Health and wellbeing support
The health and wellbeing of Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservists and their families is a priority for Defence.
Defence aims to keep reservists healthy throughout all phases of their career, and provides access to a range of wellbeing programs and resources to support this, including
- Reserve Assistance Program provides access to professional mental health support for reservists and their dependants or members of household.
- Reserve health support allowance is provided by Defence to help reservists keep their health levels at required standards.
- Crisis support offers practical assistance and emotional support available to reservists and their families in times of illness, injury, domestic crisis and bereavement.
- Employee Assistance Program offers confidential, free of charge counselling support to reservists and their immediate families.
- Chaplaincy services provide pastoral, spiritual and religious care as required to reservists and their families. They also have a 24/7 regional on-call service available by calling 1300 333 362.
- Open Arms provides mental health assessments and counselling for veterans and their families. Information and resources are available for current, former and transitioning reservists and their families including partners, children, siblings and parents, and carers and employers.
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers access a range of different services to current and former reservists and their families. This includes health care, rehabilitation, mental health services, and, pension and specific support payments.
- The Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO) provides immediate and confidential support, information, and advice to all current and ex-serving reservists and their families who have been impacted by sexual misconduct. 1800 SeMPRO is available 24/7.
Lifestyle benefits
Reservists can serve in a way that reflects their individual circumstances and lifestyle. Flexible work options are available to help balancing personal or family needs, and service commitments.
Private travel discounts
Reservists may be able to access discounted prices for private travel, airline lounge access or car hire through whole of government suppliers. Discounts on everyday activities and expenses may also be available as a recognition for service.
Loans and hardship grants
During tough times, reservists may be able to access a loan or hardship grant to help get back on track through the relevant service relief trusts.
Sport and fitness
Many reservist roles require a reasonable level of fitness. Defence provides free access to Defence sport and fitness facilities while on duty to make regular exercise a part of a normal routine.
Reservists may have the opportunity to join ADF sport programs and participate in activities such as sailing, skiing and everything in between. MyBase in ServiceConnect holds more information about what is happening on a specific base, including sport and gym access.
Family programs and services
Defence have a range of support programs that may be available to reservists to help balance the demands of life in the ADF with the needs of those closest to them, including:
- Defence Member and Family Support helps ADF members and their families balance the demands of service life with the needs of families.
- Defence Member and Family Helpline is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community. The helpline call centre (1800 624 608) is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
- Engage is an online portal to locate support services for current, transitioning, and former reservists.
- ForceNet has useful information for joining as an reservist and staying engaged.
- ADF Reserves and Employer Support provides useful contacts including the ADF Reserves and Employer support team.
- Army ServeOn provides information for Army reservists on flexible serving options.
- Service Connect enables quick and simple access to Defence services from outside and inside the Defence network. Services include PostingConnect which aims to support members and their nominees through domestic postings that include a removal.
- Navy's Family support page includes the Navy families' information pack and other resources to help new Navy families access the support and benefits available to them.