News

2021 Open Arms Holiday Message

This year has been challenging for many of us, and especially for some in our veteran community. On top of personal challenges, the release of the Brereton Report, announcement of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and COVID-19 have left many in the veteran community unsettled.

Open Arms and Veterans Sport Australia Parkrun partnership

Open Arms is excited to announce that it has once again partnered with Veterans Sport Australia to hold our Parkrun and ‘not a parkrun’ events for 2021 Veterans’ Health Week, October 16-24.

Homelessness and how to find support

For Homelessness Week (1-7 August 2021), learn about the risk factors of homelessness in the veteran community, and where to find support for current and former ADF personnel and their families.

International Day of Friendship

As we celebrate International Day of Friendship on 30 July, Open Arms acknowledges the important role friends play in supporting our health and wellbeing.

Take Your Dog To Work Day

We asked some of our peer workers to let us know which pet they would choose to bring to work with them and why.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an international educational workshop to help people respond to suicide signals.

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week runs from 17-23 May in celebration of Australia’s nearly six million volunteers. Open Arms recognises the significant contribution made to volunteering by current and ex-serving ADF members and their families.

Reconnecting after deployment or absence

Life in the military can include time apart from family and friends due to deployment, training or commitments such as Reserve duties. Serving members might experience living in different locations and having new experiences, some of which can be exciting but may also be difficult, or even traumatic.