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Suicidal thoughts can be difficult to talk about, but it is important to acknowledge these thoughts if they occur and seek support as soon as possible.
Supporting the community to 2030 and beyond
16 March 2023
Mates4Mates is committed to supporting more veterans and their families, with the right services, in more places and more often.
It has been 10 years since RSL Queensland established Mates4Mates to help address the significant health and wellbeing challenges faced by some Australian Defence Force community members.
Over that time, the team here at Mates4Mates have drawn on our values of integrity, innovation, compassion and collaboration to improve the physical, mental and social health of veterans and their families impacted by their service.
In 2023, General Manager, Emma Whitehead is proud to share that Mates4Mates is moving forward with a clear focus on the holistic health and wellbeing of veterans and their families through the launch of the ‘Journey to 2030’ Strategic Plan.
“At Mates4Mates, we understand that for some veterans, their time in Defence or transitioning to civilian life can have challenges, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially,” Emma said.
“We have listened to our clients, to their families, and to the statements made to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and in doing so, we recognise that Mates4Mates services provide an inclusive and supportive space to understand the context of our clients’ lives and circumstances.”
The ‘Journey to 2030’ Strategic Plan gives Mates4Mates defined strategic objectives with a clear motivation on:
- Service Excellence where we will focus on high quality, evidence based and inclusive services;
- Growth and Sustainability will see us expand services based on need and responsible use of resources; and
- Collaboration and Connection with aligned partners and an ongoing investment in our staff.
“We are proud to support the Defence community and, based on feedback and evidence, we have a strong commitment to continue to invest in mental, social, and physical wellbeing services, continuing with our existing purpose and vision.
As we move forward, it’s important to us that we continue to support our clients and their families. We embrace the opportunity to support the Defence family to 2030 and beyond.”
To download the Mates4Mates 2023 – 2030 Strategic Plan, please click here. For any questions surrounding the Mates4Mates Strategic Plan, please contact us on enquiry@mates4mates.org.
