Veteran help line receives more than 11,000 calls in first three months of operation

Victorian veterans have made more than 11,000 calls for help in just three months during the coronavirus pandemic, with traumatised returned soldiers pleading for assistance on a new help line.

Thousands of calls for help from Victoria’s veterans have been answered on a new advice line set up in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Veteran Central, or VetCen, has received more than 11,000 phone calls and emails in the three months to September.

Support included putting RSL Victoria in touch with a veteran who was sleeping in their car and assistance for another who needed medical equipment.

A young veteran who had served several deployments in the Middle East was also given help after a decade of being unable to participate in normal life because of trauma related to his experiences.

A new number for the VetCen help line has now gone live, providing veterans and families a single point of contact.

Veterans Minister Shaun Leane said the state government was assisting the program so that it could continue to provide help to those who need.

“Post-service life can be difficult and those who have given so much deserve our full support,” he said.

“This is a vitally important collaboration between the Government, RSL Victoria and other ex-services organisations to provide broad-reaching wraparound services for the entire veteran community now and into the future.”

The Andrews Government provided $2.2 million earlier in 2020 for welfare support for veterans and their families.

RSL Victoria President Robert Webster welcomed the assistance.

“We are committed to changing the way that veterans are supported throughout Victoria and this is a significant step in that direction.”

Anyone seeking help can call can call 1300 MILVET (1300 645 838) or email [e-mail].

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