A FORMER Welsh Guardsman is leading a service supporting military veterans in South Wales who encounter the criminal justice system.
Rob Townsend, who was a regimental medic in 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, is spearheading NOVA Wales, a free specialist scheme delivered by the Forces Employment Charity, that aims to reduce offending and re-offending among veterans through community-based case work.
While most former Armed Forces personnel transition well to civilian life, for some, factors including poor physical or mental health, homelessness, debt or substance misuse can bring them into contact with the justice system.
Now, for the first time, South Wales Police is providing access to NOVA support at the point a veteran is arrested.
NOVA Wales was developed by the Forces Employment Charity in collaboration with the Welsh Government, South Wales Police, the Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, and HM Prison and Probation Service.
As case worker for NOVA Wales, Rob works closely with police and probation services to ensure veterans are encouraged to disclose their military history to engage them with support as early as possible.
He conducts an individual needs assessment and work with the veteran to develop a care plan tailored to their specific needs, which typically involve drug and alcohol treatment, relationships and life skills advice, plus support for mental health and wellbeing, employment and accommodation. The client is also supported in complying with any directions from the police and probation service.
Any professional can signpost a veteran to NOVA Wales, and veterans can also self-refer. It is hoped the service, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, could in future be rolled out nationwide and improve identification of veterans in the criminal justice system. It is a landmark step towards providing all veterans in Wales with a justice service equitable to support available in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
Rob was medically discharged from service following a knee injury sustained in Afghanistan in 2012. He also received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his experiences treating casualties during the conflict.
He said: “I understand the unique challenges some veterans face when transitioning out of the military. I also know many veterans believe they must ‘soldier on’ despite serious turmoil in their life, while others simply lose their footing, or have limited connections to civvy street and start to spiral. For these veterans, NOVA Wales has the potential to make a significant difference to their lives.
“I spent 12 years serving with the Welsh Guards, a period of my life that shaped who I am and how I understand service, responsibility and belonging. My aim in this role is to provide veterans in the justice system with a relatable and steady presence in the community.
Someone who gives honest and pragmatic guidance to help them make the changes they need to move forward with their life.”
Chief Superintendent Marc Attwell of South Wales Police, also a veteran, said:
“We had already started exploring how we could optimise the service we provide to veterans we meet in the course of our duties in South Wales, and NOVA Wales came along at just the right time. We are hoping that signposting veterans to a service that is set up to address their unique experiences and needs will prove beneficial in people getting the right support at the right time. We are looking forward to working with Rob and the NOVA team as the pilot force in Wales and supporting the development of the scheme with our colleagues in Dyfed-Powys, Gwent and North Wales.
“On a personal level, this work is hugely important to me as a veteran myself and now a senior police officer, and I am fully committed to ensuring those who have served receive the understanding and support they deserve through initiatives such as NOVA Wales.”
James Phillips, Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales and a retired Colonel, said:
“Veterans often make extraordinary sacrifices while serving in the Armed Forces, and those who experience challenges in returning to civilian life deserve a helping hand. Specialist programmes to support veterans in the justice system are proving to be very successful in England and Scotland, so I am delighted to see similar provision being rolled out in Wales.”
The Forces Employment charity also delivers NOVA Scotland and NOVA Northern Ireland. The service has been delivered in England since 2014, where it’s now known as Op NOVA and funded by the NHS. NOVA Wales is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and offers free access for all veterans who served at least one day in the military.
For support, contact freephone 0800 917 729, or email novawales@forcesemployment.org.uk
