A little known fact is that of the 496,276 Australian veterans at least 30,000 reside in WA. That WA is perhaps Australia’s most liveable place, in spite (or perhaps because) of its isolation, may well be a consideration. What doesn’t however is the growing need for support of our veterans. At least 60 per cent have a long-term health condition.
You wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many veterans who return to civilian life have challenges on the basis of the experiences they have had through active service. These brave men and women see and do difficult things that most of us can’t conceive of. What might see you cock an eyebrow is access to support on the “other side” of service, is not simple, or easy. In fact, the systems established to assist our veterans can be quite unwieldy and complex to navigate. For this reason, organisations like RAAFA offer advocacy services. It’s a team of volunteers that have been trained to understand the ins and outs of the system and the support veterans may be entitled to so they can live a better life after service.
Last year RAAFA’s advocates supported almost 500 claims or appeals on behalf of veterans who requested our assistance. This small group of volunteers have made an immense difference to the lives of those who have served our country, still with the growing number of veterans in WA, there is a requirement for additional support. To be able to help, requires one thing… training.
If you feel like RAAFA does, that our veterans deserve more support as they leave the service, so they get the entitlements that rightfully theirs, we want to hear from you. RAAFA is happy to organise the training and link you into the service, we just need to know who you are, that you are willing and able. It’s a call for help from us, for those who often wouldn’t ever think to ask for it.