Invictus Australia and Volunteering Australia announce new partnership to amplify volunteering to support the wellbeing of Veterans and their families.
For veterans and their families, volunteering provides a bridge, not only to connect the defence community to the civilian population, but also to allow them to continue serving others – a core value instilled during their military service. According to research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW; 2023), volunteering can promote good mental health for Veterans by offering a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and social connection. It has also been proven that this sense of social connectedness can increase general happiness levels, reducing the severity of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicidal tendencies (Flack and Kite, 2021).
With the recent recommendations handed down by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide addressing challenges including social isolation, difficulties transitioning into a civilian environment post-service, the need for meaningful connection and health and wellbeing reform that supports veterans and families, volunteering is more relevant than ever for this cohort.
Veterans and their families make brilliant volunteers, with their unique skillset from their time serving making them an asset to any organisation. Nearly 1 in 4 (25%) of veterans participate in volunteer activities, and veterans who are not in the labor force are even more likely to volunteer (22%), compared to their civilian counterparts (15%).
With the benefits of volunteering clear, Invictus Australia is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Volunteering Australia, aimed at enhancing community connections for veterans and their families through volunteering. within sporting organisations across the country. This collaboration aligns both organisations in their collective efforts to support veterans and their family’s wellbeing, empowering them to make a positive impact through giving back and being a part of the community, leading to a more inclusive and flourishing Australian society.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in recognising the vital role veterans play in our communities. By working together, we can create more pathways for veterans to continue their service through volunteering, enriching both their lives and the lives of those they help.”
Michael Hartung, CEO of Invictus Australia said, “Veterans bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and resilience to any volunteer role, and this partnership will help ensure that they have the ability to contribute to sporting organisations across the country and are recognised and valued for their unique skillset across Australia.”
This partnership is a key component of Invictus Australia’s broader strategy, to continue building an inclusive and supportive sporting community for veterans and their families. By promoting greater participation in volunteering, Invictus Australia and Volunteering Australia aim to enable connection and purpose – vital elements in the successful transition from military to civilian life.
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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