Following a robust procurement exercise, NHS England has appointed the Forces Employment Charity to deliver Op NOVA, an England wide service for veterans pre and post prison custody.
This non-clinical service, which launches on 1 April 2023, builds on existing provision to improve the identification and support of veterans pre and post prison custody. Working together with NHS services across integrated care systems, including Armed Forces health and health and justice services, as well as charities and other organisations, Op NOVA provides a single point of contact for veterans, who, following an assessment, will have a comprehensive support plan developed for them that is overseen by a care and support co-ordinator.
Chloe Mackay, Deputy Chief Executive at the Forces Employment Charity says:
“We at the Forces Employment Charity are thrilled to have been awarded funding from the NHS for the next five years to deliver Op NOVA, a service that supports veterans in the justice system across England. We are delighted that Care After Combat have agreed to be our subcontractor, linking with veterans in prison so that they can be supported across the crisis point of prison release.
“Since 2014 our programme Project Nova has supported over 5000 veterans in five regions in England, providing one-to-one support and enabling them to access healthcare, housing and employment, working with police forces, statutory organisations and partner charities. We are pleased to be able to extend and expand this support across all of England.
“Our work with the NHS places the Forces Employment Charity as a leading champion of veterans in the justice system, and continues our provision of life-changing and often life-saving support to this demographic on a wider scale.”
Both the service and its name have been informed by engagement with veterans and their families, as well as those working in this area.
Find out more about Op NOVA.
