Mates4Mates rolling out free programs across Townsville and Cairns for veterans

Townsville-based veterans charity and support service Mates4Mates is set to unveil a range of free classes for veterans this month in order to better support their mental health.

Veteran and regional leader Marcia Morgan at Mates4Mates. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville-based veterans charity and support service Mates4Mates is set to unveil a range of free classes for veterans this month in order to better support their mental health.

Mates4Mates’ North Queensland Regional Manager Marcia Morgan, herself an army veteran of 15-years experience, said the centre would be rolling out free programs in order to step up their response during Mental Health Awareness Month and Veterans’ Health Week.

“Veterans’ Health Week provides an opportunity to discuss how to access help and

support for those who have been impacted by service and may be struggling,”

Ms Morgan said.

“At Mates4Mates, our centre doors are open for veterans and family members

feeling the impacts of service to walk in and ask for help. We have a wide range of

services available that are here to support the community.”

Free events will be run online, as well as breakfasts in the organisation’s Townsville and Cairns centres, as well as free pilates classes.

The classes are aimed at combating the loneliness and despair that has been linked to the lack of frequent activity-taking often experienced by veterans following their service.

“This year’s theme is Mental Wellness Matters and all our activities here at

Mates4Mates are here to support the mental health of veterans and families,

including their physical and social wellbeing.

“On top of our Veterans’ Health Week events this month, we also have our regular

social connection activities that veterans and family members are encouraged to

sign up to Mates4Mates for and join in.”

While veterans’ health week officially runs from October 8-15, the initiative will be running throughout the entire month.

For more information about Mates4Mates, phone 1300 4 MATES (62 837) or visitmates4mates.org.

Originally published as Mates4Mates rolling out free programs across Townsville and Cairns for veterans