The VCP will provide military veteran offenders with a positive, holistic and safe community based alternative to custody and community supervision, with purposeful training, personal development, therapy and through-care support, enabling them to stop re-offending, access employment and forge meaningful lives as worthy citizens.

FACT: 7% of prison population are military veterans, circa 6000, + similar numbers on Probation / Community orders.

FACT: Size of prison population is now 85,000. 10 x SW prisons hold 5,538 prisoners.

FACT: Based on 7% fig and average cost per prisoner of £33,785, cost of SW veteran prison places = £13M.

FACT: Between 30 - 40% of veterans suffer with varying levels of Combat Related PTSD (CRPTSD). Others experience differing levels of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, fear and high levels of stress. The number committing suicide has risen.

FACT: Impact upon Children - Children living with an offender are likely to experience issues, including mental illness, all of which can damage their personal development and ability to form/maintain healthy relationships.

FACT: Annual Cost of an individual Offending / Re-offending including Prison = £200K+.

FACT: Veterans in prison accounts for £20M.

FACT: Veteran's mental health costs are estimated £26M.

FACT: Veteran alcohol misuse costs £35M.

FACT: Veteran homelessness accounts for £5.5M.

FACT: VCP Cost per Trainee = £8.5K for 12 month programme, including family support.