social connection - Families of Veterans Guild

Online decluttering workshop for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:35:39 +0000

Decluttering made doable: workshop for war widows, defence and veteran families

Do you have too much in your wardrobe? Are you getting posted again and tired of feeling like you have just too much stuff? Not sure where to start?

Join us online on Saturday 14 November 2026 to learn practical ways to sort, organise, and let go of the ‘too much’. Just on time before peak-posting season, this online declutter your wardrobe workshop is a hands-on wardrobe declutter you can follow from home. This wellbeing activity is free for war widows, defence and veteran families.

Declutter your wardrobe

Join us online via Zoom for a 90-minute decluttering workshop led by Amy Revell of The Art of Decluttering, focused this time on wardrobes. Amy will share practical strategies for both organising and decluttering your wardrobe, so you can make the most of your space and keep what works for you.

It’s a friendly, no-pressure session you can join from home, whether you’re tackling a full wardrobe overhaul or just want a place to start. There is no cost to attend, and this is an adults-only activity.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I appreciate opportunities to learn new things, develop practical skills, and prioritise self-care and wellbeing in a supportive and welcoming environment.”

Event information

Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to you).
Date: Saturday 14 November 2026.
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm (AEDT).

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.

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Mindfulness course online for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:47:50 +0000

Six weeks of mindfulness: an online course for war widows, defence and veteran families

Give yourself an hour a week to slow down and learn how to be more present. This six-week wellbeing activity is a practical, evidence-based introduction to mindfulness you can join from home. With the first session on Tuesday 10 November 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can now join our mindfulness course online.

Mindfulness course

Join us online via Zoom for a six-week mindfulness course led by Lydia Vorona from Living Aware. Each one-hour session explores a different theme — from what mindfulness is and isn’t, to autopilot versus being present, the evidence-based benefits, stress physiology, and bringing mindfulness into daily life. Every week also includes two guided meditation practices and time for questions.

The course covers formal and informal practice, mindful breathing and body practices, mindful walking and eating, and the difference between responding and reacting. The content is drawn from the acclaimed eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. There is no cost to attend, and this is an adults-only activity.

Event information

Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to you).
Dates:

- Tuesday 10 November 2026
- Tuesday 17 November 2026
- Tuesday 24 November 2026
- Tuesday 1 December 2026
- Tuesday 8 December 2026
- Tuesday 15 December 2026

Time: 7pm – 8pm (AEDT).

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.

The post Mindfulness course online for veteran families first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Beachside lunch and boardgames for Sydney veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:47:40 +0000

A beachside games afternoon for war widows, defence and veteran families

Notice: Activity has been cancelled.

To find more activities near you, please visit: https://familiesofveterans.org.au/defence-families-wellbeing-events/

Beachside lunch and boardgames

Join us at Coffee in the Park in Dolls Point for a relaxed afternoon at the beach, with plenty of chances to have fun, connect, and enjoy some friendly competition. We’ll have a range of games to choose from, including UNO, card games, Guess the Brand, Categories, Quiddler, Imposter, and Pass the Pigs. Lunch is part of the day too, so there’s time to sit back, share a meal, and spend time together in a casual beachside setting.

Lunch and games are provided, and there is no cost to attend. Children are welcome with adult supervision. One thing to note: beach tables can’t be guaranteed and, where available, don’t have back support — so the group may need to sit on picnic blankets on the grass, or you’re welcome to bring your own chair.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do an activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

Closed.

Registration is essential, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Trivia night for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:41:07 +0000

Online Trivia session for war widows, defence and veteran families

How’s your general knowledge? Join us online for a night of questions and a bit of friendly rivalry. This online wellbeing activity is a trivia night for all ages, played from the comfort of home. On Friday 20 November 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our trivia night for an easy, fun evening in.

You’re free to join in on your own, with a friend or with your family beside you and enjoy time with others with a chance to win a $20 Coles voucher!

Trivia night

Join us online via Zoom for a one-hour interactive trivia session hosted on Kahoot. The questions cover a mix of movies, animals, fun facts, and general knowledge, so everyone can get involved — no trivia experience needed. There’s a $20 Coles gift card up for grabs too, posted out to the winner on the night.

To join in, you’ll need to set up a free Kahoot account beforehand. We’ll share the instructions and game PIN at the start of the session. There is no cost to attend, and children are welcome to play with adult supervision. It’s a lighthearted way to spend an evening together and have a bit of fun as a family.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I enjoyed connecting and sharing conversations with others from around the country, spending quality time with my family, and participating in a different activity.”

Event information

Location: Online (Zoom link will be emailed to you).
Date: Friday 20 November 2026.
Time: 7pm – 8pm (AEST).
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.

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September wellbeing tips for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:14:53 +0000

Sharing our latest wellbeing tips for war widows, defence and veteran families

Wellbeing often grows in the spaces where we connect — with others, with our bodies, and with the moment we’re in. It can be found in a shared story between generations, or in the courage it takes to step onto a dance floor and move to the rhythm alongside strangers. For war widows, defence and veteran families, these moments of connection and presence can offer real belonging and joy. This month’s tips, drawn from our latest Wellbeing Newsletter, explore the power of connecting across generations, and how line dancing can be a joyful, grounding form of self-care.

Connecting and supporting across generations

Having connections with peers close in age is incredibly important for physical, emotional, and mental health. But connection across generations matters just as much. Whether with family, friends, or people in the community, taking time to connect across age groups can improve wellbeing for everyone involved, offering a sense of purpose, support, and belonging.

Older generations can share stories, life experiences, and wisdom. Younger generations bring energy, new skills, and fresh perspectives. Together, these exchanges can help people navigate life’s challenges, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and strengthen resilience. Research shows that loneliness and isolation take a real toll on psychological and physical health, so these relationships can help buffer against those effects. This is particularly relevant for the veteran community whether talking to family or others from the veteran community. Generations that have lived through and experienced defence life and challenges can provide support, understanding, guidance and feelings of connection that is hard to find within the wider community.

Ideas to start building bonds

Here are some simple and achievable ideas to start building relationships across generations:

Looking through old and new photographs together
Sharing stories and experiences from both sides of the age spectrum
Learning new skills from each other, such as technology, crafts, or cooking
Attending community events and activities together
Scheduling regular phone or video calls, or catch-ups
Sharing common interests and passions

Connection doesn’t have to look the same for everyone — what works will depend on the individual and the relationship. Even small moments can make a meaningful, lasting difference. Every conversation, shared story, and act of togetherness helps strengthen bonds between generations. By making time to connect, we can build a strong sense of belonging, support, and wellbeing for years to come.

This month, try reaching out to a family member or someone in your community, and spend time doing an activity or sharing stories and skills. You may be surprised by what you can learn from each other.

The benefits of line dancing

Line dancing is a simple, joyful form of self-care that invites people of all ages to mindfully move, connect, and be present in the moment together. As you listen to the music and follow the sequences moving in time with those around you, your attention shifts away from thinking and into feeling as your body and breath match the rhythm of the music. The repeated steps become grounding, helping you to focus on the moment and let go of the day.

Joining a dance group asks you to be vulnerable as you take those first awkward steps not knowing the moves, laughing at missed turns, or allowing yourselves to be seen. This is all a natural part of learning.

Vulnerability, belonging, and the brave space

Brene Brown’s research into emotions highlights vulnerability as central to meaningful human experiences and reminds us that brave spaces help people show up more fully. Line dancing does not require a partner, perfection, or previous experience. Everyone faces the same direction, learns together, and moves as part of a shared rhythm.

There is comfort in being one person in a line, and confidence in realising that mistakes are part of the dance. This creates a sense of belonging without pressure to perform. For children, adults and older people alike, line dancing can support confidence, playfulness, emotional wellbeing, and social connection. It reminds you that self-care does not always need to be quiet or solitary. Sometimes, self-care looks like music, movement, laughter and the courage to step onto the floor, just as you are.

If you are interested in giving line dancing a try, check out your local pub what’s on page, local council community centre, and line dancing social media pages.

To find out the latest wellbeing tips or find a free wellbeing activity, please subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter.

You can also find all of our wellbeing tips, practical information sheets and guides to support you and your family’s wellbeing, visit our Resource Hub today.

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Nature connection walk for Canberra veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 01:57:45 +0000

Reconnect in nature: wellbeing walk for war widows, defence and veteran families

Slow right down and reconnect — with nature, and with yourself. This wellbeing activity is a gentle, guided walk through the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, designed to help you feel present and at ease. On Friday 30 October 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our nature connection walk for a calm, mindful morning in the bush.

Nature connection walk

Join us at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary for a 90-minute guided nature connection walk — a gentle, sensory-based experience designed to help you reconnect with nature and yourself. Nature and forest therapy guide Sarah Murray-Boyd will lead you through techniques such as mindful breathing, sensory awareness, grounding, and silent observation to encourage relaxation, presence, and reflection.

There is no cost to attend. Because this is a quiet, mindful activity, it isn’t suited to young children, though infants and babies are welcome. After the walk, you’re warmly invited to keep the conversation going at Wildbark Café, where coffee is available to purchase at your own expense.

Previous attendees of wellbeing activities said “I enjoyed spending time outdoors, exploring somewhere new, getting fresh air and gentle exercise, and connecting with others who understand my lifestyle and experiences.”

Event information

Location: Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, 25 Rosenberg St, Throsby ACT 2914.
Date: Friday 30 October 2026.
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm.
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.

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