How Aussies are staying connected while physically apart during COVID-19

Separated from her partner Scott, Beck Rayner set up an online support network for others like her fighting lonesomeness during the pandemic.

Life can be tough for a military spouse at the best of times. But throw in ravaging bushfires and a worldwide pandemic and the challenges are steep.

Beck Rayner, a military spouse of 18 years, is often separated from her partner Scott, an aeronautical engineer in the navy.

So she set up a support network for others like her who struggled through 2020.

The Worrigee mother-of-two, who established the Military Wife Life podcast, has been nominated in the Thanks A Million campaign for helping other military spouses stay positive and connected throughout the challenging year.

Beck Rayner. Picture: Beck Rayner/Supplied

“The podcast had been going for a little while when COVID-19 hit, but I pivoted to make COVID-19 specific episodes,” she said.

“COVID-19 added a whole new level of challenges to military spouses; we move around the country every two to three years and can end up in places where we know no one and have no family support.

“That was happening even during COVID-19, which added a whole new dimension to being in lockdown.”

Through her podcast, Ms Rayner covers topics specific to military spouses and chats with experts who are also connected to the military so they can offer a unique insight.

For example, she broadcast an interview with a GP and a Defence spouse on the topic of mental health and what being isolated and alone would be like, along with a segment on coping mechanisms and support services.

She also started online Zoom catch-ups for others like her to get together and vent or have a laugh, which for some spouses offered the only adult chat they had all week.

“People see the army unit or the navy ship sailing off or they see the happy homecoming and reunions with families,” Ms Rayner said.

“But behind all of that is a whole other story and those Zoom meetings, for instance, are a lifeline for some spouses.

“There was one lady who only got out of bed for the Zoom meeting, it was that important to her.”

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply.