Open Arms program puts Annette back in control of her life

Being in a room with the partners and spouses of veterans was a turning point for ADF widow Annette who now feels back in control of her life. 
She says she felt an instant kinship with her fellow participants which continued throughout the 8-week Open Arms Building Strong Partnerships Families Program.
‘Even though I didn’t have my husband, it was like being around family, we’d all been through the same things and had all experienced the same issues as a result of service,’ she said. 
‘The program takes you back to the basics and makes you realise that only you can make positive changes in your life when it comes to relationships with your family and friends, or, in a work situation.
‘I feel that I have got my confidence back and am now able to stand up for myself more, in a polite way.’
She recommends to anyone thinking of joining the program to go in with an open mind. 
‘You have to realise that you are part of the problem and when you start opening up, you feel so much better,’ she said. 
The Building Strong Partnerships Families Program is open to partners of veterans. 
To express your interest in the program, telephone (03) 6221 6777 or email: OPENARMS.TASMANIA@dva.gov.au
We are here 365 days of the year to provide free military-aware and trauma informed care to veterans, current serving ADF personnel and their immediate families. 
Call us 24/7 - ☎️ 1800 011 046