Information & Support
Linking you to the right place
One site, One Umbrella, One place
Your choice, You're in Control, Your space
The AV Connect Program is Not just service related
Non-Government, no fees, no endorsements, no commissions, no products.
Most comprehensive Australian Veteran support linking Network.
58 comprehensive TOPICs and growing
The Av Connect Program makes information available on the understanding that we are not thereby engaged in rendering professional advice. We will make every reasonable effort to maintain current and accurate information. Users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of this information for their purposes before relying on the material. Users should always obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
ACTIVE MINDS & Clubs
Day Clubs provide opportunities for the aged, the isolated, people with disabilities, carers and volunteers, to develop and maintain social contact outside the home through activities such as games, sports, fitness, information sessions and arts and crafts.
Life can be extremely stressful at times, and sometimes we need to set aside some time to decompress and feel the moment. Taking the time to step away from your busy mind and be in the moment, hearing and feeling nature. Take time for yourself.
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Your true existence is in the present moment. When you experience the present moment, your pain will ease, and you may discover life with all its beauty.
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It is not impulse to have compulsive thoughts, your mind is bluffing you by your anxiety. You will tend to become intertwined and desperate for reassurance. Generally, reassurance occurs temporarily, and you may need to reduce your sensitivity to it. It won't work by trying to reassure yourself that it will cease and completely disappear, as you may spiral and continue to get entangled with your battle of thoughts, you may continue to worry, struggle against your own mind, and fight to get them away. It will only assist you to grow stronger in your battles if you attempt to avoid them.
Leave your thoughts alone, treat them as if they are not even interesting, and they will eventually fade into the background. Take some steps to alter your process to overcome unwanted thoughts.
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Label the unwanted thoughts as "intrusive thoughts."
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Remind yourself that these thoughts are a process of giving you strength.
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Don't battle your mind. Write your thoughts down.
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Assure your mind that the thoughts will pass in time.
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Pause. Give yourself time. and talk to someone.
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Remind yourself that you cannot forget the past, but you can stand tall, and allow yourself to free your mind in ways you never thought were possible. It helps you to focus on the here and now, and also allows you to choose more empowering thoughts.
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Watch a film and listen to music, give yourself enjoyment.
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Expect the thoughts to come back again but remind yourself that you are in control, you can walk beside them.
Always seek professional guidance and spend time to speak with a professional health provider. Never let the thoughts overtake your whole existence. Your strength is in you .... it is in how strong you are to reach out and take those small steps in controlling your thoughts.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness & Pain
Free Yoga Online
Take time to view this video created by the US Veteran Affairs (It may not be an Australian video but it has some Veterans insight & perspective that may assist you make a choice) https://youtu.be/3VYPwgi8zrw
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Links further below: Meditation and Mindfulness may be seen by many as boring and pointless or it can be appreciated as supportive and relaxing for healing. Mindfulness may assist you to learn to be aware of your surroundings and appreciate each moment as it happens or it may have an opposite effect. It is your choice.
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Here are some APPS that you may wish to use, (no 3rd party gimmicks or marketing to make money from you or DVA):
Smiling Mind is a free app. http://smilingmind.com.au/ Smiling Mind is an Australian mindfulness meditation app. It was created as a non-profit initiative to improve the lives of Australians through increasing clarity, calm and contentment and reducing stress via mindfulness instruction and encouragement.
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Headspace https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app
Headspace users can start out with a free 10-day mindfulness meditation program known as ‘Take 10,’ and then begin a paid subscription if interested in more content.
CALM https://www.calm.com/ The app can be downloaded for free with plenty of content, including more than 20 soothing audio/visual nature backgrounds, trackable timed sessions and free guided meditations, such as the 7 Days of Calm series and a meditation for easing tension and a body scan.
Mindfulness Meditation Jason Stephenson An Australian guided sleep meditation for Veterans PTSD (YouTube session). The sleep meditation has been aimed for returned soldiers' support to help with sleep and healing. More meditation and Mindfulness links here Jason Stephenson - Sleep Meditation Music – YouTube and https://www.facebook.com/JasonStephensonMeditation
Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com/meditation-topics is the worlds largest free meditation app with 19 million meditators and over 130,000 free tracks
Stop, Breath and Think app — ReachOut.com is suitable for young people wishing to manage anxiety through controlled breathing.
Please consider the below links as some programs may require referrals
Two alternative therapies DVA may fund
DVA states "we are limited to funding":
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acupuncture provided by a GP who is registered with Medicare to give this treatment
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massage techniques provided by a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor as part of a treatment plan.
Physiotherapist search near you
You may need a referral from your doctor.
Occupational Therapists for Veterans
You may need a referral from your doctor.
In the link - change the Funding Scheme
search to: Dept of Veteran Affairs
Exercise Physiology Programs
Practitioner search near you
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the organisation responsible for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia.Ahpra keeps a list of every health practitioner who is registered to practise in Australia in the professions below: The list is called the ‘Register of practitioners’. When a health practitioner’s name appears on the list, you know that they are allowed to practise. Sometimes a registered practitioner has a type of registration or conditions that limit what they can do. This information is also published on the list. ​
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice
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Chinese Medicine
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Chiropractic
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Dental practice
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Medical practice (doctors)
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Medical radiation practice
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Nursing
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Midwifery
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Occupational therapy
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Optometry
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Osteopathy
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Paramedicine
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Pharmacy
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Physiotherapy
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Podiatry
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Psychology
Health Programs
DVA delivered Programs
Australian Dept of Defence Listed Programs
Veterans and their families are encouraged to access DVA’s website to learn more about DVA's funded health services.
Veterans and families should take care of any 3rd party advertisements and request for personal information prior to disclosing their services.