“You need to put your oxygen mask on first, before you can help others.” This saying holds true, especially for the families of veterans who often find themselves feeling disconnected from their own needs, their families, and their communities. Taking on caregiving roles more intensely than their civilian peers can lead to stress and dysregulation, […]
Making Time for Self-Care: Join a Community of Peers Read More »
Social Work and Wellbeing
One of our volunteers shares her experience of calling our members and the benefits of the Families of Veterans Guild Friendship Line service. What is the Friendship Line? The Friendship Line is a service that we offer to our members, especially those who live in rural areas or are socially isolated, to provide them with
How the Friendship Line Connects War Widows Across Generations Read More »
Volunteering, War Widows Program
Anne shares her experience of being married to a Navy submariner and how she found support after his passing. Being a defence spouse: the challenges and the rewards Being a defence spouse can be rewarding, but it also comes with many challenges. You may have to deal with long periods of separation, frequent moves, uncertainty,
How to cope as a defence spouse: tips from a war widow Read More »
Member Stories, Social Work and Wellbeing
Advocacy update: Inquiry into the Defence Honours and Awards System The Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference’s Committee has established a new Inquiry into the integrity and efficacy of the Defence honours and awards system, with particular reference to: Experiences of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel progressing through the honours and awards system. The effect
Veterans Families Voices Matter Read More »
Advocacy, Important Updates
A new program to support the emotional and social needs of Australian Defence Force families Did you know that defence families can face significant challenges and hardships due to the impact of military service on their loved ones? Research has shown that many spouses, partners, parents, children, and siblings of veterans experience poor mental health,
How the Social Work and Wellbeing Program can help veteran families Read More »
Social Work and Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Wellbeing tips