In another first for the program, over 60 veterans and their families recently attended the inaugural ADL Veterans Family Event. Image: Angus Northeast.

PORT ADELAIDE's not-for-profit, Power Community Limited (PCL), has introduced a series of new important mental health initiatives as part of the ADF Veterans Program, coinciding with the annual Veteran’s Mental Health Week (VHW).

Running from October 13th to 20th, VHW’s theme of ‘keep connected’ aims to promote good health and wellbeing in the everyday life of Australia’s veterans and families while shining a spotlight on the important of social connectedness.

PCL’s ADF Veterans program – the only program of its kind run by an AFL club - draws on the similarities of transitioning from high-performing environments into the next phase of life.

Over a 6-week educational block, the program sees ex AFL-players and ADF veterans come together to re-identify a sense of purpose and community connection via series of events, courses, and keynote speakers addressing themes of goal setting, relationships, leadership and mental health and wellbeing.

Thanks to the support of major program partner Veteran’s SA, and in recognition of VHW, this year’s program participants have been offered a yearly subscription to wellbeing and mindfulness app, Calm.

The access to the app aims to equip veterans with the tools they need assist with taking care of the mental health and reduce anxiety via guided meditations and sleep education.

This year’s cohort was at a program capacity of 70 veterans, an increase of 20 participants year-on-year. Image: Angus Northeast.

This initiative is further supported by the introduction of breathwork workshops facilitated in the MG High Performance Centre at Alberton. Facilitated by a professional coach, the veterans will learn valuable breathing techniques to help combat negative emotions and feelings of anxiety.

In another first for the program, over 60 veterans and their families recently attended the inaugural ADL Veterans Family Event designed to connect defence families across the state.

The new initiatives come off the back of a significant government funding boost earlier this year that ensured the program can continue to support the veteran community over the next four years, including establishing an alumni network.

This year’s cohort was at a program capacity of 70 veterans, an increase of 20 participants year-on-year, with plans in place to welcome more veterans into the program in 2025.