RSL DefenceCare – Quarterly update – January-March 2021

Through the first quarter of 2021, we have continued to support Australian veterans and their families in need. We are focused on the lifetime wellbeing of veterans and provide free welfare support and services to veterans and their families. We offer help with Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims, advocacy at Veterans’ Review Board hearings, housing assistance and financial assistance.

In February we also launched a new employment program as part of a national initiative to offer holistic support services to veterans across the country. RSL Employment is funded by the Australian Government and supports veterans and their partners to find meaningful employment. Our team work with veterans and their partners to determine how they can best support their search for employment.

Between January and March 2021, RSL DefenceCare was able to:

• Provide $62,064 in financial assistance.
• Assist 41 veterans experiencing homelessness.
• Help 111 veterans to lodge 426 DVA claims.
• Make 78 virtual or socially distanced visits to veterans and family members at homes, hospitals or nursing homes.
• Lodge 43 new VRB appeals, complete 66 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation discussions and represent 3 full VRB Board Hearings.

Always there

As we prepare for ANZAC Day with large scale commemorations returning, we all have the opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our brave service personnel. However, this can also be a difficult time for many veterans and their families, with a lot of emotion attached to ANZAC Day. If this is a period that you or a loved one find tough, or you’re struggling for other reasons, please reach out for support.

Our efforts are proudly supported by funds from RSL NSW and RSL sub-Branches, and the services we provide would not be possible without the generous support of donors.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.