Grounding techniques are simple ways to help you focus on the present moment when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, distressed, disconnected or “stuck in your head”. 

They can help you feel safer and more settled right now. 

Why grounding helps 

When stress rises, your body can go into alert mode. Grounding can help by: 

• calming the body’s stress response 
• reducing feelings of anxiety or overwhelm 
• improving focus and clarity 
• increasing a sense of safety and control 

Grounding will not make difficult thoughts or feelings disappear, but it can help you manage them. 

When grounding can help 

Grounding can help with: 

• moments of intense stress or emotion 
• anxiety or panic 
• distressing memories or unwanted thoughts 
• feeling disconnected, numb or “on edge” 
• everyday overwhelm 

You can use these techniques anywhere. 

Grounding techniques to try 

5–4–3–2–1 (using your senses) 

• 5 things you can see 
• 4 things you can feel 
• 3 things you can hear 
• 2 things you can smell 
• 1 thing you can taste 

This can help bring your attention back to the present. 

Breathing 

• Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds. 
• Breathe out through your mouth for 6 seconds. 
• Repeat for a few minutes. 

Longer exhales can help your body calm. 

Physical grounding 

• Press your feet into the ground and notice the support beneath you. 
• Run cold or warm water over your hands. 
• Hold a solid object and focus on its weight and texture. 

Orientation 

• Name the date, time and where you are. 
• Look around and identify something familiar or safe in the room. 
• Say quietly to yourself: “Right now, I am safe.” 

Movement 

• Stretch slowly or gently move your body. 
• Take a short walk and notice how your body feels as you move. 
• Roll your shoulders or gently clench and release your fists. 

Making grounding work for you 

Not every technique works for everyone. It may take time to find what works for you. 

It may help to: 

• try a few different approaches 
• practise when calm so it’s easier during stress 
• adjust techniques to suit your comfort level 

Even a few seconds of grounding can help. 

When you may need more support 

If distress feels ongoing, overwhelming, or makes daily life harder, extra support may help. 

You could talk to: 

• a GP or health professional 
• a counsellor 
• a trusted support service 

Grounding techniques can work well alongside professional support. 

If you would like more support, trusted Australian apps and audio resources may help you practise grounding, breathing and relaxation techniques at your own pace. 

Healthdirect lists health and wellbeing apps from trusted information partners, including Smiling Mind. It also provides information on slow breathing, mindfulness and relaxation techniques. 

A gentle reminder 

Grounding is a skill. You do not have to get it “right”. Any step that helps you reconnect with the present matters. 

Understanding grief and loss 

Grief is a natural response to loss. It can feel overwhelming, confusing or lonely, especially when the loss is linked to military service or life after service. 

Veterans and families of veterans may experience grief in many ways. It may follow the death of someone close to you, or a loss linked to service, health, relationships, routine, independence or sense of purpose. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. 

How grief can affect veterans and families of veterans 

Grief may affect your emotions, body, thoughts and relationships. You may notice: 

• feeling sad, numb, angry or guilty 
• changes in sleep, appetite or energy 
• finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions 
• withdrawing from others or feeling alone 
• strong reactions to reminders, anniversaries or unexpected moments 

For some veterans and families of veterans, grief can also be shaped by trauma or long-term stress. This can make grief feel more intense or return long after the loss. 

Types of loss that can lead to grief 

Grief is not only about death. You may also grieve: 

• the end of a military career, whether planned or unplanned 
• changes to your physical or mental health 
• changes in family roles or relationships 
• loss of connection with service mates or community 
• missed opportunities, changed expectations or loss of purpose 

These losses are real, even if other people do not always see or understand them. 

Signs you may need extra support 

Grief takes time, but extra support may help if things are not getting easier or are starting to feel harder. You may want to reach out if you: 

• feel stuck, overwhelmed or unable to cope day to day 
• are using alcohol or other substances to manage feelings 
• feel disconnected from yourself or others 
• have thoughts of not wanting to be here or of harming yourself 

Asking for help is a way to look after yourself. 

