The Top Ender Magazine December January 2021 Edition

Support | DVA
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Looking after
yourself and
others over
Christmas
Christmas is a time of bonding with friends and family
and creating memories. For most, this time of year
brings joy, although, we understand it can be a tough time
for others. Especially if you are away from family and loved
ones. This year has been an unpredictable and testing time
with bushfires, floods and COVID-19. All of Australia’s first
responders have been working hard to ensure the safety of
the population. To all the Australian Defence Force members
who have assisted with these events – we thank you
for your service.
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that as a nation we
a resilient and adaptable. Finding new ways to connect with
others socially and emotionally without physically seeing
each other. It is important that you look after your mental
health during the Christmas period, maintaining contact with
family and friends. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help
you stay positive and always reach out for support when you
need
Give a mate a call or message
them to let them know your
thinking of them
it. Look
out for
your
friends,
neighbours
and colleagues. Give a mate a call or a message to let them
know you are thinking of them. All veterans can access free
mental health care and Open Arms is available 24 hours a
day 7 days a week for veterans and their families.
Families play a critical role in supporting current and
former ADF members, it is vital that they are supported as
well. In addition to Open Arms services, DVA and Phoenix
Australia have developed a series of booklets which can
be a useful resource to assist loved ones in understanding
trauma. The series is called “Coping with trauma in a
military family”. The series includes 5 booklets specifically
designed to assist children, teenagers, parents and partners
of loved ones. You can download the books though
the Open Arms website (https://www.openarms.gov.au/
resources/publications/mental-health-booklets).
If you are posting out of the Territory in 2020, we encourage
you to get in contact with your local veteran or defence
family community group in your new town. DVA is accessible
in most major towns with Veteran Support Officers
located on more than 50 bases around Australia. If you
would like to book an appointment on base you can email
VSO@dva.gov.au or contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800
838 372).
From everyone in the Darwin DVA team, we would like
to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The
DVA office will be closed over the Christmas period from
the 25th of December to the 3rd of January. Although some
services will be reduced during this period, we understand
it is crucial that the veteran community still have support.
Contact 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) for further information.
Jacqueline Cleghorn
Community Support Advisor | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
26 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated