Crafting, writing and reflecting through our wellbeing activities
Finding moments of calm and creativity can be challenging, especially for those navigating life after service. That’s why our Wellbeing Program is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for war widows, defence families, and veteran communities. From hands-on crafts to reflective writing sessions, these activities are designed to foster connection, spark imagination, and provide a supportive space to share stories. Whether online or in person, each gathering offers an opportunity to slow down, engage with others, and nurture emotional wellbeing.
In this post, we cover activities that we hosted in the recent months that encouraged defence and veteran families to relax and get crafty with some more hands-on activities. With the festive season coming up, more creative and supportive activities are being held, so don’t miss a thing by subscribing to our Wellbeing Newsletter to be notified for upcoming activities in your area.
Christmas card writing
This November, war widows came together for a day of Christmas card writing, able to write hundreds of Christmas cards for war widows. Thoughtful words were penned to war widows through Australia, ready to soon be sent for Christmas time, spreading love and care during what can be a challenging time of year for the defence and veteran community. There is something so special about war widows writing comforting Christmas wishes to other war widows, letting this community know they’re all thinking of one another this end of year. Members were able to share stories and laughs whilst working together to deliver hundreds of written cards in under four hours. “This has been something I have really enjoyed for the past 8 Christmases as a Friendship Line Volunteer”, said one of the attendees.
Watercolour painting, clay crafts and sun catchers
In October, war widows and families of veterans came together online on a warm spring evening for intentional self-care through watercolour painting. Attendees were encouraged to move intuitively with paint and brush, exploring creativity and curiosity. As stories were shared, each attendee was able to have creative freedom to paint their own work, from fruits to scenery to intricate patterns, each artwork was distinctly unique to them.
War widows, defence and veteran families gathered at Solid Rock Defence Ministry for a clay art session focused on creativity, reflection, and self-care. Participants were guided on shaping and moulding clay with intention, allowing their hands and minds to slow down. Conversations and laughter flowed over afternoon tea, then all participants were able to return home with their clay creations to remember the day and their creativity.
Nearing the end of October, defence and veteran families gathered online for an evening of creating colourful sun catchers featuring kookaburra and wattle designs, symbols of our Guild. As beads were carefully placed into frames, participants reflected on patience and adaptability, learning to embrace imperfections and create something beautiful together. After lots of conversations and precision in their crafts, attendees finished the activity with beautiful sun catchers to hang by the window and reflect the sun of the upcoming summer days.
Gem art for RU OK Day
RU OK Day is such a vital day for mental health awareness, which is why war widows and families of veterans joined us for an evening of gem art and conversation to mark this day. This session highlighted the importance of mental health conversations within the defence and veteran community, where trauma and loss are deeply felt. While engaging in fun craft, participants explored themes of connection and resilience in a safe and supportive space, ending the day with memorable conversations and a sparkling gem art piece.
Writing through grief
Across multiple sessions in recent months, war widows and families of veterans came together for the creative writing workshops centred on exploring grief. Participants were invited to externalise their experiences through storytelling, engaging with themes of memory, identity and resilience. These sessions continue to provide a safe space for vulnerability and healing, helping attendees revisit and make sense of pain, rebuild inner strength, and connect through shared stories. Check out our upcoming writing through grief online.
These activities are just some of the variety of activities available through our Wellbeing Program. If you missed out or are looking for other ways to get involved, stay tuned for upcoming activities designed to support and connect war widows, defence and veteran families of all kinds. Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
