A new service which connects former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families to the right health, wellbeing and community supports has arrived on the Central Coast.
Veterans Connect can link veterans, their families and carers to a wide range of supports from veterans’ peer groups to clinical services.
It works as a central contact point, so returned service personnel are well supported in civilian life.
More than 3,000 former defence personnel call the Central Coast home.
The new Veterans Connect program will be delivered by not-for-profit organisation Social Futures and supported by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said Veterans Connect can put veterans and their families in touch with an array of supports like health and specialist clinical services and link them to a diversity of social support organisations, such as community groups, veterans’ associations and other wellbeing supports including gyms and physiotherapists.
“I realise the health, mental health and support needs of veterans are diverse and varied,” Davies said.
“The goal of Veterans Connect is to help veterans, their families and carers navigate all these services and overcome any barriers to accessing care.
“Veterans Connect can be their single point of contact.”
Davies said former ADF personnel had a range of experiences, including warfare, peacekeeping and peacemaking deployments, as well as disaster response and border protection.
“Younger veterans may have been on multiple deployments and are now looking for new careers, reconnecting with family and friends, and processing their time with the ADF, while older veterans may be facing issues like ageing and ill health,” he said.
“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is common among veterans, and they can be vulnerable to depression, alcohol misuse and suicide.
“We want to support people to establish meaningful and happy lives after leaving the ADF.
“At Veterans Connect, you will meet your Care Navigator who will listen to your story, understand and identify your needs then either directly assist you or connect you to the right services.
“Your Care Navigator can help in a wide variety of areas, even with practicalities like transport to medical or counselling appointments.
“We will act on your advice and outline all available options for support.”
The Primary Health Network Chief Executive Officer Richard Nankervis said there was a high need for service navigation, given the complex support that veterans required.
“Data shows us that veterans and their families are more vulnerable to mental health disorders resulting in a higher need for assistance with understanding and accessing appropriate health services,” he said.
“Our aim is to see a reduction in the rate of mental health disorders and suicide in the Central Coast region and expand the service to the Hunter and New England regions within our Primary Health Network.”
To contact Veterans Connect call 1800 719 625 or email veteransconnect@socialfutures.org.au
Source:
Media release, Feb 27
Social Futures