‘Equipped for Life’ is a powerful and insightful photographic series, highlighting the importance of identity for those who transition from the Armed Forces into civilian life. Our Creative Director, Ceridwen Hughes, created this series in collaboration with Dr. Nikki Lloyd-Jones who, in 2017, completed a two-year research study, ‘Leaving the Armed Forces and Living as a Civilian’. Together, they created an exhibition that encourages dialogue and bridges the gap created by the diverse experiences of the two communities.
“From our conversations with ex-service people, it became apparent that historically people have assumed that the responsibility for transition was down to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), whereas, it should be a shared responsibility with the communities in which they live. Dialogue is often around injured and damaged service people, but the difficulties experienced on transition can often be exacerbated by the lack of understanding of their needs by the very communities they move into. Our aim through this project is to highlight the findings of the report and open up dialogue as to what we can all do to make life easier for those in transition.
Each photograph was designed and created after conversations with the ex-service people and allude to their former and current lives. The aim is to encourage people to want to know more about the experiences of those portrayed. The images are supported by a written narrative and video interviews.”
- Ceridwen Hughes.
Everyone who took part in the photographic project has their own unique experience of transition but one common theme running through all their reflections is the need to develop their own shared language with their civilian community.
View the Exhibition
Read their Stories
Click on any Veteran below to read about their experience of transitioning back to civilian life.
Research
‘Equipped for Life’ was created in collaboration with Dr Nikki Lloyd-Jones (Glyndwr University) who, in 2017, completed a two year research study, ‘Leaving the Armed Forces and Living as a Civilian’. The exhibition encourages dialogue and bridges the gap created by the diverse experiences of the two communities. To find out more about the Forces in Mind Trust funded research project, and to download the report, click the button below.
With grateful support from:
