AIHW publishes report looking at the Social Connectedness of Australia’s Veterans

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A new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report was released today, measuring the social connectedness and feeling of belonging and connecting with others amongst our veteran community.

The Veteran Social Connectedness report profiles veterans and presents key insights into their social connectedness, including comparisons to the wider Australian population.    

Key findings in the report found veterans were not too dissimilar to the Australian public when it came to social connectedness. However, compared to the broader Australian population, veterans in 2021-22 were more likely to undertake volunteer roles, particularly veterans with a disability, and veterans are more likely to be active members of a club or association than people who have not served.

  • Nearly 1 in 10 (9.4%) veterans are socially isolated, this is similar to people who had never served in the ADF (11%).
  • Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) veterans reported to be lonely, this was similar to people who had never served in the ADF (19%).
  • Over 1 in 4 veterans (27%) did not feel part of their local community, this was similar to those who had never served in the ADF 26%.
  • 22% of all veterans had infrequent social contact with others, this was similar to those who had never served in the ADF (20%).

It is recognised, that due to the unique nature of military service, veterans can experience both protection from and vulnerability to issues with social connectedness. The report finds that veterans who are in poor mental health and/or distress ranked poorly in comparison to those in the general population:

  • Veterans in poor mental health were nearly twice as likely to have infrequent social contact (47%) as persons who had never served in the ADF (26%).
  • Over half of veterans in psychological distress (51%) did not feel part of their local community, this was higher than those who had never served in the ADF (39%).                                                       

To read the full report, visit the AIHW website.

For more information on loneliness and social isolation, see Ending Loneliness Together.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting vulnerable veterans access the health services they need to live well:

  • Any veteran who has completed one day of full-time service in the ADF can access fully funded mental health treatment through Non-Liability Health Care - mental health, with some reservists also eligible.
  • Some veterans are eligible for the Coordinated Veterans’ Care program, through which social assistance is available to provide short term support with community and social connection. 
  • The Government is delivering on its $46.7 million commitment to deliver eight new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country. Hubs provide a space for veterans’ services and advocacy organisations to co-exist and provide integrated support to current and ex-service personnel and families which may include health and mental health services, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing advice, and social connection.
  • DVA also offers free and confidential counselling services to veterans and their families, available 24/7 through Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling.  For more information or support call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au

For more information about services and support available visit www.dva.gov.au or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)