TOMORROW, 19 October, marks two years since Australia’s leading provider of high quality mental health support services for veterans and their families was renamed Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service was first established by our Vietnam veterans in 1982 who recognised a need for specialist support.
“Over the years this service has evolved and improved to provide vital services to more people in the serving and ex-serving communities, and it was two years ago that our Vietnam veterans graciously allowed us to rename this vital and life-saving service to be more inclusive of who can access it,” Mr Chester said.
“Open Arms is one of our Vietnam veterans’ most important legacies and now benefits all veterans and their families, which is something I know they are incredibly proud of.
“The service has grown to support some 30,000 clients in 2019-20, a 50 per cent increase from two years ago and illustrates that more veterans and their families are speaking up and seeking the support they need.
“Open Arms is available 24/7, 365 days a year on 1800 011
