Blogs & conversations
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Blogs & conversations

Churchill Fellows offer their views and advice on topical issues, based on global research and UK activities.

To connect with a Fellow, please go to their Profile page. To find related content, click the tag under each item below. To receive regular blog alerts, sign up at the foot of this page.

If you are a Fellow and would like to write a blog for us, please email digital@churchillfellowship.org to discuss the topic you have in mind.

Blogs & conversations

Empowering veterans and building stronger communities

Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how to develop sustainable mental health support for veterans and emergency responders. Since then, I’ve grown Veterans at Ease from an idea into a thriving charity, now supporting over 500 individuals with free, bespoke psychotherapy. We’re continuing to expand, training new therapists from the armed forces and emergency services communities and working with partners to provide holistic support for those facing trauma and mental health challenges.

By Garreth Murrell, 27 March 2025

Blogs & conversations

Empowering veterans and building stronger communities

Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how to develop sustainable mental health support for veterans and emergency responders. Since then, I’ve grown Veterans at Ease from an idea into a thriving charity, now supporting over 500 individuals with free, bespoke psychotherapy. We’re continuing to expand, training new therapists from the armed forces and emergency services communities and working with partners to provide holistic support for those facing trauma and mental health challenges.

By Garreth Murrell, 27 March 2025

Blogs & conversations

How the UK can learn from impact media platforms in the USA and India

Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how impact media platforms in the USA, India, and Sri Lanka are funded, structured, and sustained. Meeting over 100 media leaders, I saw thriving models that blend philanthropy, individual support, and social enterprise to drive democratic engagement and social change. The UK faces real challenges in sustaining independent impact media, but by learning from these approaches, we can develop new funding models, strengthen governance, and build a more resilient sector.

By Caroline Diehl, 13 March 2025

Blogs & conversations

Celebrating World Book Day

This World Book Day, we’re celebrating the power of books to share knowledge, spark ideas, and inform understanding—something that Churchill Fellows do across every sector. From science education and sustainable fashion to grief and wellbeing, many Fellows have written, published, and been featured in books that bring fresh perspectives to some of the UK’s most pressing issues. Whether exploring solutions to global challenges or sharing personal stories, their books are one of the ways they create impact, translating their learning into action.

Blogs & conversations

Pioneering Wellness in the UK

My Churchill Fellowship in 1987 took me to the USA, where I explored the growing field of exercise and health science, learning from pioneers like Kenneth Cooper. Inspired by what I saw, I introduced the UK’s first Wellness programme at Bristol University and helped launch a master’s in Exercise and Health Science. I’m proud to have played a part in the development of Wellness in the UK, and my work continues with the Foundation for Leadership through Sport, bringing leadership development to sport, business, and beyond.

By Robert Reeves, 27 February 2025

Blogs & conversations

In conversation with Laura Wyatt-Smith: Exploring the effects of smartphones on childhood

We spoke with Laura Wyatt-Smith about her Churchill Fellowship exploring the effects of smartphones on childhood. From Silicon Valley to Europe, she investigated how parents, educators, and tech experts are responding to the digitalisation of childhood. Now, she is sharing her findings through talks, workshops, and an upcoming book, helping parents navigate this issue with practical guidance.

By Laura Wyatt-Smith, 20 February 2025

Blogs & conversations

Investigative Genetic Genealogy: A New Era for UK Policing

Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) could provide long-overdue answers to families and transform UK policing. By learning from experts in the USA, Canada, and Sweden, I examined how IGG can be implemented ethically and effectively within the UK’s legal framework. With growing momentum for its use, I’m committed to advocating for responsible adoption – ensuring this powerful tool can be used responsibly to deliver justice.

By Emma Tilley, 12 February 2025

Blogs & conversations

Reflections on my first year at the Churchill Fellowship

Reflecting on his first year as a Fellowship Officer, Usman Farid shares highlights of his experience guiding potential Fellows through the application process. He discusses helping projects evolve, applying key grant-making principles, the challenges and rewards of the longlisting process, and the excitement of supporting applicants and watching them drive change in their communities.

Blogs & conversations

In conversation with Sangeeta Mahajan: Championing suicide prevention and bereavement support

Five years on from her Fellowship, we spoke with Churchill Fellow Sangeeta Mahajan about how her profound loss inspired her mission to improve suicide prevention. Sangeeta shares insights from her research in the USA and Australia, the gaps she identified in UK care systems, and her efforts to create lasting change through education, peer support, and advocacy.

By Sangeeta Mahajan, 23 January 2025

Blogs & conversations

In conversation with Sangeeta Mahajan: Championing suicide prevention and bereavement support

Five years on from her Fellowship, we spoke with Churchill Fellow Sangeeta Mahajan about how her profound loss inspired her mission to improve suicide prevention. Sangeeta shares insights from her research in the USA and Australia, the gaps she identified in UK care systems, and her efforts to create lasting change through education, peer support, and advocacy.

By Sangeeta Mahajan, 23 January 2025

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