Research
Vanguard Psychological Services C.I.C are proud to be working with our partners at The University of Manchester, Combat Stress & Herfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in a national research project to to test a new way of delivering trauma therapy to UK Armed Services and ex-services personnel experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Why this matters?
Over 168,000 UK Armed services & Ex-services personnel are living with PTSD, often alongside depression, alcohol or
drug use, and feelings of isolation.
Many wait more than 10 years before seeking help and may struggle to access or complete weekly therapy sessions. Personnel frequently report long waiting times, difficulty engaging in trauma-focused therapy, and high dropout rates.
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This study aims to find a more accessible, faster, and more acceptable way for Veterans to get the help they need.
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a proven treatment for PTSD used around the world.
It helps people process traumatic memories without needing to describe them in detail, which can be especially helpful for those with experiences involving guilt, shame, or moral injury.
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Despite its success internationally, EMDR is not yet widely available for UK Armed Services and ex-service personnel. This study will help build the evidence needed to change that.
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What the study will do
The project will test whether it is feasible, safe, and acceptable to deliver EMDR in an intensive, online format.
Participants will receive:
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Intensive EMDR: two sessions per day, over several consecutive days, delivered securely online by trained EMDR therapists.
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Treatment as usual (TAU): support through existing NHS or charity pathways such as Op COURAGE or Combat Stress.
All participants will have the chance to receive EMDR therapy during the study.
Who can take part?
The study will invite UK Armed Services, past and present, and their families who are experiencing PTSD or trauma-related symptoms.
Individuals who also use alcohol or substances to cope can still take part if it is safe to do so.
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Recruitment will take place through:
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NHS Veteran services such as Op COURAGE
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Combat Stress and other Veteran charities
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Community and online referrals
What the study will find out
Researchers will explore:
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How many Veterans can be recruited and complete therapy
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How acceptable and safe the online EMDR format is
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Early signs of improvement in PTSD, depression, suicidality, and substance use
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Costs, benefits, and technical feasibility for NHS services
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This will help design a larger national trial and could lead to wider access to EMDR for the Armed Forces across the UK.
Veteran Involvement
The study has been co-produced with Veterans through a Veteran Advisory Group (VAG). Veterans have directly influenced the design of the study, recruitment materials, and safety procedures to ensure it meets real-world needs.
As one Veteran puts it:
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“If this trial can be intensive and online, you’ll reach people like me who’d never manage weekly therapy.”
Our Partners
For more information about our research, please get in touch with us admin@vanguardcic.org.
The rights to this research programme are the property of Vanguard Psychological Services C.I.C as published.
We do not provide permission for duplication of this research project.
Published 03/11/2025