townsville community & peer advisors brochure - a4 version

OPEN ARMS COMMUNITY AND PEER PROGRAMThe Open Arms Community and Peer Program involves ‘lived experience’ peers working with amental heath clinician to support veterans and their families. Community and Peer Advisors are formerADF members or partners/family members of veterans. They complement our counselling and groupprogram services, and provide a more holistic and therapeutic experience for clients.

WHO ARE OUR PEERSOur Community and Peer Advisors uniquelyunderstand what it is like to reach out forsupport. As ex-ADF veterans, as well as familyrepresentatives, our peers have had theexperience of accessing mental health servicesfor their own or others recovery andwellbeing. Based on their personalexperiences, they understand what it takes tofind a way back from mental illness and arewell placed to support current and ex-servingADF members and their families to findsolutions for better health and wellbeing.

Open Arms' counselling and peer supportservices are available to:

ELIGIBILITY

Current serving ADF personnelEx-serving membersPartners and children of serving and ex-serving personnelEx-partners who are co-parentingReservists with one day continuous fulltime service or hazardous service

To learn more about how the Community andPeer Program could help you, or to becomeinvolved, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 orrequest a call back viawww.openarms.gov.au/contactus

MEET WITH A PEER

Peers draw on their own lived experiences fromthe military and mental health service systemwhen working with clients. They are able toprovide insight and support to veterans and canprovide case management. They can alsoprovide referrals for post-service issues suchas:

HOW OUR PEERS HELP

financesrelationshipsemployment

Community and Peer Advisors have an excellentunderstanding of the local support services.

The Open Arms’ Community and Peer Programis available nationally.

"They work with me – they ask the questionsand I get there on my own with support all theway"

1800 011 046OpenArms.gov.au

24-HOUR FREE CONFIDENTIAL COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

physical healthmental healththoughts of suicide