A safe space for camaraderie and support: a veteran’s experience of Rec Connect events

With more than 30 years of experience in the military spanning roles such as RAEME Officer and Unit Welfare Officer, Army veteran Steve Bain understands the value of staying connected after service. 

“As soldiers, we’re trained to think of others, but when it comes to striving for outcomes for ourselves as individuals, it isn’t in our nature,” Steve explains.  

“When we leave the military, we don’t leave this mentality behind, so it’s important for us to try and find our new team. 

“When I was a Unit Welfare Officer at 6RAR, I’d help soldiers find and access the support they needed. I saw the benefits they got when they were being pointed in the right direction, and in a lot of cases, pursuing authentic connections within their family or community was incredibly beneficial.” 

Connecting at RSL Rec Connect

Over the last year, Steve has tried some of RSL Queensland’s Rec Connect events – not only for himself, but also his network. 

“I had heard about Rec Connect events and was curious to give them a try,” he says.

“During my time volunteering with Maritime Warriors, I’ve seen how trying new things or learning new skills can improve one’s mental health. You get that sense of achievement when you try something new or different.

“So, the Rec Connect events were interesting to me – not just because I wanted to try them out for myself, but also to see if they’d be good for other veterans I know. I wanted to be able to share these activities with my friends or have them share it with their families, too.”

So far, Steve has participated in a few Rec Connect events including a blacksmithing workshop, as well as the RSL Peer-Led Program RAEMUS Rover.

“If I had to pick, I’d say my favourite Rec Connect event would be the blacksmithing workshop; that was fun,” he says. “I went by myself to that one and not only came away with something I’d made for my wife, but I learnt a little about myself, too.

“In terms of the Peer-Led programs, I really enjoyed participating in RAEMUS Rover. Bringing a family member along to that one and sharing that experience with them was really special to me.” 

While the events are a great way to learn something new about yourself, Steve highlights the importance of enjoying these events with friends and family.

“Each event has given me something different, but one of the best takeaways I’ve had is watching veterans connect with their loved ones that they bring along,” Steve says. 

“It’s great to see veterans and their kids stand side-by-side in an activity and just help each other or make mistakes in front of one another. You watch it, and you realise they’re actually starting to connect! Then suddenly, the activity itself isn’t important anymore; they’re just enjoying spending time together and talking to one another. 

“RSL Rec Connect creates these opportunities – whether it’s picking up a new hobby or just talking or connecting with people. It’s up to the participants to see what they can take out of the experience.”

Connecting doesn’t have to stop there, either. As RSL Rec Connect events are usually hosted on weekends, Steve says they allow veterans who are usually time-poor mid-week to meet other like-minded individuals.

“Rec Connect events can provide you with the opportunity to expand your network too,” he says. “Those new connections could aid in linking you to more services that might support you, or potentially a new job.

“You meet good people at these events; everyone is respectful and can understand your experience in the military. It’s truly a safe space.”

A step in the right direction

Steve understands some veterans may have hesitations about attending social events like those in the Rec Connect program. 

“The wariness makes sense – particularly if you haven’t been to one before,” he says.

Although in Steve’s experience, the RSL Rec Connect events offer a safe space for veterans and their families and provide an important step in a veteran’s transition experience.

“After the intense environment of the military, these events give people a chance to have a feel-good experience. They’re a great place, a great environment,” he says.

“Also, if you’ve just left Defence, Rec Connect events greatly help your transition experience.

“The veteran experience is unique and there’s often unsaid understandings between those who have served. So, being able to connect with like-minded people helps us navigate post-service life.

“Having said that, these events are just a part of your overall transition journey back into the broader community. They offer a safe space for you to connect with other veterans, but they also help you build your confidence to integrate back into civilian life.”