About Men’s Health Peer Education

What is the Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) Program?

Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) is a national volunteer health literacy program aimed at raising the veteran community’s awareness of men’s health issues, the specific health and wellbeing impacts of military service and the benefits of early intervention. The program encourages veterans to adopt healthy behaviours, seek support early and share responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. 

How it works

MHPE operates in all Australian states and territories through a network of trained volunteers.

MHPE volunteers share information in a number of ways, including:

• encouraging and supporting veterans to take part in any relevant health and wellbeing initiatives
• organising or supporting Veterans' Health Week or International Men's Health Week events
• educating the veteran community in their local area about DVA's social health programs and other health and wellbeing supports in the community
• giving talks on health issues at ex-service organisation meetings
• working with men’s sheds and organisations
• running stands at community expos, field days or health conferences
• chatting about health issues to mates at social events
• encouraging veterans to seek support early and invest in preventative health measures and activities.

Recognition for MHPE volunteers

In May 2024 as part of National Volunteer Week, we recognised the service of 10 individuals who achieved volunteering milestone anniversaries with the MHPE Program.

Thank you for your years of service, and for caring about your fellow veterans’ health and wellbeing.

20 years

• Brian Griffin
• Marsat Ketchell

15 years

• David Moore
• Dean Dyer
• Gareth Hubbard
• Phil Lilliebridge
• Robert Kelly

10 years

• Gerrard E Smith
• James MacDonald
• Ian Short

Completion of training and recognition events

We are pleased to announce the completion of five Training and Recognition events across Australia in May 2024. These events were held in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and NSW & ACT. They provided valuable training, celebrated volunteer achievements, and fostered community connections. The passion and commitment displayed by our volunteers have been genuinely inspiring, showcasing their vital role in supporting veterans’ health and well-being. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of these events. Your dedication enhances the program's impact and encourages others to join and make a difference in their communities.

MHPE news

Veteran health and wellbeing featured articles are published in the Vetaffairs digital newspaper and on DVA e-news.

Vetaffairs is DVA’s official newspaper for Australia’s veteran community published three times a year. Email vetaffairs@dva.gov.au if you wish to receive a printed copy or you can subscribe to the electronic version of Vetaffairs.

DVA e-news is an electronic newsletter emailed to subscribers. It contains articles published on the Latest news for veterans page, which is updated regularly. Click here to subscribe to DVA e-news.

Further information

If you would like to find out more about the MHPE program, please contact the Men’s Health team at menshealth@dva.gov.au.