BNTVA Fallout Group Launch New Descendents Health Research

Following on from the 2011 Nuclear Test Veterans Health Needs Analysis  (available to read HERE) The BNTVA were disappointed that the research fell short in fully exploring the health problems encountered by the descendents of our nuclear veterans.

With the Fallout Group being an internet enabled body, we realised this was both an ideal opportunity and medium to launch an internet based study of descendents health.  This study has the possibility of reaching many of those descendents wherever they are in the world.

The study is being conducted by the BNTVA registered charity 3113411 to gain evidence of the health and wellbeing problems encountered by first, second and third generation descendents of British Nuclear Test Veterans.

We believe the results of this study will inform the BNTVA Recognition Campaign and will also help shape the future support and education provision by the charity for both veterans and their descendents.

We wish to gather data from as many genuine descendents as possible and so have devised a process which will enable this and also accommodate completion by close relatives of responses for juveniles, other dependent persons and deceased descendents.  The process will also protect respondents personal details separate from the health information they supply.

To find out more about the survey, how the data will be used and how to apply for an Authorisation Code to complete the survey please contact the survey team HERE  or by sending an email to survey@bntva.com

Shelly Grigg, BNTVA Descendents Champion on the launch of FALLOUT

“When I started this group two years ago I could not imagine what a difference it would make to those who are seeking support, and I am someone who understands our unique story. Many I speak to just want someone to talk to but feel they have nowhere to turn – this needs to change.

 While we are primarily focussed on those who live in the UK we would also welcome those descendents from other nuclear powers – such as Australia, New Zealand, France and the US.”

If anyone out there reading this today is the son, daughter, grandchild, great-grandchild even of someone who served at Christmas Island, Malden Islands, Maralinga, Montebello or Emu Field please do get in touch as I would love to hear from you. 

You can also be assured there others on our group who have experienced what you maybe going through, and our Facebook 'Fallout' group is a closed group, so you can talk openly about your feelings.”

You can find the Facebook 'Fallout Group' here - http://www.facebook.com/groups/251788681501244 

BNTVA and FALLOUT Unite to support the children and grandchildren of Britain’s nuclear test veterans

‘Fallout’ brings together children and grandchildren, whose fathers and grandfathers served during the British nuclear tests. Many descendents have had similar experiences, the secrecy and depression that veterans have experienced since the tests. They have also had to witness the pain of a loved one suffering a long and painful death, and some have their own health issues to contend with.

The BNTVA hope that this group will provide a safe place for descendents to share their experiences and compare notes. From this group we are launching a comprehensive study of the health and wellbeing issues facing test veterans’ descendents.  This study will enhance understanding and give a clear picture of the unique issues facing Nuclear Test Veterans, their Children and Grandchildren.