Since 2014, we as a sector have had access to information and data about the impacts of war service on the families of the veterans. the Vietnam Veteran Study Series confirmed what many of you know the mental wellbeing of spouses of war veterans is poorer than the mental wellbeing of the general public.

As a result of this study, we know that as many as 1 in 3 spouses of war veterans are likely diagnosed with depression, and 2 in 5 spouses may experience suicidal ideation.

Yet for the last 11 years that this knowledge has existed, there has been limited progress when it comes to supporting these spouses and families.  The availability and access to mental health support for veterans’ families is critical and could be improved significantly. This is why the mental health of veterans’ families is the first priority in our Advocacy Plan.

The mental health needs of the entire group of veterans’ families are vast and therefore need to be considered according to the most urgent need first. The solutions we are seeking is for improved access to mental health treatment and services for:

• Families bereaved by a service-related death.
• Children of veterans who have died as a result of their service or of veterans who have been significantly wounded/injured or ill as a result of their service.
• Families who have experienced trauma related to a veteran; and
• Families caring for wounded/injured and ill veterans.

Improved access for those with a DVA entitlement consists of ongoing treatment card access for mental health conditions. For those without a DVA  entitlement improved access consists of an appropriate increase in Medicare rebated sessions on a mental health plan in addition to improved access to appropriate levels of mental health treatment through Open Arms.

In pursuing these priorities, we have first focused on the removal of gold cards from children of deceased veterans. Currently, children of veterans who have passed as a result of their service can have their eligibility for the gold card extended where a mental health condition is impacting their ability to study full-time until the age of 25 years. We are working with DVA to look at how these treatment cards can be extended to cover mental health treatment, using a similar model to the treatment model that was put in place for the children of Vietnam Veterans.

Taking care of the mental health treatment of children in bereaved families removes barriers to treatment and reduces financial pressures on those widowed by Defence service, it can also limit the impacts of intergenerational trauma and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for these children.

Read our full advocacy plan HERE.

Click HERE to read our submission on the veterans legislation reform which also addresses this need.

The post The Unique Nature of YOUR service first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

For the first time in the history of the Australian Defence Force, the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) recommends that the family of a member who dies in service or has suffered serious injury, be recognised by a Memorial Star or Gratitude Star emblem, pending endorsement from the Government.

These are two of four new forms of recognition recommended by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, yet to be endorsed and implemented by the Government.

AWWNSW advocates for veteran families

Australian War Widows NSW Ltd (AWWNSW) sought the views of its members and veteran community to write a submission to the Tribunal for an inquiry into the recognition of Australian Defence Force members and families wounded or killed as a result of service.

These views helped shape a case by AWWNSW to the Tribunal stating that families deserve greater and common recognition across Defence that would also help to unite the community of those affected by death and injury in service. The submission sought the Tribunal to consider recognition for veterans, including deceased veterans, to be medallic in nature. These views were supported by other contributors from the veteran community.

“Recognition at its core, is not only acknowledging the validity of something, but also about identifying those with like experiences. It is a positive and powerful influence in the veteran community. It enables acceptance, conversations, community identification and help seeking.

We are very pleased and proud that our submission to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has been recognised in some of the recommendations put forward”

Renee Wilson, Chief Executive Officer Australian War Widows NSW Ltd.

Our nation currently acknowledges the wounding, injury or death of members of the Australian Defence Force through essential care, compensation and support. None are currently reflected in a medallic form of recognition as a suitable solemn and individual emblem of gratitude*.

Under Recommendation 1, the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal endorse the institution of new forms of medallic and emblematic recognition including:

• a Memorial Star – A full size brooch-like emblem of a uniquely Australian design that recognises the sacrifice of the family of a member of the ADF or veteran who dies in service or whose death is service related; and
• a Gratitude Star – A full size brooch-like emblem of uniquely Australian design to recognise the sacrifice of the family of the member or veteran who has suffered a serious wound, serious injury or serious disease in or as a result of service.

These and other proposed recommendations are sought retrospectively for services brought about in, or as a result of, service after 2 September 1945. Read the full recommendation here.