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, call 000. 

Ways to get support for grief and loss 

Support may include: 

• talking with someone you trust 
• using counselling that understands military and family life 
• connecting with peer support 
• getting practical help as well as emotional support 

Veterans and families of veterans can access free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support from people who understand military life. Help is available whether your service was recent or many years ago, and whether your grief feels new or long-standing. 

Veteran services for grief and loss support 

Veteran-specific services can help with grief and loss in different ways. The right support will depend on your needs and what you are going through. 

• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support including counselling, care coordination, peer support, group programs and digital health initiatives for veterans and the families of veterans.
• Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs for local connection, wellbeing support and help finding services in your area 
• Ex-service organisations for advocacy, practical help, social connection and support during times of change 
• Chaplaincy for emotional, social and spiritual support during grief, loss and major life changes 

You can reach out early, during a difficult time, or long after a loss. Different types of support may help at different times. 

General grief and loss services outside the veteran sector 

General grief and loss services can also help. You can use them alongside veteran-specific support or on their own, depending on what feels most helpful. 

• Griefline for grief and loss support, a helpline, online forums and information 
• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement for counselling, support and information 
• StandBy for support after suicide loss 
• Red Nose for support after miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a baby or child 
• Lifeline for crisis support if grief is linked with severe distress or thoughts of self-harm 

You do not need to choose just one type of support. Some people use veteran-specific and general services at the same time.

Wellbeing connected to culture, Country and community 

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, wellbeing is often understood in a holistic way. It may be shaped by connection to culture, Country, community, family and identity. 

These connections can be a source of strength, belonging and healing. They may also influence how wellbeing is experienced and supported over time. 

For First Nations veterans and families of veterans, experiences such as service, transition, relocation, grief, loss or changes in family and community roles can affect connection and wellbeing in different ways. 

There is no single way to define wellbeing. It is personal and may look different from one person to another. 

Research and lived experience show that wellbeing may include: 

• physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing 
• connection to family, kin and community 
• culture, language and identity 
• connection to Country and place 

What wellbeing can include 

Wellbeing may include many connected parts of life, such as: 

• Culture and identity 
• Country and place 
• Family, kin and community 
• Physical and mental wellbeing 
• Spiritual and emotional wellbeing 

These parts of wellbeing are connected and may affect one another. 

Why it matters 

Strong connection can support wellbeing across all stages of life. 

It can provide: 

• a sense of belonging and identity 
• support during times of change or uncertainty 
• connection to community and shared experiences 
• strength and resilience 

When these connections are disrupted, people may experience feelings of loss, disconnection or uncertainty. 

Recognising and supporting these connections can be an important part of health and wellbeing. 

What wellbeing can look like and how it can be supported 

Wellbeing can look different for each person and may be supported in different ways over time. It may include: 

• spending time on Country or reconnecting with important places 
• maintaining connection to culture, community and identity 
• strengthening relationships with family, kin, Elders or trusted supports 
• participating in cultural, spiritual or community activities, including language and traditions 
• learning about or deepening connection to culture and identity 
• seeking support from services that feel safe, respectful and culturally appropriate when needed 

These supports may look different at different times in life. 

If things feel challenging 

There may be times when wellbeing feels harder to maintain. 

This might happen because of: 

• disconnection from Country, culture or community 
• changes in health, housing, finances or relationships 
• stress, grief, trauma or life transitions 

These experiences can affect different parts of life at once. 

Getting support 

Support may come from family, kin, community, Elders, health professionals or services that understand and respect culture. 

Seeking support can be a positive step towards restoring balance and connection. 

You might want financial advice when you need to make important decisions about money. This can be helpful during big life changes, such as leaving the ADF, getting compensation or a lump sum payment, or planning for the future. 

Financial advice can help you understand your options and make choices that suit your needs and goals. 

What is financial advice? 

