Research Community

Dr Jamie Barker is a researcher from Loughborough University, working in partnership with Dr Craig White on the Veterans' Resilience Programme. This programme aims to optimise Veterans' resilience and mental health and well-being and strengthen peer support networks for those Veterans that suffer from mental health and well-being issues. Their work uses a holistic approach to enhancing resilience, mental health, and well-being in Veterans by promoting a more active and healthier lifestyle and enhanced feelings of a positive social identity for those who participate. Dr Barker and Dr White are also currently producing an academic paper and policy documentation for the Office of Veterans’ Affairs. This will emphasise the potential positive impact of non-clinical interventions on Veterans suffering from mental health and well-being issues. Additionally, they are applying for additional funds to expand the Veterans' Resilience Programme nationwide.

Dr Laura Rafferty is a researcher at King’s Centre for Military Health Research at King’s College London.  She is currently working across a number of projects centred on exploring the experience of females within the Armed Forces, during transition out of the military and into civilian life.  Dr Rafferty is interested in understanding, and supporting, the mental health of the Armed Forces community and her previous research has spanned topics ranging from: exploring the impact of Post-Traumatic Disorder and Major Stress Disorder on the development of dementia in military Veterans; to developing an app to support military Veterans with their mental health (Met4Vet). 

Dr Louise Morgan is an academic psychologist with extensive research experience, including nearly a decade as research lead for London’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and five years working in Veterans’ health. Her research interests include female Veterans, chronic pain and PTSD, and she has particular expertise in understanding the impact of sexual assault, patterns of sexual offending and the wider context of male-perpetrated violence against women and girls.

Marie-Louise is a Senior Research Fellow at King's College London. She is a mixed methods researcher and has research expertise in psychological medicine and epidemiology. Her research interests include the health and well-being of Armed Forces and Emergency Responders and has a focus on methods to extend research impact. She has previous experience in healthcare policy working in the voluntary sector, has postgraduate training in political science and has leadership training through the Clore Social Fellowship.

Dr Moira Bailey is a part time Lecturer, freelance Consultant and Researcher at the Robert Gordon University. Her interest in Veteran research came about as a result of her being a member of the Veteran family - her late husband was a Royal Navy Veteran who had mental helath issues arising from his service. Her son also is a Navy Veteran. She was recently a member of the team which produced an independent report commissioned in 2022 by the Office of Veterans’ Affairs to explore the potential of improving female Veterans' access to support services. She is currently working on two projects for different Veteran charities to produce in depth evaluation reports. Moira is also interested in pursing further research in the female Veteran space as well as exploring the experiences of Veterans' carers. 

Dr Natalie Hammond is a sociologist and Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care. Her research interests include the intersection between gender, health and violence; sexual and reproductive health; and climate change and health. She is currently co-investigator on the AFTER study which aims to understand the long-term psychosocial and sexual experiences of ex-service personnel and their partners affected by conflict-related genital injuries.