AWWNSW submission

The AWWNSW submission also noted that there should be no differentiation between the circumstances that gave rise to the death, injury or wounding during service; and that Australia could lead the world in reducing the stigma surrounding veterans’ mental and moral injuries and illnesses.

Renee Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Australian War Widows NSW appeared at a public hearing in relation to the submission and recalled the impact of service on veterans’ families – those affected many years after service, and those missing their loved ones from war or sadly from suicide.

The definition of family

Much like AWWNSW has broadened its definition of family, so too has the Tribunal. In their letter of transmission, the Defence Honours & Awards Appeals states “Family” should be defined flexibly so as to recognise the changed and changing nature of family structures in modern society and cultural sensitivities and should include:

• biological, adoptive, step and foster parents;
• de jure and de facto spouses of any gender;
• biological, adopted, step and foster children;
• all other blood relatives or relatives by marriage; and
• other persons for whom a member has expressed a family-like relationship in their will or similar document.

Veteran families bare an enormous burden for Australia. The role of families is critical when it comes to supporting the Australian Defence Force and its operations. It is a lifelong role that does not end when that member is no longer in service due to death, wounding, injury or illness. This emblematic recognition of our nation’s gratitude serves as acknowledgement of this burden.

Australian War Widows NSW is a 75-year-old organisation that has represented the interests of women impacted by defence service. With a recently expanded charter, AWWNSW provides support and advocacy to women and family members related to the veteran community. AWWNSW provides a voice for members and veteran community to ensure their views are represented across areas that impact upon them.

* Australian Government, Defence Honours & Awards Appeals Tribunal, Recognising their sacrifice, Letter of Transmission 

The post Tribunal recommendations recognise the sacrifices made by veterans’ families first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Due to its experience, leadership, and network, AWWNSW has formed a view on several items raised by the Commissioners. The opinions expressed through and by AWWNSW below were formed through consultation with members, its broad community, Directors, and staff.

The opinions expressed through AWWNSW’s submission amplify the voices of veterans’ families and caregivers, ensuring those that are on the front line of veteran support are heard.

The matters the Commission is inquiring into are not new. They have affected the veteran community and in particular veterans’ families for generations. However, this is the first time that there will be a public conversation about it and a real chance to make the system better for those that come after.

In summary, AWWNSW submission concluded that:

• Families and caregivers must be meaningfully engaged throughout a veterans’ Service journey and beyond.
• Families and caregivers must be equipped with the support networks, tools, information, knowledge and support they need to care for themselves and their loved one.
• Children of veterans impacted by Suicide or ill mental health under the age of 15 need immediate access to psychiatry, psychology and trauma recovery treatments.
• There is a need for substantial investment into the veteran sector beyond access to health care.

The full submission can be read here.

That these matters are not affecting veterans and their families for the first time, they have been affecting them for generations.

If you would like to contribute your insights, ideas, experiences, or reflections to the Royal Commission please contact the AWW NSW CEO on 0421 161 334 or at guild@warwidowsnsw.com.au.

AWW NSW advocates for the needs of all women and families of veterans connected to Defence service. We provide a voice for our members and community to ensure their views are represented across all areas that impact upon them.

The post Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide – AWWNSW Statement first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

We thank everyone who participated in the consultation sessions regarding the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Terms of Reference.

Several key points we raised were picked up in the Terms of Reference:

• The need for the entire veteran support system to be examined
• The need for suicide attempts and patterns of behaviour to be examined
• The need for experiences to be examined and compared to the policy framework
• The need to examine the powerful influences within Defence culture that can have negative consequences for both veterans and their families
• The level of regulatory oversight of treatments and access to treatments
• The duty of care of all entities within the veteran support system to intervene when cases are bought to their attention
• The efficacy of treatments being undertaken by veterans and indeed their diagnosis; and
• The need to support the families of veterans before, during and after instances of ill health/ suicide.

We are encouraged to see that the Government has heard our calls for broad and all-encompassing terms of reference.

The post Your voices were heard first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.