Veterans' Health Week (VHW) 2012
VHW 2012, from the 22 to 28 October this year, is an opportunity for veterans, war widows, widowers, current and former serving Australian Defence Force members and their families to ‘Participate, Connect and Influence’ their health and wellbeing. This year’s focus is on Social Inclusion — encouraging members of the veteran community to think about their health and wellbeing and consider making positive changes to their lifestyle to live a stronger, healthier and happier life.
DVA is partnering with ex-service organisations (ESOs) and community groups to develop an engaging program of VHW activities at a local level. In keeping with the theme of Social Inclusion, DVA is calling on the veteran community to consider how they can involve other members of the veteran community who may benefit from reconnecting and feeling included.
An information resource kit is being developed to assist the Veterans’ Affairs Network (VAN) and ex-service organisations to organise events and activities during VHW. This information resource kit will be available online soon.
Limited funding will also be available to ex-service organisations and community groups who are looking to undertake VHW activities. An application form will be available online by the end of June 2012.
Commonly asked questions
What is the theme of VHW 2012?
The theme this year is Social Inclusion — Participate, Connect and Influence. Veterans' Health Week 2012 will seek to raise awareness of the benefits of Social Inclusion and the types of activities that veterans can undertake to stay connected and help others to connect and participate in veteran life.
Veterans' Health Week will help raise awareness of healthy lifestyle options and promote DVA programs to improve the social and mental wellbeing of those in the veteran community.
When is Veterans' Health Week?
VHW will be held from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 October 2012. Many Veterans’ Affairs Network (VAN) offices, ESOs and community organisations across Australia will conduct events. For more information on events in your area, contact the VHW team by email at vhw@dva.gov.au or call your local VAN office.
Can anyone participate?
All members of the veteran and service communities, their friends, carers and families are welcome to participate.
How can I participate?
Come along to the event and take part in the fun. Contact your local VAN office manager for event details.
Can my organisation run its own event?
DVA encourages ESOs, Day Clubs, Men’s Health Peer Education volunteers and community groups to organise activities throughout Veterans’ Health Week. For information on planning an event contact the VHW team by email at vhw@dva.gov.au or call your local VAN office.