Researchers at King’s College London are looking to speak to women who have served in the UK Armed Forces to join our ex-servicewomen advisory group.
What we are doing
We are running a trial funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Forces in Mind Trust, to test the efficacy of a novel therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in UK ex-servicemen and women.
How you can help
We are looking to set up a group of up to four women to give us feedback throughout our trial to ensure that we fully take into account the perspectives of ex-servicewomen and that our research can make a meaningful difference.
Who can join
The group is open to anyone who has served in the UK Armed Forces (there is no minimum period of service), identifies as a woman and has personal experience of post-traumatic stress/distress following a traumatic event(s). This event(s) could have happened before, during or after military service. We do not require any specific qualifications or experience; we just ask that you are willing to provide us with your time and provide your point of view. We are looking to talk to people across the services, ranks and time eras.
What we will ask of you
We plan to hold six meetings over three years, roughly one every six months. These meetings will be held remotely via MS Teams. The meetings can take place in the early evenings to accommodate work and caring schedules and will last between 1-2 hours.
We may ask for your input on various elements of the project over the course of the study period such as commenting on recruitment documents, advice on how best to engage ex-servicemen and women in the trial and guidance on how best to present the findings. Some of this may take place over email.
We are not asking you to discuss your experiences or participate in the trial. Rather, we would like you to review the research we have planned and give us feedback to help us ensure that we are considering all ex-servicewomen’s voices inclusively.
What you will get out of it
By taking part in this group, you will help increase our understanding of whether the therapy helps to reduce PTSD symptoms. Your views will ensure that our research is relevant to women who have served in the Armed Forces and give the best chance of success to implement real world change. You will receive £25 per hour for your involvement.
To find out more…
For more information, please contact firstpett@kcl.ac.uk.
