Tuesday, May 31, 2011

After Combat, the Unexpected Perils of Coming Home - NYTimes.com

After Combat, the Unexpected Perils of Coming Home - NYTimes.com

This article provides examples of how combat has impacted upon US troops and their families. Sadly, many UK troops face similar issues, all of which can be devastating, often leading to increasing mental health problems, family breakdown, homelessness, alcohol misuse and crime. Under the Military Covenant they deserve support as they try to overcome their various personal challenges.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Why Vets Are Likely Entrepreneurs | LinkedIn

Why Vets Are Likely Entrepreneurs | LinkedIn

Rehabilitating Veteran offenders can provide them with the opportunities to use their skills in the private sector; surely better than keeping them in prison.

Take a look at - http://www.lifechangeuk.com/supporting-the-military-covenant/ and support the cause.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

YouTube - MoD figures show rise in forces mental health cases 23.05.11

YouTube - MoD figures show rise in forces mental health cases 23.05.11

Yet more evidence showing that mental health issues with Veterans are rising!

YouTube - Soldiers to receive multi-million pound mental health package 02.02.11

YouTube - Soldiers to receive multi-million pound mental health package 02.02.11

The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledges that the Government has been slow to recognise the urgent needs of Veterans with mental health issues. Will the Government now also acknowledge that many such Veterans end up sleeping rough, using alcohol and drugs to shut out their reality and become involved in crime, only to be sent to prison? As with those suffering physical injuries, these individuals desperately need help and support with rehabilitation, not a criminal record and personal failure. The Veterans Change Partnership is ready to provide.

Resolution - Rebuilding Lives: Alcohol 'a problem for veterans' - I wonder why?

Resolution - Rebuilding Lives: Alcohol 'a problem for veterans' - I wonder why?

The Resolution blog makes some important observations regarding alcohol abuse and the mental health of our Veterans. Many of these veterans end up sleeping rough and or entering the Justice System. Following the statement by the PM regarding the Military Covenant and our duty of care to service personnel and their families, all should be taken very seriously.

The need for alternative rehabilitation provision and support is growing. Many voluntary sector providers stand ready to provide, but need the funding to do so. Hundreds of thousands of pounds are rightly being directed at those suffering physical injury. Similar sums now need to be provided for those suffering mental trauma and distress. Without such support, the future cost to the country in terms of Justice (Prison and Probation), Health, DWP and Social Services (familiy support) will be considerably greater.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Plans to get prisoners into jobs and away from crime

Plans to get prisoners into jobs and away from crime

Hopefully staff will be appropriately trained to work effectively with prisoners - building positive relationships, trust, respect and rapport, all of which are essential to ensuring motivation and enthusiasm for change.

Justice programme for young people launched

Justice programme for young people launched

At last some upstream investment to address the causes of crime and to promote increased understanding. Let us hope this is rolled out across the country.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

‘Reform way we punish criminals’ (From Oxford Mail)

‘Reform way we punish criminals’ (From Oxford Mail)

Increasing the use of Community sentences for those offenders who are not assessed as dangerous is gaining support. It is to be hoped that others will also realise the benefits.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Armed Forces Covenant 'an historic breakthrough' - The Royal British Legion

Armed Forces Covenant 'an historic breakthrough' - The Royal British Legion

Will the Covenant help those veterans who have suffered mental trauma and family breakdown, leading to alcohol abuse and crime? Veterans and their families who have served their country and ended up on the wrong side of the law deserve help and support to return to full productive lives.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

YouTube - PTSD in the Military.wmv

YouTube - PTSD in the Military.wmv

Although the film features US soldiers and Marines, many UK veterans have endured similar experiences and deserve our respect and support. Is it any wonder that so many are loosing their way in life and becoming involved in crime.

Your Veterans Need Your Support!

YouTube - Ex-forces and homeless

YouTube - Ex-forces and homeless

Up to 12 % of the homeless on our streets are thought to be military veterans. Many go on to become involved in crime and enter the Justice System. Having put their lives on the line for our country, this cannot be right. What happened to the Military Covenant?

Monday, May 02, 2011

Read his inspiring story and find out how you can back campaign for military covenant| News Of The World

Read his inspiring story and find out how you can back campaign for military covenant| News Of The World

The values associated with the military covenant must surely also be applied to those suffering mental illness and becoming caught up in the justice system. Those veterans who offend deserve better than simply using prison.