The Veteran Connect program is a pioneering initiative run by Social Futures and commissioned by Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (The PHN) to address the critical needs of Veterans and their families. Veteran Connect was piloted by The PHN in response to the recently completed Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, with the acknowledgment that the Royal Commission would take some time to complete.
The program has been informed by a comprehensive literature review, consultations and the opportunity to utilise the successful care navigation model implemented in Armidale for the Ezidi refugee community, with Veterans Connect tailored to support the unique needs of Veterans and their families. The pilot program began in 2023, initially established to provide support in the New South Wales, Central Coast region where a high population of Veterans and their families reside. Following the 12-month pilot, Veteran Connect has since expanded to include the Greater Newcastle region, supporting a larger cohort of the Veteran community.
The primary goal of Veterans Connect is to facilitate Veterans' access to appropriate primary care services promptly, enhancing their ability to navigate the healthcare system, overcome barriers to accessing mental health services, and improve health literacy and self-management. The program offers personalised goal setting, signposting to health and community services, and assistance with appointment scheduling, aiming to reduce mental health disorders and suicide rates among Veterans and their families by ensuring that they receive the right care at the right time.
The Veterans Connect program represents a proactive step towards improving the wellbeing of Veterans and their families through dedicated care navigation and goal setting. Currently, throughout the duration of the program outcome measures have shown the majority of participants have reported reduced distress levels and improved mental wellbeing, with the program providing support for more than 150 people. The program is continuing to evolve and expand, and as part of the presentation we would be excited to share more on the background, positive outcomes, key findings and learnings from this program to date.