A SPECIALLY organised seminar aimed at raising awareness of the difficulties some ex-servicemen and women experience after leaving the forces was held at Cardiff City Stadium last week.

Bringing together police officers from across South Wales Police the conference heard presentations from the Royal British Legion and NHS Wales about the issues many veterans are facing, whether it’s those who have recently seen service in Iraq or Afghanistan or men and women who have left the forces many years ago.

The Veterans Offender Management Conference was aimed at identifying, at an early stage, those former forces personnel who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

Addressing the event, which was also supported by partner organisations including local authorities, the voluntary sector and housing agencies, Phil Jones, the British Legion’s Wales area manager said that an important part of their work is helping veterans to bridge the gap between military life and joining the community.

“A significant minority of veterans end up within the criminal justice system," he said.

"We want to step in early and help them make better life decisions.

“Wales has traditionally recruited a higher proportion per capita than other regions of the UK and we recognise that many of these men and women need additional support when their military careers come to an end.

“Working closely with other organisations such as the police, health and probation services we want to identify as early as possible anyone who may require additional support.”

ACC Jon Stratford of South Wales Police said: “We recognise that many ex-service men and women need additional support after their career with the armed forces comes to an end. Some of these people may enter the criminal justice system.

“We can work with organisations such as the Royal British Legion to steer these people towards the help and support they need to get their lives back on track and become valued members of the community once again.”