Mental health is the key focus for the current round of the Federal Government’s ‘Supporting Younger Veterans Grant Program’.
The Program aims to support younger veterans and their families as they leave the Australian Defence Force and transition into civilian life.
It’s widely recognised that veterans often experience difficulty adjusting to normal life once they return home from combat related duties, and it can be a strain on their family to support and understand that adjustment. Clearly this can have an adverse affect on the mental health of all involved.
The grant offers $1 million for local projects run by ex-Service organisations and services that work towards reducing the incidence of poor mental health.
The prioritisation of mental health programs and services has been a growing focus for the Department of Veterans affairs since the early 2000s.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the grant would meet the needs of the younger veterans and recognise their place in the community.
“This funding encourages partnerships with ex-Service organisations and recognises the important role they, and community groups, can play in delivering local solutions to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the ex-Service community.”
It is expected that the Program will have particular success at the Amberley RAAF base, which is home to more than 5000 defence personnel and their families. While the Base already offers several programs to encourage a diverse civilian and working defence co-opt life, this new program is the only one especially designed for younger veterans.
Organisations that are successful in their application for funding will need to provide a detailed follow up report to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) explaining how the projects went in helping the younger veterans and their families.
The grant applications are now open and will close on 1 October 2019.
Further information about the program and how to apply is available via the Department Veterans Affairs website.
(Defence)
