WEST MERCIA PCC: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST – Copy of bid submissions for Remember Veterans YSS
RESPONSE TO REQUEST
Reference: WE11505
Date of response: 11th March 2025
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 – INFORMATION REQUEST
Request:
Please could you provide me with copies of all Bid Submissions for the last 3 years for YSS Remember Veterans.
Requests have been submitted to management but no access or response has been provided, therefore I wish to submit an FOI.
Response:
Please find redacted copies of bid submissions for the last 3 years for YSS Remember Veterans below
Yours Sincerely,
FOI Officer,
West Mercia OPCC
You have the right to request an internal review, this request should be sent in writing to:
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, Hindlip Hall, Worcester, WR3 8SP Email: [email protected]. Alternatively, you can forward you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office via their website www.ico.org.uk.
Appendix 1:
| DETAILS OF APPLICANT | |
| Name of applicant/organisation/group | YSS |
| Name of lead contact and position held in organisation/group (if applicable) | NAME OMITTED – Operations Director |
| Address, including postcode | Polysec House, Blackpole Trading Estate West, Hindlip Lane, Worcester, WR3 8TJ |
| Email address | EMAIL ADDRESS OMITTED |
| Mobile number/Telephone number | MOBILE NUMBER OMITTED |
| Contact details for Operational queries (e.g. monitoring reports) | As above |
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE SAFEGUARDING SESSION:
In applying for this grant you will have the necessary safeguarding policies in place to work with your client group/s. Safeguarding is a priority for our grant office; as such we are offering successful grant recipients the option of having a safeguarding training session – which will provide advice and guidance on policy, practice and training. If you would like to be considered for this then please tick the box below.
| PROJECT DETAILS | |
| Grant reference & name of project/initiative | Remember Veterans |
| Crime Theme – Please state the area of crime your initiative relates to e.g. hate crime, domestic abuse | Safer West Mercia, Reduce Harm, Reducing Re-Offending |
| Brief description of the initiative | Remember Veterans (RV) was established in 2016 to provide support for veterans, under formal probation supervision or in contact with the Police across West Mercia. The service was initially developed in recognition of the specific needs of Veterans in the Criminal Justice System who experience challenges that may limit their ability to rehabilitate or resettle successfully back in their community after a period of incarceration. Military service provides a highly structured, caring and supportive environment for many aspects of everyday life and some struggle to transition back into a fully independent lifestyle. This can exacerbate mental-health difficulties (e.g. PTSD, anxiety, depression) and heighten the risk of alcohol and/or substance-misuse. For Veterans in the criminal justice system, a specialist service such as RV improves inter-agency communications, provides advocacy for Veterans that enables them to achieve better outcomes during life transitions and contributes to a lower re-occurrence of offending. We are seeking continuation funding for the delivery of RV across West Mercia for one more year until the end of March 2023. This funding will allow us to appoint a new part time RV Link Worker which will enable us to support more Veterans across a wider geographical area, increase service visibility and allow us to develop existing and build new partnerships. RV is a collaborative service aligned and embedded within the local Armed Forces Covenant partnerships across Shropshire, Telford, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire. Veterans referred into the service are allocated to an YSS Link Worker who are Veterans themselves and are offered structured 121 support for up to 6 months. The support offered is built on the development of a trusting and non-judgemental relationship. The RV link worker support the Veterans to build their resilience and confidence and become more integrated within society. |
| Please list your outputs until the end of the funding period and how they will be measured? The table of outputs will be monitored at interim and final reports for all grant recipients. Please complete data (replacing the dots with your own targets) for each of the measurements listed. Feel free to add more rows for any bespoke outputs your service measures. NB: if you do not provide for service users directly please list the outputs and measures for the KPI’s you monitor | Output Measurement 25 – 35 service users will be referred into the service Number of service user referrals Quarterly reports 25 – 35 service users will successfully engage with the service Number of service users engaged Quarterly reports 20 – 25 service users leaving with a positive outcome Case studies Quarterly reports |
| EVIDENCE AND RELEVANCE | |
| Please list the overall outcomes that your project seeks to achieve in this grant period and how you will measure these? (e.g. to reduce the volume of ASB incidents) | Outcome Measurement Contribute towards the reduction in offending / re offending rates across West Mercia Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports Police reporting data (annual overview) On exit 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the Accommodation pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports On exit 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the mental health / well-being pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports On exit 75%-80% of people will have achieved improved outcomes across the drug/alcohol pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports On exit 75%-80% of people will have achieved improved outcomes across the social well-being pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports |
| Which of the following areas of the Safer West Mercia Plan does your project relate to? Please tick the relevant box & highlight the relevant outcomes associated with this option | Putting victims and survivors first Victims’ chance of revictimisation is reduced Increased number of cases supported through CJS Improved partnership working to support victims Building a more secure West Mercia Improved partnership working to use early intervention to prevent victimisation Reduction in harm caused Increased feeling of safety within the community Reassuring West Mercia’s communities Increased confidence in local policing Increase in communities feeling valued Increase in communities feeling informed Increase in communities feeling involved Increase in communication with communities Increased community engagement |
| Which of the following commissioning intentions does your project relate to? (Please tick all which apply) | Early Intervention/Prevention Crisis Support/Intervention Offending/Perpetrator |
| Please state the area of West Mercia that the project/service will be delivered in | North Worcestershire South Worcestershire Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Herefordshire |
| CONTINGENCY | |
| Please describe how you will continue to publicise your initiative and/or receive referrals | YSS have appointed a Full Time communications specialist who will be responsible for the promotion of our Remember Veterans service and the consistent messaging across our social media platforms. Through these platforms, we will promote the key messages of RV and will communicate with other military partners to maintain a consistent messaging approach. We will commit to attending local meetings boards and forums where we will promote RV, what it does, the methods we use to support Veterans, the unique points of our service and the impact that we have on Veterans and their families. We will use more service user case studies to showcase what RV can achieve and the difference we make to the Veterans lives who we support. We will also link in with other military charities who support Veterans, promote key common messages and on important awareness weeks ensure that our messaging is consistent and links in with local initiatives. We are currently in the process of modernising and digitalising our systems to simplify our referral routes and make it easier for individuals and agencies to refer to YSS services like RV. As part of this project we are revisiting and changing our website to make the service user journey easier and to better portray and make the RV service more accessible to more Veterans. |
| As this grant is for a finite period what will happen to this initiative when the funding comes to an end? (Max. 200 words) | To increase the financial sustainability, resource and reach of our RV service we have successfully secured additional funding and will continue to identify funding streams and partners to collaborate with. New Funding Forces 4 Change – Funding aims – Lockdown affected veterans in prisons and out in the community. In prison they spent 23 hours a day in their cell with no visits; this affected their mental health long term. The grant will enable YSS RV to re-connect Veterans and their families with their local communities. YSS RV works exclusively with Veterans who are socially isolated, by virtue of their experience of the criminal justice system. YSS RV contributes to community cohesion after leaving prison or after arrest and addresses multiple issues, for which a whole community approach is essential Veteran People Places Pathway (VPPP) – Working in partnership with the Defence Medical Welfare Service, this project will work regionally to develop better, more joined up lasting support for local veterans with mental health needs. This funding will allow us to support Veterans who have a mental health need, to support and signpost them to access the right services, at the right time and in the right place. |
| PERFORMANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS | |
| What methods will you use to track the progress of your initiative? Please detail how you will check if the initiative is making the difference intended i.e. meetings, observations, database etc.. | RV has developed a bespoke management information system. The MIS tracks progress, measures outputs/outcomes, breakdowns data into gender/ages/post codes/appointment offered/attended/ engagement rates/referrers/types of offences as well as more defined outcomes relevant to the service. The MIS can be adjusted to include data that funders wish to have. We proactively capture and share service user and stakeholder feedback and create case studies of the work that has been undertaken. We use this data and feedback to inform the PCC of the progress of the service, identifying areas of good practice and development. We would be keen to use colleagues from the West Mercia Police to develop a re offending metrics which would demonstrate against clear objectives the impact the service has had on re offending rates locally. |
| INITIATIVE LONGEVITY | |
| How long has this initiative been running to date? | 6 years |
| Have you tried to make this initiative more sustainable in previous grant period(s)? If so, how? Please give details of organisations you may have worked with to do this (Max. 200 words) | As mentioned above we have been successful with 2 funding applications and will continue to identify other funding opportunities moving forward. We have recently appointed a Community Partnerships Manager whose role will focus on engagement with external stakeholders, including partners across public, private and social sectors, to meet joint priorities and provide thought leadership to inform, shape and develop programmes to target key audiences. This role will become an integral part of the RV model and will support the service to become more sustainable. |
PROJECT BUDGET
Please complete the below table and the attached Grant Finance Monitoring Report. Only the sections highlighted in blue in the Finance Monitoring Report require your input at this stage.
