Open Arms to help more Tasmanian veterans

Open Arms is expanding its assistance to Tasmanian veterans and veteran families through a series of locally-led initiatives specifically designed to better support those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. 

Offered for the first time in Australia and only available in Tasmania, these programs will be complemented by an initiative to identify veterans needing mental health assistance and connect them directly with Open Arms. 

The first offering is the new 8-week Stress, Resilience and Functioning (SRF) Program, part of the groundbreaking PTSD Trauma Recovery Program which includes an additional 4 week trauma component for those veterans requiring further support. 

The veteran-specific SRF program will be delivered in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie and is designed to help those who have served to be aware of, and manage, potential adverse impacts of service on their mental health and wellbeing. 

It was developed by Open Arms Medical Adviser Psychiatry, Associate Professor Jon Lane, a Tasmania-based veteran who has experienced his own mental health challenges after undertaking active duty overseas. 

Professor Lane said the highly personalised SRF program was focused on helping veterans to reflect upon the ways they react to stress and to help them to develop practical skills to reduce the impact of stressful situations. 

‘Stress can lead to distress which is a longer term change which can be serious enough to result in the development of disorders including anxiety, depression and PTSD,’ Professor Lane explained. ‘The SRF program will help veterans to better understand service culture, to recognise stress and potential emotional triggers, and learn how to develop coping mechanisms and stress management techniques.’ 

The SRF program is complemented by specialised support that directly assists the families of veterans. A third statewide initiative is underway to better identify veterans needing mental health assistance through the Enhancing Mental Health Service Access for Veterans and connect them directly with Open Arms. 

Open Arms National Manager Leonie Nowland said the introduction of the SRF and trauma programs, support for families and connecting more veterans with Open Arms’ specialised support would all prove enormously beneficial to Tasmanian veterans. 

‘Under the Enhancing Mental Health Service Access for Veterans, veterans are directly identified in the state-based mental health intake service,’ Ms Nowland said. ‘As part of DVA’s commitment to improving mental health support for Tasmania’s veterans, we can now connect them with Open Arms through the assessment and referral phone service. 

‘The primary platform for this is the Centralised Intake and Referral Service (CIRS) which can be accessed directly by both veterans and general practitioners. ‘ 

Open Arms has proudly supported the mental health and wellbeing of former and current ADF personnel and their families throughout Tasmania since 1982. 

Open Arms Tasmania is located in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.