Dedicated support for veterans in the justice system and at risk of arrest

Op NOVA is a new NHS service available across England that can help you if you have served in the UK Armed Forces and are in contact with the justice system. 

We know that this can be a difficult time, so a range of dedicated support is available to you if you:

• feel you are likely to be arrested or have been arrested

• are in police custody

• are due to go to court or be sentenced

• have a release date from prison

• have recently left prison.

Many of our specialist team have served in the Armed Forces and know the unique challenges veterans can face. They can provide you with one to one practical and emotional support, which includes help with:

• education and employment

• accommodation

• living skills and self-care

• mental health and wellbeing

• friends and community

• relationships and family

• parenting and caring

• drugs and alcohol

• living by the law 

We can also provide practical help to your family. 

Helping you re-adjust 
Leaving the Armed Forces for civvy street can be difficult. You could be facing challenges, such as problems with housing or debt, mental or physical ill health, or drug and alcohol misuse – all of which can increase the risk of offending.

Specialist support 
The Forces Employment Charity, with support from Care After Combat, is working on behalf of the NHS to provide these services. Their specialist experience means you can get the right help you need – when you need it most. 

Many of our specialists are from the Armed Forces community, either having served themselves or been the partner or child of someone who has served.  Others have worked in the police, probation and prison services, or for charities. All our caseworkers have experience of the justice system, so understand what you’re going through. 

How it all works 
We start with you and assessing your individual needs. We’ll work with you and use our expert knowledge to create a personalised action plan that will get you the support you need.

We can help you get in contact with the right support services, such as those across health, housing and employment, as well as helping you access specialist NHS services like Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and the Veterans Trauma Network.

With Op NOVA you’re not alone. We’ll stay in contact to make sure we’re doing all we can for you.
Contact Op NOVA for help: Freephone 0800 917 7299 Email opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk