Protocol Protects Vetrans - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Protocol Protects Vetrans – RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, alongside Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba, welcomed Essex Police’s announcement of their plans to implement the Forcer Protocol in the coming months.

Protocol Protects Vetrans - RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, alongside Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba, welcomed Essex Police’s announcement of their plans to implement the Forcer Protocol in the coming months.

RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, alongside Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba, welcomed Essex Police’s announcement of their plans to implement the Forcer Protocol in the coming months.

The announcement was made at a special conference on Veterans safety, held at Westminster.

The Forcer Protocol, named in memory of Canewdon resident Claire Lilly’s late Husband and British Army veteran, Alan Forcer, is a set of guidelines developed to improve the search and response process for veterans who are at high risk of self-harm or suicide.

By linking police forces with specialized veterans’ organisations, mental health professionals, and the family members of veterans, the protocol provides a swift, coordinated response to help locate and support vulnerable veterans, who go missing. Since its inception, the protocol has already saved the lives of over 180 veterans, a testament to its effectiveness and importance in protecting those who have served the nation.

During the event, a supportive video from Veterans campaigner, Ross Kemp was shown, alongside a short speech from the new Veterans Minister, Al Carns OBE MC MP, who spoke in strong support regarding the initiative.

At the event, Jane Gardener, Deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), for Essex, confirmed Essex Police would adopt the protocol over Christmas. Tory Shadow Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois MP and Labour Former Parachute Regiment Soldier, Bayo Alaba MP commented jointly: “Issues like this should transcend Party politics.

“We are absolutely delighted that Essex Police are now committed to implementing the Forcer Protocol to protect our veterans. This protocol has already made a profound difference, saving 180 lives elsewhere by ensuring at-risk veterans receive the support and intervention they need.

“We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Canewdon resident, Claire Lilly, whose tireless work has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. As we approach Remembrance Day, it’s more important than ever to honour our commitment to those who served, ensuring no veteran in crisis is left behind.

“This is a meaningful step in safeguarding their welfare and we look forward to seeing the protocol in action across Essex.”

Picture: Shadow Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois MP and Former Parachute Regiment Soldier, Bayo Alaba MP, pictured alongside Claire Lilly, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Charles Thomas, Lt Colonel Sulle Alhaji, Deputy PFCC, Jane Gardener and police representatives.

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