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Our Evidence base​

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What VCP is based on

VCP is underpinned by the Social Identity Approach to Health (SIAH). 

The SIAH also posits that our group memberships impact our health. Identifying with a group has been shown to provide a person with access to valuable psychological resources, which in turn allow them to meet important psychological needs and cope better with stress , and thus experience

enhanced physical health, longevity, mental health, and general well-being. 

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The Social identity Model of Identity Change is the way in which the SIAH conceptualises life transitions. It posits that the negative adjustment and wellbeing-related impacts of transition are reduced. A large body of empirical evidence supports the SIMIC. Research across a wide range of life transitions, including becoming a student, a parent, and a retiree, shows that the positive effects of group membership maintenance/gain enhance physical health, longevity, mental health, and general well-being.These benefits demonstrate how psychologically meaningful social groups (e.g., family, friends, classmates, community groups) are particularly beneficial during life transitions.

 

We recently demonstrated that SIMIC processes can also be observed in UK veterans. Specifically, veterans’ social group maintenance/gain predicts enhanced psychological resources, which in turn predicts enhanced mental

health.

Empirical Evidence

The principles of SIMIC were applied to develop the intervention GROUPS 4 HEALTH (G4H), which has been extensively tested in clinical populations, and has been shown to significantly reduce social anxiety, loneliness, and depression, by helping participants develop the skills needed to join/maintain groups in ways that support their wellbeing. 

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In 2023 we co-developed a new adaptation of G4H with veterans from the British and Australian military. The Veteran Connection Programme (VCP) builds on G4H’s past successes by addressing, in the context of a group-based intervention, the specific identity and disconnection issues faced by military veterans.

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The intervention

Based on the above evidence, VCP has been deliberately designed to take advantage of these process through its co-facilitation by a veteran and a psychologist.
 

VCP is delivered in 3 sessions:

  1. an online induction

  2. a one or two-day workshop consisting of 5 modules

  3. a follow up online session

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The lived experience of veterans is front and centre of VCP's delivery. Faciliatted by a peer, who can instigate discussions and provide examples, the activities are designed to create an supportive and friendly atmosphere in which participants feel comfortable to share their experiences and successes. 

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