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Guest post: RNRMC on eliminating stigma and barriers to support in the military

Mandy Harding, Head of Commissioned Grants, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) explains how our Anchoring Minds service offers tailored support to military personnel and their families.


At RNRMC, we are proud to support Solent Mind in bringing the extended ‘Anchoring Minds’ service to life for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and Royal Navy Reserve personnel and their families.

The Anchoring Minds ‘Navigators’ are not just knowledgeable; they are here to listen, guide, and support you. They provide warm signposting, individual support sessions, and new webinars that are being developed to equip you with helpful tools and strategies.

We want to ensure there’s something for everyone, no matter the situation. Whether you’re feeling generally okay but just want to chat with someone outside your network, or if you need specific help for yourself or a friend, our Navigators are here for you. They truly understand the demands of service life, the emotions that come with it, and the exhaustion that can often arise.

When we started Anchoring Minds a few years back, our mission was clear: to break down the barriers and challenges in accessing services. We wanted to eliminate stigma and ensure that timely support is available for those who need it.

If you’re facing complex issues or having trouble accessing NHS support, Anchoring Minds is here to leverage our experience, insights, and network to help you find solutions. In these ever-changing times, especially during uncertainty, RNRMC is committed to making sure that more families can access the support they need.

We know that anxiety is a common experience, and in a world that can feel increasingly hostile, the work of Anchoring Minds is more important than ever.

As part of our broader RNRMC Strengthening Families support initiative, we recognise that sometimes, just knowing someone is there to reassure or affirm you is enough.

We all need someone who understands and cares. Professional services like counselling aren’t always necessary; sometimes, we just need to be heard and attended to. Too often, people may hear us but fail to truly listen. We need someone who can engage with us fully, without distractions, offering warmth and non-judgement.

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek help. We encourage you to be curious and explore the services and comprehensive support we offer. Be kind to yourself, and let’s work together to eliminate the stigma surrounding help-seeking.

In closing, we are grateful for the journey we share with Solent Mind. As we navigate the unpredictable nature of military life, the impact on families, and the associated highs and lows, we remain dedicated to finding a way forward together.

In the future, we aim to co-create beneficial services with others. We genuinely want to listen, learn, and implement the right support.

That’s why we are also developing training for organisations within our Strengthening Families initiative that support military families, and we’ve established a steering group to guide our efforts. Please email mygrant@rnrmc.org.uk if you’d like to be part of this important work; we would love to hear from you. For more information about RNRMC, visit www.rnrmc.org.uk

For more information about Anchoring Minds, visit solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/our-services/anchoring-minds/

Support for you

Anchoring Minds is our emotional wellbeing service providing support to Royal Navy and Royal Marine serving personnel and their families.

Support can be on the phone, face-to-face if you’re living in Hampshire, or by accessing our free online resources if you live further away, or are on deployment.

Find out more