Financial advice is help from a qualified financial adviser about money decisions and financial products. Personal financial advice is advice that is based on your own situation, goals and needs. 

Depending on your situation, financial advice may help you: 

• understand DVA payments, pensions or lump sum compensation 
• plan for retirement or future financial security 
• manage your super 
• make decisions after leaving the ADF 
• understand the money impact of major life changes 

It helps to know the difference between financial information, general advice and personal advice. Financial information gives you facts. General advice may suggest a financial product, but it does not look at your personal situation. Personal advice does. 

When financial advice may be useful 

Personal financial advice may be useful if you are: 

• leaving the ADF 
• getting a DVA lump sum payment, pension or ongoing compensation 
• making decisions that could affect your finances for a long time 
• planning for retirement or the future 
• dealing with big changes to your income, health or family life 

You do not need to have everything sorted before you get advice. A financial adviser can help you work out what decisions you need to make and what information you need. 

Choosing a financial adviser 

In Australia, someone who gives personal financial advice must be authorised under an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence. You can check an adviser’s registration, qualifications and the products they can advise on through ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register. 

MoneySmart, ASIC’s consumer website, has practical information about how to choose a financial adviser and what to expect. 

Before you choose an adviser, think about: 

• what you want help with 
• whether you need general information or personal advice 
• whether the adviser is registered and authorised 
• what services are included 
• whether the advice is one-off or ongoing 
• how fees and other costs work 
• whether the advice suits your needs and goals 

MoneySmart, ASIC’s consumer website, has practical information about choosing a financial adviser, understanding fees and knowing what to expect. 

You can also use ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register to check an adviser’s registration, qualifications and the products they can advise on. 

DVA and financial advice 

DVA provides information and support to help veterans and families of veterans make money decisions after service. In some situations set out in law, veterans and dependants may be able to get back the cost of professional financial advice they need to help make a choice about compensation or related payments. 

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs also provides information about finances, payments and support after service through its Sort your finances page. 

Financial advice, counselling and support 

Financial counselling is not the same as financial advice. If you are stressed about money, debt or hardship, free and confidential financial counselling may be a better fit than paid financial advice. 

Bravery Trust provides free, independent and confidential financial counselling for current and former ADF members. A financial counsellor can help you understand debt, sort out bills, look at your options and talk with creditors. 

You can find free financial counselling through Bravery Trust financial counselling. 

Helpful resources 

These services can help you learn more, check an adviser, or get support if you are under financial stress. 

• MoneySmart – choosing a financial adviser 
  Practical guidance on choosing an adviser, understanding fees and knowing what to expect. 
• Financial Advisers Register 
  Check an adviser’s registration, qualifications and the products they can advise on. 
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Sort your finances 
  Information about payments, support and financial choices after service. 
• Bravery Trust financial counselling 
  Free, independent and confidential financial counselling for current and former ADF members. 
• National Debt Helpline 
  Free financial counselling if you are dealing with debt, bills or financial hardship. 

Alcohol and other drug support 

Not everyone who uses alcohol and other drugs will experience harm or become dependent. However, when harm does occur it can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Australians including veterans and families of veterans. 

For some people, alcohol and other drug use can affect their health, relationships, daily life and the ability to cope with stress. It can also affect families, friends and the broader community. 

Recovery is possible. With the right support, people can improve their health and wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their community. 

If you are worried about your own alcohol and other drug use, or someone else’s, help is available. 

Where to get help 

Different people need different kinds of support. A good first step is to speak with a GP or other health professional. Support may include: 

• counselling and emotional support 
• treatment services 
• information about alcohol and other drugs 
• support for families and carers 

If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 000.  

For 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

How to support someone you care about 

Starting a conversation can feel hard. Try to stay calm, avoid judgment, and talk about what you have noticed and why you are concerned. The Positive Choices website has practical tips to help you start a supportive conversation. 

