The new Derbyshire VIP (veteran information point) will offer a point of contact for veterans in Derbyshire to access support for a range of issues, many of which have been impacted by Covid. Funded by the National Community Fund, the VIP is being offered initially as a pilot project until April 2021.
Our well-established STAND TO service already provides dedicated alcohol support for veterans which links to a network of veteran support services. The aim of the VIP, in addition to providing speedy access into alcohol treatment is to ensure that veterans or their family members who need support with associated issues such as; relationship, housing, financial , mental health and addiction problems, can benefit from the comprehensive directory and data base of support services we have established.
The process:
- A veteran or family member will contact the VIP via the phone number provided or via email
- They will be asked a number of questions, by a member of our STAND TO alcohol team, or a Veteran volunteer. This information will be entered onto the VIP confidential data base.
- The data base will enable us to find the services that are most appropriate to support the veteran in their area and support to access the services will be provided by a STAND TO worker /veteran volunteer
- In addition to providing information for the caller to make contact with the services themselves (signposting), the veteran will be informed about events, recovery support in their area and/or how to access a STVCS Peer support group ,the opportunity to talk to a veteran buddy or mentor and/or the opportunity to receive a follow up call at a later date. Where the need for counselling for trauma or PTSD or a substance misuse issue is identified fast track referral into our STAND TO alcohol project, BACP accredited counselling service or the DRP substance misuse services will be provided. Risk will be managed in line with DAAS – STAND TO risk management protocols
The aims:
Our overarching aim is to reach out to veterans in Derbyshire who may be feeling the impact of Co-vid and who may be experiencing a range of difficulties including; isolation, declining mental health or increased anxiety, increased consumption of alcohol or substances, financial or relationship issues.
- We hope to support veterans to access services and we will ensure that the services they contact provide the help This will be done by phone call or email follow up.
- We will help to replace the camaraderie veterans experienced whilst serving by offering them the opportunity to form STAND TO Derbyshire Veteran Community Support Peer or MESS groups, and to take part in recovery activities, such as Boot camp, fishing or walking. We will also offer training for them to become volunteers themselves on the VIP
- We will engage with the services listed on our data base and build our links with the National Veteran Gateway, the Derby University Veteran Research Project, COSBEO and the Armed Forces Covenant. We will update our Directory of services and advocate for them to seek membership of the AFC as a means to demonstrate their commitment to supporting our armed forces community.
