Login
iscover
Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester has announced the launch of a new purpose-built app, which will help support the mental health and wellbeing of Australian Defence Force members, Reservists and their families.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The app was developed to build on the ADF approach to mental health screening and in response to recommendations from reviews such as the 2017 National Mental Health Commission Review of Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Services, as well as research studies into the mental health of ADF personnel.
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the HeadStrength app would allow users to anonymously check their wellbeing and provide customised information about how to seek the help they need, when they need it.
“The mental health and wellbeing of the entire Defence organisation is an ongoing priority for government and Defence, and this app is an additional support for current ADF members, Reservists, Defence families, Defence employees and contractors,” Minister Chester said.
HeadStrength is now available to download for anyone who is eligible to access ForceNet and will be evaluated over the course of the next 18 months to ensure it is enhanced and remains a key resource for the Defence community.
Minister Chester added, “The app will complement the on-base medical services available to ADF personnel, adding further support to those that may need it. This is an important initiative to ensure our personnel have the right tools to manage and monitor their mental health and wellbeing, and importantly, seek help if they need it.”
For information about mental health and wellbeing programs and services available to Defence personnel, visit the People Connect Mental Health Portal or the Defence Health ADF Health and Wellbeing Portal.
“I encourage everyone to make use of this valuable resource that has been specifically designed for the Defence community. It is an important addition to the work we are already doing supporting the health and wellbeing of the ADF and veteran community,” Minister Chester added.
