The Forces Employment Charity is proud to provide life-changing support for veterans in the justice system.
The shift into non-military life can bring challenges that can lead to veterans feeling detached and in between military and civilian worlds. The reality for many is that this can potentially lead to housing problems, debt, health issues, PTSD, or alcohol, drug or gambling misuse. Which can, in turn, lead to some veterans being at risk of offending.
We have over ten years of experience in supporting veterans in contact with police, courts, prison or probation teams. Our pioneering support programmes have consistently proved that identifying, engaging and supporting veterans can have life-changing – and in many cases life-saving – outcomes.
Op NOVA, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system, enabling them to access the services they need.
Op NOVA’s specialist team is drawn from those who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as partners, children and parents of those who serve or have served. Other members of the team have worked in the police, probation, prisons or charity sector. Our team is trained in Information Advice and Guidance, Level 4, and Mental Health First Aid.
Care After Combat is our subcontractor, linking with veterans in prison so that they can be supported across the crisis point of prison release.
We are able to identify and engage with veterans because we understand their unique circumstances.
Op NOVA works across all needs and delivers practical and emotional support. We work to engage veterans in healthcare including registration with GPs and, for those with mental health needs, referrals into the NHS’s specialist veterans mental health provision – Op COURAGE.
Our pathway of support uses expert knowledge of the military charity sector and an understanding of provisions provided by regional organisations to create a shared action plan with each veteran. We work to secure housing and employment. Our overall aim is to enable veterans to live stable lives so they can reduce reoffending.
We undertake a needs assessment for each individual and put in place specialist support from our network of military charities and other organisations. We keep in regular touch with veterans, assessing the impact of our work using outcome stars when support commences then again in three months.
Since 2014, we have worked with over 5,000 veterans. 81% of the veterans we work with state that their mental health and wellbeing has improved since working with us. 73% of veterans said they had improved their relationships with their friends and family, with 79% stating they had improved their anger management.
Any veteran who has served at least one day in the Armed Forces and lives in England is eligible for support.
Any justice sector or statutory organisation personnel can make a referral, and veterans can also self-refer.
specialist support service for Ex-Forces personnel who have offended focusing on training
helping veterans in Scotland overcome challenges and access specialist services, reducing re-offending
helping veterans in Wales overcome challenges and access specialist services, reducing re-offending
