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.
Any individual who is serving or has served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is considered a veteran, whether their service was undertaken within Australia or overseas. All veterans with at least one day permanent or continuous full-time service and their immediate family members are entitled to free and confidential mental health support services for life.
Fitness is a mental exercise
More than just physical
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Current and past full-time members of the ADF may be able to access free mental health treatment. This includes reservists who have at least one day of continuous full-time service (CFTS. You do not need to prove that your ADF service caused the conditions. DVA will cover the cost through Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC).
Mental health treatment can be provided to you by a:
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Alcohol or other drug community-based program approved by DVA
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GP,
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Hospital,
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Mental Health program by an Occupational therapist,
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Mental Health program by a Social Worker,
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Psychologist,
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Psychiatrist,
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PTSD program
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You will need a Veteran White Card that covers mental health treatment, or a Veteran Gold Card.
Chaplains provide pastoral care and diverse spiritual support.
ADF Chaplains 1300 333 362
Chaplains 1800 24 27 52
Chaplaincy Australia
OPEN ARMS - Safe Zone Support is a free and anonymous counselling line for all current and ex-serving ADF personnel, veterans and their families. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Defence Member and Family Support provides a range of support services, assistance and resources to support families during deployment & family member absence. Partners of ADF members can access a range of services, including employment assistance funding and support during the ADF member's deployment.
24hour Service for Triage and health support for ADF members
24hour Support and information for ADF Family Members
Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, their partners and families.
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Eligibility matrix
A quick overview of eligibility criteria.
Phone Line
1800 011 046
For free support, 24 hours a day, current ADF & families
Phone Line
1800 011 046
For free support, 24 hours a day, current ADF & families
You are NEVER
Alone
"Open Arms offers a variety of free training opportunities to those seeking to help family, friends, co-workers or others in the veteran community."
Open Arms welcomes its partnership with the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) to deliver mental health training to any volunteers in the veteran community.
