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)

Five of our members are WSO trained to fulfil the role outlined in the RSL NSW Strategic plan.  Stuart Hablethwaite, our Welbeing and Funeral Support co-ordinator is available as your point of contact for any well being 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.