Veterans’ Health Week 2020

Social connection is one of the most important aspects of mental health and wellbeing. Last year obviously saw the way we usually connect with each other badly disrupted, so VHW was a great way to help get things back on track. 

Members of the veteran community took part in a record number of events across Australia, with a wide variety of activities taking place online. This gave people the opportunity to connect with each other around the country and develop new skills in reaching out and establishing virtual connections with various events ranging from virtual fitness challenges to resin-pouring workshops, axe-throwing, horse riding, through to deliveries of delicious food packages.   

Many organisers made sure members of their local veteran community were involved when designing their events. Thanks to all of them for their hard work and creativity in designing their events. We received almost 400 applications from event organisers. Among these were several new organisations who benefited from the funding available. We hope they continue their VHW journey into 2021 and beyond.

We received a lot of positive feedback from the event organisers and participants about the streamlining and simplification of the application and acquittal process that made everything straightforward and easy to complete.

By attending VHW events, veterans and their families can connect with a range of programs, initiatives and supports available through DVA.

Make sure you check out the Veteran Health Week website at www.dva.gov.au/vhw for this year’s dates and the list of events in your area. 

Participants enjoying axe throwing hosted by Buddy Up Australia, in Brisbane.