A year after opening its doors to the nation, a veterans’ centre that admits it shouldn’t need to exist continues to be inundated with clients.
Veterans Centre Australia (VCA), a not-for-profit charity providing professional support and advocacy services to current and former servicemen, servicewomen and their families, reports that demand for its services has increased by 120% in the last 12 months.
Since the release of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide interim report in August, client enquiries to the centre have risen by 10%. There is now a four to six week waiting list for VCA clients to access support services.
VCA CEO Nikki Noakes, said despite increased government focus on Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans’ welfare over the past five years, demand for transition support is showing no signs of slowing.
“The sad reality is that a service like ours should not have to exist. The government programs currently available to veterans are not always consistent and can be met with barriers for engagement.” she added.
Noakes said that around 30% of their clients turn to VCA having an unsatisfactory experience elsewhere, as they struggle to navigate a complex Veterans’ Affairs system which usually exacerbates their stress levels.
“At VCA, we recognise that everyone’s transition experience is different, shaped by a different set of circumstances, and an infinite combination of multifaceted needs. There is no one-size-fits-all model.”
Noakes believes VCA will need to increase its resources in coming years as it guides Australian veterans and their families towards wellbeing and resilience and that Military legislation is far too complicated, and no longer practical to support the changing and unique needs of veterans and their families.
At VCA their team provides levels of support ranging from the urgent high-risk intervention of a tactical nature and long-term wellbeing and care assistance.
“We work really hard to connect veterans and their families with a range of support services and programs so that they are informed and resourced to better respond to their own individual health, social and physical needs, both during and post their ADF transition periods,”
“Our programs are all about empowering veterans with the knowledge and connections that they need to go on to lead a fulfilling life,” said Noakes.
After servicing the Northern Beaches area of Sydney for a decade, VCA expanded to become national last year, due to growing demand.
Carmichael said although the veteran community had faced immense challenges over the past few years, this had generated a fresh spotlight on the sector, with an increased focus on veterans’ wellbeing and employment initiatives.
“VCA has maintained a laser-like focus on supporting veterans and families to ensure we can achieve positive and sustainable outcomes for those who seek and need assistance,” said VCA Board Chair, Ryan Carmichael.
Carmichael said although the veteran community had faced immense challenges over the past few years, that had generated a fresh spotlight on the sector, with an increased focus on veterans’ wellbeing and employment initiatives.