Veterans Family First funded by the Thrive Together programme aims to provide emotional and practical non-judgemental support to veterans in the criminal justice system and their families. Whole-family holistic support focuses on building resilience, enhancing emotional well-being and fostering peer-support networks. Support is provided both in the community and in prison.
How does Veterans Families First work?
Veterans Families First will provide dedicated support for veterans currently involved in the criminal justice system and their families during key transitions in their journey.
- Arrest
- Preparation for court
- Sentencing and Remand
- Last few months in prison
ü Release Our goal is to support families to build their resilience, prepare veterans and their families for potential sentencing and imprisonment and offer transitional support for veterans and their families at the point of release.
Criteria for Veterans Families First
We accept professional referrals and self-referrals into the service.
-
- If you have ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Reserves, or Merchant Navy, you are eligible for our support.
- Veterans and their families across:
- Worcestershire
- Herefordshire
- Telford & Wrekin
- Shropshire
- If you have ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Reserves, or Merchant Navy, you are eligible for our support.
- Veteran can be at any point in the criminal justice system
- Both the veteran and the family must both consent to receiving support
Where is this service available?
- Worcestershire
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Telford & Wrekin
What can you expect from Veterans Families First?
- Initial assessment with a skilled YSS worker for both veteran and family.
- Individually tailored plans of support for both the veteran and family
- Emotional and practical support
- Option for both face to face and remote support.
- In prison support closer to release date focusing on transitioning back into the family home
- Transitional support for the family to help them prepare for their family member’s release
- Opportunity to meet other families in similar situations in a peer support group.
Remember Veterans
Remember Veterans is funded by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion
Families First
Families affected by the imprisonment of a loved one are often left feeling isolated, stigmatised by society and unsure of the future. The criminal justice system can be confusing and it’s not always obvious where to go for support. Families First delivered by YSS aims to help reduce the emotional turmoil and anguish experienced by these families and provide a guiding hand to enable them to navigate the criminal justice system effectively and look towards a brighter future.
Thanks to our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal & our Funders & Partners
