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Protocol of a scoping review to identify and explore incentives, barriers, and facilitators to adults engaging in community choirs, with the aim of identifying recommendations for expanding access and inclusivity for community choirs. The research question is: What barriers and facilitators to accessing adult community choirs have been identified in previous literature?

The last decade has seen the growth of social media and Internet-based\ud communication. Recent research highlighted the need for exploration of the use of social media by military families due to the significant period of separation that they experience. On this basis, an international scoping review was undertaken to explore how military families use Internet-based communication and social media to communicate with their serving members and what the impact of this is. \ud The review showed a paucity of research focused specifically on the use of social media by Service families. Overall, papers returned showed that social media and Internet-based communication has distinct benefits for military families, fostering connectedness, increasing potential communication, enabling Serving parents to be more involved and better accommodate their family’s routine, and potentially improving the deployment experience. However, unique practical barriers were\ud also identified, alongside the potential exacerbation challenges associated with traditional forms of communication.

Objectives This survey aimed to assess the status of a range of health-related behaviours 1 year after the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic in adults living with disabilities comparative with those with no disabilities.\ud \ud Design This cross-sectional study reports findings from an online survey conducted in March 2021. Mann-Whitney U and Χ2 tests were used to compare a range of health behaviours including time spent self-isolating, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency and diet in adults with and without disabilities.\ud \ud Setting A convenience sample of UK adults was recruited through the researchers’ personal and professional networks including UK-based sight loss sector charities, social media platforms and professional forums.\ud \ud Participants A total of 123 UK participants completed the survey.\ud \ud Outcome measures COVID-19 diagnosis, time spent self-isolating, alcohol consumption frequency, exercise frequency, change in smoking habit and eating habits.\ud \ud Results No significant differences were found in alcohol consumption, smoking, water intake, breakfast, or fruit and vegetable intake. There were statistically significant differences in the time spent self-isolating (U=2061, p=0.001), exercise frequency (U=1171.5, p=0.005) and the amount of food eaten (χ2 (2)=9.60, p=0.008, Cramer’s V=0.281). Although the majority in both groups reported exercising three to four times per week and eating what they should, those with disabilities were more likely to eat less than they should, not exercise at all and to have been self-isolating for over 6 months than participants with no disabilities.\ud \ud Conclusions The data in this study present some key differences between the two groups, with those living with disabilities being more likely to report that they had been self-isolating for prolonged periods of time, not exercising at all, and not eating as much as they should . This raises concerns for the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Research has shown that visual impairment may impact daily functioning, health, and well-being negatively for adults of all ages. Ex-service personnel (‘veterans’) too may be at risk of poor health and well-being outcomes associated with post-military life, and this may be exacerbated by the presence of visual impairment. Despite this, research considering the experience of blind veterans has been limited and has not yet assessed well-being for these individuals across a broad spectrum of life domains. Rather, it has highlighted poor mental health and psychological well-being in working-age visually impaired veterans. However, the experiences of older visually impaired veterans (who make up the majority of visually impaired veterans in the United Kingdom) have been poorly represented in the literature. This pilot study aimed to provide a preliminary assessment of holistic well-being in an adult sample of 97 UK blind veterans, predominantly composed of older age veterans (majority over 80 years). Cross-sectional well-being data were collected using a validated measure of well-being (the Well-Being Inventory [WBI]). Results suggest that members of Blind Veterans UK are functioning well and are satisfied across four life domains (vocation, finances, health, and social relationships). Lower health satisfaction was identified, particularly in blind veterans with comorbid mental health conditions. Results are discussed in relation to the older age of the sample, the limitations of face-to-face survey administration, and the applicability of the WBI finance domain in this age cohort. Recommendations are made for future research in this population.

