Latest news

Posted on 30 Jun 2021

A project for veterans delivered by Nottinghamshire Healthcare, in partnership with Care after Combat and Project Nova, was a finalist in the HSJ Partnership Awards.

The awards celebrate  the essential role of private and third sector organisations in strengthening the healthcare system. The project was also a finalist in the HSJ’s Military and Civilian Health Partnership Award in March. 

Although REGROUP, which is delivered across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, didn’t win the award, it was a finalist in the Best Not for Profit Working in Partnership with the NHS category. The project was praised for its work supporting veterans within the criminal justice system; this is an innovative service to provide care not custody, care in custody and care after custody. Previously, there was no such coordinated provision of care within the criminal justice system for veterans and their families.

Through REGROUP veterans are supported to access suitable mental health and substance misuse services, gain housing and employment. The team also co-developed Veteran’s Signature, with input from veterans. This self-help and treatment workbook supports veterans to safely identify and share their traumatic experiences, helping them to understand and cope with their psychological symptoms and, often, subsequent misuse of alcohol and drugs.

In its first year REGROUP received 535 referrals. The team has also worked with organisations such as the police, courts, probation, and prison services to educate on the Armed Forces Covenant. With the support of REGROUP, veterans are less likely to re-offend, more able to access appropriate health and social care, and go on to achieve successful transitions into the community. 

The HSJ Partnership Awards were held on 29 June 2021. The Best Not for Profit Working in Partnership with the NHS Award was won by Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering North East London Foundation Trust, Downshall Primary School and London Borough of Redbridge. Visit https://partnership.hsj.co.uk/ for the full list of finalists and winners.