Local forces key to vital health battle

RSL Tasmania promotes VeteranHub as a model to better serve our veterans’ needs

COVID'S effect on the mental health and wellbeing of fellow Tasmanians can be likened to the life-changing impact of leaving the military for veterans when they finish serving their country.

Think back to what we experienced through the worst of the Covid pandemic. We were isolated, lost our networks and social connections, and found ourselves in a confusing environment where rules continuously changed.

These are similar challenges to those many veterans in Tasmania face when transitioning from the Australian Defence Force.

Data from the 2021 census indicates there are at least 17,500 ADF veterans in Tasmania. The actual number may be as high as 20,000 or more.

The number of veterans in Tasmania represents a substantial engagement challenge for the RSL and ex-services organisations.

Last week RSL Tasmania had the opportunity to give evidence before The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

We know the current delivery system of veteran services requires urgent repair and that the incidence of veteran suicide is rising.

The recent snapshot of specific health and wellbeing data provided by the census revealed the percentage of Tasmanian veterans with mental illness or other longterm health issues is higher than the national average.

RSL Tasmania took the opportunity to briefly outline a new way to combat the scourge of veteran suicide to the royal commission.

Our surveys have identified that veterans want improved access to culturally safe transition and health services, and that the main stumbling blocks to achieving mental wellbeing include the distance to access services, hours of service, knowledge of services available, financial and cultural barriers, and a need for “veteran friendly” services.

Our appearance at the royal commission allowed us to outline the VeteranHub as a new way to deliver services to all Tasmanian veterans.

This model is a “hub and spoke” method of service delivery that plans to colocate a range of services to reach as many veterans and their families as possible across the island.

The lack of frontline services in regional Tasmania often means veterans are referred to specialist Department of Veteran Affairs facilities on the mainland. This separates the veteran from their families for treatment and only causes further distress.

Through VeteranHub we plan to embed a system of early engagement with veterans that provides a continuum of care.

It will engage veterans in cost-effective, lowerintensity services with high social value.

Providing timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions, lifestyle support programs and veteran-friendly medical treatment will improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.

Our end goal is to improve the overall mental health of veterans in our community and avoid an escalation of mental illness.

Our veterans have served their country with pride and we must repay their service.