An academic centre to aid the wellbeing of armed forces veterans has been launched at the University of Chester.

The Centre for Veteran Wellbeing (CVW) at the main Parkgate Road campus was established to co-ordinate work developed over the last decade.

One long-term project supports service leavers by providing an individual with a tailored pathway enabling them to find suitable employment, gain further educational qualifications, skills or start their own businesses.

Professor Michael Thomas, Pro Vice-Chancellor, who set up the centre, said: “The centre has been set up in response to how the British armed forces have been engaged in high impact conflicts such as Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 and the work carried out over the past few years by myself and colleagues in supporting service leavers who have experienced significant multi-trauma injuries, mental health or social problems.

“The experience and skills developed in providing such support is now offered to all service leavers and their families as well as continuing to support those wounded, injured or ill.

“The current UK veteran population stands at approximately 4,000,000 and is supported through a number of high profile organisations and charities such as the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes combined with huge public support for the welfare of former troops.

“The new centre aims to support those leaving the service and their families gain aspirational employment, new careers, educational opportunities and support for new business start-ups.

“Research in areas that would improve the wellbeing of transition personnel, veterans and their families will also be carried out.”

The centre has already developed research and new theories around the subject area of veterans’ wellbeing, generated programmes for continuing professional development and promoted conferences.

It has also gathered together academics and practitioners from across the university and partner institutions; developed local, regional, national and international networks and provided a base for research bids.

As well as providing support for service leavers and their families, CVW aims to bring together the various agencies involved in service transition and veterans’ support involving the armed forces, public services, charities and industry.

To find out more, visit: http://www.chester.ac.uk/cvw.