Support for Reservists and their families
Defence Community Organisation provides a broad range of support services to the families of Reserve members, particularly when the Reservist is on continuous full-time service or away on deployment or exercise.
Support for families
24-hour support
Families of Reservists can seek support, advice or referral any time from the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608. The Helpline operates 24-7 and is staffed by human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
Reservists and their families can also call the ADF All Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036, which provides 24-7 mental health advice and referral.
Reservists on continuous full-time service
The families of Reservists on continuous full-time service can access DCO’s full range of support services, including:
- short-term case work and counselling,
- support for partner education and employment,
- help with childcare,
- support for dependants with special needs,
- assistance with children’s education,
- support during deployment and time apart,
- help in emergency and crisis, and
- programs and products for children.
Critical incident support
DCO provides support for families in times of illness, injury and bereavement, when the emergency occurs while the Reservist is on continuous full time service, on duty or in uniform.
Illness or injury support
Death and bereavement support.
Strong and supported families
We also offer services to help families become more resilient, positive and self-reliant.
The SMART suite of programs helps Defence partners and children manage the challenges of the military way of life, including deployment and parental absence, while our local staff can assist you to source and access community resources, groups or services that best suit your needs.
FamilySMART for Defence partners – click on the FamilySMART tab
KidSMART for primary aged children – click on the For kids tab
TeenSMART for teenagers – click on the For kids tab
Community connection services
Support for Reservists
In times of difficulty during their service, Reservists can seek assistance through the All Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036, through their local Medical Centre or Mental Health and Psychology Section (MHPS), or through unit staff like ADF Chaplains or unit welfare officers.
Defence Reserves Support
The Defence Reserves Support Council provides support and information for Reservists.
The council’s website contains information on aspects of Reserves service such as your rights and responsibilities, education and training, health care and leave arrangements, as well as guidance for balancing study or civilian employment with your service.
The council also works with communities and civilian employers to build wider understanding and support for Reservists.
Defence Reserves Support
1800 803 485
www.defencereservessupport.gov.au
Transitions support
Reservists planning to leave Defence can access assistance with the practical aspects of their separation at their local ADF Transition Centre.
Moving back into civilian life
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