Mates4Mates

Are you a veteran or family member seeking professional support for your mental or physical health? We understand that obtaining a DVA or Medicare referral can sometimes be a daunting task, so we have put together a few conversation starters you can have with your GP about accessing support. At Mates4Mates, our friendly team of mental health and physical rehabilitation clinicians are available in centre and via telehealth (where eligible). When you’re ready, you can book an appointment with a Mates4Mates clinician by calling 1300 4 MATES (62 837). 

Depression is a mental health disorder experienced by many veterans and Defence family members and is often misconceived as a sign of weakness or something one will just get over. At Mates4Mates, we're doing some myth-busting to help those experiencing symptoms of depression to feel empowered to find the support they need. If you’re a veteran or family member and want to find out more about how Mates4Mates can support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

Today we pause to remember and acknowledge the incredible strength of war widows and widowers, both past and present. War Widows Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifice and contribution made by Defence Force families and those who have experienced loss. If you are a Defence spouse or family member in need of support, you can reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

Veterans may experience moral injury during their careers, and distress resulting from moral injury may be more likely to occur due to experiences that occur while on deployment. You can find out more about moral injury in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/gfqq86tD We wanted to discuss this topic to reach out and share that talking about these feelings and concerns with a therapist can be a great starting point to help identify strategies to address unhelpful thinking patterns that may arise as a result of moral injury. Mates4Mates and our team of mental health professionals are here to help support you. Reach out on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

Veterans’ Health Week will be held from 13 – 20 October 2024 and this year’s theme is centred around Keep Connected, shining a spotlight on the importance of social connectedness for veterans and families. To support this, Mates4Mates is excited to be offering a range of events across all our locations in South East Queensland, North Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory throughout the month of October. This includes surfing lessons, sound yoga, guided historic tours, exploring a Billabong Sanctuary, bonsai and resin art workshops, and more! Read more about the importance of social connectedness for veterans and families in our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/gVB3-a4Y These events are sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs for Veterans' Health Week.

World Mental Health Day is a good reminder to check in with your own mental health and wellbeing. We understand how challenging it can be to overcome the impacts of service – some of which aren't always visible. Today is a good day to note that it's never too late to seek support. Our team of skilled psychologists, social workers and counsellors are here to work with you, to find the most effective treatment to manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. If you are looking for a safe, non-judgmental space for current or ex-serving members and families, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

It was game on at the Veteran Gaming & Hobby Expo over the weekend, as we welcomed more than 80 members of the Defence community through the doors of the Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Stafford for a day of adventure and exploring. There was plenty to keep the crowds entertained with video games, VR gaming, a flight simulator, board games, Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, Gundam building workshop, eSports, miniatures/model building and painting, Trading Card Gaming and more! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Expo – we hope you had just as much fun as we did! Thank you also to the vendors who helped to make the day as successful as it was. RSL Queensland, Veteran Gaming Australia, Gallipoli Gamers, Hobbyrama, Ferny Grove Tabletop Club, International Plastic Modellers Society of Qld, North Brisbane RC Tank Club, QinetiQ Australia and Australian Catholic University.

Exciting news! We have increased our mental health support services for veterans and families, welcoming psychologists to our Mates4Mates locations in Ipswich, QLD and Sunshine Coast, QLD! Our psychology services are available both face-to-face through our Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centres and via telehealth. Referrals are required. If you are looking for a military-informed psychologist with appointments available now, Mates4Mates is here to support you and your family. Call 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

Integrating mindfulness practices into day-to-day life can help veterans to improve their health and wellbeing through engagement in social situations.  Connecting with other veterans and families through shared experiences can help to reduce the stigma of mental health in the Defence community, providing understanding and an outlet that leads to increased motivation and resilience. Read our latest article here: https://lnkd.in/gki2gaCj For more information about Mates4Mates services and how we can help to support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.

Scott has been accessing the support of Mates4Mates with the help of our Ipswich team for just over a year. For Scott, Mates4Mates has helped him to make great personal progress, setting the wheels in motion to help him self-manage his own health and wellness. "I enjoy being a Mate and connecting with like-minded people who you can talk to without judgement, and you can talk freely and know they will understand." To find out how Mates4Mates can support you just like Scott, call 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.