The nature of working in the Australian Defence Force can impact the health and wellbeing of Veterans. There are well documented concerns that this work underpins a higher suicide rate among Veterans in comparison to the general Australian population. Additionally, studies have found that more than half of Veterans have experienced a mental health related disease in their lifetime, at a rate significantly higher than that experienced in the general Australian population.

First Responders also experience a higher than average rate of mental health related disease. First Responders are often required to provide assistance in time-critical and life-threatening situations. As a result of this, First Responders are at increased risk of experiencing serious, ongoing stress, which if left untreated may develop into mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder, PTSD, adjustment disorder and substance abuse. The most prevalent health condition reported by First Responders is PTSD.

In order to assist Veterans, First Responders and their families, regarding mental health related disease, we are able to provide a range of supports for them.

We work to publicly promote the impact of mental health diseases amongst Veterans, First Responders and their families, encouraging them to seek help in relation to mental health related disease and reducing the stigma attached to mental health related disease.

We deliver mental health education and other educational courses for Veterans, First Responders and their families. Our education activities include providing opportunities for further training, in recognised qualifications that will assist Veterans, First Responders and their families and others to prevent or control the onset of mental health disease amongst Veterans, First Responders and their families.

We also co-creating, with Veterans, First Responders and their families, entrepreneur programs and business and development networks that provide guidance and mentorship for Veterans, First Responders and their families to develop and implement business ideas and develop skills to assist them in transitioning to civilian life and prevent or control the onset of the mental health disease amongst Veterans, First Responders and their families. Our goal in providing these opportunities and networks is to help Veterans, First Responders and their families to flourish and, in doing so, reduce the impact of mental health related disease upon them.

If you are a Veteran, First Responder or family member of a Veteran or First Responder, we’d like to engage with you to discuss how we can assist with regard to mental health related disease.