On 20 November, defence families gathered at the Randwick Family Centre for an art activity centered on gratitude and collaboration. This special activity aimed to address the unique challenges defence families face, including social isolation, the demands of caring roles, and the pressures of military life. 

The art activity invited attendees to paint flowers of gratitude onto a canvas, a creative practice designed to encourage self-care and social interaction, allowing the chance to connect over shared experiences. For a few hours, participants put aside the weight of their caring responsibilities and daily demands, embracing the opportunity to focus on their own wellbeing.

By the end of the session, the group had created not only a beautiful garden of gratitude through their artwork but also new friendships and a stronger sense of community. Activities like these remind us of the importance of connection and self-care in our lives. 

Impact of gratitude and collaboration 

Gratitude and collaboration was the thread that tied the event together, fostering mindfulness and encouraging everyone to pause and notice the glimmers of positivity in their lives. These moments, no matter how small, serve as powerful reminders of resilience and strength, helping defence families navigate life’s challenges. 

Defence families 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, or transitions. Social connection is at the core of our wellbeing activities. In addressing social isolation and loneliness, we acknowledge that defence families may face barriers in developing and maintaining peer connections due to the unique nature of defence life. The purpose of this art activity was to encourage defence families to engage in a self-care practice and expand their social network by connecting with like-minded peers. 

“It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful” – Brene Brown 

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War Widows Day is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and connecting Australian war widows. It ensures they feel honoured and acknowledged and gives us the opportunity to say thank you for what they have sacrificed. Across New South Wales alone, more than 10,700 war widows and widowers face the challenges of grief and isolation. Their partners made ultimate sacrifices for our country, and those left behind carry the weight of the sacrifice, often in silence. War Widows Day allows us to break that silence.  

This year, we hosted our third War Widows Day Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney. The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Tricia Hobson, Chair of Families of Veterans Guild, who spoke about the importance of honouring the sacrifices of war widows and their families.  

A moving tribute followed, celebrating the legacy of Jessie Vasey, founder of the War Widows Guild, and recognising the contributions of past leaders Audrey Blood OAM and Diana Bland. Former State President Wendy Thompson and former Director Lynne Boyd delivered a touching war widows address, reflecting on the enduring legacy of these incredible women. 

Once again, we turned the focus of the Service to those we were gathered to honour, our war widows. As war widows of all generations, their children and carers made their way, one by one to lay a branch of wattle in silent reflect, it was difficult not to be moved. Seeing the widows makes it all very real for those who hear their stories.  

As has become a new tradition at our events, we left the final word to a war widow who shared a poem “What if”  reflecting on the love, story and sacrifice of a widow who husband served Australia with pride and honour. 

Words from our Chair, Tricia Hobson 

Board Chair Tricia Hobson spoke throughout the day about the enduring strength and resilience of war widows, emphasising the deep bond that unites them. She reflected on how, over the nearly 80 year history of the organisation, war widows have come together to support one another. 

“The story of our organisation is one of women banding together to help other women. That story continues today and goes back almost 80 years. On War Widows Day, we honour war widows past and present and our founders for what they have sacrificed and given so we benefit today.” Said Tricia. 

Tricia reflected “War Widows Day serves as a reminder of Australia’s history, of the cost of our peace and security and the foundations on which our country was built. A day like today shines a light on the individuals who stand under the long shadow of war, who stand and stood beside our nation’s veterans.” 

“To the widows and widowers here today, thank you, for all you have given and sacrificed for the Australia we enjoy today.” said Tricia.  

View the pictures of War Widows Day 2024 below

The post War Widows Day 2024 first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

War Widows Day is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and connecting war widows, ensuring they feel honoured and acknowledged, giving us an opportunity to honour their stories, bravery, and sacrifice. Across New South Wales alone, more than 10,700 war widows and widowers face the challenges of grief and isolation. Their partners made ultimate sacrifices for our country, and now they’re to carry the weight of the sacrifice, often in silence. War Widows Day allows us to break that silence. It gives us a chance to support the potential isolation war widows face after the loss of their partner.

The importance of community 

In the heart of the War Widows community lies a powerful source of emotional and social support. This community is a beacon of hope, helping each other navigate the profound loss and the myriad challenges of life after service. Often facing these struggles alone, War Widows find solace and strength in the shared experiences and unwavering support of their peers. This sense of belonging and mutual understanding is invaluable, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. 

The role of the Families of Veterans Guild 

The Families of Veterans Guild plays a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of war widows. Through a variety of social events, wellbeing support, and advocacy efforts, the Guild offers a lifeline to those who have lost their loved ones in service. These initiatives not only provide practical assistance but also create opportunities for war widows to connect, share their stories, and build lasting friendships. The Guild’s commitment to supporting War Widows ensures that they are not alone in their journey, offering a network of care and compassion. 

The public’s role in supporting War Widows 

The public has a crucial role to play in supporting war widows. There are numerous practical ways to contribute, from making donations to participating in initiatives like “Buy a Widow a Coffee.” These acts of kindness and generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of war widows, providing them with much-needed support and recognition. By coming together as a community, we can help war widows feel valued and appreciated, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. 

Human connection as a healing force 

Human connection is a powerful healing force. For war widows, the simple act of connecting with each other and their community can foster healing and hope. These connections provide a sense of belonging and understanding, helping war widows navigate their grief and find a path forward. By building strong, supportive relationships, war widows can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that they are not alone. This human connection is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the war widows community, offering a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. 

By highlighting the importance of community, the role of the Families of Veterans Guild, the public’s role in supporting war widows, and the healing power of human connection, we can inspire others to join in this vital cause. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of war widows, providing them with the support and recognition they so richly deserve. 