Support services 

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling 

Open Arms gives free and confidential 24/7 support to veterans and families. It can help with alcohol and other drug concerns and connect people with specialist treatment services. Call 1800 011 046. 

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline provides free and confidential information, counselling and referrals to services in your state or territory. It can help people worried about their own alcohol and other drug use, or someone else’s. It is available 24/7, although hours may vary in South Australia. 

Call 1800 250 015. Your call will go to the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory. 

Counselling Online 

Counselling Online gives free and confidential online support to people worried about their own alcohol and other drug use, or someone else’s. It offers counselling, information and self-help tools 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Family Drug Support 

Family Drug Support helps families and friends affected by someone else’s alcohol or other drug use. It offers a 24-hour phone line, support groups, education, counselling and bereavement support. Call 1300 368 186. 

Family Drug Support also offers FDS Online, a resource for families dealing with ice and other drugs. 

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

13YARN is a free and confidential 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13 92 76 to speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter in a culturally safe space. 

Kids Helpline 

Kids Helpline gives free and confidential phone, web and email counselling to children and young people aged 5 to 25. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1800 55 1800. 

Medicare Mental Health 

Medicare Mental Health is a free service that helps people find mental health and wellbeing support. You can use it for yourself or someone you care about, and you do not need a referral. Call 1800 595 212 during weekday business hours. It is not a crisis service. 

Lifeline 

Lifeline gives 24-hour crisis support and counselling for people in distress or crisis. Call 13 11 14. 

Hello Sunday Morning 

Daybreak by Hello Sunday Morning is a free app for people who want to change their relationship with alcohol. It offers coaching, an anonymous online community and practical tools. 

Path2Help 

Path2Help is an online tool that helps people find alcohol and other drug services that match their needs. It also includes information and other support resources. 

DVA-funded treatment 

DVA may cover clinical treatment for alcohol and other drugs if a medical professional says you need this care. Talk to your GP or treating health professional about your options and whether you may be eligible for DVA-funded treatment. 

You may be eligible if you have one of the following: 

• a Veteran Gold Card 
• a Veteran White Card and the treatment is for an injury or condition covered by your card 

You can find more information from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 

Finding and keeping work after military service can be a big transition, and it does not always happen in a straight line. 

For many veterans and families of veterans, employment is about more than income. It can affect confidence, daily routine, social connection and sense of purpose. Health issues, caring responsibilities or an unexpected discharge can also make work harder to manage. 

You do not need to manage this on your own. 

Common challenges with employment 

Veterans and families of veterans can face a range of employment challenges when looking for work or staying in work. These may include: 

• Translating military skills and experience into civilian roles 
• Gaps in employment or changes due to injury or illness 
• Loss of confidence or uncertainty about career direction 
• Balancing work with health, recovery or caring responsibilities 
• Employment changes following transition or discharge from the ADF 

These challenges are common and support is available at different points along the way. 

Types of employment support available 

Employment support will look different depending on your situation and what you need help with. This may include help with: 

• Career planning, job searching and applications 
• Skills recognition, training and reskilling 
• Returning to work after illness, injury or extended leave 
• Managing work alongside health or wellbeing needs 
• Identifying employers that understand the veteran experience 

Support may be short-term or ongoing. It can also be provided alongside other wellbeing support. Resources to help you with your employment journey and links to support organisations can be found on the Veteran Employment Program website. 

Support for families of veterans and carers 

Employment changes do not just affect individuals. Partners, carers and family members may be affected during transition, recovery or relocation. 

Support may be available to help families and carers: 

• Navigate employment changes or career breaks 
• Balance work with caring responsibilities 
• Connect with services that support the whole family 

Support if employment stress is affecting your wellbeing 

If employment stress is affecting your mental health, confidence or stability, you are not alone and help is available. 

Employment challenges can affect other parts of life and wellbeing. Getting the right support early can make a real difference. 

Entering aged care is a major life change. It can affect your health, independence, identity and wellbeing. 

