Post-Deployment Support Program

Overview

The APS Post-Deployment Support Program provides free trauma-informed support for current and former Defence Australian Public Service (APS) employees who have been on an operational deployment.

The program offers:

• monthly welfare check-in calls (up to 6 months) and/or
• up to 12 specialised one-hour post-deployment counselling sessions.

All welfare check-ins and counselling sessions are completed with an experienced trauma-informed consultant from Defence’s Employee Assistance Program provider, Converge International.

Welfare check-in calls

Provide eligible employees with monthly welfare check-in calls (up to 6 months). During these phone calls, a Converge consultant will ask a series of wellbeing-related questions and, if required, provide advice on referral options for support services.

Post-Deployment counselling

Provides eligible employees with up to 12 specialised one-hour post-deployment counselling sessions. These sessions are centred around managing each individual’s needs, and enhancing wellbeing. This may include practical goals and actions in relation to nutrition, exercise, sleep, social relationships, and other wellbeing factors.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, individuals must:

• be a current or former Defence APS, Australian Signals Directorate, or Australian Submarine Agency employee
• have been deployed as part of their role.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members are not eligible for this program. ADF members should contact their nearest Garrison Health Centre for further information on post-deployment support.

Request form

Eligible participants can access the program through filling in the referral form and submitting it to consulting@convergeintl.com.au

Post-Deployment Support Referral Form (DOCX, 50.03 KB)