‘Sense of Belonging’: Commissioner Peggy Brown AO on Keeping Connected

October 17, 2024

This week marks Veterans’ Health Week (13-20 October), with this year’s theme being ‘Keep Connected’.

It aims to promote good health and wellbeing within the veteran community and highlights the importance of social connectedness.

Various events, including cooking, fitness and art classes, are being held around the state right through to 31 October, all highlighting the many ways to keep connected.

RSL Victoria CEO Sue Cattermole said, “Veterans’ Health Week is an invaluable opportunity for our veteran community to stay active, connected, and supported. This year’s theme of ‘Keep Connected’ is a timely reminder to veterans of all ages to prioritise their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of their families and mates.”

RSL Victoria would like to know, how do you keep connected? 

Commissioner Dr Peggy Brown AO shared some insights on the role ex-service organisations, like the RSL, can play in keeping you connected. 

“ESOs (Ex-Service Organisations) by their very nature offer a sense of connection, and particularly that sense of going back to, or being offered services by people who know what you’ve been through, that sense of cultural identification or competencies.”

Commissioner Peggy Brown AO.

How do ex-service organisations help to keep people connected? 

“I think that sense of connection that they offer, that sense of belonging so that people don’t feel so alone, they don’t feel without hope. ESOs can often also assist in terms of then connecting with other organisations or groups within the community and provide that really practical assistance.”

How do ex-service organisations, like the RSL, contribute to better mental health and wellbeing outcomes? 

“I think there’s a range of ways in which they can contribute. There’s no doubt that sense of connection and identity and sense of belonging is really important. The practical assistance ESOs provide, whether it’s delivering support groups, providing access to care programs, providing practical supports: transport, employment assistance, financial assistance, family assistance. All those things are important and can help in terms of people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

RSL Victoria offers its very own program all year round that is designed to support veterans and their families to connect through physical and wellbeing activities and events.

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