From Policy to Practice: Panel 2: Into Practice

This was the Invictus Games Foundation’s fourteenth iteration of The Conversation; an event which is designed to promote the sharing of best practice on a range of relevant subjects within the Invictus Community through a combination of either online webinars and/or in person symposia. The intent is to encourage the exchange of views through informal discussions based on panels of relevant experts and Invictus Games alumni including families, rather than formal presentations.

This IGF Conversation is entitled From Policy to Practice, an important and timely topic as nations across the Invictus Community continue to evolve the ways in which they support wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans on their recovery journey. Through these discussions, we explored how veteran policy is shaped at a national level and, crucially, how those policies are translated into meaningful outcomes through rehabilitation, recovery, transition and community-based support programmes.

Panel 2: Into Practice

The final Panel looked at exploring the theme of how policy is translated into practical delivery on the ground, highlighting how different national approaches to rehabilitation can create meaningful outcomes for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

Jimmi Andreasen, Head of the Department of Counselling and Rehabilitation at the Danish Veterans Centre, provided insight into Denmark’s integrated rehabilitation model and the ways in which coordinated support services contribute to long-term recovery within a national system. The panel was also joined by Jonas Andersen, a former Danish Invictus Games competitor, who offered a lived experience perspective on recovery, discussing how sport and structured support can help rebuild confidence, identity and purpose following injury.

Representing Georgia, Irakli Ujmajuridze, Head of the Social Issues and Psychological Department at the Maro Makashvili Centre, outlined the country’s holistic approach to rehabilitation, combining physical, psychological and social support to meet the diverse needs of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. Besarion Gudushauri, also a former Georgian Invictus Games competitor, shared his personal journey through recovery, illustrating the impact of rehabilitation programmes and the important role that sport can play in fostering resilience and supporting long-term wellbeing.