Invictus Australia partners with the Australian Sports Commission to strengthen the wellbeing of veterans and families
Invictus Australia has partnered with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to promote the critical role sport plays in strengthening the wellbeing of veterans and their families. The announcement comes ahead of the release of the final report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide with interim findings identifying social isolation, mental health challenges and the difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life as significant issues faced by veterans.
According to the findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, at least 1,677 veterans died by suicide between 1997 and 2020, more than 20 times the number lost in active duty over the same period. Nick Kaldas, Chair of the Royal Commission, said “we strongly believe [the final report] will deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families – and, over time, drive down the rate of suicide and suicidality in the defence and veteran community.”
Research demonstrates that sport plays a powerful role in creating strong social support networks and improving social connectedness. With nearly 1 in 10 veterans feeling socially isolated (AIHW 2023), sport can play the critical role of connecting veterans and their families in community, helping to better address their health and wellbeing both during and after service.
Recently released Invictus Games Foundation research (Beyond The Finish Line, 2024) confirmed the positive impact sport has on recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into society following transition from service. Invictus Australia is looking to apply the learnings from this research, by encouraging Australia’s 581,000 veterans, plus their families, to experience a sense of connection through grassroots and international sport.
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the ASC was pleased to partner with Invictus Australia.
“We know sport improves our physical and mental health, provides many personal and community benefits and plays a significant role in enriching the lives of all Australians and their communities. We look forward to working closely with Invictus Australia to help support and connect veterans and their families to community sport opportunities in ways that suit them.”
Michael Hartung, CEO of Invictus Australia said, “We know that sport has long been recognised for its ability to bring people together, create community and foster a sense of camaraderie, in turn improving opportunities for veterans when reintegrating into society post service. That’s why we are delighted to have partnered with the ASC to utilise the power of sport to help in addressing social isolation, loneliness, and poor community participation, particularly for those transitioning out of services.”
Media Contact:
Nina Willoughby, GoodPR, 0427 400 961
E: nina@goodpr.com.au
About Invictus Australia
Invictus Australia is a leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to strengthening the health & wellbeing of veterans and their and their families through the power of sport. We support and encourage former and current serving members of the Defence community and their families as they connect and engage with their communities through sport, at a grassroots level or internationally, to assist with recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration, or to proactively manage wellbeing. For more information, visit www.invictusaustralia.org.
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