Support is available through aged care services. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you may also be able to get DVA-funded or veteran-specific support. 

What aged care can involve 

Aged care can look different depending on your needs. It may include: 

• Getting care and support while living at home 
• Short-term or respite care while recovering or while carers take a break 
• Moving into a residential aged care home 
• Ongoing help with health, mobility and daily tasks 

This change may happen gradually or unexpectedly. 

How aged care can affect wellbeing 

Moving into aged care is not just a practical change. It can also affect how you feel about yourself, your independence, and your place in family and community life. 

You may: 

• Feel loss, grief or uncertainty 
• Feel anxious about change or unfamiliar places 
• Feel worried about identity, dignity or being understood 
• Need more help with daily life 

These feelings are normal. Support for emotional and mental wellbeing is an important part of care. 

Support for families and carers 

Entering aged care can also be difficult for families and carers. You may be supporting someone you care about while also managing practical tasks and decisions. 

Clear information, practical help and emotional support can make this easier. 

Support may include help to: 

• Get counselling through Open Arms 
• Access peer support or group programs for partners and families 
• Use planned or emergency respite, if eligible 
• Get coaching, counselling or peer support through Carer Gateway 
• Find local wellbeing, advocacy or community support through a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub 
• Understand aged care options and how to access them 
• Support the person’s dignity, choice and independence 
• Stay involved in care planning and decisions 
• Look after your own wellbeing 
• Check whether DVA-funded or veteran-specific support may be available 

Looking after yourself is an important part of caring for someone else. 

Support for veterans 

For some veterans, aged care can bring up extra concerns linked to service history, recognition and connection to the veteran community. Most aged care is accessed through mainstream services, but some eligible veterans may also receive DVA-funded health, home care or wellbeing support. Feeling understood and respected can make a real difference. 

Support may include: 

• Counselling, group programs or peer support through Open Arms 
• Help at home, such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation or personal care 
• Community Nursing at home for medication help, wound care or palliative care, if eligible 
• Connection with ex-service organisations or veteran community groups for advocacy, social support or local help  

Where to get help 

Key services 

• My Aged Care – the main place to start. It can help you understand aged care, apply for an assessment, find services and learn about costs. 
• Services Australia – can help with aged care costs. An Aged Care Specialist Officer can also explain the process. 
• Care finder services – can help if you need extra support with phone calls, forms, appointments and finding services. 
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) – may help eligible veterans and some family members access veteran-specific support, including help at home and other services. 
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – offers free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support including counselling, care coordination, peer support, group programs and digital health initiatives for veterans and families of veterans
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – can help if you have concerns about the safety or quality of an aged care service, or want to make a complaint. 
• Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – gives free, independent support to help you understand your rights, speak up and make decisions about your care. 

Changing schools can be a big adjustment at any age. Sometimes families plan for it, other times it happens suddenly, often alongside other changes such as moving, leaving Defence, or changes in family circumstances.   

Every child and young person experiences changing schools differently. Support is available to help families manage these changes and settle into a new school and community.   

How school changes can affect children and young people  

Changing schools can bring many feelings, including excitement, worry, sadness or uncertainty. The impact can be different depending on a child’s age and where they are in life.   

Early childhood and preschool  

• Adjusting to new routines, carers or environments  
• Separation anxiety or changes in behaviour  
• Needing reassurance and consistency during change  

Primary school  

• Making new friends and learning new routines  
• Adapting to different teaching styles or expectations  
• Managing worry, confidence, or gaps in learning  

Secondary school  

• Finding a sense of belonging and working out who they are  
• Coping with school pressure or changes in subjects  
• Adjusting during important life changes or family changes   

Senior students and life after school  

• Changing schools close to exams or completion  
• Transitioning between education, training or work  
• Managing stress alongside broader life decisions  

Supporting children through a school transition  

While every situation is different, families often find it helpful to:  

• Give children space to talk about their worries or expectations  
• Share relevant information with the new school about learning or wellbeing needs  
• Ask what support is available during the transition period  
• Keep familiar routines outside of school where possible  
• Stay in touch with teachers or support staff early on   

Even small check-ins can help children feel seen and supported.  

