By Zoë Robson, Founder of Maintain Independence

At Maintain Independence, we work with people every day who’ve lived through extraordinary experiences — whether through injury, illness, or life transitions. One community particularly close to my heart is women who’ve served in the armed forces.

That’s why I founded SheServed — a support group and community space for women veterans.

Why She Served Exists

As a woman who served 12 years in the Royal Military Police, I know that military service shapes every part of who you are. But what many don’t talk about is what happens after service — how you find your place again, rebuild confidence, and manage the emotional and physical weight of that chapter.

Many women veterans quietly navigate that transition alone. She Served was created to change that.

What Is SheServed?

SheServed is an active, welcoming community designed by and for women who’ve served.

We:

  • Meet regularly for connection, wellbeing, and support
  • Run a Facebook group where members can chat, share, and stay updated
  • Plan social events throughout the year — including a Christmas party this December
  • Offer a safe, judgement-free space where no one has to explain what service was like

Whether you served five years ago or fifty, you’re welcome here.

Why It Matters

For many women who’ve left the forces, that sense of belonging can fade. Civilian life doesn’t always understand or accommodate the experiences we carry. She Served offers:

  • Peer support from people who get it
  • Physical and mental wellbeing through shared activity, advice, and workshops
  • Opportunities to reconnect with purpose, identity, and others with shared experience

And it’s not just about looking back. It’s about helping each other move forward — stronger, together.

Part of the Bigger Picture

She Served sits at the heart of what we do at Maintain Independence — offering support that honours the whole person. Many of our members are living with health conditions, mobility issues, or emotional challenges that began during or after service. This group is one way we’re supporting women to stay strong, connected, and independent.