About Men’s Health Peer Education

What is the Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) Program?

Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) is a national volunteer health literacy program aimed at raising the veteran community’s awareness of men’s health issues, the specific health and wellbeing impacts of military service and the benefits of early intervention. The program encourages veterans to adopt healthy behaviours, seek support early and share responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. 

How it works

MHPE operates in all Australian states and territories through a network of trained volunteers.

MHPE volunteers share information in a number of ways, including:

• encouraging and supporting veterans to take part in any relevant health and wellbeing initiatives
• organising or supporting Veterans' Health Week or International Men's Health Week events
• educating the veteran community in their local area about DVA's social health programs and other health and wellbeing supports in the community
• giving talks on health issues at ex-service organisation meetings
• working with men’s sheds and organisations
• running stands at community expos, field days or health conferences
• chatting about health issues to mates at social events
• encouraging veterans to seek support early and invest in preventative health measures and activities.

Become an MHPE volunteer

If you want to make a difference to the lives of veterans in your local community, consider becoming an MHPE volunteer. We are currently looking for new volunteers for the program. Read more about becoming a volunteer. 

Recognition for MHPE volunteers

In May 2024 as part of National Volunteer Week, we recognised the service of 10 individuals who achieved volunteering milestone anniversaries with the MHPE Program.

Thank you for your years of service, and for caring about your fellow veterans’ health and wellbeing.

20 years

• Brian Griffin
• Marsat Ketchell

15 years

• David Moore
• Dean Dyer
• Gareth Hubbard
• Phil Lilliebridge
• Robert Kelly

10 years

• Gerrard E Smith
• James MacDonald
• Ian Short

MHPE news

Veteran health and wellbeing featured articles are published in the Vetaffairs digital newspaper and on DVA e-news.

Vetaffairs is DVA’s official newspaper for Australia’s veteran community published three times a year. Email vetaffairs [at] dva.gov.au (vetaffairs[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au) if you wish to receive a printed copy or you can subscribe to the electronic version of Vetaffairs.

DVA e-news is an electronic newsletter emailed to subscribers. It contains articles published on the Latest news for veterans page, which is updated regularly. Click here to subscribe to DVA e-news.

How do I contact a volunteer? 

If you’d like to find out more about the MHPE program or find an MHPE volunteer in your local area, please contact your state or territory’s Community Support Adviser.

• Call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) and ask for your state or territory's Community Support Adviser  
• Email us at MensHealth [at] dva.gov.au (MensHealth[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au) 
• Find a CSA in your region
• Contact an MHPE Volunteer Representative:
  • QLD — Lew MacLeod — email lewrose1 [at] bigpond.com (lewrose1[at]bigpond[dot]com) or call 0409 000 210
  • QLD – David Smith – email djrsmith1 [at] gmail.com (djrsmith1[at]gmail[dot]com) or call 0404 034 849
  • QLD - Martin Tanzer – email martytanzer [at] live.com.au (martytanzer[at]live[dot]com[dot]au) or call 0409 046 976
  • WA — Dean Dyer — email deandyer [at] iinet.net.au (deandyer[at]iinet[dot]net[dot]au) or call 0403 185 373
  • VIC — Ken Bryce  — email ken.bryce72 [at] gmail.com (ken[dot]bryce72[at]gmail[dot]com)   or call 0407 737 386
  • SA — Paul (Tich) Tyson — email tich [at] plymptonvc.org.au (tich[at]plymptonvc[dot]org[dot]au) call 0409 170 237
  • NSW and ACT — Roderick Bain – email rod.bain71 [at] gmail.com (rod[dot]bain71[at]gmail[dot]com) or call 0417 823 937

What other help is available

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling

A health and wellbeing portal that provides resources for you and your family. Open Arms provides 24-hour free counselling and support to you and your family. 

ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line

A confidential 24-hour telephone service for ADF members and their families.

SafeZone Support (1800 142 072)

Safe Zone Support (1800 142 072) is a free and anonymous counselling line for all current and ex-serving ADF personnel, veterans and their families. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Veteran Health Check

A health check with your GP that can help optimise physical and mental health and wellbeing and connect you with support after you transition from the ADF

Non-Liability Health Care for veterans

We may pay for a veteran's treatment for all mental health and certain physical conditions without the need to prove it was caused by their ADF service. We call this Non-liability Health Care (NLHC). Learn about what we cover and who is eligible. 

Complete a feedback survey about a volunteer contact

DVA invites anyone who has a contact with an MHPE volunteer to complete a short feedback survey about their experience. It will take less than three minutes to complete, depending on your answers. To find out more and to submit a survey visit MHPE Participant Impact Survey. 

Completion of training and recognition events

We are pleased to announce the completion of five Training and Recognition events across Australia in May 2024. These events were held in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and NSW & ACT. They provided valuable training, celebrated volunteer achievements, and fostered community connections. The passion and commitment displayed by our volunteers have been genuinely inspiring, showcasing their vital role in supporting veterans’ health and well-being. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of these events. Your dedication enhances the program's impact and encourages others to join and make a difference in their communities.

Image