For Veterans’ Health Week, join us for a wellness walk in Canberra
Are you the partner of a current serving ADF member, a veteran spouse, parent of a veteran, adult child of a veteran, a widow, or connected to Defence in another way? As part of Veterans’ Health Week, we warmly invite families of veterans to join us for our Wellness Walk in Canberra on Friday 11 October 2024, brought to you by our Wellbeing Program.
The theme of Veterans’ Health Week 2024 is Keep Connected. This theme aims to promote good health and wellbeing in the everyday life of veteran families and shines a light on the importance of social connection.
Families of veterans can sometimes experience overwhelm when balancing the demands of supporting family, the impact of ADF service and/or in caring roles due to illness, injury and transitions. Social connection is at the core of our wellbeing events. In addressing social isolation and loneliness, we acknowledge that veteran families may face barriers in developing and maintaining peer connections due to the unique nature of Defence life. The purpose of this event is to encourage the families of veterans to engage in self-care activities and expand their social network by connecting with like-minded peers.
Wellness walk
Defence and Veteran Families are invited to come together and enjoy a gentle walk in Australian National Botanical Gardens. We will explore the 1.4km Main Path Loop which is wheelchair and pram accessible. Along the main path we will see the Australian flora and highlights of the gardens. This event aims to support peer connection, self-care and increased wellbeing through a shared walking experience. The walk will be facilitated by Program Support Officer Kerrie-Anne Teo. This approximately 40min walk will start at the Visitor Centre.
The event will be followed by coffee or tea at Pollen Cafe where attendees can continue connecting with their peers.
Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing. This includes but is not limited to a hat, sunscreen, enclosed shoes that provide effective support to walk a moderate distance. Also, consider wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce the risk of sun exposure and if necessary, wet weather gear which may include a rain jacket.
There is no cost for this event. Your coffee or tea at Pollen Cafe will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.
Previous attendees to Wellbeing events said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group of women. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”
Event information
Location: Meet at the Visitor Centre, Australian National Botanical Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton ACT
Date and Time: Friday 11 October 2024, 9.30am-11.30am
Registrations: OPEN NOW Register below
Cost: FREE for families of veterans
Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.
