Stronger we Stand – Supporting Veteran Families
Stronger We Stand – Free Online Support for Veteran Families & Carers
Supporting a veteran experiencing suicidal distress or coping with suicide bereavement can be overwhelming.
Stronger We Stand offers free, online workshops to help families, and carers navigate these challenges with compassion, knowledge, and support.
Sessions Coming Up
Suicide Prevention
A gentle three-part series for those caring for a veteran facing emotional distress—or feeling overwhelmed themselves. Learn to spot signs of risk, connect with support, and respond with confidence, all while strengthening your own wellbeing in a safe, shared space.
- Suicide Loss – Session 3: Experiencing Suicidal Situations- Wednesday 1/10/25, 1.30-3pm
Connecting to Services, Supports, and the Community – Thursday 30th October, 4-6pm
Find your way through the mental health system with confidence. This gentle session introduces available services—clinical and community-based—and shows you how to connect with the right support, reduce barriers, and feel more empowered.
Advocacy & Overcoming Stigma – Thursday 16/10/2025, 4-6pm
Explore how mental health systems work and how to navigate them with confidence. In this supportive session, you’ll learn to recognise and overcome stigma, build advocacy skills, and discover ways to improve wellbeing—for yourself and those you care about.
Connecting Mental & Physical Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs- Tuesday 30/9/25, 12-2pm
A safe, welcoming session to explore the links between mental and physical health, alcohol and other drugs. Together, we’ll uncover ways to reduce isolation, recognise when support is needed, and build confidence through connection, advocacy, and self-care.
Self-care and Staying Connected During Times of Suicidal Distress-Tuesday 7/10/25, 1.30-3.30pm
Join a supportive space to explore stress, self-care, and connection. These sessions gently guide you through recognising personal challenges, building coping strategies, and finding strength in community—while learning how to access care and advocate for yourself and others. Self-care and Staying Connected During Times of Suicidal Distress
Understanding PTSD and Trauma – Tuesday 28th October, 12- 2pm
Explore the basics of PTSD and moral injury with real-life examples. Understand how trauma affects people, spot common responses, and pick up practical self-care tips to better support those you care about.
Bereavement Foundational
A gentle three-part series for families and carers grieving the loss of a veteran to suicide. Together, we’ll explore how to recognise distress, support others at risk, and care for ourselves through personalised wellness planning—all in a safe space to connect, reflect, and heal.
- Session 1- Understanding the Grieving Process- Wednesday 8/10/25, 1.30-3.30
- Session 2: Living with the Why & Helping Others- Wednesday 15/10/25, 1:30-3pm
- Session 3: Healing and New Beginnings- Wednesday 22/10/25, 1:30-3pm
“This program made me feel more normalised in my feelings and thought patterns. This program gave me some good places to reach out for support.”
“Having both a Veteran and Clinician was incredibly valuable. Both were approachable and knowledgeable. Their willingness to slow down and answer questions and explore ideas was also important.”
Why Join?
Learn strategies to care for your own mental health and wellbeing
Gain practical tools to support a veteran family member
Connect with services and a compassionate community
Who is it for?
These groups are suitable if you:
- Have been impacted by suicide, including:
- Bereavement of a current or ex-serving defence member
- Supporting a current or ex-serving defence member in suicidal distress
- Are a carer or family member of this person
- Are over 18
- Have not experienced suicide bereavement within the last 6 months
Please let us know if you are currently experiencing feelings of suicidal distress. We will work with you to ensure you are connected with services or professional supports before you begin the Stronger we Stand groups.
Get in Touch
To refer, complete the:
Referral and Registration – Online Form
OR:
Referral and Registration – PDF Form and email us
Call us: 1800 929 101
Email us: strongerwestand@gph.org.au
Use the calendar below to choose your session and book your spot in just a few clicks.
Foundational 1: Suicide Prevention
Or complete the contact form below and we will reach out to you within 3 business days:
The Stronger we Stand program has been funded by Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling.
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