Wiltshire PCC leads support over improvements for veterans
Philip Wilkinson has met with Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer
Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson has met with the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs to discuss improvements for supporting former service personnel.
The PCC met with Johnny Mercer and over 100 other criminal justice partners in Tidworth at the Garrison Theatre.
Their discussions centred around how they can work collectively to improve support for serving military personnel and veterans in the criminal justice system.
Around 12% of the current Wiltshire population are serving with the armed forces or are part of the veteran community.
One of Philip Wilkinson’s aims as PCC is to provide a service that meets the needs of the community and “too often this community (veterans) has not received the support it deserves.”
“I share the aims of the Minister to strive to forge a path towards ensuring that everyone who needs help knows where to turn and is met by good-quality care that will improve their lives.
“These discussions are the beginning of the road and I hope that by meeting Mr Mercer, he can see how our plans will have a positive effect the current and ex-serving members of the Forces community in Wiltshire”
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will continue working with partner and supporting agencies for military and veterans to better understand local needs, aiming to provide more coherent support.