The Remember Veterans service is operating since 2019 and is funded by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion. This service is for military veterans who are currently in, or are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. What better way to get an understanding of what RV does than sharing one of our service user’s story with you.   

Alex was referred to YSS Remember Veterans (RV) by Liaison & Diversion in 2021 after suffering with Mental Health issues. 

The RV link worker was able to support Alex by offering a mixture of face to face, email and telephone communications. 

‘Lisa my RV Link Worker listened to all my needs and referred me to the appropriate services, she was very approachable & responsive to my needs, comfortable to talk too & was always happy to help. What I found most useful was the one to one support I received from RV. This made such a difference and was more personal’ 

Being the listening ear for Alex and referring her to other supporting agencies enabled Alex to be able to gain the confidence to move forward and have a more positive outlook on life. 

‘Lisa introduced me to many new services throughout our time together. I am now being supported with gaining my HGV 2 and received support around my finances, opportunities to access to different sporting groups and courses. I have had the opportunity to meet other veterans and make new friends. I would definitely recommend the YSS Remember Veterans Support’ 

The RV Link Worker was able to support Alex to apply for funding for her HGV level 2 through links to Regular Forces Employment Agency (RFEA) who offer Veterans Employment Support. She also signposted Alex to some professional mental health support through Operation Courage. Together the RV Link Worker and Alex were able to work on securing some financial support from the Royal British Legion. Alex was also encouraged to complete an application and attend the wellbeing activities of the BattleBack Activity Centre through Shropshire Armed Forces Covenant Officer Sarah Kerr and The BattleBack Centres Sally Green - Recovery Operations Assistant Manager. 

Alex recently attended their Activity week which included many sporting activities but also offered support with Mental Health and social isolation issues within a safe, fun, welcoming and non-judgemental environment. The BattleBack Centre does a fantastic job with supporting veterans and this is evident from Alex’s feedback after attending their activities week. 

The BattleBack Activity week gave me the confidence to try new things and gave me a sense of achievement. I was given Tools and coping strategies that have given me confidence to apply these when I need them, offer me goals & aims which I found invaluable. 

The staff at the Centre, Sally and Hannah especially were amazing from the initial contact after the application by my RV Link Worker was submitted, to the administration, advice and information that followed until my arrival at the Centre. They could not be more helpful and this was the same with all the coaching staff too. 

Lisa my YSS RV Link Worker phoned me to see how my week had gone and I was absolutely BUZZING! I loved it, I met some wonderful people on the week, made new friends, tried activities I’d never tried before. Who knew bowls was so technical and difficult! It was amazing & it was possibly the best thing I could’ve done regards my Mental Health. I am more aware of the support available and the opportunities open for me going forward after the BattleBack Activity week. 

I would like to thank Sarah Kerr AFC Shropshire for sending my YSS RV Link Worker the details for the Activity week, Lisa my RV Link Worker for applying and the BattleBack Team for such a memorable week!