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Compassion, resilience and support
The past year has presented many challenges for our veteran community—leaving some feeling anxious and unsure about what this new year will bring. -
Safe Zone Support
It takes courage to reach out for support, and sometimes it is easier to do this anonymously. Through Safe Zone Support (1800 142 072), specialised counsellors with an understanding of the military culture and experience, can offer you care without needing to know who you are. -
#Check5
#Check5 We encourage all veterans and their family members to square away their mental health and check in with 5 people in their lives. Connect with them, yarn with them and motivate them to act.
Mental health and wellbeing support for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel and their families
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Current serving
Open Arms can help you build resilience, and enhance your mental health and wellbeing. -
Ex-serving
Open Arms can help you work through mental health and wellbeing issues after you’ve left the service. -
Family
Open Arms counselling is available to family members of current and ex-serving ADF personnel, including partners and both younger and adult children. Where there has been a death of a service person, parents and siblings can also access our service.
Signs and symptoms
There are a range of warning signs to look out for that may 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.
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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.
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#Check5 and other difficult conversations
When someone you care about is going through a rough patch, it can be hard to know what to do or say. We’ve been encouraging people to check in with five mates, but not everyone finds it easy to talk. Luckily, there are resources and strategies available to help you talk to and care for a loved one. -
What 'square away' means to Kris
‘Square Away’ is a familiar term to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and for many it remains meaningful when they return to civilian life. Army veteran Kris explains what it means to him. -
What 'square away' means to Kate
‘Square Away’ is a familiar term to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and for many it remains meaningful when they return to civilian life. As the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and spouse of an army veteran, Kate explains what it means to her.
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