Open Arms supports Australian Defence Force veterans through transition

Almost everything in the civilian world is different from the lifestyle and responsibilities held with the Australian Navy, Army or Air force.

Some challenges faced when transitioning to civilian life include:

• finding a new job outside defence
• integrating into a new community
• navigating a different medical system
• finding appropriate housing
• enrolling children in Australian school systems
• establishing a different and new family dynamic.

The transition from ADF to civilian life is continuous. Whether it’s three months, one year or five years after leaving the forces, challenges can emerge in new and unexpected ways.

Open Arms provides mental health and wellbeing support to anyone who has served at least one day of continuous fulltime service in the ADF and their immediate families and can help veterans though transition to civilian life. Many Open Arms counsellors have a military background and have been trained to work with veterans to help them make a successful transition into civilian life.

Open Arms offers a range of services to support veterans and their immediate families. These include:

• counselling for individuals, couples and families
• 24-hour telephone support
• care coordination for complex needs
• Lived Experience Peer support
• self-help resources
• group treatment programs.

Open Arms has updated its Stepping Out program to help ADF members and their families to successfully transition from military to civilian life to provide assistance at any stage of their journey. The program supports those who are thinking of leaving the military, are currently transitioning or veterans who have already left.

It’s important to remember that if you know someone who is struggling you don’t need to have all the answers. Being prepared to listen and letting them know where to get professional mental health support can make a big difference.

The ADF is more than a job and a way of life, it's a community. For many leaving the ADF can mean losing support networks, friends, and relationships that play an essential role in our wellbeing. Building and maintaining social connections is a key factor in a successful transition to civilian life.

If you know a veteran that’s struggling with the transition to civilian life, helping them build meaningful relationships with other people can be a powerful tool for improving their wellbeing. Having someone to share concerns with, talk with and to care for (and be cared for), all contribute to a developing a meaningful and valuable life. Building connections with other people and the broader community can provide structure and encourages future planning. This gives purpose and allows hopelessness to become hopefulness.

To find out more about Open Arms, and to access their military-aware mental health support 24/7 call 1800 011 046 or visit, openarms.gov.au