Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA088
Friday, 9 October 2009
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VETERAN COMMUNITY
On the eve of World Mental Health Day, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, has encouraged members of
the veteran community to seek appropriate help for mental health issues.
Mr Griffin said the VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service provided counselling and group
programs to Australian veterans, peacekeepers, their families and eligible Australian Defence Force (ADF)
personnel.
"Some veterans and their family members experience mental health problems as a result of their Service. I urge
any veteran or veterans’ family member who wants more information about improving their mental health to contact
the VVCS on 1800 011 046,” Mr Griffin said.
“Even if you are dealing with my Department on compensation or other matters, don’t wait to address your mental
health issues. VVCS is a free, confidential and responsive service that can provide you with the support you need
when you need it most.”
Mr Griffin said World Mental Health Day provided an opportunity to reach out, not only to veterans, but also to
widows, wives, partners, children and mates.
“Almost 50,000 veterans have a mental health disability, so I understand that the treatment of illnesses such as
PTSD and related conditions is very close to the hearts of those in the ex-service community.”
Mr Griffin said the Government was doing more now to assist veterans and transitioning ADF members with mental
health-related problems, than ever before in the history of Australia’s participation in conflicts and peace
operations.
“In addition to the $145 million spent on veteran’s mental health annually, the Government has allocated
$92 million over four years to better meet the mental health needs of veterans and current and former serving
members of the ADF, including $9.5m to my Department to implement recommendations from Professor Dunt’s
Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-service community,” Mr Griffin said.
Other initiatives include $5.5 million for the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health to develop ADF and
veteran-specific mental health initiatives, more free Operation Life suicide prevention workshops for people who
are concerned about family, friends, mates or others in the veteran and ex-service community. The At Ease
website (www.at-ease.dva.gov.au) also provides veteran-specific information on common mental health conditions
such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance misuse, and links to mental
health services and other resources.
“These programs demonstrate the Government’s commitment to mental health awareness and treatment across
the veteran community. However, there is always be more that can be done, and we will continue to do more.”
World Mental Health Day raises public awareness about mental health issues. The Day promotes more open
discussion of illnesses, and investments in prevention and treatment services. For more information, visit
www.wfmh.org. Tomorrow (Saturday) is also National PTSD Awareness Day and Mr Griffin will speak at King’s
Park (near the Carillion), Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, from 1.50pm.
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
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