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12 Oct 2018
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25 Sep 2018
Cathy McGowan - Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme
03 Sep 2018
VVCS changes name to Open Arms
Veterans support gets a new look
The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) is getting a new name and a new look.
From October, VVCS will become Open Arms, with the tagline veterans and families counselling.
“This new brand better represents how the service has evolved and is more recognisable,” National Manager Dr Stephanie Hodson said.
“Open arms are a very powerful symbol of support, safety, and security, particularly for Vietnam veterans, whose lifeline was the Huey helicopter.
“The Hueys would either take them out to safety, or provide critical supplies. But to let the pilot know where to land, one soldier had to stand in a field with open arms, completely vulnerable.
“Our new logo reminds us of those brave soldiers, while also representing so much to contemporary veterans —families welcoming soldiers home, land crew directing planes—and, of course, our policy to welcome those who need support.
“This brand change comes at a time when we are expanding eligibility to anyone who has served for one day or more and their immediate family, who can now seek counselling about any issue they face.
“It was developed after extensive consultation with Vietnam and contemporary veterans, current personnel, reservists, partners, families, and peer network advisers across Australia.”
The nationally accredited service has been the cornerstone of the Australian Government’s veteran mental health support for more than 35 years, when it was established to support Vietnam veterans.
It provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling to former and current Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.
“As a contemporary veteran, I fully understand and appreciate the amazing legacy the Vietnam veterans have provided to my generation.
“Since 1982, we have provided more than 1.6 million counselling sessions to close to 300,000 veterans and family members,” Dr Hodson said.
“With this more memorable brand that clearly represents what we do, we hope to better connect with current and former ADF personnel and their families, so that even more can get the support they need.”
If you need support, call 1800 011 046 any time of day or night.
For more information about the name change please visit - http://www.vvcs.gov.au/openarms/index.htm