Social Work & Wellbeing Program
What is our ‘Social Work & Wellbeing Program’
The Social Work and Wellbeing Program at Families of Veterans Guild (FOVG) is dedicated to supporting and empowering defence and veteran families across Australia.
At FOVG, we understand the unique challenges faced by defence and veteran families, including social isolation and the demands of caring roles. Our focus is on fostering social connection, peer support, and self-care to help families feel supported and empowered. The Social Work and Wellbeing Program empowers families by providing them with the tools and information they need to live their best lives, ensuring they have the support and resources to navigate the complexities of defence and veteran life.
Has any of your loved ones ever served in the Australian Defence Force? The Social Work and Wellbeing Program is here to support you to access the services and support you need, when you need it most, with a strong focus on your wellbeing.
The program delivers a trauma informed social work service that includes information, education and referrals, supported service navigation and regular wellbeing phone calls. Your wellbeing is supported through the delivery of a monthly newsletter, wellbeing activities facilitated online and in person in NSW and ACT. The program also offers webinars and workshops on a range of topics to support your health and wellbeing, leadership development scholarships and an AVCAT scholarship.
To discuss making a referral into our social work and wellbeing program, or to find out more about the program, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au or call 02 9267 6577
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.
Wellbeing Activities
With multiple transitions and adjustments due to ADF service, it can be challenging for defence and veteran families to find connection and support in the community. Our free wellbeing activities offer the opportunity for defence and veteran families, including war widows, to find understanding and support among a group of peers.
Our wellbeing activities are here to create a place for defence and veteran Families to connect, meet like-minded peers, build a network and share wonderful insights and powerful stories. This program shines the light on the families of veterans.
Webinars
Our Social Work and Wellbeing Program includes regular online events available to defence and veterans families.
Our webinars aim to cover topics that empower defence and veterans families member to live their best lives. We aim to break down barriers and encourage discussions that can be difficult but essential.
Our webinars are free and delivered via an online platform. If you are unable to attend, you can catch up on the recording at a time that suits you.
Rise Together Initiative
Are you a female partner or widow of a current or former
serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) member?
Has your career been impacted by your loved one’s defence career?
Would you like to build career confidence and
embrace leadership with confidence?
In 2025 the Rise Together Initiative will provide 12 defence and veteran spouses with the ability to undertake the Women in Leadership Development Program.
Applications closed.
Our Wellbeing Newsletter
Do you wish to keep up to date with the latest news, tips, information from our defence community?
Do you want some more information about self care and general wellbeing?
If so, the Wellbeing Newsletter is a perfect read for you. Read our latest newsletter here and subscribe to our monthly newsletter today!
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