Sisters in Service

Sisters In Service is a safe and supportive network for female veterans of the UK Armed Forces, Regular or Reserve, currently working in healthcare.

Both the military and healthcare demand a profound sense of duty and selflessness with workers often needing to make quick decisions in high-stress environments with sometimes life-changing actions. With these similarities, it is not surprising that around 1,200 Veterans shifted to NHS careers in the last 5 years.

The healthcare sector offers familiar structures for veterans transitioning into civilian life from the military, due to its similarity in hierarchy and frontline work. Both professions demand a profound sense of duty. Personnel often find themselves in high-stress environments, requiring quick decision-making skills and the ability to adapt under pressure. Teamwork and camaraderie are fundamental in both healthcare and military settings. Unfortunately, the stigma of seeking mental health assistance in the military and medicine is poor and is believed to contribute to poor outcomes, such as the potential for increased suicide prevalence. In addition, female veterans are typically an overlooked and undersupported group.

Sisters in Service was born from a need to support female veterans, particularly those who have chosen to work in healthcare, to provide a safe and supportive environment, enable effective networking, and promote help-seeking behaviours.

Sisters in Service is a dedicated space for mutual support and connection.