Peer stories

Open Arms' peer advisors have a wealth of experience and stories to share about their own journeys of service, recovery and living well. As of November 2024, Open Arms' Community Peer program was first made available nationwide. Peers both past and present share their experiences as veterans and lived experience peers in celebration of the anniversary below.

  • Rob

    Five years of Peers - Rob

    When Rob left the military in 2011 with significant lower leg injuries, peer work wasn’t on his radar when it came to his dream job.
  • Two women smile for a photo

    Five years of Peers - Kristy

    When Kristy was medically separated from the Navy with a fractured back at just 19 years of age, she found it very difficult to accept that her dreams for a military career had also been shattered.
  • Peer stories

    Five years of veterans helping veterans

    The lived experience-led program is an integral part of our service, and it makes a huge difference to the wellbeing of our veteran community.
  • A man stands in front of an Open Arms banner

    Five years of Peers - Joe

    Just 18 months ago, one of Open Arms newest recruits to its Community and Peer Program, Joe, admits he was in a bad way struggling with chronic anxiety. 
  • A woman stands by an Open Arms sign

    Five years of Peers - Jess

    When Jess left the Army after 13 years, she was eager to rediscover who she was and what she wanted out of life. 

  • Portrait of veteran Dion

    Five years of Peers - Dion

    Open Arms’ Community and Peer Team Leader Dion knows a thing or two about perseverance.
  • tim playing with kid

    Tim Loch

    I recommend everybody compete in a sporting event once a year! Whether that be your local five kilometre charity run or joining the local footie club, whatever you're into
  • photo of Brad

    Bradley Gibb

    Employers love military personnel. We are well trained and have a ‘get it done safely’ mentality. If however you feel that you are spending too much time dwelling in the past, talking to someone may help
  • rob playing on beach

    Rob Goulden

    Don't beat yourself up when it doesn't happen the way you plan...have a plan, but also have a plan B and a plan C
  • Video

    Meet our peers

    Hear the stories of Tom (Navy), Tim (Army) and Toni (Air Force) as they share insights from their own experience of transitioning from the military, as well as the value of seeking support.

  • Australian war memorial

    Reflections of the Australian War Memorial

    Some of our peer advisors reflect on exhibitions from the Australian War Memorial that hold significance for them.
  • Bree

    Introduction to art therapy

    Bree is one of our Community & Peer Advisors in Art Therapy and Creative Practices. She is currently researching the broad range of benefits that Art Therapy can bring to Open Arms clients.
  • Kris O card peer

    What 'square away' means to Kris

    ‘Square Away’ is a familiar term to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and for many it remains meaningful when they return to civilian life. Army veteran Kris explains what it means to him.
  • Kate banner

    What 'square away' means to Kate

    ‘Square Away’ is a familiar term to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and for many it remains meaningful when they return to civilian life. As the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and spouse of an army veteran, Kate explains what it means to her.
  • zak and family waterfront

    What 'square away' means to Zak

    ‘Square Away’ is a familiar term to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and for many it remains meaningful when they return to civilian life. Navy veteran Zak explains what it means to him.