This World Mental Health Day, Medibank is continuing the discussion mental health plays in the transition, and recovery from military to civilian life.
The session will facilitate a discussion on the role mental health plays in veteran recovery and transition to civilian life; allowing veterans and their support networks to share their personal stories and experiences.
Medibank is a proud Premier Partner of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and this session is an opportunity to connect with and hear the personal experiences of veterans and their support networks.
Veterans and their families will be given the opportunity to learn about the support tools and networks available, and the role the community can play in their recovery.
Medibank Group Executive Healthcare & Strategy Dr Andrew Wilson said that the session is designed to not only focus on supporting veterans but also their family, friends and carers.
“Part of this session is focused on the needs of veterans families because we recognise that supporting the families and the community around individuals impacted by mental health conditions is important to their recovery process.” said Dr Wilson.
Veteran and Centre Manager of the Veterans Centre, Sydney Northern Beaches Ben Webb said that former servicemen, servicewomen and their families experience many challenges throughout service life and these challenges can have ongoing ramifications throughout their lives.
“However, with access to appropriate support for individuals and their families, the transition from serving to civilian life can be one of growth and wellness,” said Mr Webb.
Attendees will hear from qualified health professionals who will provide expertise and practical guidance including Centre Manager of the Veterans Centre, Sydney Northern Beaches Ben Webb, National Manager of Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling, Dr Stephanie Hodson, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Roy Sugarman and Legacy and Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador, Leesa Kwok.
The Medibank Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund has created this event in association with The Banksia Project and the support of our partners, Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation and Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation. These organisations will all be present at the event to provide participants, along with beyondblue and Pain Australia with additional information about their programs and services.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service will be in attendance to ensure comprehensive support services are available.
In February this year Medibank recognised the critical role mental health plays in overall wellbeing, committing $1 million to establish the Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund.
Supporting better mental health and wellbeing is a priority for Medibank, which has already achieved real change by partnering with groups such as beyondblue, Mates4Mates, Soldier On and the Australian Military Medicine Association.
Medibank is a proud Premier Partner of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the national exercise and wellness program ‘Free + Active’, and the Melbourne Marathon Festival. These events encourage better physical and mental health in Australian communities.
Medibank is a strong supporter of Australia’s ex-serving men and women, and is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our veteran communities as a key part of our purpose of ‘Better Health for Better Lives’.
The Medibank Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund is bringing veterans and their families together during the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 to discuss the role mental health plays in veteran recovery and transition to civilian life.