| Other Financial Assistance being sought or obtained to deliver this project Please detail here (if applicable, any match funding from other organisations that you have applied for) | Amount Applied for £ | Successful (Y/N) |
| Please see separate finance return | ||
| Total project cost | £25,000 |
| Amount of funding being sought for capital costs (if any) from the Commissioner’s Grant Scheme | £ |
| Total amount of funding being sought from the Commissioner’s Grant Scheme | £25,000 |
SUPPORT FOR THIS APPLICATION
If this project is supported by, or delivered in partnership with, other organisations including West Mercia Police and/or community safety partnership please give details below.
Please note that West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams are asked to inform their Territorial Policing Unit Superintendent, via their local Police Inspector, if they intend to confirm support for this application along with the reasons for doing so.
| Organisation | Reason(s) for supporting this application | Contact Name, Email, Telephone No. Address |
DOCUMENTATION YOU WILL NEED TO ENCLOSE AT THIS STAGE:
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and young people policy
- Latest audited accounts
Please explain any proposed changes to the initiative from that previously awarded (if any)
NB: if changes are significant a new application form needs to be completed
Please return completed forms with supporting documents via email to [email protected]
Appendix 2:
| DETAILS OF APPLICANT | |
| Name of applicant/organisation/group | YSS |
| Name of lead contact and position held in organisation/group (if applicable) | NAME OMITTED – Operations Director |
| Address, including postcode | Polysec House, Blackpole Trading Estate West, Worcester, WR3 8TJ |
| Email address | EMAIL ADDRESS OMITTED |
| Mobile number/Telephone number | MOBILE NUMBER OMITTED |
| Contact details for Operational queries (e.g. monitoring reports) | CONTACT DETAILS OMITTED |
| PROJECT DETAILS | |
| Grant reference & name of project/initiative | Remember Veterans (RV) RO003-19 |
| Crime Theme – Please state the area of crime your initiative relates to e.g. hate crime, domestic abuse | Safer West Mercia, Reduce Harm, Reducing Re-Offending |
| Brief description of the initiative | Remember Veterans (RV) was established in 2016 to provide support for veterans, under formal probation supervision or in contact with the Police across West Mercia. The service was initially developed in recognition of the specific needs of Veterans in the Criminal Justice System who experience challenges that may limit their ability to rehabilitate or resettle successfully back in their community after a period of incarceration. Military service provides a highly structured, caring and supportive environment for many aspects of everyday life and some struggle to transition back into a fully independent lifestyle. This can exacerbate mental-health difficulties (e.g. PTSD, anxiety, depression) and heighten the risk of alcohol and/or substance-misuse. For Veterans in the criminal justice system, a specialist service such as RV improves inter-agency communications, provides advocacy for Veterans that enables them to achieve better outcomes during life transitions and contributes to a lower re-occurrence of offending. We are seeking continuation funding for the delivery of RV across West Mercia for one more year until the end of March 2024. RV is a collaborative service aligned and embedded within the local Armed Forces Covenant partnerships across Shropshire, Telford, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire. Veterans referred into the service are allocated to an YSS Link Worker who are Veterans themselves or have close connections with armed forces and are offered structured 121 support for up to 6 months. The support offered is built on the development of a trusting and non-judgemental relationship. The RV link worker support the Veterans to build their resilience and confidence and become more integrated within society. In addition to our 121 support we also offer group-based interventions and provide a combination of face to face and virtual support this to meet the needs of the Veteran. We also provide an out of hours on call service which responds to individuals who require support outside working hours. The on-call team offers information advice and guidance to reduce the likelihood of people facing social isolation. |
| Please list your outputs until the end of the funding period and how they will be measured? The table of outputs will be monitored at interim and final reports for all grant recipients. Please complete data (replacing the dots with your own targets) for each of the measurements listed. Feel free to add more rows for any bespoke outputs your service measures. NB: if you do not provide for service users directly please list the outputs and measures for the KPI’s you monitor | Output Measurement 25 – 35 service users will be referred into the service Number of service user referrals Quarterly reports 25 – 35 service users will successfully engage with the service Number of service users engaged Quarterly reports 20 – 25 service users leaving with a positive outcome Case studies Quarterly reports |
| EVIDENCE AND RELEVANCE | |
| Please list the overall outcomes that your project seeks to achieve in this grant period and how you will measure these? (e.g. to reduce the volume of ASB incidents) | Outcome Measurement Contribute towards the reduction in offending / re offending rates across West Mercia Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports Police reporting data (annual overview) On exit 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the Accommodation pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports On exit 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the mental health / well-being pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports On exit 75%-80% of people will have achieved improved outcomes across the drug/alcohol pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports On exit 75%-80% of people will have achieved improved outcomes across the social well-being pathway Service user feedback Case studies Quarterly reports |
| Please state the area of West Mercia that the project/service will be delivered in | North Worcestershire x South Worcestershire x Shropshire x Telford & Wrekin x Herefordshire x |
| CONTINGENCY | |
| Please describe how you will continue to publicise your initiative and/or receive referrals | We have developed a centralised referral pathway, most MORSE referrals will be accepted through a referral function incorporated in to the newly designed YSS website, and we will also accept referrals via the telephone. All referrals will be triaged by a referral’s coordinator and dependent on what intervention is required will determine what support package is offered. This includes 121 and group-based support, face to face and virtual and on occasions signposting to other organisations. RV referrals will be allocated to a RV Link Worker in a timely manner to ensure that the right level of support is offered at the right time. We attend several operational and strategic groups, boards and forums across the criminal justice, health and social sectors, this includes the Armed Forces Covenant operational and strategic groups which allows us to promote our services, explore opportunities to collaborate and raise awareness of the needs of Veterans who are in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system. We will continue to promote RV through our social media channels, liaising with partners to share campaigns and messaging on annual events such as Remembrance Day and Armed Forces week We will promote our service and liaise with partners from across the West Midlands region through our partnership with the Defence Medical Welfare Service partners include Stepway, Combat stress, Warrior programme, Poppy factory, Fighting with pride and Mission motor. |
| As this grant is for a finite period what will happen to this initiative when the funding comes to an end? (Max. 200 words) | To increase the financial sustainability, resource and reach of our RV service we have successfully secured additional funding and will continue to identify funding streams and partners to collaborate with. New Funding Veteran People Places Pathway (VPPP) – Working in partnership with the Defence Medical Welfare Service, this project will work regionally to develop better, more joined up lasting support for local veterans with mental health needs. This funding will allow us to support Veterans who have a mental health need, to support and signpost them to access the right services, at the right time and in the right place. |
| PERFORMANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS | |
| What methods will you use to track the progress of your initiative? Please detail how you will check if the initiative is making the difference intended i.e. meetings, observations, database etc.. | In 2022 we have introduced and mobilised a new ICT strategy which included modernising our current systems, purchasing new hardware and Commissiong a new Case Recording System (CRS). The CRS will allow us to record and report on service information across the whole organisation which will enable us to evidence the impact that we have. The new CRS records personal information such as gender, ethnicity and age, more specific service information such as the number of referrals, referring agency and area of referral. Our newly created impact measures assessment allows us to record the individual’s presenting needs, whilst reviewing what short term and long-term outcomes have been achieved. It also allows us to capture feedback about the service, the support received and if they recommend any changes to the service. All feedback is reviewed on a regular basis, on occasions adapting our offer to meet the needs of the individual referred and the wider community. In addition to this we will track the progress of the service by providing case studies and service updates via quarterly reports. We are in the process of recruiting volunteers whose role will be to contact individuals who have accessed YSS services, gather their feedback on the service and what has changed in their lives as a result of being referred to YSS. A summary of this feedback will be presented in the PCC quarterly reports. |
