Commissioner Pledges support for Veterans

Keith Hunter with Col. Andrew Kennedy and Project Nova staff Steve Lowe and Teresa Hodgson

Last Saturday was Armed Forces Day, a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces, from serving troops to service veterans.

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter pledged his support by meeting Col. Andrew Kennedy – Commandant, DST Leconfield, on Friday and signing the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise ensuring that those who serve or have served in the forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

To mark the signing of the covenant the Commissioner spoke to veterans who have been helped by Project Nova, who provide support to those veterans experiencing challenging times to help them make positive changes to their lives.    

Project Nova is operated by staff with a blend of experience from the armed forces, Criminal Justice System and charities. Their staff are skilled at engaging with veterans to understand their experience of military service, their lives before they joined the armed forces, and their transition back to civilian life. Project Nova undertakes a needs assessment for each individual and puts in place specialist support from a network of military charities and other organisations. They then keep in touch ensuring that the veterans they support have an ongoing connection, checking in and resolving issues when they occur.

Humberside Police also work closely with Project Nova to identify ex-forces personnel who may come into custody and refer them for support.

Keith Hunter said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to all those men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. I am proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge the support of my office and myself to ensure our veterans are not disadvantaged, and are treated with fairness and respect.

“I am very impressed with the partnership work between Humberside Police and Project Nova to support veterans, many of whom have served in combat and require specialist intervention if they come into contact with the police and criminal justice system.”

Steve Lowe - Project Nova North of England Manager said: “Project Nova is delivered by RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity and Walking With The Wounded. During the two and a half years since Project Nova was introduced in the Humberside Police area over 300 Military Veterans have been referred for assistance.

“Whilst many Veterans transition well after military service, some, for a range of reasons, may experience difficulties at some point in their lives, impacted by unique barriers that are common to those who have served. Thanks to this partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Humberside Police these men and women are receiving positive collaborative support.”

Listen to the story of one HM Forces Veteran who was helped by Project Nova and Humberside Police. CLICK HERE

More information on the Armed Forces Covenant at https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/

Project Nova can be contacted on 0800 917 7299. More information at https://www.rfea.org.uk/our-programmes-partnerships/project-nova/