Support for veterans in the criminal justice system in England:
How Op NOVA can help
Life after service can be challenging. For some, those challenges can lead to contact with the criminal justice system, often alongside difficulties with housing, mental health, debt or substance misuse. This is where Op NOVA can help.
This guide sets out what Op NOVA is, who it supports and how it gives veterans a chance to rebuild their lives.
Time to read:
What is Op NOVA?
Op NOVA is a dedicated support pathway delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England. It exists specifically to support veterans who are in contact with the criminal justice system in England, whether that’s through police, courts, probation, prison or post‑release.
The service focuses on tackling the underlying issues that often sit behind offending, with the aim of reducing re‑offending and supporting long‑term stability.
Who Op NOVA supports
Op NOVA provides support for veterans in the criminal justice system in England who may be experiencing:
- housing insecurity or homelessness
- debt and financial difficulties
- mental health challenges
- drug or alcohol misuse
- difficulties reintegrating after prison
- strained family relationships
- barriers to employment
It supports veterans at all points of the justice system, from those at risk of arrest right through to those returning to the community after serving a prison sentence. It’s available in every police force, probation region and prison establishment in England.
A team that understands military life
One of Op NOVA’s greatest strengths is its people.
The specialist team includes:
- veterans who have served in the armed forces
- partners, children and parents of serving and former personnel
- professionals with experience in policing, probation, prisons and the charity sector
This lived experience means veterans are met with understanding, not judgement, by people who genuinely ‘get it’.
Support before and after prison release
Op NOVA provides specialist support to veterans in prison. This includes dedicated release planning support and a managed transition to the Op NOVA community team.
What support does Op NOVA provide?
Op NOVA offers practical and emotional support, tailored to each individual.
Personal needs assessment
Every veteran receives a full assessment to understand:
- immediate risks
- long‑term needs
- personal goals
- barriers to stability
From this, a shared action plan is created.
Mental health and healthcare support
Op NOVA helps veterans:
- register with a GP
- access healthcare services
- receive referrals to Op COURAGE, the NHS’s specialist mental health service for veterans
This ensures mental health needs are identified early and treated appropriately.
Housing and employment support
Secure housing and meaningful work are central to reducing re‑offending.
Op NOVA works to:
- link veterans with housing providers
- support access to training and employment
- connect veterans to specialist military charities and regional services
Ongoing support
Support doesn’t stop after initial contact.
Op NOVA provides one-to-one, community-based support throughout the veteran’s Op NOVA journey. Support is not timebound and will continue as long as the veteran has need and is engaging with the support.
This long‑term approach recognises that rebuilding a life takes time.
Reducing re‑offending through stability
The aim of Op NOVA’s support for veterans in the criminal justice system is not punishment.
It’s prevention, recovery and stability.
By addressing housing, health, employment and emotional wellbeing together, Op NOVA helps veterans:
- regain control
- rebuild relationships
- reconnect with services
- move away from the cycle of re‑offending
You are not defined by your past
If you’re a veteran in contact with the criminal justice system, or supporting someone who is, it’s important to know this:
Asking for help is a strength.
Your service still matters.
Your future is not written by one chapter of your life.
Support for veterans in the criminal justice system exists because you deserve the chance to rebuild.
Op NOVA is there to walk that journey with you
Get started today
You can refer yourself to Op NOVA or ask someone to refer you on your behalf.
Any questions? Contact the Op NOVA team.