New research highlights effects of social isolation and loneliness on veterans during pandemic

New research highlights effects of social isolation and loneliness on veterans during pandemic
The research assessed the effect of some of SSAFA's wellbeing interventions with former service personnel. Credit: SSAFA

New research published this week by the Armed Forces charity SSAFA conducted by the University of Bath highlights the positive impact of wellbeing interventions for veterans.

It finds that beneficiaries' interactions with SSAFA volunteers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic were very positive, with services received being highly valued and meeting beneficiaries' needs.

While SSAFA continued to operate throughout the pandemic, like so many charities across the country, delivery had to adapt to government restrictions, with many services changing from face-to-face to online delivery. This highlighted the need for SSAFA to develop a deeper understanding of how beneficiaries and volunteers engage with digital technology.

The 57 participants which included SSAFA beneficiaries, volunteers and employees were all based in England and had been part of the "Keep Calm, Get Connected and Carry On project." The research was part of a grant funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

Beneficiaries interviewed said that they had had a unique and heightened experience of loneliness and social isolation during COVID-19 due to their Armed Forces background and training, with pre-existing loneliness, and mental health difficulties being perpetuated and amplified throughout the pandemic.

Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Gregory, KBE, CB, DL said: "The COVID-19 pandemic that struck in 2020 and the consequent restrictions placed on society heightened trends and exacerbated symptoms amongst SSAFA's beneficiaries. In 2018, our research report "The Nation's Duty' found that 64% of the 1,100 SSAFA beneficiaries then surveyed reported feeling lonely or isolated since leaving the Armed Forces. Knowing that fact, the impact of a series of sustained national lockdowns on our beneficiaries, and indeed on the work and wellbeing of SSAFA's 4,700 volunteers, was of significant concern to us as a charity and service provider.

"This insightful qualitative study, undertaken by a research team from the University of Bath provides further examples of the challenges being faced. Having interviewed a small sample—26 of the 79,540 beneficiaries that we assisted in 2020, it is not intended to be seen as representative of all SSAFA beneficiaries. However, the themes and experiences gives a starting point for further exploration, evaluation and discussion.

"We welcome the recognition and encouragement to continue our existing service delivery practices and strategies. We want to build on the success of our existing partnerships with other organizations to ensure we continue to provide tailored, personalized support to those in the Armed Forces community who need us the most."

Dr. Josie Millar from Bath's Department of Psychology who led the qualitative research added: "This study provides important insights about the challenges experienced by SSAFA beneficiaries during the COVID-19 lockdown. It provides insights into the valuable services SSAFA provide, and insights regarding how these important and valuable services might be further enhanced."

Provided by University of Bath
Citation: New research highlights effects of social isolation and loneliness on veterans during pandemic (2021, June 10) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-06-highlights-effects-social-isolation-loneliness.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

More long-term dialysis patients aligned to ACOs

2 shares

Feedback to editors