Abstract

In community music, the UK military veteran community is greatly underrepresented, even though the community make up 4.4% of the UK population. When the research for this study began there were no community music projects with veterans to be found. The term ‘Tommy Akins’ is a long-established nickname for the British soldier, so could a Tommy Atkins Music Club, specifically targeted at UK veterans and their wellbeing be a viable community music intervention and long-term project? To ascertain this, this study has explored the context of the veteran community, the statistics, military and veteran identities, physical/mental health, and support services available. A literature review investigates previous research involving international music interventions with military personnel and veterans, and a comparison between music therapy and community music is made. Case studies involving two veterans' music groups that were established in January 2020, just after this research began were conducted. This involved limited fieldwork with researcher observations, interviews and discussions with organisers and participants. The comments and observations were analysed, and main themes were established. It was found that possible reasons for the lack of engagement with community music may include veteran attitudes toward civilian organisations and the positionality of the researcher, the reluctance to come forward for help due to a military base stigma to mental health and the difficulties with funding in setting up projects. Recommendations for future approaches to recruitment and a trauma-informed approach are also discussed.

Keywords:

Identity, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Post-traumatic Stress, Transition.