News

Holiday Support: Open Arms Peers

For many, the holiday season is a time to look forward to, as a time to relax with family and friends. For others, this time of year can be lonely and stressful. This can be especially true for some in the veteran community, for whom the pressures of deployment, transition, or missing a loved one can lead to significant mental distress.

Support is available throughout the 2022 Holiday Season

For many people, the holidays are a wonderful time of year, filled with festive celebration and time spent with family and friends. As exciting as this can be, we recognise that for some it can be a lonely and stressful time.

Two males and a woman. One of the males is cutting the ribbon.

Veteran and Family Counselling Centre officially opens in Melbourne

The Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence, Matt Thistlethwaite, officially opened the Open Arms office in the Melbourne CBD on Friday 18 November, giving veterans and families’ updated facilities including private counselling suites and spaces for peer support sessions, group programs and workshops.

Meet Leonie Nowland, National Manager of Open Arms

Being in a position to help veterans and families who may be in similar situations to what I experienced is one of the reasons I was thrilled to join VVCS, now Open Arms in 2007. To be National Manager of Open Arms is the pinnacle of my career.

Australian PTSD research creates new world-class therapy

The Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery (RESTORE) Trial investigated a new method of delivering PTSD treatment through an intensive form of exposure therapy delivered within a two-week period.

Celebrating 40 years

‘Today’s celebration is an opportunity for us to reflect on the achievements of the Vietnam veterans who founded the service, and celebrate a service that continues to evolve to meet the needs of veterans and their families,’ said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.

Support services

Serving and ex-serving personnel Veterans and their families have access to a range of support options from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Department of Defence. Ex-Service Organisations (ESO) also provide a critical role in supporting our people and their families.

Open Arms into ARRTS

"The program has done wonders for me in the short-term and I know it's going to do wonders for me in the long term as well. I'd recommend it to anyone"