| INITIATIVE LONGEVITY | |
| How long has this initiative been running to date? | RV has been operating since 2016 |
| Have you tried to make this initiative more sustainable in previous grant period(s)? If so, how? Please give details of organisations you may have worked with to do this (Max. 200 words) | We have and will continue to source further business development opportunities, using the data that we collate, and our own intelligence to identify gaps in local provision, working alongside military charities and criminal justice partners to source and procure funding. In 2021 the Defence Medical Welfare Service were successful in their portfolio bid to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust for the delivery of the Veterans people and places pathway (VPPP). This is a two-year project and is delivered across the Midlands. We were invited to apply and were successful with our application to join the portfolio. The aim of the funding is to give Veterans a safe and welcoming place to go in their local area, supporting veterans to access mental health support and ensure that people who support veterans can access good quality training and can have better access to connect veterans into wider pathways. We will continue to engage with partners in the VPPP to identify further business development opportunities. |
PROJECT BUDGET
Please complete the below table and the attached Grant Finance Monitoring Report. Only the sections highlighted in blue in the Finance Monitoring Report require your input at this stage.
| Other Financial Assistance being sought or obtained to deliver this project Please detail here (if applicable, any match funding from other organisations that you have applied for) | Amount Applied for £ | Successful (Y/N) |
| Please see separate finance report |
| Total project cost | £25,000 |
| Amount of funding being sought for capital costs (if any) from the Commissioner’s Grant Scheme | £ |
| Total amount of funding being sought from the Commissioner’s Grant Scheme | £25,000 |
SUPPORT FOR THIS APPLICATION
If this project is supported by, or delivered in partnership with, other organisations including West Mercia Police and/or community safety partnership please give details below.
Please note that West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams are asked to inform their Territorial Policing Unit Superintendent, via their local Police Inspector, if they intend to confirm support for this application along with the reasons for doing so.
| Organisation | Reason(s) for supporting this application | Contact Name, Email, Telephone No. Address |
| Herefordshire Council | YSS sits on the Partnership and offers invaluable representation as the topic lead for CJS and attends the Ops Group for the same reason. | DETAILS OMITTED |
| NHS | Our service Veterans High Intensity Service is part of Op Courage which is NHS Mental Health specialist service for Veterans and their families. A huge part of what our service does is ensuring we can support our veterans get the appropriate treatment and support. One of the main issues, we find time and time again with the Veterans that we treat is social isolation which has a detrimental impact on their mental health. Often after leaving the armed forces, Veterans can lose their sense of belonging and the miss the camaraderie the experience whilst serving their country. Our service has worked alongside YSS on many occasions as a major link for our veterans to help promote social inclusion within the areas in which they live. This is often rural areas where social isolation is major contributing factor of their mental illness. We often refer our veterans to YSS who always pick the referrals straight away and joint work with us to ensure the Veteran get the support and encouragement they need to help promote social inclusion. As an example, I have recently worked with Name omitted who went above and beyond with supporting one of our veterans who was high risk of suicide. Name omitted met with him straight away and provided regular support with ensuring he became involved with local groups. This had such a positive impact on his Mental Health recovery as he longer felt so socially isolated and gained a sense of belonging again. Our team feel YSS charity is valuable in working together to ensure our veterans have the support they deserve to help them feel socially included again and provide them with a sense of belonging. | DETAILS OMITTED |
| Hereford Veterans Support Centre | YSS is an invaluable partner at the Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre. Their Remember Veterans project worker attends the Centre to meet with clients and provides a direct referral path into support for clients who are, have been or at risk of being in the criminal justice system. They sit with other partner agencies who support the role of the Centre to provide that one stop shop for advice, guidance and support for the armed forces community. | DETAILS OMITTED |
DOCUMENTATION YOU WILL NEED TO ENCLOSE AT THIS STAGE:
x Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and young people policy
x Latest audited accounts
Please explain any proposed changes to the initiative from that previously awarded (if any)
NB: if changes are significant a new application form needs to be completed
Please return completed forms with supporting documents via email to [email protected]
Appendix 3:
| DETAILS OF APPLICANT | |
| Name of applicant/organisation/group | YSS |
| Name of lead contact and position held in organisation/group (if applicable) | NAME OMITTED, Managing Director |
| Address, including postcode | Polysec House, Blackpole Trading Estate West, Hindlip Lane, Worcester, WR3 8TJ |
| Email address | EMAIL ADDRESS OMITTED |
| Mobile number/Telephone number | MOBILE NUMBER OMITTED |
| Contact details for Operational queries (e.g. monitoring reports) | CONTACT DETAILS OMITTED |
| PROJECT DETAILS | |
| Grant reference & name of project/initiative | Remember Veterans |
| Crime Theme – Please state the area of crime your initiative relates to e.g. hate crime, domestic abuse | Safer West Mercia, Reduce Harm, Reducing Re-Offending |
| Brief description of the initiative | Remember Veterans (RV) was established in 2016 to provide support for veterans, under formal probation supervision or in contact with the Police across West Mercia. The service was initially developed in recognition of the specific needs of Veterans in the Criminal Justice System who experience challenges that may limit their ability to rehabilitate or resettle successfully back in their community after a period of incarceration. Military service provides a highly structured, caring, and supportive environment for many aspects of everyday life and some struggle to transition back into a fully independent lifestyle. This can exacerbate mental-health difficulties (e.g. PTSD, anxiety, depression) and heighten the risk of alcohol and/or substance-misuse. For Veterans in the criminal justice system, a specialist service such as RV improves multi-agency communications and partnership working. It provides physical and emotional support, advocacy and builds resilience for Veterans, enabling them to achieve better outcomes during life transitions and contributing to a lower re-occurrence of offending. We are seeking continuation funding for a part time RV worker to deliver support in a hybrid fashion, both in person and remotely across West Mercia until the end of March 2025. RV is a collaborative service (see feedback below) aligned and embedded within West Mercia criminal justice services and the local Armed Forces Covenant partnerships across Shropshire, Telford, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire. Veterans referred into the service are allocated a YSS RV Link Worker (who is a Veteran) and are offered structured 121 support for up to 6 months. The support offered is built on the development of a trusting and non-judgemental relationship. The RV link worker supports the Veterans to build resilience, confidence and to become more integrated within society. RV benefits from YSS being a locally based charity, in which our support is accessible, adaptable, and inclusive; rooted in the local community, but which also considers the bigger picture. Our uniqueness is that we have a clear understanding of the needs of our local communities, particularly areas of deprivation and the more isolated rural communities, and the impact this may have on our veterans. |
