Community feedback helping to shape the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Over the last few years, members of the veteran community have shared what is important to them when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of veterans, Defence members and families. Feedback from the community is helping to inform areas of priority and issues to highlight in the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, expected to be launched in mid-2024.

Some key themes have emerged from this feedback, including that access to treatment and support is needed in a timely manner, along with simpler processes and increased engagement with DVA and health providers. These services and supports should be easily accessible, with greater access to services needed in rural and remote areas. 

The feedback has highlighted that improving mental health and wellbeing literacy is vital to improving health outcomes and the continuing stigma and implications of disclosing mental health concerns should be addressed. 

We’ve also heard that greater support during transition is needed and barriers to accessing services and supports should be reduced. To do this, we must value the insights from those with lived experience – systems, programs and services should be co-designed. 

The feedback has come from a range of consultation activities including surveys, webinars and roundtables. We have heard from all corners of the veteran community, including those who have served, families, women, First Nations people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, and other groups. 

Thank you to everyone in the veteran community who have shared their views and lived experiences. Your feedback is helping to shape the strategy and the future of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our veterans and Defence members. For more information, visit the DVA website.