New report released in Townsville is a life saver for at-risk veterans
A new report released in Townsville is helping to lead the way in veteran-specific suicide prevention.
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A NEW report released in Townsville is helping to lead the way in Veteran-specific suicide prevention.
Operation Compass in partnership with the Black Dog Institute has launched the ‘Prevention through connection: supporting Veterans to thrive when their service ends’ report.
Operation Compass is the only veteran-specific suicide prevention program that is being delivered through the National Suicide Prevention Trial (NSPT).
Oasis Townsville chair Lieutenant John Caligari said the report explores the experiences, challenges, and opportunities of delivering suicide prevention activities for ADF Veterans and families.
“We’ve had significant success during the trial, especially with the #CheckYourMates campaign, GP training program, Health Pathways and the peer support workers throughout the nation and the Townsville community,” Mr Caligari said.
“Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) indicates the rate of suicide for ex-serving males is 22 per cent higher than the general Australian population and ex-serving females Veterans were 127 per cent higher than the general Australian population.”
“In general terms the suicide rate within the ADF is half the national average and the suicide rate outside the ADF for Veterans is twice the national average.”
He said one of the challenging areas, was transitioning service men and women out of service.
“In some cohorts by gender, by operational service, by age group there are some specific figures that relate some of our biggest problems.
“One of those is transition which is soldiers, sailors and aviators leaving the ADF to become civilians.
“For example males aged 18-24, who are medically discharged, which is the predominant age and numbers that leave the ADF, the suicide rate is 3.8 times the national average.
“With the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide commencing in Townsville in June, this a reminder how important defence and veteran suicide prevention activities are.”
Operation Compass was initially focused on ex-serving Veterans, but the reach grew to incorporate serving Veterans, their families and friends, due to the trial site being located in Townsville, the largest garrison city in Australia.
The Head of Implementation from Black Dog Institute Janey McGoldrick said that since 2017 when the NSPT was announced by the Australian Government, Operation Compass has developed innovative strategies in awareness and prevention of veteran suicide, many of which are being adopted more widely.
“This report is an amazing collection of the journey of suicide prevention here in Townsville over the last five years,” Ms McGoldrick said.
“Being in the forces is a very protective measure in terms of people’s mental health.
“But when ex serving personnel leave the forces we find that there is increased risk.
“Effective strategies for supporting veterans is absolutely crucial which is what this report is about.
“We welcome the approaches developed, including the use of lived experience and peer support and we encourage all Primary Health Networks and other Veteran Wellbeing Centres throughout Australia to learn from this work and consider what can be applied to their veterans’ communities.”
This report will be shared with the Australian Government, Primary Healthcare Networks Veteran Wellbeing Centres across Australia, ex-serving organisations (ESOs) and with the Royal Commission.
The report can be found on The Oasis Townsville’s and Black Dog Institute’s website.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit or lifeline.org.au or text 0477 13 11 14.
Veterans are encouraged to contact Open Arms, a free and confidential 24-hour hotline on 1800 011 046.
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