Veterans Chaplaincy pilot program launches: Here's what you need to know
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We have some great news for veterans and their families! The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is launching a groundbreaking Veterans Chaplaincy Pilot Program that will provide unwavering support during their transition into civilian life.
With ADF chaplains by their side, veterans can rely on a familiar and trusted source of guidance, just like they did during their time in service.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh, knows firsthand the crucial role that chaplains play in the lives of military personnel and their families.
He's thrilled to extend their support to veterans, regardless of their religious beliefs. After all, chaplains have been an integral part of the ADF for years, providing spiritual, religious, and pastoral support.
The Albanese Government is determined to enhance the support available to veterans during their transition, and the addition of ADF chaplains is a game-changer.
Transitioning from service can be a daunting experience, but with the familiar comfort and unwavering support of chaplains, veterans and their families can feel empowered and ready for this new chapter in their lives.
'There is no doubt that the transition from service requires a massive readjustment for veterans and their families. The Albanese Government is working to enhance the support available through transition, and the support provided by ADF Chaplains will provide familiar comfort for many,' said Keogh.
It's a heartwarming development that promises to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
What is the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program?
The Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program is a government initiative that has received a $1.9 million funding commitment, and it aims to extend chaplaincy support from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to transitioning and ex-serving ADF personnel as well as their families.
The Pilot Program will run until 30 June 2024, with evaluation and consideration of the next steps.
The program has three main objectives:
Many who have served in the ADF have sought the support of a Chaplain at some point.
Credit: DVA TV.
Recent evidence presented at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has highlighted the vital role that ADF chaplains can play in suicide prevention and care. This new pilot program aims to extend that support specifically to veterans and families who are going through complex or traumatic transitions from ADF service.
It's important to note that civilian religious organisations may not be able to fully replicate the unique service provided by chaplains, as they may lack familiarity with the experiences of veterans and their families, as well as the context of military life.
As a result, once someone has transitioned from the ADF, they may lose access to this specialised support they once received.
The Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program aims to connect transitioning ADF members, veterans, and their families with chaplains working in the program.
By doing so, the highly effective and familiar support that ADF personnel receive through ADF chaplains can be reestablished, providing much-needed care and guidance during their transition to civilian life.
The Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program is set to make a significant impact by trialling support in regions across Australia with significant Defence and veteran populations.
Minister Keogh also expressed his pride in launching the program in his home state of Western Australia. Starting in Perth, the program will then be extended into Southeast Queensland in the second quarter of 2023, followed by North Queensland in the third quarter of 2023.
Who are the Chaplains?
Chaplain John Crosby has been appointed as the first chaplain of the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program in Perth.
With a decade of experience in the Army, Chaplain Crosby has been providing crucial chaplaincy support to various areas within the ADF. He is highly trained and experienced in suicide prevention and mental health care, earning him a Conspicuous Service Medal for his outstanding work in moral repair within the ADF.
As a leader in the emerging field of Moral Injury support, Chaplain Crosby possesses expertise in Pastoral Narrative Disclosure (PND) and Moral Injury Skills Training (MIST).
Now, Chaplain Crosby's invaluable support is extended to all veterans and their families in the Perth area, marking a significant milestone in the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program.
It's important to note that this program is currently in its pilot phase and is currently operational in Perth, with chaplains in Brisbane and Townsville set to commence their services later this year.
For all transitioning members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and veterans, along with their families, residing in the pilot regions, the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program is here to provide crucial support.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, connecting with one of the program's dedicated chaplains is just a phone call away through the usual DVA support channels.
There are Veteran Support Officers on more than 50 bases around Australia. They are usually located at either the Joint Health Command Facility or near the Transition Cell on your base. You can make an appointment by sending an email to [email protected] with your:
We hope you found this article helpful and informative! Are you or someone you know a veteran or transitioning ADF member in need of support? How do you feel about the extension of this program to other regions? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.
With ADF chaplains by their side, veterans can rely on a familiar and trusted source of guidance, just like they did during their time in service.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh, knows firsthand the crucial role that chaplains play in the lives of military personnel and their families.
