Veterans and their families in Blair are being urged to keep socially connected as part of Veterans’ Health Week this year, with $200,000 in funding available to community groups and ex-service organisations to assist with activities.
Veterans Health Week will be held from Saturday, 24 October to Sunday, 1 November 2020 and the veteran community in Blair is being encouraged to get creative to ensure events can still take place, with organisations able to apply for $720 in funding to support their activities.
Federal Member for Blair and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann said the coronavirus pandemic had made it difficult for many people to physically see each other and finding ways to socially connect was now more important than ever, particularly for the ex-service community.
“Social connection is vital to mental health and wellbeing, and as part of Veterans’ Health Week this year ex-service personnel are encouraged to remain socially connected, with family, friends and the local community,” he said.
“This year ex-service organisations are invited to come up with more innovative ideas for hosting events, to get creative and create new opportunities to connect, either in person where possible or virtually over the phone or internet.
“This could include a fitness challenge or session, community meditation or yoga, community catch-ups, or arts and crafts shows or workshops to name a few – all either in person, or virtually.
“I want to encourage veteran support groups in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs region to get involved in Veterans’ Health Week 2020, and they can also partner with other local community organisations to hold an activity.
“And I urge all veterans and their families in Blair to look out for a Veteran Health Week event hosted in their community, and to stay safe, but connected,” Mr Neumann said.
Each year the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides $200,000 in funding to assist community groups and ESOs to host events for Veterans Health Week.
Applications for funding are now open and close on 2 October 2020.
Organisations can apply to receive $720 to support their Veterans’ Health Week activity.
More information, including on event ideas and on how to apply for funding, is available on the DVA Veterans’ Health Week page at www.dva.gov.au/vhw. You can also call 1800 555 254 or email vhw@dva.gov.au.
Applicants must be aware of Queensland Government coronavirus restrictions that are in place and ensure their event follows all relevant COVID-19 guidelines.
PHOTO: Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann (Left) and Young Veterans Ipswich Chapter President David Wyatt (Right) at the Young Veterans Ipswich Coffee Catch Up held on 2 August 2020 at Providence, South Ripley.
