SUPPORT for the mental health needs of younger veterans has today received a boost with more than $1 million in grants or eight projects which will be delivered by ex-service organisations (ESOs) and other veteran community organisations.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said the latest round of the Supporting Younger Veterans grants has provided funding to projects that support the development of well-researched and tailored services and programs for younger veterans who may be at risk of experiencing poor mental health.
"The Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and it's important that we work with the veteran and ex-service community to ensure support is provided to veterans and their families at grassroots level, when and where they need it," Mr Chester said.
"These projects include employment, education, recreational, sports, social connectedness and digital supports-all great initiatives offering real support to veterans.
"Congratulations to all of the successful applicants and thank you to all who have applied and continue to support this important program."
DVA recognises the potential impact coronavirus may have on recipients completing their projects with social distancing and other public health measures in place across the country.
The grants offer will be available for the initial 12-month period, however if the organisation requires more time to complete their project due to coronavirus, DVA will consider extending the length of the agreement on a case-by-case basis.
This flexibility will ensure all of the successful organisations can deliver their projects within a reasonable timeframe and continue to deliver great support their local veteran community.
A full list of successful applicants is below.
| Recipient | Funding Description | Amount | Service Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Returned and Services League of Australia, Woden Valley Sub-Branch Inc. | To facilitate the 'Group Emotional and Relationship Skills' (GEARS) Program to offer a skills-based intervention for members of the younger veteran community in Canberra experiencing mental health problems. | $25,000.00 | ACT NSW |
| Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group | To provide a tailored surf therapy program that will assist younger veterans with mental health issues. | $280,686.00 | NSW |
| ServULink Pty Ltd | To enable all veterans and their families to identify, navigate, connect with and access existing services including mental health, support and community events across Australia through the development of an application based service that will create virtual partnerships across relevant existing ESO providers. | $117,360.00 | NATIONAL |
| Australian Catholic University Limited | To create a tertiary credit mapping framework that will improve access to post-service tertiary education and so improve employment prospects and mental and physical health outcomes for Australian Defence Force (ADF) Veterans. | $240,632.07 | NSW QLD VIC |
| The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) | To develop a toolkit in conjunction with Clinical Psychologists and mental health professionals experienced in veteran mental health issues, to encourage veterans' involvement in the supportive sporting community. | $59,176.43 | NATIONAL |
| Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Limited | To encourage younger veterans to 'share their story' through a 'Younger Service Voices' (YSV) radio and podcast series featuring interviews with younger veterans who have transitioned into civilian life. YSV will raise awareness of the issues faced by younger veterans such as suicide prevention, transitions, employment, family support, health and homelessness. | $36,335.00 | NATIONAL |
| STEPS Group Australia Limited | To run a 9-month Pilot to secure sustainable jobs for up to 25 younger veterans at risk of experiencing poor mental health. | $103,452.84 | QLD |
| Mates4Mates Limited | To provide equine-assisted therapy programs to at-risk veterans and their partners. | $138,357.66 | NSW QLD NT |