When school change happens with other life changes  

For veteran and Defence families, changing schools often happens at the same time as other major changes, such as moving house, leaving Defence service, or adjusting to civilian life. When several changes happen together, they can increase pressure for children and parents.   

You don’t have to navigate everything at once. Support may be available to help connect you with local services, education supports and community networks.  

Getting support   

If you’re preparing for, or adjusting to, a school change, you might consider:  

• Talking with your child’s current or new school about transition support  
• Asking about orientation visits, transition days, buddy programs, and student support services  
• Sharing helpful information about your child’s strengths, needs and what supports them  
• Planning early support if your child has disability, additional learning needs or mental health concerns  
• Asking about practical supports such as care, transport, uniforms or enrolment information  
• Reaching out for support if the school change is affecting your family’s wellbeing  
• For Defence families, asking about Defence School Mentor support  

School transitions are a significant part of family life. With time, understanding and the right support, children and young people can settle in and feel more confident.  

Helpful resources  

• Department of Education – Support for school students   
• ACT Government – Starting primary, high school and college   
• NSW Department of Education – Transition to school   
• Starting Blocks – Transition to school   
• Queensland Government – Positive transitions to school   
• Department of Education – Students with disability   
• Department of Education – Information resources for students with disability and their caregivers   
• Department of Education – Working together: Moving through secondary school  
• ADF Members & Families - Changing schools  

What is chaplaincy? 

Chaplaincy is support for your emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. This is sometimes referred to as pastoral care. Such support is not necessarily religious in nature, it is just the kind of care often provided by family, friends or good neighbours.  

DVA Veterans’ chaplains are all former ADF padres. They know first-hand the challenges of service life and can assist in a completely confidential manner. 

Chaplains are trained to listen and support people through hard times, including grief, major life changes, stress and uncertainty. They offer a safe and private space to talk about what matters to you, without judgement or pressure. 

You do not need to be a religious person or exploring faith to speak with a chaplain. Chaplaincy is open to people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds, including people with no religious belief. They are there to assist you in any way they can, not to push any faith agenda. 

For veterans and families of veterans, chaplaincy support may be available through programs such as the Veterans’ Chaplaincy Pilot Program. Availability may vary depending on where you live and which services operate in your area. DVA Veterans’ Chaplains are currently located in Brisbane, Townsville and Perth, but can also help by phone, email or teleconference. 

How chaplaincy can help 

Chaplains can support people through many life challenges, including: 

• Major life changes, including leaving the ADF and adjusting to civilian life 
• Grief and loss, including losing someone important to you or changes in your sense of self or purpose 
• Stress, anxiety or uncertainty, especially during difficult or high-pressure times 
• Processing difficult experiences from service, including morally or ethically challenges that continue to affect your wellbeing 
• Relationship or family challenges, including strain at home or changes in family roles 
• Serious illness or end-of-life care, for yourself or someone close to you 
• Matters concerning religious faith, including connection with a local faith community if that is important to you 

Chaplains can also help you make sense of what you are going through, feel more connected, and reflect on what matters most to you. 

What to expect 

When you speak with a Chaplain, you can expect: 

• A listening ear, without judgement 
• Private and respectful support in a safe space 
• Support that suits you, whether you want spiritual support, practical help or someone to talk to 
• Help with difficult feelings or decisions 
• Connection to other services, if you need more support 

Chaplains do not try to fix everything or push their beliefs. Their role is to support you in a way that feels right for you. 

Why chaplaincy matters for veterans and families of veterans 

Many veterans already know chaplains from their time in service. Chaplains have long supported ADF members and families, especially during difficult or stressful times. 

For some people, leaving service can mean losing a trusted source of support. Community chaplaincy services aim to continue that support during times of change, crisis or adjustment. 

