West Yorkshire Liaison and Diversion developed a specific pathway for veterans to support them when coming into contact with the criminal justice system. We work closely together with partners in the National Health Service, Royal British Legion, and other armed force services to ensure we support veterans with their specific needs and vulnerabilities. The pathway has implemented dedicated veteran leads in each of our teams who have had specialist training and have experience of working with veterans.
In addition, our service works closely with partners in the police, ex-military, third sector services such as Project Nova to build an understanding about how to work with veterans in custody and how to better engage them. We have worked alongside the partners to increase awareness of identifying veterans in custody by creating posters aimed at veterans and encourage them to engage with the service. We have also worked to encourage police in custody suites to ask detained persons if they are veterans and then refer them into our service.
Across West Yorkshire we work with Armed Forces Covenant forums to share learning, data and best practice to support the development of veteran specific services and better understand the needs of the group.
“You’ve changed me in the most positive way ever. I feel stronger each day, you have given me a reason to survive now. Thank you for providing me with a second chance at living I have strong support with you which encourages me to be strong too.”