He's thrilled to extend their support to veterans, regardless of their religious beliefs. After all, chaplains have been an integral part of the ADF for years, providing spiritual, religious, and pastoral support.
The Veterans Chaplaincy Pilot Program has been launched to support veterans and their families transitioning into civilian life. Credit: Facebook/Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.
The Albanese Government is determined to enhance the support available to veterans during their transition, and the addition of ADF chaplains is a game-changer.
Transitioning from service can be a daunting experience, but with the familiar comfort and unwavering support of chaplains, veterans and their families can feel empowered and ready for this new chapter in their lives.
'There is no doubt that the transition from service requires a massive readjustment for veterans and their families. The Albanese Government is working to enhance the support available through transition, and the support provided by ADF Chaplains will provide familiar comfort for many,' said Keogh.
It's a heartwarming development that promises to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
What is the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program?
The Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program is a government initiative that has received a $1.9 million funding commitment, and it aims to extend chaplaincy support from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to transitioning and ex-serving ADF personnel as well as their families.
The Pilot Program will run until 30 June 2024, with evaluation and consideration of the next steps.
The program has three main objectives:
- facilitating access to spiritual health support and other DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) programs,
- providing pastoral care, mentoring, and education during the transition into civilian life,
- and offering pastoral care and spiritual health support during crisis, high-intensity, or acute events, particularly in supporting adjustment, grief, and recovery.
Many who have served in the ADF have sought the support of a Chaplain at some point.
Credit: DVA TV.
Recent evidence presented at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has highlighted the vital role that ADF chaplains can play in suicide prevention and care. This new pilot program aims to extend that support specifically to veterans and families who are going through complex or traumatic transitions from ADF service.
It's important to note that civilian religious organisations may not be able to fully replicate the unique service provided by chaplains, as they may lack familiarity with the experiences of veterans and their families, as well as the context of military life.
As a result, once someone has transitioned from the ADF, they may lose access to this specialised support they once received.
The Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program aims to connect transitioning ADF members, veterans, and their families with chaplains working in the program.
By doing so, the highly effective and familiar support that ADF personnel receive through ADF chaplains can be reestablished, providing much-needed care and guidance during their transition to civilian life.
The Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program is set to make a significant impact by trialling support in regions across Australia with significant Defence and veteran populations.
Minister Keogh also expressed his pride in launching the program in his home state of Western Australia. Starting in Perth, the program will then be extended into Southeast Queensland in the second quarter of 2023, followed by North Queensland in the third quarter of 2023.
Chaplains have long been part of the ADF, giving spiritual and pastoral support to all those who serve. Credit: Unsplash/adrianna geo.
Who are the Chaplains?
Chaplain John Crosby has been appointed as the first chaplain of the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program in Perth.
With a decade of experience in the Army, Chaplain Crosby has been providing crucial chaplaincy support to various areas within the ADF. He is highly trained and experienced in suicide prevention and mental health care, earning him a Conspicuous Service Medal for his outstanding work in moral repair within the ADF.
As a leader in the emerging field of Moral Injury support, Chaplain Crosby possesses expertise in Pastoral Narrative Disclosure (PND) and Moral Injury Skills Training (MIST).
Now, Chaplain Crosby's invaluable support is extended to all veterans and their families in the Perth area, marking a significant milestone in the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program.
It's important to note that this program is currently in its pilot phase and is currently operational in Perth, with chaplains in Brisbane and Townsville set to commence their services later this year.
For all transitioning members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and veterans, along with their families, residing in the pilot regions, the Veterans' Chaplaincy Pilot Program is here to provide crucial support.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, connecting with one of the program's dedicated chaplains is just a phone call away through the usual DVA support channels.
There are Veteran Support Officers on more than 50 bases around Australia. They are usually located at either the Joint Health Command Facility or near the Transition Cell on your base. You can make an appointment by sending an email to [email protected] with your:
- full name and date of birth
- PMKeys number
- preferred telephone number
- Base
- state or territory.
Additional support for personnel transitioning from the ADF and for veterans is on its way. Credit: Facebook/Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative! Are you or someone you know a veteran or transitioning ADF member in need of support? How do you feel about the extension of this program to other regions? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.
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