| Please list your outputs until the end of the funding period and how they will be measured? The table of outputs will be monitored at interim and final reports for all grant recipients. Please complete data (replacing the dots with your own targets) for each of the measurements listed. Feel free to add more rows for any bespoke outputs your service measures. NB: if you do not provide for service users directly, please list the outputs and measures for the KPI’s you monitor | Output Measurement 20 service users will be referred into the service PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System 85% of service users referred will successfully engage with the service PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System Service user feedback On exit, 80% of service users leave with a positive outcome Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System On exit, 75% of leavers will complete a satisfaction survey. PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System On exit, 80% of leavers who complete a satisfaction survey will record a positive satisfaction result. PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System For 85% of service users, the RV worker will record pre and post impact scores. PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System For at least 25% of leavers, the RV worker will complete a case study. Case Study PCC Quarterly Report template |
| EVIDENCE AND RELEVANCE | |
| Please list the overall outcomes that your project seeks to achieve in this grant period and how you will measure these? (e.g. to reduce the volume of ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour) incidents) | Outcome Measurement Contribute towards the reduction in offending / re offending rates across West Mercia Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly Reporting template Police reporting data (annual overview) On exit, 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the Accommodation pathway Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly Reporting template YSS CRM On exit, 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the mental health / well-being pathway Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM On exit, 75%-80% of people with disclosed addiction issues will have achieved improved outcomes. Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM On exit, 75%-80% of people will have achieved improved outcomes across the social well-being pathway Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM On exit, 75%-80% of service users will have developed community networks. Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM On exit, 80-85% of service users will feel enabled to make change, address their behaviour and ensure they have the tools and capabilities to achieve this. Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM |
| Please state the area of West Mercia that the project/service will be delivered in | North Worcestershire x South Worcestershire x Shropshire x Telford & Wrekin x Herefordshire x |
| CONTINGENCY | |
| Please describe how you will continue to publicise your initiative and/or receive referrals | YSS have a full-time Communications Specialist who is responsible for the promotion of our Remember Veterans (RV) service and the consistent messaging across our social media platforms. Through these platforms, we will promote the key messages of RV and will communicate with other military partners to maintain a consistent messaging approach. Promotion of RV is achieved through our social media platforms; RV delivery partners; other relevant charities; attendance at local and national meetings, boards, and forums. Through these mediums we will continue to raise awareness of RV, what it does, the methods we use to support people, the unique points of our service and the impact that we have on Veterans and their families. We will use more service user case studies to highlight what RV can achieve and the difference we make to our Veterans’ lives. Through the case studies, Veterans are enabled to have a voice, to share their experience on life after service and the stigma that comes from being a Veteran in the criminal justice system. We will also link in with other local and national military charities who support Veterans, promoting key common messages and on important awareness weeks, ensuring that our messaging is consistent and links in with local initiatives. Our RV worker has strong links with Herefordshire Magistrates court, and we have noticeboard space for our bespoke RV branded leaflets, postcards and referral information. We are working on links with the other regional Magistrates courts through a contact on our board of trustees. We are also a partner of the Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre, which is a one stop shop of support for anyone in the Armed Forces community. Our RV worker has a physical presence there on a regular basis and information on our service and contact details for our RV worker can be found on their website. We have a new online referral system that can be accessed via our website. This simplifies the referral route and makes it easier for individuals and agencies to refer to YSS services like RV. We have employed a Referrals Coordinator who is responsible for processing all referrals and contacting referrers for more information and with updates where appropriate. We have also recently updated our website to ensure that our services are more accessible and to encourage individuals to self-refer. |
| As this grant is for a finite period what will happen to this initiative when the funding comes to an end? (Max. 200 words) | Due to an organisational restructure in March 2023 and the appointment of an Operations Manager focused on Business Development, we now feel that as an organisation we are in a much better position to apply to large grant makers, such as the Road Safety Trust for future funding. Over the last 9 months we have been investing in our business development and continuity strategy. We are currently in the process of applying to the Armed Forces Covenant Transformation Grants Programme to expand our provision across West Mercia, employ more workers and support more Veterans and their families. We are also applying to the Social Isolation Armed Forces Covenant fund for a small amount of money to expand provision for Veterans isolated in rural communities. Unfortunately, we will not know whether any of these funding applications have been successful until April/May 2024, which is why the PCC funding is so integral to ensuring that we are able to continue supporting Veterans in our local community. Using our Partnerships Manager, we are also keen to utilise our connections with our corporate partners and explore any future opportunities to secure funding from organisations who may have an interest in supporting Veterans’ initiatives. |
| PERFORMANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS | |
| What methods will you use to track the progress of your initiative? Please detail how you will check if the initiative is making the difference intended i.e. meetings, observations, database etc. | YSS have a bespoke management information system (CRM) that enables us to track progress, measures outputs/outcomes, breakdowns data into gender/ages/post codes/appointment offered/attended/ engagement rates/referrers/types of offences, as well as more defined outcomes relevant to the service. The CRM can be adjusted to include any data that funders require. We proactively capture and share service user and stakeholder feedback and create case studies of the work that has been undertaken. We use this data and feedback to inform the PCC of the progress of the service, identifying areas of good practice and development. Our RV worker has regular monthly supervisions to enable the Operations Manager to track progress and address any potential concerns or safeguarding issues. YSS Senior Management Team meet on a fortnightly basis and Team Managers join us monthly. In these meetings the progress of all services is reviewed, and development strategies are discussed. |
| INITIATIVE LONGEVITY | |
| How long has this initiative been running to date? | 7 years |
| Have you tried to make this initiative more sustainable in previous grant period(s)? If so, how? Please give details of organisations you may have worked with to do this (Max. 200 words) | From 2021-2022 we were successful in receiving funding from Forces for Change to enable our RV worker to re-connect Veterans and their families with their local communities. We also currently have funding from MVPPP to support Veterans who have a mental health need, to support and signpost them to access the right services, at the right time and in the right place. The Force for Change funding has now finished and the MVPPP funding runs out in December 2023. There is no opportunity for us to re-apply for any extension on either funding stream. |
| PROJECT BUDGET Please give brief details of the project budget here– revenue and capital costs, also include any other financial assistance that has or is being sought or obtained. Please also complete the finance monitoring report sent as part of your application pack in support of the information provided below. | |
| What length of time do you want your funding to run from and to? | 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025 |
| Amount of funding being sought for revenue costs from the Commissioner’s Grant Scheme (please list) | £20,810 – Salary Costs (incl overheads). £1,210.00 – Other Salary Costs (Training/Travel etc) £720 – Accommodation Costs £990 – Running Costs £4,270.00 Management Costs |
| Amount of funding being sought for capital costs (if any) from the Commissioner’s Grant Scheme (please list) | £ £ £ |
| TOTAL amount of funding being sought from the OPCC Grant Scheme | £28,000 |
| Other Financial Assistance being sought or obtained to deliver this project Please detail here (if applicable, any match funding from other organisations that you have applied for) | £11,113.53 (Applied for from Armed Forces Covenant Transformational Grant) – UNCONFIRMED £7,500 (Applied for from Social Isolation Covenant Fund)- UNCONFIRMED |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST (total of 1 and 2 above) | £46,613.53 |
SUPPORT FOR THIS APPLICATION
If this project is supported by, or delivered in partnership with, other organisations including West Mercia Police and/or community safety partnership please give details below.
