Online suicide awareness support for veterans
A new website, Operation Life Online, has been launched to assist veterans, Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families in learning about suicide prevention.
A new website, Operation Life Online, has been launched to assist veterans, Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families in learning about suicide prevention.
The website is the latest addition to Operation Life, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA) suicide prevention and mental health resource.
Operation Life Online provides advice and resources for the veteran and defence communities, and is designed to raise awareness of suicide, from recognising warning signs and risk factors to learning ways to help in times of crisis.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said Operation Life Online would offer advice to people in need of immediate assistance, regardless of the time of day or their location.
“It is a tool to build resilience and to provide a direct channel to help when needed,” he said.
Operation Life workshops are also available for people who are concerned about family, friends, mates or others in the veteran community. Attendance is free and people can register through the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS).
Mr Snowdon reminded the veteran community that free mental health treatment is available for eligible veterans without the need to lodge a DVA compensation claim, they just need to contact DVA on 133 254.
Access to Operation Life Online is via DVA’s At Ease mental health portal: www.at-ease.dva.gov.au
Veterans and their families can also access 24 hour counselling and support through the VVCS on 1800 011 046. In the event of an emergency, call 000.
