Inspector-General Australian Defence Force (IGADF) Afghanistan Inquiry

At Open Arms we care about the health and wellbeing of all veterans and their family members, no matter when or where they served.

We understand the release of the IGADF Report is proving especially difficult for some and assure you that we are committed to ensuring you have the right support available to you when you need it. 

You have access to a range of support options including face to face counselling, telephone or video counselling and peer support. We also offer Self-help tools designed to help any member of the veteran community manage stress and build resilience.

You can also call Safe Zone Support on 1800 142 072. This is a free and anonymous counselling line for current serving ADF personnel, veterans and their families. This service is available 24/7 and provides access to specialised counsellors with an understanding of military culture and experience. The service offers support without the need for individuals to identify themselves or be concerned that their call will be recorded.

You may also like to visit the DVA Welfare support services webpage for information on further supports including medical, legal, pastoral care and social work.

Mental health and wellbeing support for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel and their families

Who we help

  • current serving

    Current serving

    Open Arms can help you build resilience, and enhance your mental health and wellbeing.
  • ex serving rob

    Ex-serving

    Open Arms can help you work through mental health and wellbeing issues after you’ve left the service.
  • family picnic

    Family

    Open Arms offers counselling support for veterans and their families to help build strong and healthy relationships.

Signs and symptoms

There are a range of warning signs to look out for that may be prevent you from being your best. If you are feeling down or anxious, or worried about what you are doing - there are things you can do, and support is available.

Get support

  • Counselling

    Open Arms can provide individual, couple and family counselling to help improve your resilience, as well as enhance your mental health and wellbeing. Call 1800 011 046 for free and confidential 24/7 support.

  • Treatment programs and workshops

    Open Arms offers group treatment programs and educational workshops, relationship retreats, and suicide prevention workshops.

  • Eligibility

    If you have served in the ADF, you, your partner and your children can access support through Open Arms.

  • Confidentiality and privacy

    Open Arms offers free and confidential counselling, and in some circumstances working with the DVA or ADF.

News

  • Budget card

    Open Arms set to expand with $5 million budget boost

    The Australian Government has allocated $5.0 million in this year’s budget to expand Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling mental health and suicide prevention services.
  • Coffee chat

    Protecting our protectors

    National Manager of Open Arms, Dr Stephanie Hodson spoke with Kim Borrowdale from LivingWorks recently about some common challenges in the defence and military communities, and protecting veterans from suicide.
  • Online programs

    Introductory group workshops online

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have introduced online workshop options for conditions including anxiety, anger, sleep, pain management and trauma.

Open Arms for health professionals

Open Arms provides training and support to all our counsellors, to enable the ongoing delivery of high quality mental health assessment and clinical counselling for Australian veterans and their families