Please note that West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams are asked to inform their Territorial Policing Unit Superintendent, via their local Police Inspector, if they intend to confirm support for this application along with the reasons for doing so.
| Organisation | Reason(s) for supporting this application | Contact Name, Email, Telephone No. Address |
| Op Courage – The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service | Name omitted & YSS RV, offer the most magnificent support for veterans. I have had the pleasure to witness this first hand on a number of occasions! Without their support I would genuinely feel lost! The knowledge they have attained within their geography is second to none. From 1:1 support, social support, Advocacy, and awareness of other services have all been a massive support to me as a Mental Health practitioner within Op COURAGE. Through collaboration we have created sound treatment plans that complement one another and serve to offer veterans the best care available | CONTACT DETAILS OMITTED |
| SSAFA Worcestershire | YSS is one of the key partner charities for SSAFA in Worcestershire. They provide a brilliant service in the Veteran community that we serve. They are a highly credible and well-respected source of advice to our volunteer caseworkers. Their work with Veterans in the Criminal Justice System is of the highest order, and one that we could not do without. Name omitted is immensely capable and leads that service really well. She is highly regarded in the local charity community. I strongly endorse YSS as a charity and would support the continued funding of them. | CONTACT DETAILS OMITTED |
DOCUMENTATION YOU WILL NEED TO ENCLOSE AT THIS STAGE:
Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and young people policy
Latest audited accounts
Please explain any proposed changes to the initiative from that previously awarded (if any)
NB: if changes are significant a new application form needs to be completed
There is no change to the service delivery model, however we have had to increase the funding request compared to last year to cover the cost-of-living crisis and staff wages. We hope this is acceptable and understandable and that we are doing everything we can to identify additional funding streams, but also to ensure value for money for the PCC.
Please return completed forms with supporting documents via email to [email protected]
Appendix 4:
Section 1: Organisation Details
- Main Contact Details
| Name of applicant/ organisation/group: | YSS |
| Type of organisation/ group (if applicable): | Community ☐ Voluntary ☒ Public Sector ☐ Registered Charity ☐ Social Enterprise ☐ Other ☐ please give details: ………………………………………. |
| Name of key contact: | NAME OMITTED |
| Job title of key contact: | Managing Director |
| Organisation address: | YSS Warndon Community Hub, Shap Drive Worcester WR4 9NX |
| Email: | EMAIL OMITTED |
| Telephone number: | TELEPHONE NUMBER OMITTED |
| Registered charity number (if applicable): | 1081992 |
| VAT number (if applicable): | n/a |
Please detail any communication needs your main contact has e.g. textphone, sign language, braille.
1.2 Due Diligence Checklist
| Yes | No | N/A | ||
| Does your organisation have current public liability insurance? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | Value: £10 million |
| Does your organisation have current employer’s liability insurance? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | Value: £10 million |
| Does your organisation have an active Management Committee or Board of Trustees with at least three people who are unrelated? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Does your organisation have signed annual accounts? If the organisation is under 12 months old, do you have a 6-month cash flow showing predicted income and expenditure? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | Please attach a copy (prompt at end of application). |
| Does your organisation have a bank account with two unrelated signatories? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Does your organisation have a current safeguarding children and/or vulnerable adults’ policy? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | If your project intends to work with children or vulnerable adults, you will need to attach a copy of these policies. |
| In relation to safeguarding, where the proposed project involves delivery of regulated activity can you confirm that all staff are subject to valid enhanced DBS checks? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Does your organisation have the following current policies? Data protection / information security policy? Equality and diversity policy? Health and safety policy? | ☒ ☒ ☒ | ☐ ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ ☐ | |
| Is your organisation registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)? | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | Reg number: Z976265X |
Section 2: Your Funding Proposal
2.1 Project Details
| Project name: | Remember Veterans |
| Names of all individuals and/or partners involved in the delivery of the project: (If you are intending to deliver this project in partnership with any other organisation(s) or you are anticipating referrals into the project from other organisations please provide details). | Referral Partners: All criminal Justice agencies across West Mercia: Police, Probation, Courts Liaison and Diversion Self-Referrals Military Charities – SSAFA, TRBL |
| Project location: | Shropshire ☐ Telford & Wrekin ☐ North Worcestershire ☐ South Worcestershire ☐ Herefordshire ☐ West Mercia wide ☒ |
| Project summary (high level overview) (250 words max): 238 words DG | Remember Veterans (RV) is a specialised support service for veterans in the West Mercia area, focusing on those who are in contact with the criminal justice system. Established in 2016, RV provides tailored support to help veterans overcome challenges such as mental health issues (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), substance misuse, and difficulties in transitioning back into civilian life. These challenges are exacerbated by the structured nature of military life, making it harder for some veterans to resettle successfully after a period of incarceration. The RV initiative offers flexible, individualised support, with veterans receiving weekly face to face or virtual sessions that can be adapted based on their needs. Sessions may be more frequent or reduced depending on the veteran’s circumstances, ensuring the model remains responsive and person-centred. Veterans are allocated a dedicated RV Link Worker, who is also a veteran, allowing for a shared understanding and rapport to be built. The initiative is underpinned by multi-agency collaboration with partners such as the Armed Forces Covenant, local charities, and criminal justice agencies. Our approach has already demonstrated positive outcomes, including improved mental health, reduced reoffending, and greater integration into the community. With continued funding, RV will continue its impact, helping veterans overcome the barriers they face, reintegrate into society, and make positive life choices. The service also continues to pursue additional funding opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability and expansion, particularly into areas with higher levels of veteran isolation, such as rural communities. |
| Who are the target audience for your initiative? Age, gender, ethnicity, needs. | Any veteran in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system |
| Project timescale: length of time to complete, project start and end date | Start: 01/04/2025 End: 31/03/2026 |
| Project frequency: please detail the frequency that your target audience are expected to attend – is it a rolling programme, drop-in sessions, or a one-off activity? | Veterans are offered weekly sessions either face to face or virtually, but this model is adapted to their individual needs. Sessions can be more frequent if required or reduced where appropriate, providing a flexible and responsive approach to engagement. |
2.2 Project Evidenced Need, Aim(s), and Objective(s)
| How do you know there is a need for this project? Do you have examples of this type of intervention working elsewhere? | There is a clear and demonstrated need for the Remember Veterans (RV) initiative based on both national evidence and local experience. Veterans in the criminal justice system face unique challenges, including mental health issues, substance misuse, and difficulties in transitioning from the highly structured military environment back to civilian life. This can increase their vulnerability to reoffending and hinder successful reintegration into society. Through our work in West Mercia, we have seen firsthand the impact of tailored support for veterans. Many face barriers to rehabilitation due to a lack of understanding within mainstream services about their specific needs. RV addresses these gaps by offering flexible, veteran-specific support, with regular sessions tailored to individual needs—whether more frequent or reduced depending on the circumstances. We know this intervention works because of the positive outcomes observed within the service. Feedback from service users and stakeholders has highlighted the significant difference RV has made in veterans’ lives, helping them build resilience, overcome mental health challenges, and reduce reoffending rates. Additionally, the recent success of our funding application to the DMWS Thrive Together Programme to support veterans in HMP Hewell further demonstrates the effectiveness of this model. By combining feedback, outcomes, and the success of similar national initiatives, we are confident that there is a clear and ongoing need for this project, and that it will continue to deliver positive results for veterans in the region | |
