Peer Support for veterans and their families

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides free, confidential peer support for veterans and their families. Our peer workers are veterans with lived experience who understand the challenges of military life and transition. They offer one-on-one goal orientated support to help improve mental health and wellbeing. Whether you need someone to talk to, guidance through tough times or help navigating support options, Open Arms is here for you.

Through shared understanding and practical guidance, Open Arms peers empower individuals to build resilience, improve wellbeing and achieve personal goals.

Peer support is strength-based and recovery-focused, offering:

  • Emotional Support & Connection – Providing a safe space to share experiences, reduce isolation and build trust.
  • Transition & Adjustment Support – Helping veterans and families navigate changes, identity shifts and civilian life challenges.
  • Wellbeing & Self-Care Strategies – Encouraging healthy habits, coping techniques and help seeking behaviours.
  • Building Confidence & Independence – Supporting goal setting and self-advocacy.
  • Navigating Services & Resources – Assisting with connections to other Ex-Service Organisations and community networks.

Find all our links here  – https://linktr.ee/OpenArmsPeers

Who this service is for

Open Arms provides support to:

  • current serving Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force personnel
  • ADF personnel transitioning to civilian life
  • ex-serving member’s
  • partners and children of serving and ex-serving personnel
  • ex-partners who are co-parenting (for 5yrs post separation or until child reaches 18yrs old)
  • reservists with one day continuous full time service or hazardous service.

Please visit our website for more information – https://www.openarms.gov.au/who-we-help/eligibility

Cost

Open Arms is a FREE service

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm

Accessibility Support

Our main office has ramp access and designated parking. Peer support sessions can also occur in the community, or wherever you feel safe and supported.

How this service is delivered

  • Face-to-face

    We deliver Face-2-Face, telehealth or telephone peer support.

  • Call or visit us online

    Call us 24hrs a day 1800 011 046 or visit our website – https://www.openarms.gov.au/

  • We'll come to you (outreach)

    Our peers are based out of Hobart and Launceston and can service locations ~2hrs of there. Where too geographically dispersed we offer telehealth and telephone support.

Updated: 14/02/2025

Provided by

What is IAR?

  1. Level 2 - Low Intensity

    Low Intensity

    Although brief, level 2 services include some direct contact with a mental health professional. You may also see therapists, coaches or social workers. There will be options to access these services via telehealth, face to face or over the phone. At this level, you should only need a few sessions or engagements before you start to feel more empowered to manage your mental health.

    More information
  2. Level 3 - Moderate Intensity

    Moderate Intensity

    This level involves more frequent contact with a professional to help with your mental distress. Access to these services will generally require a referral from your GP or other mental health professional. Your referral will include a mental health treatment plan that assists the mental health professional (psychologists, mental health social worker, etc.) to provide personalised support to you over a period of time that works best for you.

    More information

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