By supporting our “Buy a Widow a Coffee” initiative, you can help provide more than just a cup of coffee. Your donation offers companionship, community, and a reminder that war widows are not forgotten. Every dollar goes directly towards creating connections and easing loneliness. 

Your generosity can make a profound difference in the lives of these women, offering them a sense of belonging and support. Together, we can ensure that they feel valued and remembered. Please consider donating today and be a part of this meaningful cause. Thank you for your support. 

The post Showing your support this War Widows Day first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

War Widows Day holds profound significance as it recognises and connects war widows, acknowledging their bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. It is a day to honour the silent figures who have stood steadfast behind Australia’s peace and security, ensuring that their stories are heard and their contributions remembered. The importance of this day lies in its role to shine a light on the sacrifices of war widows, whose strength and endurance have often gone unnoticed for over a century. 

In this article, we shine a light on their lives, shaped by our Defence Force and service and we honour their stories of love and sacrifice. 

Meet some of Australia’s first war widows

Sybil Dale was living in Canberra and just 18 years old when her husband was killed at Gallipoli in August 1915. The couple had a daughter, Valda, who was only four months old, born mere days before her father set sail for war.

When Jessie Reid’s husband was killed on the Western Front in June 1917, she was also left a war widow and single mother to three young children, all aged under four. She dedicated the next 20 years of her life to raising her children on her own while living in Victoria.

Glenda Love was another woman whose husband, Alfred, died during the First World War. Their daughter, Esther, was eight years old at the time. Alfred wrote in the back of his war diary, “In the event of my death, I wish this book to be sent to my Dear Wife to let her know that my last thoughts were of her and of Essie, my darling daughter.”

These are the stories of some of Australia’s first war widows. While the exact number of Australian war widows over the past 100-plus years has never been tallied, a good estimate would be in the hundreds of thousands.

Yet despite this significant number, little is known about you, Australia’s war widows. There have been few books written about you, no documentaries or television series created to tell your stories, and only a handful of monuments have been erected to honour your support, grief, and sacrifice.

For more than 100 years, your stories have remained largely unseen and untold, and your sacrifice has stayed unrecognised. Until now.

War Widows Day

In 2022, War Widows Day – 19 October – was declared an observed day in NSW and QLD, followed shortly by recognition in the ACT, SA, and WA.

The purpose of War Widows Day is to recognise war widows and widowers in our communities, honouring your contributions and sacrifices in defence of Australia. War Widows Day is the only day on some state commemorative calendars that specifically recognises the role of veterans’ families in your lifelong service and commitment to your loved ones and our nation. This makes it unique and significant.

The feedback we hear from our members is that War Widows Day is incredibly special to them. Members Di and Fran spoke to us about last year’s War Widows Day: Di described the service at the cenotaph at Martin Place as “beautiful and emotional,” while Fran said, “It was a very touching and moving day.”

With more than 40,000 war widows around Australia, and most states and territories now recognising your contributions, we believe it is time for War Widows Day to receive further recognition. We call for every Australian to mark War Widows Day this year. Have a coffee with a war widow you know, support one of our fundraisers or attend our War Widows Day Ceremony in Sydney. It is essential that we see and value our war widows, for all they have sacrificed and that we hear their stories.

We warmly invite you to join us at the War Widows Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney. The ceremony will commence on 19 October at 10:30am. This is a public event, and everyone is welcome to come and show their support for the incredible war widows of our nation. No registration required, if you require a seat, please email us or call us on (02) 9267 6577.

The post The importance of War Widows Day first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Defence and veteran families often face unique challenges, from frequent relocations and deployments to transitioning back into civilian life. These challenges can impact mental health, highlighting the need to prioritise wellbeing for families of veterans. 

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and mobilising efforts to support mental wellbeing. Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the need for accessible mental health care for all, including veteran families.

The significance of World Mental Health Day lies in its ability to bring mental health to the forefront of public consciousness. It encourages open conversations about mental health, reduces stigma, and promotes understanding and empathy. By highlighting the prevalence of mental health conditions and the impact they have on individuals and communities, including defence families and war widows, this day fosters a supportive environment where people feel empowered to seek help and support.

 This World Mental Health Day, here are some practical tips to help support your wellbeing:

Connection

Isolation is a common challenge for veteran families, which can increase risk of experiencing depression or anxiety. Focus on staying connected with friends, family, and veteran communities. Regular social interactions, even virtual ones, can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Open communication

Your veteran loved-one may feel reluctant to talk about their experiences or emotions. Creating a safe, judgment-free environment for open conversations about mental health may help conversation to flow. Encourage all members of your family, including children, to share their thoughts and feelings, emphasising that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Available resources

The Families of Veterans Guild Social Work and Wellbeing Program provides case coordination and opportunities for self-care, social connection and peer support. Veteran families can access free psychology and counselling services through Open Arms. Accessing these resources can be a crucial step in managing stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Physical health

Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. Engaging in regular exercise, eating balanced meals, and ensuring you get sufficient sleep are all ways to focus on your physical and mental health. Physical activity can also release endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress.

Self-care

Self-care is an excellent way to prioritise your wellbeing and can be done in as little as five minutes a day. Set aside time regularly for relaxation, hobbies, or mindfulness practices that you enjoy. It’s essential to recharge and take care of yourself.

By focusing on mental health and wellbeing, families of veterans can build stronger, more resilient relationships and lead healthier lives. This World Mental Health Day, make wellbeing a priority for everyone in the family.

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