Wellbeing support for veteran and defence families

Wellbeing services for veteran families and war widows

Veteran and defence family life can bring unique pressures, particularly during times of transition, illness, injury or loss. Families of Veterans Guild provides wellbeing services that support war widows, defence and veteran families to navigate these challenges, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and stay connected throughout every stage of life.

Our wellbeing support is inclusive, flexible and grounded in lived experience. We offer a range of support for all families including partners, children and widows, focusing on emotional wellbeing, peer connection, education and practical guidance. Services are delivered in safe and respectful environments and are designed to meet people where they are, recognising that no two families share the same experience of defence life.

Our support includes opportunities for connection with others who understand the impacts of service, wellbeing activities that build confidence and coping skills, and access to information and education to help families navigate change, uncertainty and everyday challenges. These services aim to reduce isolation, strengthen relationships and support families to feel informed, connected and supported.

When you need extra guidance, our trauma-informed social work team offers information, referrals and supported service navigation, with regular wellbeing calls to help you access the right support at the right time.

You do not need to be a financial member to access our services. Our services are free and available nationally to all defence and veteran families.

Wellbeing activities

With multiple transitions and adjustments due to defence 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.

War Widows Social Clubs

We know that we’re stronger together. That’s why a fundamental part of what we do at Families of Veterans Guild is provide opportunities for war widows to come together through our guild and social clubs. These get-togethers are a safe space for our members to make new connections, build friendships and feel seen, heard and valued by people who share similar experiences.

For more information on venues and times, contact our office on (02) 9267 6577 or email warwidows@fov.org.au. You can also search for your local Families of Veterans Guild club here.

Resource hub & webinars

Our Resource Hub is the first place to look for clear, practical information that supports war widows, defence and veteran families. It allows families to access information sheets, guides, articles, videos and recorded webinars, so they can find what they need, when they need it.

Topics range from entitlements and wellbeing tips to technology support and community services, with new materials added regularly. If online access is difficult, we can provide printed copies on request.

Our Resource Hub is a single, easy‑to‑use library that helps families navigate complex systems, build confidence and stay informed.

Wellbeing Newsletter

Do you wish to keep up to date with the latest activities and news that can improve your wellbeing? Do you want some more information about self care and general wellbeing?

If so, our Wellbeing Newsletter is a perfect read for you. Read our latest newsletter here and subscribe to our monthly newsletter today!

Online community

The wellbeing support for defence and veteran families Facebook group is a closed online community for war widows, defence and veteran families. It’s a safe place to find peers nearby or where you are about to move to, ask practical questions and advice, share experiences and stay informed.

Moderated by our team, posts include wellbeing information, education, webinar links and details of upcoming activities in Canberra, Sydney and online.

The group is not counselling; it focuses on social connection, peer support and self‑care. Families join to build networks, learn from lived experience and access updates in one trusted place.

Friendship Line

Our Friendship Line offers a regular friendly call for war widows who are isolated or simply want company.

Volunteers, who are widows themselves, make a monthly check‑in call or birthday calls for those over 90. Each call connect a widow with another widow who understands them; they connect through their shared lived experience of service life and loss.

This is a listening service, not counselling or advice; conversations are confidential and volunteers complete police checks and privacy agreements. It’s a simple way to stay connected when distance, health or life events make things harder. Register to receive calls or letters, or put your hand up to volunteer.

For more information, to sign up or volunteer, contact our wellbeing team on (02) 9267 6577 or email warwidows@fov.org.au.

Rise together initiative

The Rise Together Initiative is a program supporting female partners, spouses and widows of current or former ADF members to build career confidence and leadership skills through the Women in Leadership Development Program.

It all started with one widow wanting to support other women whose loved one has or did serve in the ADF. This widow’s funding together with government funding has given 12 spouses access to the program this year.

Although applications for 2025 have ceased, future opportunities and initiatives like this one are to be expected in the future. Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter or join our Wellbeing Facebook Group to be the first one to hear about future initiatives.

Transport Program

Lack of transport can be a huge barrier to social connection. If you no longer drive and cannot access Public Transport, we may be able to assist via our Transport Program.

We can help you navigate support services and find the best solution for you. Through the Transport Program we can support eligible members to attend War Widows Meetings and Events.

For more information on the Transport Program, contact our team on (02) 9267 6577 or email warwidows@fov.org.au.

Social work

When life gets complex, our social work team provides trauma‑informed, practical help for war widows and veteran families across Australia. We support you in navigating entitlements and services with clear information, referrals and supported service navigation, and we stay in touch with regular wellbeing calls while the right help is put in place. This support is free and national.

If you wish to be kept up to date with our services available,

you can join our online Facebook group or subscribe to our newsletter.

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