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How this tech for good app aims to improve the lives of UK veterans

Throughout Autumn, Bdaily North East is shining a spotlight on new and exciting apps being developed right here in the region.

As a growing digital powerhouse, the North East is home to some of the country’s most creative and innovative businesses, flexing digital talents in regional, national and international markets.

Today we’re looking at an app being developed to help UK veterans from international software company RippleNami, which has recently opened a new office in Newcastle.

Developed in partnership with Northumbria University and Newcastle’s Northern Hub for Veterans, the app aims to help UK veterans find the services they need - whether that’s health services, jobs or housing.

Reportedly the first of its kind in the UK, the innovation will provide a comprehensive interactive map of all veteran services across the UK following a £0.5m grant from the Ministry of Defence.

The UK has almost three million veterans, once complete the app aims to provide them with locations of hospitals, substance abuse clinics and how to access education, financial assistance, employment assistance, housing and shelters.

Currently being used and promoted by frontline NHS staff before being offered widely to former UK service men and women, the app will also be used by frontline staff in local authorities, housing providers and charities as well as by veterans themselves and their families.

Moreover, a 24-hour helpline for those who can’t or don’t want to use the app is also available.

Jaye Connolly-LaBelle, RippleNami President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “RippleNami is committed to connecting unconnected veterans with critical services they deserve and need to thrive.

“We are honoured to be working in partnership with Northumbria University to deliver this service.

“To further this effort, we have opened an office in Newcastle, England to continue our mission of improving the world through social good.”

Dr Matt Kiernan, Associate Professor of Mental Health and Veteran Studies at Northumbria University and a former Lieutenant Commander in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service, explained the potential held by the app.

He said: “Help [for veterans] is currently available but with more than 3,000 charitable bodies and all the NHS Trusts providing different types of help it is uncoordinated, unfocused and can seem utterly bewildering.

“At the same time there is no national database of veterans, so understanding where veterans are, what they need and how to reach them has been virtually impossible.

“This new app will seek to address this by stripping down the sources of help to an easily accessible one-stop-shop.

“Using RippleNami’s app means users can type in whatever they are looking for and from that single source be directed to whatever help they need.

“A geographical mapping system within the app will also help us build a far better picture of where the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach veterans are.”

To learn more about our Autumn App series click here or contact our Editor Jamie Hardesty.

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