| How specifically will your proposed project address the issues you have identified above? How is it additional or complementary to any existing provision in West Mercia? | The Remember Veterans (RV) initiative is uniquely designed to address the specific needs of veterans in the criminal justice system by providing tailored, flexible, and veteran-led support. Veterans often face challenges such as mental health issues, substance misuse, and difficulty reintegrating into civilian life due to the structured and regimented nature of military service. These issues can be further compounded by stigmatisation and limited understanding of their unique experiences within mainstream support services. The RV project directly addresses these challenges by offering one-to-one support delivered by a dedicated RV Link Worker who is also a veteran. This shared lived experience fosters trust and a deeper understanding, enabling veterans to feel heard and supported. The project focuses on building resilience, improving mental health, and encouraging veterans to make positive choices, helping them reintegrate into their communities and reduce the risk of reoffending. RV is additional and complementary to existing provision in West Mercia. While there are broader services for individuals in the criminal justice system, they often lack the specific understanding or focus required to effectively address veterans’ unique needs. RV bridges this gap by collaborating with partners such as SSAFA, The Royal British Legion, other local charities, and the Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre, ensuring a coordinated approach. Furthermore, RV’s ability to adapt the frequency and nature of support based on individual needs, coupled with our embedded local presence, ensures it complements rather than duplicates existing services, delivering truly specialized and transformative support for veterans across West Mercia | |
| Please list how the applicant will measure the initiative. i.e. number of people attending, number of times used, number of people engaged with. | YSS employs comprehensive methods to track the progress and evaluate the impact of the Remember Veterans (RV) initiative. Our approach goes beyond providing support—we aim to be transformative, ensuring that people who access our service leave feeling empowered to make their own choices and build a more sustainable future. 1. Bespoke Management Information System (CRM): Our bespoke CRM system enables detailed tracking and reporting of: Outputs and outcomes. Demographics (e.g., gender, age, postcode). Service engagement metrics (e.g., appointments offered/attended, engagement rates). Referral details and types of offenses. The system also allows us to capture and measure “distance travelled” by service users, showcasing progress in key areas such as mental health, resilience, and reintegration into the community. Additionally, we have just started to record Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which provide valuable insights into factors influencing individuals’ circumstances. Understanding ACEs is essential for tailoring our support in a way that promotes lasting transformation. 2. Quality Assurance Processes: Our newly recruited Quality Assurance Manager ensures consistent monitoring and evaluation of service delivery. They oversee data collection, outcomes tracking, and adherence to high service standards, ensuring RV achieves its intended impact. 3. Feedback and Case Studies: We gather service user and stakeholder feedback to assess the effectiveness and transformative impact of our services. Case studies illustrate the meaningful differences RV makes in veterans’ lives, offering qualitative evidence to complement quantitative data. This feedback is shared with the PCC to highlight progress, best practices, and areas for improvement. 4. Staff Supervision and Oversight: Monthly supervision sessions between the RV worker and the Service Manager track individual performance, address safeguarding issues, and ensure challenges are proactively managed. 5. Senior Management Oversight: Fortnightly Senior Management Meetings: These review the progress of all services, including RV, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and continuous improvement. Monthly Service Manager Meetings: Provide an opportunity to discuss service performance, development strategies, and transformative impact. Through these methods, YSS ensures robust tracking of the RV initiative’s progress, demonstrating its effectiveness while empowering service users to take control of their lives, build resilience, and achieve long-term positive outcomes. | |
| Outputs and outcomes should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). | ||
| Please list your outputs until the end of the funding period and how they will be measured? This table of outputs will be monitored at interim and final reports for all grant recipients. Please complete data (replacing the dots with your own targets) for each of the relevant measurements listed. Feel free to add or delete rows for any bespoke outputs your service measures. | Output: | Measurement: |
| 20 service users will be referred into the service. | PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System | |
| 85% service users will successfully engage with the service. | PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System Service user feedback | |
| 15% service users will most likely not engage with the service following referral. | PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System | |
| 80% of service users who engage will leave with a positive outcome. | Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System | |
| 75% of service users will complete a satisfaction survey on exit | PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System | |
| 85% on exit service users who complete a satisfaction survey will record a positive satisfaction result | PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System | |
| 85% of service users will have pre and post impact scores to measure journey travelled. | PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS Case Recording System | |
| 25% of those who exit the service will have a Case study completed | Case Study PCC Quarterly Report template | |
| Please list the outcomes that the project seeks to achieve and how they will be measured. Please add the additional rows required. | Outcome: | Measurement: |
| Contribute towards the reduction in offending / re offending rates across West Mercia | Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly Reporting template Police reporting data (annual overview) | |
| On exit, 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the Accommodation pathway | Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly Reporting template YSS CRM | |
| On exit, 75%-80% will have achieved improved outcomes across the mental health / well-being pathway | Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM | |
| On exit, 75%-80% of people with disclosed addiction issues will have achieved improved outcomes. | Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM | |
| On exit, 75%-80% of people will have achieved improved outcomes across the social well-being pathway | Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM | |
| On exit, 75%-80% of service users will have developed community networks. | Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM | |
| On exit, 80-85% of service users will feel enabled to make change, address their behaviour and ensure they have the tools and capabilities to achieve this | Service user feedback Case studies PCC Quarterly reporting template YSS CRM | |
| How will you demonstrate whether your project has been a success? | The success of the Remember Veterans (RV) initiative will be demonstrated through a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, supported by robust quality assurance processes and consistent monitoring. 1. Meeting Outputs and Outcomes: We will track and report on key outputs and outcomes, including: Engagement metrics (e.g., appointments offered, attended, and completed). Reductions in reoffending, improved mental health, and increased community integration. Distance travelled by service users, capturing progress in areas such as resilience, confidence, and independence. 2. Feedback and Referrals: Success will also be measured by: Positive feedback from service users, highlighting transformative changes in their lives. Consistent and repeat referrals from partner agencies, reflecting confidence in the service and its impact. 3. Qualitative and Stakeholder Insights: Service user testimonials, case studies, and stakeholder evaluations will provide deeper insight into the effectiveness of the service and identify areas of good practice. 4. Oversight and Quality Assurance: The RV worker will participate in monthly supervision to ensure objectives are met and challenges are addressed. The Quality Assurance Manager will oversee data collection, ensuring accuracy and consistency while maintaining high service standards. By meeting defined outputs and outcomes, capturing positive feedback, and securing ongoing trust from referral agencies, we will demonstrate the success and transformative impact of RV for veterans and their families across West Mercia. | |
2.3 Priority Activities
Funded projects must contribute to meeting the PCC’s priorities as set out within the Safer Communities Plan. Please tick the main objective(s) your project will contribute towards.
