Lewis
This story is illustrative, meaning that it uses a fictionalised example to demonstrate themes, patterns, or experiences commonly found in real-life situations.
Lewis, 36, was a Corporal in the RAF based at RAF Lossiemouth. He was married to Emma, and they had an 18-month-old daughter. While Lewis had previously gone on detachments, he had not completed an extended deployment since their daughter was born.
Emma had experienced post-partum depression and psychosis, including a three-month hospital admission the previous year. Although Lewis was keen to deploy with his Squadron, concerns about Emma’s current mental health meant this wasn’t yet possible without added support.
A Family Group Conference was suggested as a way to explore how a safe plan could be put in place to enable deployment, reducing the risk of a compassionate return during the four-month period. After discussing it together, Emma agreed to try it.
The Coordinator worked with Lewis and Emma to understand their individual concerns and goals. Together, they identified a support network: their neighbour on base, a SSAFA worker, Emma’s crisis mental health team, both sides of the family, and partners of other deploying personnel from Lewis’ Squadron. A virtual Family Group Conference was arranged so Emma’s family in Dorset could attend.
The discussion focused on:
Supporting Emma’s mental health during and after deployment
Ensuring practical and emotional support with childcare
Helping Lewis stay connected while remaining focused on deployment
Reducing the risk of compassionate return
Using input from those present, the family developed a clear, shared plan. This included:
A WhatsApp group to keep the UK support network connected
Visits from Emma’s mum: three weeks at the start, one week mid-deployment, and two weeks before Lewis’ return
Support for Emma to attend a local mums-and-tots group, with lifts from her neighbour
A mid-deployment review (without Lewis) to prepare for his return, as this transition was identified as a potential pressure point
Agreed thresholds for when Lewis would be contacted about concerns, alongside regular but manageable communication
A revised crisis plan, including a clear point of contact in Lewis’ absence
The plan enabled proactive, coordinated support around Emma, while giving Lewis confidence that she and their daughter would be cared for if her mental health deteriorated. With the agreement of all involved, including her mental health team, Lewis was able to deploy with his Squadron knowing that the right support was in place at home.