A holiday message from Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling

This year has been challenging for many of us, and especially for some in our veteran community. On top of personal challenges, the release of the Brereton Report, the announcement of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and COVID-19 have left many in the veteran community unsettled.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling has seen more veterans and their family members reach out to seek support this year than any time in its nearly 40-year history.

With this increase in demand, the range of services Open Arms offers has also increased. While phone and face-to-face counselling are an integral part of how our service supports veterans and families, there are a number of other support options available.

Peer Support, Care Coordination, Crisis Accommodation Support, Psycho-education Workshops, Group Treatment Programs, and online tools are all available for people interested in different types of support.

One of these supports, the Open Arms Community and Peer Program, celebrated its second anniversary in November. The Program matches veterans and their family members with people who have their own lived experiences of military service or Defence family life, and the mental health service system.

‘Peer Workers work to support a holistic roadmap for recovery driven by the individual needs of the veteran or family member’, says Open Arms National Manager, Dr Grant Pegg.

‘It might be about catching up for a coffee and a chat, or it could be helping someone weigh up their options for clinical support.’

Since the Program’s establishment in 2019, the number of Open Arms Peers supporting veterans and their family members has nearly doubled.

‘If you have served just one day in the Australian Defence Force, or are the family member of someone who has, contact Open Arms to find out which one of our programs is most suitable for you,’ Dr Pegg says. ‘If you know someone that might be struggling, reach out and let them know that support is available.

‘We understand it’s been a difficult year and know the holiday period can be a hard time for veterans, especially those who have recently transitioned,’ says Dr Pegg. ‘Don’t forget that Open Arms is available for veterans and families right throughout this holiday time.’

You can contact Open Arms 24/7, 365 days a year by calling 1800 011 046.

For more information on the peer program you can visit the Open Arms website.