New mental health hub launched for the children of military and first responders

Thousands of children from military and first responder families will now have access to critical help — dubbed the “Yellow Pages for mental health” — as they deal with the impact of service-related trauma.

Thousands of children from military and first responder families will now have access to critical mental health and education support through a groundbreaking new initiative.

Resolute Ready, a “Yellow Pages for mental health” offering 24/7 support for veterans, first responders and their families, has launched the Digital Education Backpack.

This first-of-its-kind, free hub provides more than 120 resources to support teachers, parents and caregivers in helping children affected by service-related trauma.

The initiative is backed by Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler and Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chief of the Defence Force Warrant Officer Ken Robertson.

“Military and first responder families face unique challenges, from frequent relocations to disruptions in schooling and social connections,” Resolute Ready founder and managing director Lidia Faranda-Hall said.

Lidia Hall founded the first Global mental health Hub, "Resolute Ready". Picture: Keryn Stevens

“Unlike other programs that focus only on mental health for veterans, Resolute Ready recognises that trauma and transition affect entire families.”

The initiative was created in direct response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s recommendations for early intervention and continuity of care.

“Having experienced first-hand the challenges of caring for a veteran with PTSD and Alcohol Misuse Disorder, I know how overwhelming it can be to find the right support,” Ms Faranda-Hall, whose husband was shot while serving in East Timor in 1999, said. “That feeling of isolation was heartbreaking. That’s why Resolute Ready was created — to ensure no one has to navigate this journey alone.”

Between 1997 and 2021, 1677 Australian Defence Force members died by suicide — more than 20 times the number killed in active duty over the same period.

Research shows that just a one per cent improvement in connection to support services could save $34 million and significantly improve lives.

The report, handed to parliament in September 2024, made 122 recommendations.

Andy Cullen knows first-hand the toll his PTSD has taken on his wife Zoe and their four children — Joseph, 19, Charlie, 17, Eden, 14, and Ireland, 11.

Andy Cullen with his wife Zoe and their four children—Joseph, 19, Charlie, 17, Eden, 14, and Ireland, 11.

After 17 years in the Australian Army, including two tours of Afghanistan, the bomb disposal expert retired to the Gold Coast in 2012, a broken man.

“I struggled with PTSD for over five years, making poor choices that led to drug and alcohol addiction, which only added to the trauma,” Mr Cullen said.

“My family was exposed to everything, from seeing me as a detached, emotionless veteran to an angry alcoholic. At my lowest, I didn’t want to live anymore. I used to have nightmares and act things out.

“Our kids endured a lot more than anything any child has to face. They became anxious and fearful around me, struggling with both fear and uncertainty. Their anxiety affected their schooling, friendships, and overall wellbeing.”

“We’ve needed something like this initiative for a long time. It’s like the Yellow Pages of mental health support.”

After 17 years in the Australian Army, including two tours of Afghanistan, bomb disposal expert Andy Cullen retired to the Gold Coast in 2012, a broken man.

Andy Cullen during his deployment in Afghanistan.

Former South Australian Special Tasks and Rescue Officer Derrick McManus, who served over 40 years, knows also the dangers of service.

He survived being shot 14 times in five seconds and now leads mental health and high-performance workshops globally.

“I spent three hours on the ground, fully conscious, managing my body and mindset after being hit 14 times — that inner readiness carried me through,” he said.

Derrick McManus after he was shot multiple times by gunman Tony Grosser.

Former South Australian Special Tasks and Rescue Officer Derrick McManus, who served over 40 years, survived being shot 14 times in five second.

“Most people aren’t that prepared, and we rarely talk about mental wellness until it’s too late. That’s where Resolute Ready is critical, providing immediate access to resources for veterans, first responders, and their families when they need it most.”

If you need any support contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.

Originally published as New mental health hub launched for the children of military and first responders