#Check5 We encourage all veterans and their family members to square away their mental health and check in with 5 people in their lives this Anzac Day.
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We’ve seen an increased focus on maintaining mental health and wellbeing across the community, and people are recognising the power of connection. Connection, when supported with the knowledge of how to check in with others, is a powerful tool in the prevention of suicide.
We encourage all veterans and their family members to check in with 5 people in their lives. We are asking the veteran community to:
Educate themselves: learn how to connect and have difficult conversations
Take action: engage your network to provide support over the holiday period, through accepting the challenge to check in with five mates and challenging them to do the same.
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Plan to connect
There are a range of way for us to connect with each other, take time to:
Write: This could be a text or an email to a mate. A simple message can be:
- Hey mate, how are you doing today?
- Hey mate, how have you been? Would you like to catch up for a walk?
- Hey mate, do you have anything planned this weekend? We have a spare seat at our table for dinner if you’re free?
Call: We all like to hear a friend’s voice or see their face. After this year in particular there are a range of methods to do so, that we have become experts in, such as Facetime, Zoom and Skype.
Visit: Sometimes it is easier to connect through activity. Consider a BBQ or a walk – something that gets you moving and can create a good opportunity to reach out to someone in a casual and comfortable situation.
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Difficult conversations
Sometimes when we connect we will find that a friend is struggling. It is important to remember that when this happens, sometimes all they need is someone to talk to and an ear to listen.
To prepare for difficult conversations, remember there is a range of resources and support available for you and the person you are helping.
Open Arms also provides free access to the LivingWorks Start program, a one hour online program that teaches participants how to recognise when someone is thinking about suicide and how to connect them to help and support.
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STARTGet started learning suicide prevention skills. In just one hour, learn a powerful four-step model to keep someone safe from suicide.
You can register online and then you will be sent email instructions to begin the training.
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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. -
Compassion, resilience and support
The past year has presented many challenges for our veteran community—leaving some feeling anxious and unsure about what this year will bring.
#Check5 by Open Arms is supported by, but unrelated to Check5 Wellbeing and Performance