Evidence-based approach needed for veteran sport – new partnerships announced
The final recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support for veterans and their families, emphasising the complex causes and impacts of trauma experienced during military service and when transitioning into civilian life. Supporting this were recommendations referencing the importance of improving the quality and coordination of research and evaluation practices, and to evaluate mental health and suicide prevention programs, amongst other research priorities.
With 1 in 10 veterans feeling socially isolated (AIHW 2023), sport can be the conduit for veterans and their families, to help them find their sense of community, connection and purpose, whether that’s through volunteering, coaching or playing sport at grassroot or international levels. To prove these long-term health and wellbeing benefits of sport, it is important to focus on building a strong evidence base, that highlights these impacts.
To support this evidence-based approach and showcase the impact of its sporting programs, Invictus Australia announces two new strategic partnerships, with Phoenix Australia and Gallipoli Medical Research. Phoenix Australia has 25 years of expertise in trauma-related mental health and wellbeing, and Gallipoli Medical Research are renowned for their innovative research in veteran health.
These partnerships bring together Phoenix Australia’s cutting-edge defence-centric approaches and treatments, based on the latest science and evidence, alongside Gallipoli Medical Research focus on translating research to influence high impact solutions for the defence community. All parties will work together to build evidence around the power of sport to assist in recovery, reintegration, rehabilitation into civilian life, addressing gaps identified by the Royal Commission, supporting veterans and their families, especially those transitioning out of service.
“Our goal is to advance mental health and wellbeing for veterans. This partnership with Invictus Australia and the Gallipoli Medical Research is a significant step in improving the ways we support those who have served, including through sports.”
“Understanding the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life is crucial. Alongside Phoenix Australia and Invictus Australia, this partnership is dedicated to building the evidence base that highlights the value of sport in enhancing the health and wellbeing of our veteran community.”
Michael Hartung, CEO of Invictus Australia, said, “We are excited to partner with Phoenix Australia and Gallipoli Medical Research. Their combined expertise and commitment to veteran health will greatly enhance our efforts to support the defence community. By growing the evidence base on the impact of sport, we aim to foster long-term health and wellbeing benefits for veterans and their families.”
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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Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group or email support@invictusaustralia.org
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