Why Veterans Lived Experience Should Be Driving Academic Study

Embedding ‘lived experience’ in academic research is a powerful approach that can yield numerous benefits for both veterans and the broader community. This approach not only enriches academic research but also ensures that the knowledge generated is more practical, relevant, and meaningful.

Veterans' lived experiences encompass a wide range of challenges, including mental health issues, physical injuries, employment difficulties, and family-related concerns. By embedding academic study in grassroots practice, researchers gain a more comprehensive understanding of these multifaceted issues. This holistic perspective can lead to more effective interventions and policies. Veterans often have unique cultural experiences and identities shaped by their military service. Embedding academics within grassroots organizations allows researchers to develop cultural competency and sensitivity, ensuring that their work is respectful of veterans' backgrounds and experiences. Research generated from grassroots practice is more likely to address practical, real-world problems. It is informed by the day-to-day realities of their lives, making the findings and recommendations more relevant and actionable.

Involving veterans in academic research fosters community engagement and trust. Veterans are more likely to participate in research when they see that their lived experiences and voices are valued and respected, leading to richer data and more meaningful insights. Lived experience narratives can provide valuable insights into what interventions are most likely to be effective for veterans. By working closely with those at the pointy end, academics can develop evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of veterans.

Involving veterans in research can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and seeking help. When veterans share their stories and experiences, it can inspire others to seek support and treatment, ultimately improving the overall well-being of the veteran community. Research driven by the lived experience narrative and experts through experience can have a more significant impact on policy development. Policymakers and funders are more likely to be influenced by evidence that is grounded in the real experiences of veterans and is supported by grassroots organisations that work directly with this population. It also encourages collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and veterans themselves.

These partnerships can lead to innovative solutions and a more cohesive approach to addressing unmet veterans' needs. By actively involving veterans in research and considering their lived experiences, the knowledge generated is more likely to have a lasting impact. It can lead to sustainable programs and interventions that continue to benefit veterans over time. Involving veterans in research empowers them to become advocates for change. It gives them a platform to share their stories, raise awareness about important issues, and actively participate in improving the systems and services that affect their lives.

In conclusion, embedding academic study in grassroots practice with veterans and locating it around the lived experience narrative is a powerful way to create research that is both academically rigorous and practically meaningful. It not only advances our understanding of veterans' needs but also empowers veterans themselves to be active agents of change in their communities and society at large. This collaborative approach can lead to the development of more effective, respectful, and responsive support systems for veterans.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist