Care after Combat

Introduction

Care after Combat is a UK-based charity dedicated to providing support to former and serving British Armed Forces personnel within the justice system. It aims to ensure the wellbeing of veterans and their families through comprehensive and empathetic services.

Mission and Activities

The charity's mission is to offer personalized mentorship and wrap-around support to help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and pride. Care after Combat addresses numerous challenges veterans face during reintegration into civilian life, including mental health issues and social isolation. They provide essential assistance ranging from practical support for employment and accommodation to complex mental health services.

Support Structure

Upon notification of a veteran in custody, the charity conducts face-to-face interviews to identify individual needs. Support is provided from the point of sentence until release and for up to a year post-release through a volunteer mentor scheme. While in custody, veterans are invited to attend monthly group forums that promote community and address offending behavior. These forums also serve as a social support system, fostering a sense of wellbeing and camaraderie.

Additionally, Care after Combat offers remote support services for veterans, providing assistance via letters and phone calls. The charity collaborates with NHS England to deliver mental health support for those affected by service-related trauma.

Values and Partnerships

Care after Combat fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity, believing in equality of opportunity for all. The charity partners with other agencies and military charities to enhance its capacity to deliver effective support, driven solely by the success and wellbeing of its service users.

Governance and Status

Care after Combat is registered as a charity under number 1159342. The organization operates a network of volunteer mentors and has a diverse team with experience in the military, clinical, and justice sectors. This expertise enables them to provide services tailored to the specific needs of veterans within the justice system.

Community Engagement

The charity encourages volunteers and community support, offering opportunities for fundraising and donations. These contributions are vital to sustaining their work and ensuring that veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.

[1] https://careaftercombat.org [2] https://careaftercombat.org/about-us/ [3] https://www.instagram.com/careaftercombat/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5052936/charity-overview [5] https://www.asdic.org.uk/members/care-after-combat/