Insight, Impact and Real Results

This week’s InGroup meeting featured a powerful guest talk from Brian of The Rawthey Project, who shared the reality behind their work supporting vulnerable armed forces veterans and their families.

Since 2014, the Rawthey Project has supported over 850 individuals, focusing on those who have fallen through the gaps in traditional systems. Their model is simple but effective—help people achieve independent living and sustainable employment, with an impressive 88% success rate.

Brian spoke candidly about his own journey from a 17-year Army career into frontline work in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how that experience led him to explore why so many veterans end up in the criminal justice system. A key takeaway was the concept that trauma often “incubates” over 10–14 years, meaning challenges can surface long after service has ended.

The project’s approach centres on changing a person’s environment rather than just treating symptoms like addiction. Through a national network of peer mentors—people with shared lived experience—they create trust and provide the time and space needed for recovery, often over 18 months or more.

Operating as a volunteer-led organisation, the Rawthey Project remains lean and community-driven, funded through fundraising efforts and strong local networks.

Alongside the inspiring talk, InGroup members continued to demonstrate the strength of the network, with 5 referrals shared during the meeting. To date, referrals within the group have generated over £10,000 in business for members—highlighting the tangible value of collaboration and connection.

For more information or to support the Rawthey Project, visit: www.rawtheyproject.org