Defence Victim Witness Care Unit - we stand with victims

A year after its formation, we look at how the Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) supports victims and witnesses of serious crime during their journey through the Service Justice System.

Here to support

Whether you’re in the Armed Forces or a civilian, the VWCU is here to support you. If you’ve been affected as a victim or witness of serious crime committed by Service personnel in the UK or abroad, we are here to help.

WATCH: Victim Witness Care Unit – who we are, what we do, and how to contact us

Independent from the Army, Navy, and RAF chains of command, the unit is made up of specially trained civilian Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) who act as supportive guides throughout the Service Justice System – from reporting a crime, to the investigation, and any subsequent court martial and outcomes.

Each referral to the VWCU is allocated a VLO as their primary contact who will remain with them throughout the process, ensuring they are supported in accordance with the code of practice for victims of crime (JSP 839).

Amesbury/Boscombe Down: • Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club Brew and Banter - Every Wednesday 1000 - 1245hrs

Please call in for a slice of homemade cake and to support this wonderful group at the Nicolson Community Centre, MOD Boscombe Down.

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Community First - Volunteers Needed

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub
 

Visit your Pharmacy first!

 

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Gloucestershire: Monthly Forces Hub in Churchdown

 

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Tell your GP practice if you've ever served in the UK Armed Forces

 

Tell your GP practice if you've ever served in the UK Armed Forces. It could be relevant to your health and means you'll get support that's right for you.

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/veterans-service-leavers-non-mobilised-reservists

Elgin & Nairn: Branching out a programme for adults who use mental health services in Scotland

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Women's Aid services across Scotland

There are more than 30 expert Women's Aid services across Scotland helping women and children every day. 

If you're looking for support, find your nearest Women's Aid here:
https://womensaid.scot/find-nearest-wa-group

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

HIVE Contact House directory

 

Did you know that Army HIVE holds and maintains a directory of all Contact Housing available across the UK and Overseas?

For a copy, or for contact details for a location, do g​et in touch with any HIVE or drop us a message at rc-pers-hivecomms-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

NHS 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' campaign launches today

The NHS ‘Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ campaign launched today, and has the following primary messages: 

● High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. 

● You could be one of millions living with high blood pressure without knowing it. 

● An estimated 4.2 million adults in England currently have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

● Left untreated, high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 1 in 4 deaths in England - around one death every four minutes.

● The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a blood pressure test. 

• It’s a free, simple and a non-invasive procedure conducted in privacy at your local pharmacy, and you don’t need to book in advance.  

● If you're aged 40 and over, you can get a free blood pressure check at a local pharmacy, unless you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has checked your blood pressure in the past 6 months.