Sign up for new online Stepping Out Program

Anyone who has lived the Defence life knows that teamwork is what gets you and your mates over the line, especially during tough times. 

That’s why for the first time, Open Arms is offering veterans and current serving ADF personnel and their partners online access to its free 2-day Stepping Out group program.

In addition, a new 2-hour online introductory program is also available to those who are keen to know more about the benefits of enrolling in the full 2-day program.  

Stepping Out offers support to help participants to better understand a number of key issues relating to the transition from military to civilian life. These include wellbeing as well as personal and social adjustment. 

It is open to those who are planning on, or will be separating from the ADF, as well as veterans who have already left the ADF, regardless of their location and with no time limits on eligibility to join.

Australian Army Veteran and Open Arms Lived Experience Professional Craig, who co-facilitates Stepping Out with mental health clinicians in Queensland, says the new Online Transition Support Program is designed to increase access and encourage support networks around Australia. 

‘We understand that not everyone can take time off work to physically attend a 2-day face-to-face program,’ he explained.

‘We still offer those options to those who can – but wanted to provide more clients with the opportunity to access the program regardless of their location’. 

Craig said that like all of the voluntary group programs offered by Open Arms, Stepping Out focuses on working together as a group because that’s what the military does really well.

‘We’ve all had similar experiences so it is natural for us to bounce off each other as a group and to support one another at the same time,’ he said.

‘Also, the group dynamic can be really helpful. Participants have reported the sharing of experiences in a safe group setting to be one of the best things, as they meet others with similar and vastly different experiences, and gain practical skills and knowledge to help them move through their transition journey.

‘And they can also pick up new ways of doing things. It doesn’t matter what age you are, your experiences to date, or how far along in your transition journey you are, you never stop learning.’  

Stepping Out is part of a suite of Open Arms group programs which includes Managing Anger, Understanding Anxiety, Recovery from Trauma, Relaxation and Stress Management, Managing Pain, Building Better Relationships and Sleeping Better. 

To register for these programs visit https://www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/treatment-programs-and-workshops or telephone Open Arms on 1800 011 046.