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 the Armed Forces Community 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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Research Stage
This project is currently under initial review by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
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At this stage, specific details including intervention schedules, eligibility, feasibility and outcome measures are publicly restricted to enable a fair and confidential review of submission.
High-level findings and outputs will be shared publicly once funding decisions and ethical approvals are complete.
Who can take part?
Once funding has been established and confirmed, through our partners - referral pathways will be established. Please be sure to check back in on this page where more details will be confirmed.
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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.
Publication of specifics around this study will be made public through NIHR publication.