy agenda. The Chief Executive of the Forces in Mind Trust, Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE will set the scene for the remaining day’s discussion, by outlining how the speakers contributions fit with the core aim of the Trust by developing an evidence base that will influence and underpin policy making and service delivery in order to enable ex-Service personnel and their families to lead successful civilian lives.
Dr Katherine Albertson, leading the Sheffield Hallam University team will present a short summary of the Right Turn evaluation findings; Dr Nicola Lloyd-Jones, from Glyndwr University (also supported by Forces in Mind Trust funding) will present her interim findings regarding issues that impact on veteran’s decision making post service; and finally, Nick Woods, from York St John University will outline the impact of his CPD Military culture awareness training package, on mainstream service provider staff and their subsequent interaction with members of the Armed Forces Community.
Even better than all that- we have a Q and A session with military veterans who have accessed services- who can give you the answers to any burning questions regarding their expert view on most effective delivery model for themselves.
While this is a free event, please book you tickets via the Event Bright page below to ensure a place:
Regards Dr Katherine Albertson (Sheffield Hallam University team)
