title: Help for heroes? Evaluating a case management programme for ex-service personnel in the United Kingdom.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is increasing recognition of the health and social needs of ex-service personnel, but the UK evidence base on interventions is small. This article presents the findings from an evaluation of a vocational case management programme co-funded by the National Health Service (NHS) to prevent ill health among ex-service personnel.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 15 ex-service personnel were conducted. Five interviews with case management staff were also undertaken. Data were transcribed, thematically coded and analysed using NVivo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ex-service personnel valued the service and consistently highlighted 'being listened to', 'being made to feel valued by programme staff', 'having their problems taken seriously' and 'being treated as an individual' as the most valuable aspects of the programme. Respondents particularly valued the personal support that case managers provided and the environment in which the service was delivered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Case management is a viable way in which the military, health professionals and support services can provide ongoing support for ex-service personnel in transitioning successfully to civilian life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, UKWolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Durham, UK jonathan.warren@durham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, UKWolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Queens Campus, Durham, UK.
authors.forename: Kayleigh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Garthwaite
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, UKWolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Queens Campus, Durham, UK.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bambra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: case management; evaluation; ex-service personnel; qualitative; vocational