Mates4Mates is one of Australia’s leading veteran charities actively changing the lives of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and their families, impacted by service.
One connection at a time, Mates4Mates is actively changing lives. They provide a way forward for current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families experiencing service-related physical injuries, mental health issues and isolation.
Social connection has a range of positive benefits for our physical, mental, and interpersonal health. More specifically, when we feel connected to others, it is shown to lower our stress levels, increase our ability to get through difficult situations, lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve our ability to recover from physical injury, and improve overall physical health.
Veterans and their families impacted by injuries or mental health illnesses may experience isolation, particularly if they’ve recently transitioned out of a close-knit Defence community. Having a community of like-minded people – a group of mates – can be an important part of their wellbeing and recovery.
Mates4Mates holds regular social connection activities, both face-to-face and online, for veterans and their families to provide a safe place to build connections and find mateship. Activities range from weekly barbecues and coffee catch ups to creative workshops, cooking classes, school holiday programs, and more.
When considering the unique experiences of veterans and hurdles that can exist when attempting to re-connect socially, a way to help bypass those challenges is by having a community of like-minded veterans supporting them. Mates4Mates social connection activities are facilitated by staff from all areas of the Defence community, experienced in helping veterans and those who are currently serving.
The benefit of repeatedly engaging in social connection activities is that over time, those same symptoms that caused suffering, will decrease. Anxiety and depression symptoms will decrease, feelings of belonging will increase, and it can even help with chronic pain management.
For current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families experiencing service-related physical injuries, mental health issues and isolation, no one should go through recovery alone. To find out more about engaging in social connection activities at Mates4Mates, or accessing their clinical support services, reach out today. Call 1300 4 MATES (462 837) or visit mates4mates.org.