| Cutting Crime | |
| Reduce crime and reoffending and tackle the drivers of crime and ASB. | ☒ |
| Increase the number of offenders brought to justice, with improved criminal justice outputs and outcomes. | ☒ |
| Improve feelings of safety amongst communities. | ☒ |
| Improve public confidence and satisfaction. | ☒ |
| Significantly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. | ☐ |
| Policing with the Community | |
| Improve confidence and satisfaction within the community. | ☒ |
| Increase visibility and accessibility across all areas of policing. | ☐ |
| Improve communication and engagement channels, resulting in communities hearing from their police service, and police hearing from communities. | ☐ |
| Communities receive the right service from the police which is proportionate and reasonable. | ☐ |
| Supporting Victims and Witnesses | |
| Victims and survivors feel their voice is heard in the criminal justice system. | ☐ |
| Improve the criminal justice experience and outcomes. | ☒ |
| Increase confidence and trust in the criminal justice system. | ☒ |
| Improve police response to victims. | ☐ |
| Victims and survivors receive high quality care to support them to cope and recover, as much as possible, from the harm they have suffered. | ☐ |
| Maximising Resources and Value for Money | |
| Ensure effective medium term financial planning is in place which sets the annual allocation of policing resources within the budget available. | ☐ |
| A police force which delivers efficient and effective services to the public. | ☒ |
| An understanding of how the organisation uses its resources and an increase in the economic potential of them. | ☐ |
| A policing service model which is sustainable, utilising local business and public partners who can be best placed to deliver services that meet the needs of the public. | ☐ |
| Which of the following commissioning intentions does your project relate to? Please tick all that apply. | PRIMARY: Early Intervention/Prevention ☒ SECONDARY: Victim Support/Intervention ☐ TERTIARY: Offending/Perpetrator ☒ |
2.4 Project Scope
Is this grant for new work ☐, or to support/extend your organisation’s existing work ☒? If it is to support existing work, tell us how this work was previously funded, why this funding is no longer available, and what your project/service has achieved so far.
This work was previously partly funded by the PCC and YSS and will continue to be so if this grant extension request is successful. Over the last 12 months, we received 95 referrals of which 6 service users are still engaged and working with our RV worker. Our RV worker has provided consistent holistic support for veterans in the local community at risk of entering or already in the criminal justice system. Most veterans accessing RV, appreciate having their RV worker their main and only point of contact who can offer support with any aspects of their life that may be impacting their ability to build an independent, resilient life free of offending. Our approach is holistic and recognises that trauma and adverse childhood experiences shape who we are. Our Veteran worker has 6 years’ experience supporting veterans across the criminal justice system. During our time delivering RV, we have built strong connections with professionals across West Mercia and regularly provide professional advice and resources for any organisation supporting a veteran.
2.5 Project Sustainability
The PCC cannot guarantee on-going funding for projects past the agreed funding period. Please tell us how your project will continue, if applicable, once the Commissioner’s funding has finished.
YSS has actively worked to make the Remember Veterans (RV) initiative more sustainable during previous grant periods. When the MVPPP funding ended in December 2023, YSS demonstrated its commitment to the initiative by utilising its reserves to supplement the PCC funding for a further 12 months. This ensured the continuation of a full-time RV worker until 31/03/2025, maintaining uninterrupted support for veterans in need.
Building on this, we have recently secured 18 months of funding through the DMWS Thrive Together Programme (Armed Forces Covenant funding). This funding will enable us to provide dedicated support to veterans in HMP Hewell and their families, further expanding the reach and impact of the RV initiative.
We also collaborate with organisations such as the Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre, local Magistrates Courts, and other Armed Forces Covenant partners to enhance service provision and strengthen sustainability. By actively pursuing additional funding streams and building strategic partnerships, YSS is committed to ensuring the RV initiative remains a vital resource for veterans and their families across West Mercia.
2.6 Information Sharing Agreement
Does your project require the sharing of information from or with other agencies?
Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A ☐
If yes, do you have GDPR compliant information sharing agreements (ISA) in place?
Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A ☐
Please provide brief details – who is the information sharing agreement between. When was it written and signed etc.
Probation – 2005
Police – 2016 when RV started – renewed in 2024
2.7 Project Delivery and Management
Please tell us who will manage the project and how you will ensure the project is delivered effectively and well managed.
The Remember Veterans (RV) initiative will be managed by a YSS experienced Service Manager, who oversees all aspects of service delivery, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and funder requirements. The Service Manager has extensive experience in managing similar projects and will provide strategic direction, monitor progress, and address any challenges to ensure effective delivery.
Project Delivery Structure:
- The RV service will be delivered by a dedicated RV Link Worker, a veteran with lived experience, who is supported through regular supervision and training. The Link Worker will provide tailored, one-to-one support to veterans, ensuring a flexible and person-centred approach.
- The Referrals Coordinator will process all referrals, ensuring they are handled efficiently and with appropriate follow-up to maintain smooth service operations.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring:
- A Quality Assurance Manager will oversee the project’s compliance with performance standards, ensuring data accuracy and identifying areas for improvement.
- The bespoke CRM system will track outputs, outcomes, and engagement rates, allowing real-time monitoring of progress and enabling us to report to funders and stakeholders effectively.
- The YSS Senior Management Team meets fortnightly to review the performance of all services, including RV, providing an additional layer of oversight and accountability.
Partnership Working:
The RV initiative is embedded within a strong network of partnerships with local and national agencies, including Armed Forces Covenant partners and criminal justice organizations. These collaborations enhance service delivery and ensure multi-agency support for veterans.
With clear management structures, experienced personnel, and robust monitoring processes, RV will be delivered effectively, achieving measurable and meaningful outcomes for veterans across West Mercia.
Section 3: Financial Information
| Total project cost: | £31,455.00 |
| Match funding: (other funding, resource and/or cash, which has been sourced for this project) | £ 6,255 |
| Total amount of funding being sought from the OPCC Grant Scheme: | £ 25,200 |
| I confirm that I have attached a PCC financial template providing full breakdown of where funding will be spent: | Yes ☒ |
| I confirm that I have attached a copy of latest audited accounts: | Yes ☒ No ☐ If no, why: |
| Please detail when the fund will be spent/product purchased, e.g. by the end of March or before if applicable: Please note that all funding must be spent and projects completed by 31st March and any underspends will have to be returned to the OPCC | Funding will be spent between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026. |
Section 4: Equalities Monitoring
If relevant, how does the project support, monitor and capture equalities data to demonstrate equality of opportunity for project beneficiaries? How will your project support those with protected characteristics, by and for groups, under-represented, marginalised cohorts, groups or communities?
The Remember Veterans (RV) initiative is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and ensuring inclusivity for all project beneficiaries, including those with protected characteristics and from under-represented or marginalized groups.
