Better Understanding the Support Needs of Service Leaver Families

Abstract: Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has always considered the family to be an integral component of successful transition for Service leavers moving back to civilian life. The Transition Mapping Study1 from 2013 included two specific recommendations in relation to families, and the 2014-16 FiMT Grants and Commissions Strategy makes specific reference to the need for better family support both during and after transition in terms of achieving the longer term goal of ex-Service personnel and their families being able to lead successful civilian lives. The recent introduction by Government of The Family Test2 as part of policy development also underlines the importance and topical nature of supporting strong and stable families. We hope that findings of this engagement programme will provide FiMT and all involved in our discussions with a stronger insight in to the issues facing families of Service leavers, and the ways in which such families can be better supported to make a successful transition to civilian life.