If you are looking for help with your situation you can contact Forcesline for confidential and independent support on 0800 260 6767 • Local support across Devon is available by contacting info@armedforceshub.org or visit the Armed Forces Community Support Hub website
Resettlement
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity – Prison In-reach
The SSAFA VCJS Support Service is committed to giving veterans and their families a service that delivers. Our aim is to ensure that we offer a recognised and consistent service nationwide whilst meeting our five strategic objectives: effective support, awareness and understanding, sustainable resource, and collaborative working.
It is vital that the service we provide within the Criminal Justice System has a proactive approach and supports all of the Armed Forces community, no matter what the circumstances. Armed Forces community includes all serving and ex-serving personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force whether regular or reservists, national service and families.
Phone: 0800 260 6767
Visit:https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/veterans-in-the-criminal-justice-system
Start preparing six months before release. While in prison you should have access to pre-release courses to help you deal with the issues you may face when you leave prison. These include help with housing, employment, benefits, health, drugs, alcohol and family.
Think about:
- what is a realistic plan for you to achieve?
- what can you do and what will you need help with?
- will you have any parole restrictions?
Peninsula Initiatives
At South West Community Chaplaincy (SWCC), we work across Cornwall, Devon and West Somerset to provide all-round support for men and women of all ages before they are released from prison, as well as in the crucial first days, weeks and months back in the community. We help them to overcome whatever challenges they face to make a fresh start and build a positive future for themselves.
Visit: https://www.southwestcc.org.uk/ for more information. Telephone 01392 284285
E mail: enquiries@southwestcc.org.uk
The Prisoners’ Advice Service
In addition to our Advice Line, Letters Clinics and Outreach Clinics inside prisons, PAS produces a series of Self Help Toolkits – available through prison libraries – and another of Information Sheets, both of which can be downloaded from our website, or sent to prisoners in the mail. These have been designed to help prisoners understand some legal concepts and procedures on their own.
Phone: CONTACT 020 7253 3323
E mail: advice@prisonersadvice.org.uk
Visit: http://www.prisonersadvice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/
Housing
Find information about council and social housing, private renting and buying and help if you are at risk of homelessness.
Visit: www.devonforcesfamily.org.uk/housing
Mental health
Rethink – advice and information
The Rethink Mental Illness advice and information service offers practical help on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, community care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. We also offer general information on living with mental illness, medication and care.
Freephone 0808 801 0525
Our Advice Service offers practical help on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care, welfare benefits and carers rights. We also offer general help on living with mental illness, medication and care. We’re happy to receive Next Generation Text Service (NGTS) calls.
Visit:https://www.rethink.org/aboutus/what-we-do/our-services-and-groups/
Hub of hope:
Service provided by Chasing the Stigma
There’s always somebody to talk to…
Talking to someone could be the start of you feeling better
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the veteran’s mental health charity. They can support you if you are struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, flashbacks; or if you are misusing alcohol or drugs. Treatment is free of charge.
Phone: 0800 138 1619 – 24 hour helpline
Email: contactus@combatstress.org
Visit:https://combatstress.org.uk/
Life skills breaks
The Warrior Programme
This is a three day motivation and training programme for veterans who are feeling struck, frustrated, guilty, angry and unsure; and are struggling with the transition to civilian life. The course teaches you coping techniques and helps build resilience and self-confidence.
Phone: 056 0204 3180
Email: info@warriorprogramme.org.uk
Visit: www.warriorprogramme.org.uk
Hush Farms
Hush Farms provides time out in a rural environment for people who are going through a period of change or who want to learn new skills and gain confidence. Hush Farms is based in East Devon and works with veterans and their families.
Phone: 01404 549515
Email: info@hushfarms.co.uk
Visit: www.hushfarms.co.uk
Running Deer CIC
Running Deer provides training, volunteering, life skills opportunities and work experience in rural skills, bushcraft and survival, and therapeutic horticulture.
Visit: runningdeer.org.uk
Farm-able Project
Social farming and rural skills projects supporting veterans and emergency service personnel to recover from trauma-related conditions.
Visit: www.farmable.co.uk
