AASW Panel Discussion Recording | Defence and Veteran Suicide and Wellbeing

Watch the 50 minute recording of AASW's Defence and Veteran Suicide and Wellbeing Panel Discussion.

This panel discussion explores the social worker perspective on how we can reduce suicide and improve the wellbeing of our defence and veteran communities.

As highlighted by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide, the impacts on mental health for those serving Australia and their families can be severe. There are too many tragic and confronting stories of suicide among these communities. We know these communities can be better served and supported.

This panel discussion and consultation event was held to inform an AASW submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide. The post-panel consultation was not recorded.

Panel Discussion

In this panel discussion, our speakers share their insights and subject matter expertise to help begin our conversation on how we can best support those serving Australia, from a social work perspective.

Topic: Why is the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide so important? What can we do to reduce suicide and promote mental wellbeing among our defence and veteran communities?

Royal Commission Background

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide began on 8 July 2021. The Royal Commission produced an interim report in August 2022 with a final report due by 17 June 2024. The Royal Commission has heard evidence about the high prevalence of suicide among serving and ex-serving defence workers.

Social workers are part of the workforce that provide mental health supports and services to these clients and communities. Social workers are well-placed to respond to the Terms of Reference of the Royal Commission, particularly from structural, holistic and therapeutic support perspectives.

Who should register? 

• Social workers who provide direct support to veterans and defence communities
• Social workers in private practice with an interest in supporting defence and veteran clients
• All AASW members, including the broader social worker audience who are interested in this field of practice
• University social work departments with veteran pathway programs

0.84 hours of CPD activity: Category 3, professional identity
AASW Credential: Mental Health

Speakers

Dr. Nikki Jamieson - Suicidologist and social worker

Nikki has a PhD in moral injury and veteran suicide following the suicide death of her son Daniel in 2014 who was a serving member of the Australian Army.

Louise Gates - Group Head, Veterans at Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Louise is responsible for the AIHW Primary, Maternal, Veterans & First Responders Group which is partnering with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to develop data and quality statistical reporting about the health and welfare of Australia’s veteran population. Louise is also the Chief Statistical Officer of AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing).

Gwen Cherne - Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner

Gwen Cherne is the inaugural Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner on the Repatriation Commission. Commissioner Cherne is also a member of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. Gwen is committed to representing the perspectives of veteran families in ongoing policy and decision-making across Government.

Method of delivery

Once you have registered for this recording, all online content is available to view at your convenience via the AASW online on-demand training platform.

Please ensure that your email address is accurate and updated when you register.

Duration

The webinar recording duration is 50 minutes.

CPD

This recording can be claimed for CPD purposes, consistent with the CPD Goals and Hours Requirements.

Find out more today about opportunities to have your specialised social work skills recognised.

Cost

Members: free
Non-members: $25.00 (including GST)

Register

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