The life changing outcomes that Project Nova is achieving were exemplified recently when one of its beneficiaries who had appeared in court was discharged on the condition that they continue to receive support from the Nova team…
Amy Johnstone (Project Nova Regional Lead, North West) attended the hearing to explain what Project Nova does, and to specify the work that Project Nova had previously carried out to support the veteran.
She explained that he had been struggling with his mental health following his involvement in two IED explosions in Afghanistan, and that he had been self-medicating with alcohol since his discharge in 2015. Project Nova had been providing support to him and his family.
The Magistrate asked for input from the Probation adviser, who said: “The Probation Service would never be able to understand this man in the way that Project Nova have. They have already taken steps towards rehabilitation which we would never be able to achieve.
“We feel that, as a punitive measure would not help this man, the best option is certainly for Project Nova to continue to support him in the way they have in order to rehabilitate him.”
The court came to the decision that the veteran should be given a conditional discharge, on the proviso that he continues to engage with Project Nova and gets the help that he so desperately needs.
This is an excellent example of how Project Nova is successfully supporting the ex-service community who have become caught up within the criminal justice system.
If you are a veteran yourself, or you know of someone who is struggling who might benefit from Project Nova’s support, you can Freephone 0800 917 7299 or email info.nst@projectnova.org.uk
