Leaving prison

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity – Prison In-reach

Specialist Prison In-reach volunteers are trained in working in prison with a good understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the prison system. They are equipped to help with issues such as housing and resettlement when veterans in custody get closer to their release.
Phone: 0800 731 4880
Visit: devon.cc/ssafainreach

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

Work to provide holistic support for people in prison and then through release, and back in to the community. They aim to help you to overcome the barriers you may face, enter into meaningful occupation and build a financially independent future in the community, rather than continuing in a cycle of re-offending.
Phone:  01392 412300 or 07816 428 470
Email: enquiries@swcc-pi.org to refer yourself or a family member.
Visit: www.swcc-pi.org for more information.

The Prisoners’ Advice Service

An independent registered charity offering free legal advice and support to adult prisoners in England and Wales. This is through a telephone advice line, letters clinic and legal outreach sessions.
Phone: 0845 430 8923
Email: advice@prisonersadvice.org.uk
Visit: www.prisonersadvice.org.uk

Veterans Change Partnership

A new programme aimed at addressing the rehabilitation of military veteran offenders, this includes the provision of pre-course motivational contact, followed by residential training programmes, mentored support into accommodation and work, plus family support.
Visit: veteranschangepartnership.btck.co.uk

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

Rethink – advice and information

The Rethink mental illness advice service offers practical help on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care, welfare benefits, debt, criminal justice and carers rights. They also offer general help on living with mental illness, medication, care and treatment.
Phone:  0300 5000 927 10am-2pm Monday to Friday.
Visit: devon.cc/rethinkcombatstress

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: www.combatstress.org.uk

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