Help when the going gets tough

ON a mission . . . probation officer Jo Terry

EX-SERVICEMEN and women who end up before Oldham’s law courts are being offered specialist help under a new scheme.

Oldham probation officer Jo Terry has undergone specialist training to improve the service for offenders who have served in the armed forces.

As an ex-servicewoman herself, she is well equipped to understand the problems they face.

She said: “I think it’s a fantastic idea. My interest stems from being in the RAF for nine years, and it’s an issue close to my heart.

“Given that I was in the forces I can understand the difficulties facing ex-service and serving members.

“I understand some of the barriers facing them, and the problems that can come with having served in war zones for Queen and country then coming out, sometimes to nothing.”

The move follows a revelation by Greater Manchester Probation Trust (GMPT) that at least 2,500 people who are behind bars have military experience.

And it says the estimate is conservative, and it could be almost three times that number.

This new scheme, under the banner of the Armed Forces Network, is the result of a partnership between the GMPT, the Ministry of Defence, the Royal British Legion, the NHS and Combat Stress.

It aims to help veterans involved in the criminal justice system to deal with their problems, and to support them in leading law abiding lives.

MP Elfyn Llwyd sits on the Nutting Inquiry which is researching why there are high numbers of former military personnel in the criminal justice system.

He said: “The failure to provide for their needs stretches back at least a century. Many conflicts later, serious issues still have to be resolved.

“I’m not a military man but many experts have told me about the problems people face on their return from service having witnessed the horrors of conflict.

“The majority readjust to civilian life without a problem, but there are also high numbers who experience acute difficulties, drop out of the welfare system, become homeless and develop mental health problems often linked to alcohol and substance misuse.

“I am delighted that GMPT has launched this network and is attempting to grapple with the problem before it gets worse.”

Jo is one of a team of probation officers across Greater Manchester who have been trained to work with offenders with a military background.

They will ask about their experiences and provide a link to support services, as well as advising on appropriate sentencing.