23rd September 2026

Conference Programme

Venue — Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Time — 09:30 – 16:00
09:3010:00

Reception & Refreshments

10:0010:05
Welcome

Welcome Address

Prof. Matthew Kiernan — Northumbria University

10:0510:15
Opening Address

Where We Are and Where We're Going: Building a Research Agenda for Ageing Veterans

Dr Gemma Wilson-Menzfeld — Northumbria University

10:1511:15
01 Session One

Understanding the Health and Social Care Needs of Ageing Veterans

Chair — Dr Gemma Wilson-Menzfeld

  • Dr Amy JohnsonNorthumbria University A Call to Action: The Need to Understand Complex Health and Social Care Requirements of Ageing Veterans
  • Prof. Beverly BergmanUniversity of Glasgow Health and the Older Veteran
  • Dr Daniel LeightleyKing's College London Digital Exclusion and Mental Health in UK Armed Forces Veterans: Findings from the Veterans Digital Needs Study
11:1511:45

Refreshments

11:4512:45
02 Session Two

Addressing the Needs of Ageing Veterans: Interventions and Approaches

Chair — Dr Amy Johnson

  • Mr Giles WoodhouseRoyal Hospital Chelsea From Outreach Practice to Evidence: Tackling Loneliness in Older Veterans
  • Dr Mariyana SchoulzNorthumbria University Veteran-Led Social Prescribing: Insights from an Armed Forces Demonstrator in England
  • Dr Gill McGillNorthumbria University Operation Sterling
12:4513:45

Lunch

13:4514:45
03 Session Three

Post-Graduate Researchers

Chair — Prof. Gavin Oxburgh

  • Tobyn Eagles A Chelsea Pensioner Population Analysis: Emerging Findings
  • Jo Brettell Belonging, Identity, and Community: Intergenerational Life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
  • Lucy Patterson Bridging the Divide: Exploring Social and Digital Exclusion and Their Impact on Wellbeing Among Ageing Veterans
  • Andrew McGill Identifying the Needs of Aged Veterans: Creating a Digital Twin — Risk Analysis and Predictive Modelling Using Multiple Data Sources from the Veteran's Sector
14:4515:15

Refreshments

15:1515:35
04 Session Four

An International Perspective

Chair — Prof. Matthew Kiernan

  • Dr Kim RitchieTrent University Meeting the Needs of Older Veterans: Insights from an International Environmental Scan
15:3515:45
Closing

Closing Remarks

Dr Jeremy Tuck

15:4516:00

Refreshments & Conference Close