Chaplaincy can be one part of your wider support network, alongside counselling, peer support and other wellbeing services. 

How chaplaincy fits into your wellbeing 

Wellbeing is about your whole life, not only your physical or mental health. 

Chaplaincy can support the parts of wellbeing linked to meaning, values and connection. It can help you: 

• make sense of your experiences 
• stay connected to your values and sense of self 
• feel supported during difficult times 
• find purpose and direction 
• help you connect with a community that is right for you 

This can be especially helpful during times of change, loss or uncertainty. 

Getting support 

Chaplaincy support may be available through: 

• Veteran support organisations 
• Ex-service organisations (ESOs) 
• Community or faith-based services 
• Programs such as the Veterans’ Chaplaincy Pilot Program 

If you are not sure where to start, you can explore support options in your area or speak with another service, such as counselling or peer support. 

Support is available 

Talking to someone, whether that is a chaplain, counsellor, peer or other support service, can help you feel supported and less alone. 

Access to childcare can make a big difference to family wellbeing. It can support children’s learning and development, and it can help parents and carers work, study, attend appointments, manage health needs, or take time to rest.  

Childcare needs can change over time. What works for your family may depend on your child’s age, your work or study arrangements, your health, and what support you have around you. There is support available to help families understand their options and choose what works best for them.   

When childcare support may help   

You might look for childcare support if you need help with any of the following:  

• Balancing work, study or training  
• Managing caring responsibilities or disability  
• Supporting mental health or wellbeing  
• Navigating transition, relocation or changes in routine  
• Creating stability and routine for children   

There is no single right time to use childcare. Every family’s needs are different.   

Childcare and wellbeing  

Good childcare can give children a safe place to learn, play and build confidence. It can also make day-to-day life easier for parents and carers.  

• Reduce stress and mental load  
• Support participation in work, education or appointments  
• Allow time for rest, recovery or self-care  
• Help families maintain balance during busy or demanding periods  

For many families, childcare is not just about supervision. It can support the wellbeing of the whole family.   

Childcare in veteran and family life   

For veterans and families of veterans, childcare needs may come up during service-related injury or illness, transition from Defence, changes in work, relocation, or increased caring responsibilities.   

Flexible and accessible childcare can be especially helpful during times of change. It can help families create routine and reduce pressure.  

What support can look like  

Childcare support can include:  

• Centre-based childcare or early learning  
• Family day care or in-home care options  
• Occasional or short-term care  
• Support during periods of transition or increased need   

The best option will depend on your family’s needs, preferences and circumstances.   

Those needs may change over time.  

Getting support  

If you are exploring childcare options, these steps may help:  

• Learning about the different types of childcare available in your area  
• Talking with other parents, carers or family support services  
• Seeking support if childcare access is affecting your wellbeing, work or caring responsibilities  
• Asking for help to navigate options during times of change  

You can also get help from community services, government services such as Services Australia, or local childcare providers.  

Finding the right childcare can take time. You do not have to work it out on your own.   

Next steps  

• Compare childcare services in your area.  
• Check whether you may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy or Additional Child Care Subsidy.  
• Talk to a support service if childcare is affecting your wellbeing, work, study or caring responsibilities.   

Helpful resources  

These resources can help you find childcare, compare your options and understand costs.  

• Starting Blocks – Use this government website to find and compare childcare services, including fees, vacancies and quality ratings.  
• Services Australia – Child Care Subsidy – Learn who may be eligible for help with childcare fees, how much support may be available, and how to claim through their website.  
• Services Australia – Additional Child Care Subsidy – Find out about extra help with childcare costs in some situations, including temporary financial hardship, transition to work, grandparent care, or child wellbeing concerns.  
• Raising Children Network – Get practical advice on choosing childcare, comparing services and understanding different care options in Australia.  
• ACECQA – Learn what quality ratings mean and how childcare services in Australia are assessed.