Held on 20 February 2024, this hybrid moderated discussion engaged the perspectives of conflict researchers, civil society, and veterans to outline how without receiving proper support, men can be at risk of developing negative coping mechanisms, that may include various types of violence. Speakers argued that addressing conflict-related trauma in men and boys benefits not just their own wellbeing, but the wellbeing of their families and wider community.

Speakers included:

• Dr Heidi Riley, who spoke about her XCEPT research on psychosocial support programmes for men.
• Masi Nayyem, a recent Ukrainian veteran and lawyer awarded the Medal for Military Valor (2022), Wound Medal (2022), and the Firearms Award of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (2022), who discussed the current experience and support needs of troops and veterans in Ukraine.
• Ivona Kostyna, the current head of Ukrainian NGO Veteran Hub, who focused upon current and future challenges to veteran and combatant reintegration into Ukrainian society.

The discussion and Q&A session was moderated by Lt Gen (Rtd) Dr Martin Bricknell, ex-Surgeon-General of the UK Armed Forces and current Professor in Conflict, Health and Military Medicine at King’s College London.