VIPA was founded by two members of HM Prison Service, it is an organisation independent of HM Prison Service and operated by staff in a voluntary capacity - the HQ of VIPA is at HM Prison Isle of Wight - Parkhurst. It's core aim is to reduce re-offending and in turn the
number of victims, by rehabilitating the veterans who are currently in the Criminal Justice System and to reconnect them with the positive
aspects of their past while serving in the Forces.
When ex-servicemen arrive in HMP Isle of Wight they are encouraged to register with VIPA and with their consent, contact is made with their Regiment and Regimental Association. This enables them to receive their campaign medals and veterans badges and help is provided in applying for service records and pensions.
In March 2010 VIPA was awarded Registered Charity (1135098) status with
Lord Ramsbotham GCB, CBE as President and Simon Weston OBE as Patron. The following month there was a National One-Day Conference titled"Dealing with the Demons" which was attended by approximately 100 delegates and there is another similar event planned for this coming April.
The Princess Royal visited the prison last October and David Wilson spoke of the aims of VIPA and the work that is being done to re-integrate veterans back into society. He has also received Butler Trust Recognition and been presented with a letter from the Chairman congratulating him on setting-up VIPA.
The Board are very impressed with the aims of VIPA and how much time and effort is given freely by David Wilson and his colleagues. Between them they try to facilitate a weekly meeting for all the VIPA members, they put them in contact with relevant external service providers and agencies to address any issues that may need resolving from their military service. They are encouraged to engage in the sentence planning process, to address their offending behaviour and to attend education if needed, or to apply for an Open University course if able, thus increasing their prospects of employment without re-offending upon their release.
At present there are 67 veterans registered with VIPA in Parkhurst and Albany together, but it is thought that there could be as many as 200 in these sites but they are too ashamed or embarrassed to come forward. The Camp Hill site does not participate due to it being a short-term establishment, but approximately 26 other prisons have set up similar groups as a result of VIPA, who now have their own web site, 575 members on their Facebook account and are currently putting together a business plan in the hope of receiving funding from the Lottery Commission.
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