Abstract: The Shoulder to Shoulder Online pilot matched vulnerable veterans with a volunteer mentor. Once paired, mentors and mentees met regularly on the Odro video conferencing platform to talk, develop and implement a plan to achieve lasting change. This included encouraging them to access support and care services outside of the home. A total of 23 mentees worked with their mentors to set and achieve goals over the course of and average of twelve sessions. Funded by the Forces in Mind Trust, and delivered by TimeBank, the pilot ran over 18 months. There is clear, positive evidence that Shoulder to Shoulder Online has achieved both its objectives: the technology used is fit for purpose and the online mentoring has supported mentees to achieve positive change and had a significant impact on their lives and wellbeing.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …