Veterans, their families and the broader ex-service community that supports them will be able to have their say on how they are supported as part of the feasibility study into a new research and telehealth hub.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester said the potential for a national research centre and telehealth hub in Canberra had moved to the next stage with Yellow Edge Pty Ltd, partnered with ORIMA Research, selected to undertake this work.Â
“The input from these groups will create a profile of ACT veterans and look at how their needs could potentially be supported through a digital health platform,” Mr Chester said.
“It is also hoped that the results of this study will provide an understanding of possible approaches to support veteran mental health research and link support services for veterans and their families.
“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we have seen the potential benefits telehealth has to offer for veterans and their families and this work will build on this and ensure any future hub is informed by best practice.
“The Government is committed to supporting veterans and their families across the ACT community and I look forward to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the ACT Government working closely together to support this important research into ways to improve services for the growing veteran community.”
A workshop was held recently with Yellow Edge and ORIMA, the ACT Government and the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to identify key stakeholders who would provide valuable input into the work.
Mr Chester said the outcomes of the research would complement and enhance the Australian Government’s investment in a network of six Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres, providing localised health and wellbeing support to the veteran community.
ACT Minister for Seniors and Veterans, Gordon Ramsay said he was pleased to see the next stage of this research begin.
“We are reaching out to the ACT veteran community and those who support veterans and their families and we hope to further build our knowledge and understanding,” Minister Ramsay said.
“What we hear will assist us to explore the potential establishment of a research and tele-health hub in the ACT. I am looking forward to progressing this much needed facility right here in Canberra.”
How can you help?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is seeking the participation of ACT veterans and their families, and of telehealth and other services providers which currently support these veterans. Â
If you would like to be involved in the upcoming consultation you are invited to register your interest through contacting Yellow Edge Pty Ltd on actveterans@yellowedge.com.au by 5pm, Friday 4 September.
For more information about the feasibility study or the progress on the Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres program, visit the DVA website or contact the project team at veteranswellbeingcentres@dva.gov.au
For more information about the ACT Government’s role in the feasibility study and work to support the ACT veteran community more broadly, visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/wac or contact the Community Services Directorate at communityparticipation@act.gov.au
