Getting help with criminal justice issues as a veteran

If you live in England

Contact Op Nova

Op Nova is the government-backed service designed to help veterans who are in contact with the justice system. It’s delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England. They can help you access the services you need.

If you live in Scotland

Contact Sacro

Sacro is a Scottish community justice organisation which works with veterans in contact with the criminal justice system. 

They operate a Veterans Mentoring Service.

Contact NOVA Scotland

The Forces Employment Charity operates NOVA Scotland, an initiative supported by the Veterans’ Foundation.

They can help veterans in Scotland who are in contact with the criminal justice system.

If you live in Wales

Contact NHS Veterans Wales

NHS Veterans Wales can support veterans in contact with the criminal justice system in Wales.

They can help with issues such as:

• mental health support
• education and learning needs
• reintegration into the community

You can find the contact for your region on their website.

If you live in Northern Ireland

Contact the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland

The Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland can help veterans of the UK armed forces in Northern Ireland access services and support.

You can find the contact for your region on their website.

Organisations that can help

Royal British Legion Industries

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) delivers the LifeWorks course, working with veterans to help them identify and access meaningful and sustainable employment. This includes ex-offenders who want to train and find new opportunities. Visit the LifeWorks website to learn more.

SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity

SSAFA is a charity supporting regular and reserve service personnel and their families. SSAFA operates a Veterans in the Criminal Justice System service to support veterans serving prison sentences, and their families.

Contact your local SSAFA regional hub for more information.

Care after Combat 

Care after Combat is a charity that provides support for veterans and their families within the criminal justice system in England and Wales. They provides services including mentorship support, group meetings in prison, remote support service and telephone helpline assistance.