Social support programs for older veterans with depression

VOICES Socials for Older Veterans with Depression

NIH-funded research Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital · NIH-10999300

This study is testing a friendly social support program called VOICES Veterans Socials to help older veterans who are feeling down by encouraging them to connect with each other and improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEdith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bedford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10999300 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and implementing a peer-led social support program called VOICES Veterans Socials specifically for older veterans experiencing depression. The program aims to enhance social engagement and support among veterans, which is crucial for improving their mental health and overall well-being. Through interviews and expert consultations, the research will adapt existing materials to better serve this population and will conduct an open trial to assess the program's feasibility and effectiveness. By fostering connections and reducing social withdrawal, the initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for older veterans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans aged 65 and above who are experiencing symptoms of depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans or those who do not have depression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and social functioning of older veterans suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based social support programs can effectively improve mental health outcomes for older adults, suggesting a promising approach for this population.

Where this research is happening

Bedford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.