RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

/ Mates4Mates Here for those impacted by service Continued on next page 87 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 Annual Highlights R SL Queensland established Mates4Mates in 2013 to provide physical, psychological, and social connection support services to current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families experiencing service-related physical injuries, mental health issues and isolation. Mates4Mates actively changed lives in 2021, one connection at a time. Through their Family Recovery Centres across Australia, plus their outreach and online services, thousands of veterans and their families found a new way forward. To date, more than 7,300 current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families have directly benefited from Mates4Mates life-changing support services which include psychology and physical rehabilitation, social connection activities and skills-based clinical programs. In 2021, the number of new veterans and their families who accessed Mates4Mates services grew by 30 per cent, meaning, that for the very first time, many within our community received the help they needed. This includes an 83 per cent increase among 18 to 29-year-olds, a 30 per cent growth in current-serving Defence personnel, and a 36 per cent increase in females, all accessing Mates4Mates services. More than 27,100 connections were provided, both face-to-face and online, throughout the year. This includes facilitating 13,209 social connections, a 50 per cent increase compared to 2020, bringing veterans and their families across Australia together to reduce isolation. Mates4Mates impact in 2021 included: • 3,653 psychology appointments provided, to improve the mental health of our ADF community • 3,955 exercise physiology individual appointments provided, to improve injuries and help more veterans manage their pain • 10,300 points of connection between staff and Mates through physical rehabilitation and wellbeing programs. Support looks different for everyone and providing online services became vital for those who were unable to attend face-to-face services as a result of distance, illness, or injury. Mates4Mates made 1,157 connections with veterans through online social connection activities and clinical services, with 528 psychology and exercise physiology appointments delivered through telehealth. Another milestone in 2021 was the official opening of the Mates4Mates Interim Centre in Palmerston in the Northern Territory. “Veterans and their families have put everything into supporting Australia, now many need the support that Mates4Mates provide. Mates4Mates make it okay to ask for help.” JAMES* Veteran (*name changed to protect identity) Delivering Impactful Veteran Outcomes