RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

43 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 Health GO BEYOND Go Beyond is a new online program developed in partnership with RSL Queensland and Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF). It’s designed to help guide veterans through five key areas to improve adjustment and reintegration to civilian life, including purpose and connection, help-seeking, beliefs about civilians, regimentation, and resentment and regret. The program was piloted from December 2020 with 50 participants via the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (South Queensland). “I found the Go Beyond resources really valuable; I would definitely recommend it for other veterans. In contrast to a lot of other resources you come across, the program provided informative resources inclusive of text, visuals and audio which related back to other veteran’s experiences, which really helped to provide that sense of community and [that] you’re not alone.” HANNAH Veteran and Go Beyond pilot participant WELLNESS PROGRAMS RSL Queensland values the positive effect peer- led programs can have on wellbeing outcomes in the veteran community. Since 2015, RSL Queensland has formalised our relationships with a number of veteran-led organisations, striving to increase accessibility into a variety of non-clinical complementary and support initiatives. In 2021, RSL Queensland partnered with : RAEMUS Rover, Trojan’s Trek , Digger ’s Rest, Bootstraps (pilot initiative in 2021), 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation, Happy Paws Happy Hearts, Operation PTSD Support, PTSD Resurrected, Veterans Care Association, and Legacy Brisbane. “I was very reserved. Being in the team has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and do things I wouldn’t normally do. Challenge myself. It makes you feel good about yourself and being part of a team again.” DARLENE BLAKE Veteran and team member of RAEMUS Rover Off-Road Racing. From the program’s launch on 25 May until the end of 2021, there were 130 engagements with Go Beyond. Go Beyond is available online to all ex-serving ADF personnel as a free, online, self-directed training program, based on individual needs. “They [GMRF] understand the learning style of Defence. The way that Go Beyond is structured, it helps you absorb the information in a way that’s easy and effortless.” TIM THOMAS Veteran, Australian Special Forces Commandos Prior to beginning Go Beyond, users need to complete the M-CARM, a self-reporting questionnaire that allows veterans to identify how they are adjusting and where they may need additional support. M-CARM, or the Military-Civilian Adjustment and Reintegration Measure, was developed by GMRF in 2020 from research funded by RSL Queensland and launched in 2021. A total of 1,141 people completed the M-CARM between its pilot in 2020 and the end of 2021, including 752 participants in the original pilot study. ACTIVE LIFESTYLES Formally introduced in 2021, Active Lifestyles delivers engaging and rewarding experiences for veterans and their families, such as kayaking experiences, abseiling , art classes, blacksmith courses, and cooking initiatives, all delivered by industry-standard service delivery organisations. This program extends the activities that we can offer, and promotes social connection and community engagement, while encouraging a positive connection to RSL Queensland and promotion of RSL services and membership. Building Brighter Futures Annual Highlights Building Brighter Futures / Go Beyond Wellness Programs Continued on next page