Online Programs
Open Arms is proud to launch two new online mental health programs tailored for veterans and families.
These initiatives expand Open Arms’ digital mental health offerings, making it easier for veterans, families, and carers across Australia to access support—no matter where they live.
Both programs are open to the anyone over 18 years old in the veteran community. You don’t need to be an existing Open Arms client to get involved.
These new programs are delivered in partnership with two established providers of health services to the Australian community, and include:
Shoulder to Shoulder – Free, anonymous online forums for veterans, families, and carers to connect, share, and support one another.
Stronger We Stand - Free, online workshops designed to help families and carers who support veterans experiencing suicidal distress or coping with suicide bereavement themselves.
Shoulder to Shoulder
Delivered by SANE Australia, "Shoulder to Shoulder” offers two forums—one for veterans, and one for families and carers—created to offer peer-led, anonymous spaces to connect and be supported. Co-designed with the veteran community and trauma experts, both forums are moderated by mental health professionals, accessible 24/7 on any device, and provide connection, resources and peer support from people who ‘get it’.
The Shoulder to Shoulder forums bridge the gap between support systems and enable people to access the right level of care when needed. The service model is one grounded in compassion and understanding that people have unique and individual experiences, reflecting a commitment to lived experience through a co-design process
Stronger We Stand
Open Arms has engaged Grand Pacific Health to deliver the “Stronger We Stand” online workshops. These free, online workshops are designed to help families and carers who support veterans experiencing suicidal distress or those bereaved by suicide.
The online workshops can be accessed as a series of three 90-minute sessions, as a one-off, three-hour session, or as a two-hour session, depending on your needs. If you need additional support, a one-off telehealth session is available for up to two months after your last group workshop. The sessions are delivered by lived experience Peer Workers, alongside qualified Mental Health Clinicians such as psychologists and social workers.