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The Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency has launched, with Defence welcoming the initiative as a major step forward in supporting veterans’ mental health.
The agency will provide a nationwide service directory and helpline, which will allow for quicker, more inclusive, accessible support.
Through the agency’s website, individuals can access a wealth of mental health and wellbeing information, search the national service directory to connect with local services, and learn about support when transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force in areas such as employment and housing.
“Defence is working with DVA [Department of Veterans’ Affairs] to provide support for our people and their families to serve well, live well and age well, throughout their service and beyond their service,” said Chief of Personnel Lieutenant General Natasha Fox.
“The agency will make it easier to access the right care and services at the right time, ensuring veterans and families of veterans are better connected to the support they need to maintain their wellbeing.
“We are working closely with the agency to ensure there is continuity of care as our people transition to life beyond service.”
The centralised support agency comes out of a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The commission reported that between 1997 and 2021, there were 1,677 confirmed suicides, which is over 20 times more deaths than the number of personnel killed in combat during the same period.
Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is supporting the agency’s opening, with LTGEN Fox saying that multiple departments working together will result in the best outcomes for people in need of support.
“Defence remains responsible for preparing our people to leave the ADF, and we are working closely with the agency to ensure there is continuity of care as our people transition to life beyond service.”
Serving and former ADF personnel and their families in need of support can contact Open Arms for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting www.lifeline.org.au.
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