Families Project

Blesma’s main concern is always to meet the needs of its Members, but we know from our detailed work over the years that living with limb loss greatly affects Members’ families, too.

You may be surprised to hear that in  the UK there is no research into the impact on the families of veterans living with limb loss. But we do know from international research that the active participation of families in the recovery process of people with injuries or health conditions leads to real improvements in their lives.

Blesma is working with the Veterans and Families Institute (VFI) at Anglia Ruskin University on a research project to gather evidence from Members and their families about their experiences of living with limb loss. This evidence will not only improve our understanding of the challenges you face, and therefore help us to provide the support you need, but it will also help us influence other charities and statutory bodies that provide health and social care services.

Over the next few weeks Blesma will be looking to invite 15 families to participate  in the project. In particular, we are interested in hearing from you if your:

• Limb loss is attributable to your military service but NOT associated with Operation Telic or Herrick; OR
• Limb loss occurred during service but NOT as a result of a combat injury; OR
• Limb loss occurred after transition out of the military

If you are interested in taking part in this project, we will invite you to identify four members of your family who would each  be willing to be interviewed for approximately one hour. Interviews will be held at a venue of your choosing. Blesma will be happy to meet  travel and overnight accommodation costs.

If you would like additional information on the project, please contact Dr Hilary Engward, the Co-Lead Researcher at the Veterans and Families Institute, on hilary.engward@gmail.com