Professional Development Network Sessions – Veteran Support Community

RSL LifeCare Veteran Services is committed to providing the best wellbeing support for veterans and their families. To do this, we need to ensure that our Veteran Support Community are informed on wellbeing practices and have the opportunity to learn and develop their knowledge from peers.

We are proud to facilitate a variety of Professional Development Network sessions, specifically designed for people who work within the Veteran Support Community – Ex-Service Organisations, Australian Defence Force, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Community Support Services. The intent of this Network is to provide professional development and learning from stakeholders within our broader community to help all of us provide the best wellbeing support that is current and evidence based to our Veteran Community.

Sessions will be held on the second Thursday of each month.  Please refer to our LinkedIn page for the session details and to register.

Missed one of our sessions?  No worries, just access the session recordings below.

Carer Gateway, Social Connectivity and RSL Employment Program

Session Date: Thursday, 14 December, 2023

This session covers three important topics for carers of veterans.

Carer Gateway shares insights and knowledge about the supports and resources available for carers of veterans.

A veteran shares insights about social connectivity through scale modelling, a hobby which consists of creating miniature representations (models) of larger subject.  Research from Brunel University in London has found that scale modelling can serve as a catalyst for improving the health, well-being and independence of veterans.

RSL Queensland shares information about the RSL Employment Program, a free service available for veterans and their partners.

Moral Injury – impacts, signs and referral pathways for Veterans.

Session Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023

Moral injury refers to the psychological, social and spiritual impact of events involving betrayal or transgression of one’s own deeply held moral beliefs and values occurring in high stakes situations. Moral injury is not a recognized mental health disorder in itself, but may be associated with PTSD or depression.

Moral injury was first described in military personnel who returned from deployment having been involved in events that transgressed their deeply held moral beliefs or values. The impact of these experiences on individuals’ psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing was seen as being broader than the symptoms of PTSD or depression.

The presentation covers what is moral injury, how to recognise moral injury in people you are supporting and recommended referral pathways.

Presentation by Professor Andrea Phelps, Deputy Director Phoenix Australia, Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health on Moral Injury.

For veterans and family members, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services also hosts sessions which provide information that can help them prepare for civilian life. Click here to access these course recordings, or feel free to share them with your contacts who may benefit.