New app to help homeless veterans
AN app which provides support to homeless veterans and their families is becoming available to Townsville exserving personnel.
Veterans 360 Australia’s VetGuard app is downloaded and registered to a veteran and their specific smartphone device, connecting them to the nearest trained responder.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service is providing the OpLifeASIST training for responders.
Chief executive Jay Devereux said a single push of the button would allow a responder to see the exact location of a veteran in need.
“Where there isn’t a responder within 50km, the call comes to our national free call 1800 number and is answered by one of our permanent operations team,” he said.
“While the veteran is speaking to our responder, we are able to monitor their location using the GPS component of their phone.
“This shows their location on Google Maps and enables us to provide a quick response in case of a confirmed suicide attempt or significant ideation.”
A Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service spokeswoman said suicide prevention workshops were open to anyone wishing to help, or become a first responder.
“The workshops are free to anyone who is concerned about family, friends, mates or others in the veteran community. Welfare officers, pension officers and other helpers from exservice organisations are encouraged to attend,” she said.
ASIST ( Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) two- day workshops will be held in Townsville on August 28- 29 and December 4- 5.