According to a recent report by RSL LifeCare, the majority of Aussies (81%) believe that veterans' families should receive further support to better assist their loved ones who have served in the military.
The research, released in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, highlights what Aussies view as key challenges faced by families supporting veterans. The top three concerns are knowing where to find assistance or who to approach (61%), knowing what support services are available (60%), and finding someone to talk to who ‘gets it’ or understands their experience (54%). Navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs claims process is also a significant challenge (52%).
The report highlights the crucial areas where support is needed, with mental health services being cited as the most vital (59%), followed by financial aid (13%), housing and accommodation assistance (13%), and education and job placement (9%) as veterans transition from military service to civilian life.
2023 marks the 105th anniversary of Remembrance Day, which recognises the signing of an Armistice and the end of the First World War. However, only half (49%) of Aussies agree that veterans’ families receive the recognition they deserve from their local community. Remembrance Day presents a significant opportunity to raise awareness of the defence community and the available support services.
David Anderson, Executive General Manager RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, said: “A veteran’s journey doesn’t finish when they return home from a deployment or discharge from service. It’s encouraging to see Australians recognising the importance of supporting veterans but also their families, who do an incredible job of supporting their loved ones with the unique challenges that come during and after service.
“The findings also show the ongoing recognition of Remembrance Day in Australians’ lives; however, as a community, we can do more in extending our support to veterans’ families as we continue to honour our veteran community for decades to come.”
Demonstrating a need for greater education and awareness, only two-fifths (41%) of Australians say that they know how to lend support to a veteran’s family member in their community. The report reveals over four in five (83%) Australians say they would support additional government funding to improve the support and services available to veterans and their families.
RSL LifeCare, with support from RSL NSW, has established four Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs that provide a holistic range of services to veterans and their families across the Nowra, Riverina, and Northern Beaches regions and in a temporary centre in Newcastle. The services provided include health and wellbeing, education, housing, social support and connection, employment support, income and financial support, and support with making claims for entitlements and subsequent advocacy where required.
RSL LifeCare has plans to increase the number of these hubs to offer vital access and support to even more veterans and their families in the future, recently winning bids to develop a business case for new hubs in Hawkesbury and Southwest Sydney Region, Maitland, Tweed-North Coast, and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare and its thousands of residents and staff will mark Remembrance Day with a series of services and commemorations planned across NSW and the ACT. Further information on RSL LifeCare and its veteran services offerings can be found at www.rsllifecare.org.au. RSL LifeCare’s Veteran Services include Veteran and Family Hubs, wellbeing support, DVA claims and advocacy, employment assistance, homelessness and housing support and a Spur Equine Program.