International research suggests that female veterans may experience gender-specific barriers to accessing veteran-specific care. This is the first UK study to report an exploratory qualitative investigation of the provision of health and social care support for female veterans and whether this support meets their needs. The research team carried out 13 virtual semi-structured interviews between October and November 2020, with representatives from statutory and third sector organisations that provide support to UK female veterans. Ethical approval was obtained from the Anglia Ruskin University School of Education and Social Care Research Ethics Committee. The authors identified four overarching themes and nine sub-themes in a thematic analysis following the framework outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings of this study suggest that practitioners from statutory and third sector organisations perceive the UK veteran support sector as male-dominated and male-targeted, with a lack of consideration for female veterans’ needs. Participants reported a lack of engagement with veteran-specific services by female veterans and suggested that women either do not identify with the ‘veteran’ label or do not feel comfortable accessing male-dominated veteran-specific services. The need for specific services for female veterans split participant opinion, with most of those who were female veterans themselves highlighting the importance of ‘safe spaces’ for women, particularly those who had experienced gender-based violence during military service. Others felt that the veteran support sector currently lacked evidence of women's unique support needs, and an examination of current provision was required. The authors recommend a thorough assessment of UK female veterans’ health and social care needs, alongside development of training and guidance for health and social care professionals, to ensure that veteran services are adequately developed, tailored and targeted with women's needs in mind.

Introduction: Limited UK research focuses on female military veterans’ gender-related experiences and issues when accessing civilian mental healthcare support. This study sought to illuminate a preliminary understanding of any gender differences in barriers that may discourage them accessing mental healthcare support.\ud \ud Methods: A total of 100 participants completed an open online survey of UK triservice veterans who identified as having experienced postmilitary mental health problems. They completed a 30-item Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation scale and were asked to elaborate using free-text questions. Resulting quantitative data were analysed for gender-related differences, while the qualitative text was thematically explored.\ud \ud Results: While stigma, previous poor experience of mental healthcare and a lack of trust in civilian providers were found to act as barriers to postmilitary support for both men and women, significantly more women reported that their gender had also impacted on their intention to seek help. Women also commented on the impact of gender-related discrimination during service on their help-seeking experiences.\ud \ud Conclusions: While efforts are being made by the UK Ministry of Defence to reduce barriers to mental healthcare for those still serving in the Armed Forces, it has been more difficult to provide a similar level of support to the veteran population. With little veteran research focusing on the specific experiences of women, this study suggests that female veterans encounter specific access barriers and issues related to their gender. Further research is therefore needed to ensure these findings are addressed.

On the 9th of July 2021, the Rethinking Military Spouses: Critical Research Group hosted a webinar titled ‘Bringing the Homefront to the Forefront: UK Perspectives on Critical Research with Military Spouses’. This report provides some information about the event and includes an overview of the main points of discussion.

On the 9th of July 2021, the Rethinking Military Spouses: Critical Research Group hosted a webinar titled ‘Bringing the Homefront to the Forefront: UK Perspectives on Critical Research with Military Spouses’. This report provides some information about the event and includes an overview of the main points of discussion focused on four key themes – access, methodologies, impact, and criticality. When conducting critical research with military spouses, researchers must consider a wide range of issues particular to this specific group. These include: • Challenges around gaining access and the implications that recruitment strategies might have on the voices that are heard. • Choosing a methodological approach and associated methods which enable rich perspectives and experiences to be heard – balancing the needs of research objectives whilst also considering possible benefits to the participants. • Balancing research objectives and activities with expectations of academic institutions, funders, and identified beneficiaries –considering what impact might be and how it can be achieved and accounted for. • Navigating how the dynamics of criticality must be balanced against the need to attract funding, articulate impact, and gain ethics approval from the MOD – with there sometimes being tensions between these factors. Research which centres military spouses is needed in order to understand the impact of military life, power, and processes beyond more obviously militarised phenomena.

