The ethos of The Veterans Contact Point (VCP) is to be there for those who have served in any of the UK Armed Forces – Veterans, and those who live in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire (CSW) Area.
The foundation of the VCP began through a Partnership with Warwickshire Probation Service and SSAFA Warwickshire & Coventry Branch, its first beneficiaries were Veterans who being supervised by the Probation Service or had been in Prison. In 2009 the Probation Services Partnership Unit, brought together Veterans who had been identified on its caseload, in an attempt to better support these former servicemen/women working in partnership with SSAFA & The Royal British Legion.
The Veterans Group identified that Veterans understand Veterans and became aware that with external help/interventions assisted by Peer Support, positive changes could be made in peoples lives, reducing re-offending, improving engagement, providing a fantastic return on any social investment made, but most importantly of all “being there without judgement, for other veterans in need.”
Initial meetings were held in the new Warwickshire Justice Centre in Nuneaton as it was deemed as a safe place for those currently working with probation. As the group grew, in membership and confidence as a Peer Support Group, the group became involved in the initial planning stages of what is now known as The Armed Forces Covenant – lead signatory being Warwickshire County Council.
Warwickshire Armed Forces Covenant Planning Group
The Group also wanted its own identity and ability to become self-sufficient in terms of funding and a location within its local community. Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council provided the Group with an office in the Town Hall in Nuneaton and the Group adopted the name of The Veterans Contact Point as its official group name.
The VCP provided support to veterans though its work with the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership and its location at NBBC Town Hall assisted in veterans being able to ” drop in” for support or just a brew. Initially the space was adequate, the building also allowed access to other facilities, and the initial opening of the VCP in its new home took place in 2010/11 and a subsequent briefing event was held in the Council Chambers.
As the VCP grew, so did its need for space and with support from Warwickshire Country Council it moved into in present building, known as the Horsa Building in July 2011. The VCP supported by Ubique Partnerships Ltd worked towards becoming a registered military charity which it achieved on 27th February 2014.
VCP Opening of New Building 2013/14
The VCP has continued to develop its services to Veterans and works in support of the CSW Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership. It has successfully been involved or delivered many successful projects involving the Armed Forces Community, including several aimed at Veterans in the Criminal Justice System. It has also helped to increase awareness of the needs of veterans from across all pathways, and has provided successful Peer to Peer Support interventions. In 2016 the VCP Team assisted Ubique Partnerships & YSS Ltd in delivering The Remember Veterans CJS Project, providing the Helpline & Referral System and Peer Support for those based in CSW Area.
The Atherstone Veterans Hub Team – 2019
The VCP is an effective military charity that is run by veterans, the majority are volunteers, from its Board of Trustees down to its Office Manager. It has not forgot its humble start and continues to support those veterans who are facing additional barriers imposed by a criminal record.
Veterans and CWPT NHS P’ship Mental Health Team
In 2018-2019 it benefitted from a complete building refurbishment done for FREE by Balfour Beatty and Warwickshire County Council, ensuring that they have a modern, future proof building that it can continue to support veterans from. The building also provides office space and facilities for Partnership Organisations to allow them to deliver interventions to veterans.
Throughout its lifeline the VCP has supported the work needed to ensure Veterans are not forgotten and are included in community support. It strives to host Armed Forces Day each year and has provided additional support to other AFC Events held across the CSW AFC Sub-Region.
VCP & Run For Nepal – Showing their Support
We offer many opportunities for our AFC and Civilian Community to get involved in, from fund raising, supporting community/military events through to volunteering opportunities. We are currently reviewing our Board of Trustee’s and Volunteer membership, if you are interested in becoming a Trustee or Volunteer please make contact with us to discuss.
Telephone 02476343793 or email: contactus@veteranscontactpoint.co.uk
Veterans Brew & Banter Group – 2020