Support for Equalities and Inclusion:
- Veterans referred to the RV service come from diverse backgrounds and communities. Our approach is highly individualized, ensuring that support is tailored to each person’s specific needs, including those who may face additional barriers due to age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
- The RV Link Worker builds trusting, non-judgmental relationships with service users, enabling them to feel valued and supported regardless of their background.
- We work closely with organizations and networks that represent marginalized cohorts, ensuring that under-represented groups are aware of and can access the service.
Monitoring and Capturing Equalities Data:
- Our bespoke CRM system enables us to capture and analyse equalities data, including gender, age, ethnicity, disability, and postcode information. This allows us to monitor access and engagement, identify trends, and address any disparities in service delivery.
- We regularly review this data as part of our quality assurance processes to ensure the service is reaching all groups equitably and making adjustments where necessary.
Impact on Marginalized Groups:
- Our support model helps veterans overcome stigma, particularly for those marginalized due to mental health issues, criminal justice involvement, or rural isolation. By empowering veterans to build confidence and resilience, the RV service ensures they can make positive life choices and reintegrate into their communities successfully.
By combining targeted support, comprehensive data monitoring, and a commitment to inclusivity, RV ensures equality of opportunity and transformative outcomes for all veterans, including those from marginalized and under-represented groups
Section 5: Final Declarations
| I acknowledge that the PCC and/or logo should be considered, where appropriate, in all merchandising, communications, and promotion. Any generated media can be shared to our communications team [email protected] if relevant. | Yes ☒ |
| I confirm that I have attached, where relevant, safeguarding children/adults organisational policy. | Yes ☒ No ☐ If no, why: |
5.1 Convictions
☒ I/We hereby confirm that my/our organisation or any directors or partners or any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control have not been convicted, or under investigation for any of the following offences:
- Conspiracy.
- Corruption.
- Bribery.
- Fraud or theft.
- Any offence listed:
- In section 41 of the Counter Terrorism Act 2006; or
- In Schedule 2 of that Act where the court has determined that there is a terrorist connection.
- Any offence under sections 44 to 46 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 which related to an offence covered by subparagraph (f).
- Money laundering or offences relating to the proceeds of criminal conduct; or
- An offence under section 4 of Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants etc) Act 2004.
- Any other offence under Section 59A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
- An offence in connection with the proceeds of drug trafficking.
- Any other offence within the meaning of Article 57(1) of the Public Contracts Directive.
5.2 Reputation
☒ I/We hereby confirm that within the past three years my / our organisation and its directors / trustees have not:
- Violated applicable environmental, social, and labour obligations established by EU law, national law, collective agreements or by the international environmental, social and labour law provisions.
- Been made bankrupt or been the subject of insolvency or winding up proceedings.
- Been guilty of grave professional misconduct.
- Tried to unduly influence the decision-making process of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
- Tried to obtain confidential information that may confer undue advantage; or
- Provide misleading information that may have a material influence on decisions concerning grant award.
For the purposes of this declaration, a Relevant Conviction is a conviction involving dishonesty, violence or sexual assault and a Regulated Activity has the meaning given in Schedule 4 to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
☒ I/We hereby confirm that no individual, employed or associated with the Beneficiary, has:
- Disclosed that they have a Relevant Conviction.
- Been found by the Beneficiary to have any Relevant Convictions (whether because of a police check or through the DBS procedures or otherwise); or
- Been barred from, or whose previous conduct or records indicate that they would not be suitable to carry out Regulated Activity or who may otherwise present a risk to service users, and no such individual is or shall be employed or engaged in any part of the provision of the Funded Services.
☒ I consent to West Mercia OPCC conducting Creditsafe checks on named applicants and organisations.
5.3 Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest refers to situations in which personal interest (which may include financial interests) may compromise, or have the appearance of, or potential for, compromising professional judgement and integrity and, in doing so, the best interests of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Examples of conflicts of interest include: (this is not an exhaustive list)
- Being employed by (as staff member or volunteer) any Police Force or Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).
- Being a member of a Police Force or OPCC management/executive board.
- Canvassing, or negotiating with, any person with a view to entering any of the arrangement outlined above.
- Having a close member of your family (which term includes unmarried partners) or personal friends who falls into any of the categories outlined above.
- Having any other close relationship (current or historical) with any Police Force or OPCC.
- Failure to comply with OPCC’s Gifts, Gratuities and Hospitality Procedure.
I/We hereby
☒ Confirm that no conflicts of interests exist between the grant applicant organisation (including any employee, volunteer, or board member) and the Commissioner (or any of his officers, members or advisors).
Or
☐ Declare that the grant applicant / someone associated with the grant applicant does have a conflict of interest that may prevent out full and unprejudiced participation in this procurement process. The nature of this conflict of interests is described below:
5.4 Data Protection
All information submitted on this application will be held by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and will contribute directly to the decision that is made regarding allocations of funding and for our own research purposes.
We will provide copies of all or some of this information to individuals and organisations we consult with when assessing applications, monitoring grants, and evaluating funding processes and associated impacts. These organisations may include external auditors and other organisations involved in delivering the projects.
Summary information from this application may be published on our website to assist other applicants in the future and to inform members of the public of the projects funded by the PCC.
Full grant applications will be retained for a maximum of 6 years (plus current year). Information will be retained on a database at the OPCC for statistical and monitoring purposes.
5.5 Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives members of the public the right to request any information that we hold. This includes information received from third parties such as grant applications and grant holders.
If information is requested under the Freedom of Information Act, we will release it, subject to exemptions, although we may choose to consult with you first. Your signature on this form confirms that you understand the PCCs obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
5.6 Declaration
| I confirm that, where applicable, I have carried out all relevant due diligence on the organisation or individuals involved in the delivery of this project and that the activity is suitable and not likely to adversely impact on the reputation of the OPCC. | Name: Name omitted Signature Signature omitted Date 09/01/2025 |
I hereby certify that all the information provided by me in this application is correct, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge and that I have read the Application Guidance and the Terms and Conditions.
5.7 Support for this Application
If this project is supported by, or delivered in partnership with, other organisations including West Mercia Police and/or community safety partnership please give details below. NB: West Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Teams are asked to inform their Territorial Policing Unit Superintendent, via their local Police Inspector, if they intend to confirm support for this application, along with the reasons for doing so.
| Organisation | Reason(s) for supporting this application | Contact name, email, telephone, address. |
| Op Courage – The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service | Name omitted & YSS RV, offer the most magnificent support for veterans. I have had the pleasure to witness this first hand on a number of occasions! Without their support I would genuinely feel lost! The knowledge they have attained within their geography is second to none. From 1:1 support, social support, Advocacy, and awareness of other services have all been a massive support to me as a Mental Health practitioner within Op COURAGE. Through collaboration we have created sound treatment plans that complement one another and serve to offer veterans the best care available | CONTACT DETAILS OMITTED |
| SSAFA Worcestershire | YSS is one of the key partner charities for SSAFA in Worcestershire. They provide a brilliant service in the Veteran community that we serve. They are a highly credible and well-respected source of advice to our volunteer caseworkers. Their work with Veterans in the Criminal Justice System is of the highest order, and one that we could not do without. Name omitted is immensely capable and leads that service really well. She is highly regarded in the local charity community. I strongly endorse YSS as a charity and would support the continued funding of them. | CONTACT DETAILS OMITTED |
Please submit completed documents to [email protected]
