Op NOVA: Supporting Veterans in the Justice System

Under Operation NOVA (Op NOVA), a programme facilitated by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, assistance is provided to veterans who have come into contact with the legal system, helping them access the necessary services.

Transitioning from military to civilian life can pose challenges that leave veterans feeling disconnected, caught between the military and civilian spheres. For many, this struggle can lead to housing issues, financial difficulties, health concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or substance abuse, potentially placing some veterans at risk of becoming involved in criminal activities.

Op NOVA has a specialised team comprised of individuals who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as partners, children, and parents of service members, along with team members from backgrounds in law enforcement, probation, corrections, and the nonprofit sector. Our team is trained at Level 4 in Information Advice and Guidance and is equipped with Mental Health First Aid training.

Our ability to identify and engage with veterans is rooted in our deep understanding of their unique circumstances.

Op NOVA addresses a wide spectrum of needs, offering practical and emotional support. We actively engage veterans in healthcare, including assisting them with GP registration. For those with mental health needs, we make referrals to the NHS's specialised veterans' mental health programme, Op COURAGE.

Our support process leverages expert knowledge of the military charity sector and a grasp of services offered by regional organisations. This enables us to create a tailored action plan for each veteran, with a focus on securing stable housing and employment. Our overarching goal is to empower veterans to lead stable lives, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

We conduct individualised needs assessments and provide specialised support through our network of military charities and partner organisations. We maintain regular communication with veterans, assessing the impact of our efforts using outcome measures at the outset and again after three months.

Care After Combat serves as our subcontractor, connecting with veterans in prison to offer support during the critical period of reintegration into society after release.

Since 2014, we have assisted over 5,000 veterans. An impressive 81% of the veterans we've assisted report improved mental health and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, 73% of veterans indicate improved relationships with their friends and family, while 79% note better anger management skills.

Join us today to be a part of this success story.

Veterans Gateway acts as the first point of contact for veterans seeking support including health, relationships, finances, employment, housing and more.