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One of our objectives is to promote health and welfare matters to members.
We achieve this through our Welfare Sub-committee, of the Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA) qualified pension and welfare officers, that have the responsibility to:

• Identify appropriate health and wellbeing articles from authoritative sources and publish them in the Association’s Newsletter and website,

• Provide a welfare referral service to the appropriate DVA and ESO support agencies. Our welfare support officers are not required to give “expert” advice but are required to have a thorough knowledge of the existing Federal, State and community services, RSL, Legacy, etc, welfare networks so that they can refer an enquirer to the most appropriate source, and

• Maintain a “care watch” over reported sick members and their families. If you need some welfare guidance, contact our Welfare Officer 'Ross Langford' 07 3261 7830 rosslangford@optusnet.com.au , and he can refer you to a qualified advocate. Going into Hospital? He may be able to visit you and/or advise others you would want to know.

DVA is the major source for providing veterans with health and wellbeing information and encouragement for them to take responsibility for their own health, make lifestyle changes and consider healthy choices to improve the quality of their lives and so enjoy ageing as a positive experience.

Its web site www.dva.gov.au gives access to a wide range of health education subjects and programs, presented in a style that is very easy to read and understand.

Health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing is a concern of all DVA clients. The following provide advice, reference material and links to further information.

Physical health

Mental wellbeing

Caring Counselling (VVCS)

Self management

Physical & social activities

Health programs

Health publications

Health research

Health related websites

Details here

Mental Health

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has a website dedicated to maximising mental health. Targeting veterans, their partners, carers, sons and daughters, and current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, http://www.at-ease.dva.gov.au enables the user to find:

* Information on common mental health conditions, as well as information that takes into account the uniqueness of the veteran experience;

* Services that are available to help cope with a mental illness;

* DVA mental health news and event information; and

* Links to other mental health resources.

Alcohol

Your health & alcohol ... find the right mix.

“There is an estimated 12,300 Australian veterans with drug or alcohol dependence or abuse, and alcohol has been a major contributor to both mental and physical health problems in the veteran community.” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.

* Assess how alcohol affects you.

* Calculate weekly alcohol intake.

* Low risk drinking

* Risk factors

Details here

Suicide

As part of its election commitment, the Australian Government committed to conduct a study to examine the broad issue of suicide in the ex-service community, including a number of specific cases of suicide over the past three years, to help identify the following:

* ex-service members who are at increased risk of self harm

* common contributing factors among ex-service members who have committed or attempted suicide

* the extent of suicide in the ex-service community

* lifestyle or other factors that may be contributing to suicide in the ex-service community

* recommended administrative reforms or initiatives to help combat suicide in the ex-service community.

The Government appointed Professor David Dunt to undertake the study.

Details here

Last Updated: 8 February 2010