Social work support for defence & veteran families
Accessing trauma-informed social work support
Life during and after military service can be complex. Families of Veterans Guild provides professional, trauma-informed social work support to assist defence and veteran families and war widows across Australia. Our qualified social workers offer practical guidance to help individuals and families understand entitlements, access defence and community services, and navigate both veteran and civilian systems.
Social work support includes information and referrals, advocacy, and supported service navigation to help families connect with the right services at the right time. Our team provides personalised assistance and maintains contact while support is being put in place, ensuring families feel informed and supported throughout the process.
This free service is available nationally, welcomes self-referrals, and is designed to respond to individual and family needs. While not a crisis service, our social workers can assist with connecting families to urgent support when required.
If you wish to refer yourself or someone else to our service, please download our referral form here, complete it, and send it to socialwork@fov.org.au. If you prefer to speak to someone call us on 02 9267 6577 and request a call back from one of our Social Workers.
You do not need to be a financial member to access our program. All families of current and former ADF serving members can access our program for free.
If you need counselling support today
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling is a free and confidential 24-hour service for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families. Call 1800 011 046 or go to the Open Arms website to get support or find out more.
If you need urgent help or support
If you or someone else is in crisis and needs immediate help, call one of the following:
- Triple zero (000) if you feel like you may hurt yourself or someone else
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046
24-hour free counselling and support for you and your family - ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036
Confidential 24-hour telephone service for ADF members and their families - Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
Free support services if you are in crisis and need to talk to someone - 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service. - National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007
Support for financial hardship, including financial counselling, debt and complex situations