Linda Thomas

Dr. Linda Thomas is a Lecturer in Health and Social Sciences (Urban Studies & Social Policy) and an Associate in the School of Health & Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on mental health, wellbeing, and underrepresented groups such as veterans, ethnic minorities, and women. She has led mixed-methods studies on veterans’ transitions to civilian life, support for older veterans, and health behaviors among culturally diverse populations. Her work emphasizes policy-relevant evidence to reduce inequalities.

Her research background includes a PhD examining immigrants’ alcohol and drug use in Scotland. She has collaborated with organizations like Forces in Mind Trust, Poppy Scotland, and the Scottish School of Primary Care. Key projects include the Healthy Dads Healthy Kids feasibility study in prisons and evaluations of primary care reforms in Scotland. She also contributed to the Prevention First crime prevention strategy in Ayrshire.

Research interests span veterans’ mental health, cultural diversity, and health policy, with a focus on interventions targeting marginalized groups. Her publications highlight veteran reintegration challenges, older veterans’ support systems, and the role of spirituality in Muslim women’s mental health. She advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to engage hard-to-reach communities in sustained health behaviors.