Key Facts:
- 'Shoulder to Shoulder' offers free, anonymous mental health forums for Australia's 500,000 veterans and their families
- The service aims to support veterans during ANZAC Day period, when emotional challenges can be heightened
- Programme addresses barriers to seeking help, including stigma and reluctance for face-to-face support
- Forums are professionally moderated and accessible from home via shouldertoshoulder.com.au
- Shoulder to Shoulder is delivered by SANE Australia in partnership with DVA Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling.
SANE 'Shoulder to Shoulder' forums provide free and anonymous mental health support to all in need this ANZAC Day period.
There are around 500,000 military veterans in Australia, and while ANZAC Day can be a time of pride, it can also be emotionally challenging with 'unseen battles' amplified by world events.
Many Veterans hide their psychological distress, often reluctant to seek face‑to‑face support due to stigma, self‑reliance and concerns about judgement.
Shoulder to Shoulder peer support spaces, delivered by SANE Australia in partnership with DVA Open Arms – Veteran and Families Counselling, overcome these barriers to provide access to FREE, anonymous, professionally moderated mental health support, for veterans and their families.
'These spaces are unique in that they provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where veterans can connect in with peers to ask questions, share experiences and seek support from the privacy of their own home,' says SANE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Rahul Khanna.
There needs to be a place for veteran families that acknowledges their service and sacrifice whilst providing a safe space to connect. Shoulder to Shoulder provides an important and much‑needed support option for this group," said DVA Veteran Family Commissioner, Annabelle Wilson.
'Shoulder to Shoulder' is accessed via shouldertoshoulder.com.au or saneforums.org.
Pre-record news grabs and media interviews are available with Dr Rahul Khanna and Annabelle Wilson this weekend.
About us:
SANE is the leading national mental health organisation for people with persistent, recurring or complex mental health issues and trauma, providing a range of free digital and telehealth services to support them and their families. Led by the voices of its community, SANE drives change to improve the lives of those living with complex mental health and end stigma and discrimination.
