BRAVEHOUND REPORT
By Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith PhD
Director of the Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement at Edinburgh Napier University
BRAVEHOUND REPORT
Mark McKenzie, bfbs interviews Bravehound CEO Fiona MacDonald, Jane Duffy and Prof. Gerri Matthews-Smith (Edinburgh Napier University).
Author Introduction
In undertaking this evaluation, I have had the opportunity to examine Bravehound, Scotland’s only accredited provider of assistance dogs for veterans, recognised by both Assistance Dogs UK and Assistance Dogs International. The evidence gathered confirms that Bravehound delivers life-saving and cost-effective support, with demonstrable impact on veterans’ health, wellbeing, and social connection.
What became clear throughout this work is that Bravehound’s contribution extends far beyond the training and provision of highly skilled assistance dogs. As a Scottish charity, it also delivers tailored, person-centred support for veterans, particularly those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social isolation, or suicidal ideation. Situated within the expanding policy and practice landscape of social prescribing, community-based, non-clinical approaches to health and wellbeing.
We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the Veterans’ Foundation for providing the funding to complete this evaluation.
Thanks to Dr Janice Mc Millan, Edinburgh Napier University Dr Meg Wright MBE for their support with the workshops and project development Dr Jamie Thomson for his support in the early part of the project. August 2025.
Edinburgh Napier University | Research for Armed Forces →
Download the report →
Bravehound dogs are a best friend
Veterans and their families have spoken of the powerful support given by specially- trained dogs allotted to help former armed forces personnel.
The Bravehound charity supports military veterans who face mental health challenges related to their time in the armed forces. Its team provides assistance dogs for former personnel with a mental health diagnosis, such as post- traumatic stress disorder. Some of the veterans interviewed as part of research carried out by Edinburgh Napier University spoke about how their dog, and Bravehound, offered a supportive network for them and their families.
Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, said: “The testimonies were deeply moving, with many veterans describing how Bravehound’s support restored a sense of purpose, structure, and stability at times when they felt most vulnerable.”
Bravehound names many of its dogs after those honoured with the highest award any animal can receive in conflict, the PDSA Dickin Medal. One of these dogs was Theo DM, who died three hours after his handler, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, was killed in Afghanistan in 2011.
At the report’s launch, Liam’s mum Jane Duffy was introduced to Theo the Bravehound assistance dog, having given her permission for him to be named in honour of them both. Jane said: “Meeting Theo is such a privilege.”
The Scotsman – Saturday 4 October 2025 (Politics)
