Mates4Mates is calling on Australians to help combat the wide-spread mental health issues and injuries faced by veterans across Australia, by supporting this year’s National Appeal Day on Thursday 5 November 2020.
Funds raised on National Appeal Day will go towards the roll out of more than 50 face-to-face and online programs in 2021, each providing veterans and their families with vital support and new skills to help manage the challenges they face.
Anxiety, depression, trauma, persistent pain, relationships, and addiction will be some of the topics covered in the workshops which will range from 90-minute sessions to 12-week programs, all designed to ultimately reduce the risk of more complex health issues and suicide.
Mates4Mates CEO Troy Watson said some veterans still lacked access to comprehensive rehabilitation and support services, resulting in isolation and complex mental health issues.
“Research shows that among veterans, mental health issues are significantly higher than the general Australian community,” Mr Watson said.
“Even self-reported levels of high to very high psychological distress is almost three times higher among veterans, than the Australian community.
“With the challenges from COVID-19, mental health issues and isolation have only increased.
“We urgently need to deliver more targeted services to ultimately help prevent more suicides and give our veterans hope, and we know that our new suite of workshops will make a difference.
“But we can’t do it alone. As a charity, we rely on the support of the community and our partners to provide ongoing services.”
Mates4Mates provides support and rehabilitation services for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have physical or mental service-related injuries, and their families.
“We currently support over 5000 veterans and family members and each year provide thousands of psychology appointments and physical rehabilitation sessions, and essential wellbeing and social connection activities,” Mr Watson said.
“Please, donate today so that we can help more veterans tomorrow.”
As well as donations from the community, Mates4Mates’ corporate and community partners have pledged to double the funds raised one National Appeal Day, in a commitment to ensuring the organisation reaches its goal of raising $100,000.