Reaching Out

OUTLINE

 

With the speech by our member, LTCOL Nick de Bont, acting as a catalyst and taking up the initiative from the RSL Strategic Plan which includes a focus on new Members under 50 years of age, the Forestville RSL sub-Branch has instituted a program titled Reaching Out.

Our objective is to reach out to former and serving members of the ADF by providing assistance which falls outside the remit of Defence or DVA.

In accordance with our charitable purpose, our sub-Branch policy is to support members (as noted above) who reside in our catchment area; the postcodes 2084-2087 and 2100 (Allambie Heights, Beacon hill & Oxford Falls.) In addition, the sub-Branch will support projects which provide a welfare benefit to both our members and the wider service community.

 

LIAISON

 

Unit Liaison

We have established contact with our three “local” units;

  • HMAS Penguin
  • 7Bty 9Regt RAA
  • 2/17RNSWR

In each case we have a point of contact with HMAS Penguin having several units on the base and in the Sydney region. These need to be nurtured and to this end our 3 Wellbeing Support Officers (see below) will be the point of contact for the units.

 

Wellbeing Support Officers (WSO)

Three of our members have volunteered to become WSO’s to fulfill the role outlined in the RSL NSW Strategic plan which we have mentioned before. However, the specific role for our particular sub-Branch is still being defined and should be sorted by next month.

Of course, our Welfare Officer, Stuart Hablethwaite, is available as your point of contact for these issues.

 

OPEN ARMS

 

Mental health support for Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, veterans & their families

Visit the Open Arms website https://www.openarms.gov.au/ for more information about the services and support they provide for Veterans and their Families.

safeTALK workshops
Most people with thoughts of suicide signal their distress and invite help.  If these opportunities are missed, dismissed or avoided they can leave people more alone and at greater risk.  In safeTALK you will learn how to become more alert to suicide prevention opportunities and how to offer help.

The next safeTALK workshop will be held at the Forestville RSL on the 3rd March, 2022 from 1.00pm to 5.00pm.
To register for a workshop call 1800 011 046 or visit the www.openarms.gov.au website and search for ‘suicide intervention workshops’.

 

 

 

PROJECTS

 

The sub-Branch is supporting a project initiated by Navy Clearance Divers with the Mosman RSL sub-Branch to promote a veterans centre in the Mosman area.

 

As the initiatives develop, we will keep you updated!