Samaritans and Saffron Interactive’s partnership on the pioneering Samaritans Veterans App has been awarded the Bronze ribbon for ‘Mobile learning experience’ in the International E-Learning Association’s annual awards.
Launched as part of a wider Samaritans and Ministry of Defence programme, the free Samaritans Veterans App uses mobile learning to help Service Leavers and Veterans develop techniques to better manage the long-term emotional challenges of leaving the military and adjusting to civilian life.
Combining design-based thinking principles and Saffron’s award-winning behavioural science methodology, alongside Samaritans nuanced understanding of how to best service the needs of the veteran community, enabled the team to develop a truly effective tool.
The pioneering solution provides emotional health and wellbeing resources, including videos, learning exercises, podcasts and the ability to create actionable to-do-lists. All of which combine to enable veterans to take action and steps towards better supporting their own wellbeing and that of others.
The recent accolade continues a record year of excellence for both Saffron and the Samaritans, as well as solidifying a long-term partnership between the two organisations.
Saffron’s Noorie Sazen said, “Working on this project alongside Samaritans to provide essential support to the veteran community has been an honour. Saffron continue to pioneer usage of mobile technology within learning and so we are thrilled to have received recognition from IELA for our innovative approach and measurable impact”.
Keith Leslie, Chair of Trustees at Samaritans, said: “I’m delighted our Samaritans Veterans App has been recognised with this award and the positive response it has had amongst the veteran community who want to manage their emotional wellbeing has been fantastic.
“Our data shows that veteran callers are almost twice as likely to report suicidal ideation compared to other callers, so there is a real need for support.
“We worked very closely with veterans when developing the app to ensure that it was something that they would use and supported their specific needs, which is critical to its success and uptake. We’ve had over 1,500 veterans download the app since its launch and continue to receive positive feedback on its invaluable support.”
Feedback since the launch of the project has been exceptional and the application is still free to download through all major mobile and tablet devices as well as via desktop PC. The app continues to achieve a positive impact on users by providing access to live volunteer and peer support where needed, as well as offering opportunities to connect and make links with the wider veteran community.
To find out more about Samaritans work and the project itself, click here.
Or to explore how Saffron could work with your organisation to develop an award-winning learning experience, get in touch with one of our Performance Consultants today!
About Samaritans
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