Soldier On has partnered with SANE Australia to expand access to vital mental health support for current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families through the dedicated Shoulder to Shoulder online community spaces.
The new partnership will provide veterans and their loved ones with safe, trauma-informed and professionally moderated digital spaces where they can connect anonymously, share experiences and access support from people who understand the unique challenges of service and life beyond it.
Available 24/7 on any device, the dedicated communities – Shoulder to Shoulder: Veterans and Shoulder to Shoulder: Veteran Families – are designed to ensure support and connection are always within reach.
Shared commitment
Soldier On CEO Paul Singer said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the wellbeing of veterans and the people who stand beside them.
‘At Soldier On, we believe that no one should face the challenges of service and life beyond it alone. This partnership with SANE strengthens our ability to support veterans and their families with safe, accessible and compassionate mental health support – whenever and wherever they need it. Shoulder to Shoulder is about connection, understanding and reminding our community that support is always within reach,’ Mr Singer said.
An essential pathway to support
SANE Australia CEO Rachel Green said online forums can provide an essential pathway to support for veterans and their families.
‘Online forums play a uniquely important role for veterans and their families, many of whom are in critical need of support but hesitant to seek help through traditional face to face channels.
‘The SANE Forum community provides a welcoming, stigma free space where people can connect, feel understood and access round the clock peer support.
‘SANE is proud to partner with Soldier On to facilitate access to the SANE Shoulder to Shoulder forum spaces, giving veterans and their families a safe, 24/7 community where they can share experiences and receive meaningful support in a way that feels comfortable, accessible and on their own terms.’
Creating connection and possibilities
Soldier On Program Director – Health and Wellbeing Elfin Berwick said connection and shared experience sit at the heart of the partnership.
‘Going through adversity is one thing – going through it alone is quite another. Being able to draw on the knowledge and experience of others who have faced similar challenges opens up new possibilities.
‘Perhaps most importantly, it reminds you that you are not alone. Knowing that connection is available at any time, and that someone is looking out for you, may be the most powerful thing that this partnership can offer.’
The partnership recognises the unique challenges many veterans and families face, including transition to civilian life, social isolation and mental health pressures, while ensuring support is available in a format that is flexible, discreet and easy to access.
Through this collaboration, Soldier On and SANE aim to strengthen pathways to support and create more opportunities for veterans and families to connect with people who understand the military experience firsthand.
The Shoulder to Shoulder: Veterans and Shoulder to Shoulder: Veteran Families spaces are free to join and available now.
Shoulder to Shoulder Online Spaces are funded by Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, and developed by SANE in collaboration with subject matter experts, Phoenix Australia.
