Today marks the launch of Shoulder to Shoulder, a new online community co-designed with veterans and veteran families to support the mental health of their fellow veterans, partners, families and loved ones.
The transition from military to civilian life can have a range of impacts including unemployment, financial instability, relationship problems and social isolation - all of which can impact mental health and wellbeing.
Delivered by SANE Australia with funding from Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, the free, national service is overseen by professional moderators and will provide veterans, their partners, and families with access to critical mental health support and resources at any time of day or night, and from any internet enabled device.
Veterans have significantly higher rates of poor mental health and suicide, with an estimated 46.5% of veterans diagnosed with a mental illness. As outlined in the recent Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide, new options for support are desperately needed
Under the guidance of specially trained SANE moderators, Shoulder to Shoulder community members are encouraged to participate in anonymous, peer-based conversations that explore their challenges and the strategies that have positively influenced their lives.
Shoulder to Shoulder also acts as a central hub for practical, evidence-based resources and pathways to other services as required.
According to SANE CEO Rachel Green, Shoulder to Shoulder is designed to extend existing mental health options by enabling this diverse community to access peer support at their own pace and on their own terms.
"We are honoured to deliver two purpose-built spaces within our SANE Digital Recovery Community – One to meet the unique support needs of those who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and one designed to support the partners and families that are also impacted.'
'Shoulder to Shoulder aims to break down the stigma and self-reliance that can hold veterans and their families back from seeking help and supports them to address the psychosocial issues impacting their mental health and wellbeing.'
'Ultimately we aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where this community feels connected, understood, and empowered to both ask for help and help others.'
Shoulder to Shoulder is delivered by SANE Australia and funded by Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling. This initiative was designed with support from subject matter experts at Phoenix Australia and in collaboration with the veteran community.