Women have served within the Armed Forces for over 100 years. Their contribution has been extraordinary but the prevailing military culture, together with evolving terms and conditions of Service, have left their mark on the health and well-being of many. Whilst it is right, therefore, to recognise the progress that has been made, there is a pressing need to evidence the impact of past policies and actions. This timely report is the first major step in addressing this. Almost thirty organisations, drawn from across the military charity sector as well as from statutory bodies including NHS England and NHS Improvement and the MOD, have contributed to this report. It is the first research project to consider holistically the full range of female veteran issues, uniquely capturing the lived experiences of women who have served. Perhaps most importantly, it provides an essential start point for a comprehensive evidence base that will enable debate with a level of insight and clarity that has been missing before, and which will ensure statutory and Service Charity provision is targeted accurately to meet the needs of those women who are serving and veterans. The report is clear that for many that is not yet the case, both for those in Service and for those who have transitioned to civilian lives. It is a timely warning that there is still work to do both in improving in-Service conditions to allow our servicewomen to thrive and, once they leave, for us to tailor our veteran support services to meet their specific needs. This will include the requirement to support and improve the needs of serving women, whether as partners, mothers or in different family situations, and its impact on well-being, whilst at the same time enabling military careers. A prioritised action pl an has been produced in order to a chieve real impact and create long-lasting change. Top of the list is a review of the impact on health and well-being outcomes of Service culture an d sexual harassment, issues which have long been discussed but which continue to persist, with a number of the recommendations from the recent Wigston Report yet to be fully implemented. The report also identifies considerable gaps in our understanding of how in-Service experiences impact on health, wealth, and socio-economic outcomes, and explores what further action is required. Overall, this report is unique in its breadth and depth, in the academically robust processes undertaken and in its capture of the lived experiences of female veterans from across the services and the decades. It is not an easy read. It is, however, a necessary read. By compiling the evidence, the report gives voice to our former servicewomen and sets out an irrefutable case for further and necessary cultural and policy change to improve the long-term health and well-being of those women who have served and are serving.

Introduction: Sexual violence (SV) is a globally prevalent issue, and the majority of research focuses on the historical view of SV as an act perpetrated by men against women. Same-sex sexual violence (SSSV) incidents represent a small proportion of recorded sexual offences, and therefore prevalence and consequences of this have received little attention. Male-dominated occupations, such as the military, are associated with higher rates of SV and data points to a particular vulnerability to SSSV of male service personnel (SP). Methods: This review aims to map the literature pertaining to SSSV in the military. A comprehensive scoping review methodology was adopted, following a rigorous accepted framework. Four databases were searched for English language, peer-reviewed, original research papers that were focused on SSSV in the military context. Results: Eleven papers were identified that met the criteria for inclusion; 10 originated from the United States and one from South Korea. Themes identified included prevalence and nature of SSSV in the military, characteristics of survivors and perpetrators, barriers to reporting, and the outcomes associated with SSSV in the military. Discussion: The evidence that does exist suggests that male SP are particularly at risk of SSSV, and experience poorer psychological and social outcomes due to SSSV compared to female SP and those who experience opposite-sex sexual violence (OSSV). More research is required internationally to provide accurate and up-to-date estimates of prevalence, and to account for cultural and structural differences in military organizations.

Project Nova is a pilot model in Norfolk and Suffolk of an intervention, to reach veterans at the earliest point of contact following their arrest. This evaluation of Project Nova provides an insight into the needs of veteran offenders at an early stage in the criminal justice pathway. It also helps the reader to understand whether these needs can be met shortly after arrest, and whether this has any impact on offending behaviour. This Report reflects on examples of best practice for working with this challenging and often hard to engage population.

Background: Registered nurses are ‘critical’ to population health, international responses to emergencies, epidemics and disasters. Retention of registered nurses is an international nursing priority. In England, registered nurses are encouraged to be involved in improving healthcare services. This benefits quality of care, operational and financial performance. However, registered nurse involvement in improvement may reduce registered nurse retention. It is important to understand this relationship when developing effective registered nurse retention strategies. \ud Aim: The purpose of this research is to describe possible relationships between registered nurse involvement in improving healthcare services and registered nurse retention, using published 2018 data for National Health Service trusts in England.\ud Methods: The relationship between registered nurse involvement in improving healthcare services and registered nurse retention was explored using a correlational design, involving secondary data from the annual National Health Service staff survey and Model Hospital.\ud Results: In mental health National Health Service trusts in England, a statistically significant, positive correlation of 0.24 was found between registered nurse ‘ab(ility) to make suggestions for improvement’ and registered nurse retention. In mental health NHS trusts a statistically significant correlation of 0.278 was found between registered nurses ‘making improvements happen’ and registered nurse retention. In acute National Health Service trusts in England, a statistically significant, negative correlation of -0.15 was identified between registered nurses ‘mak(ing) improvements happen’ and registered nurse retention. \ud Conclusions: The findings suggest that registered nurse retention factors in mental health and acute National Health Service trusts differ from community and specialist National Health Service trusts in England. This is an important consideration for national registered nurse retention programmes as a single approach to registered nurse retention may not be effective across all healthcare settings.