Richard 'Dickie' Bennett

Richard “Dickie” Bennett is a researcher and practitioner specialising in heritage-based wellbeing interventions for veterans, with a focus on mental health, recovery, and social reintegration. As Director of Services at Breaking Ground Heritage and a PhD candidate at Solent University, his work explores how archaeological engagement can meaningfully support those transitioning from military to civilian life. He has led pioneering studies with Operation Nightingale, demonstrating measurable improvements in wellbeing through heritage participation. Dickie brings both lived experience and academic insight, making him uniquely placed to speak on the evolving landscape of veterans' welfare.