Open Arms programs update

Open Arms’ Group Programs are designed to support current and former ADF members and their immediate families to overcome some of the unique challenges of military life. They include: 

  • Beating the Blues (depression)
  • Building Better Relationships (for couples)
  • Managing Anger
  • Managing Pain
  • Parenting
  • Recovery from Trauma
  • Relaxation and Stress Management
  • Sleeping Better
  • Stepping Out (transition from the ADF)
  • Understanding Anxiety. 

These programs are delivered by mental health and lived experience professionals and are offered face-to-face with some online introductory options. They are evidence-informed, strengths-based, solutions-focused, trauma informed, military-aware, and include the lived experience perspectives of veterans and families.

Our updated Stepping Out program 

Open Arms has updated its Stepping Out program with more contemporary and user-friendly content thanks to feedback from clients. 

This program is designed to increase awareness of important personal and social adjustment factors and to support ADF members and partners as they are transitioning, or who have transitioned, from military to civilian life. 

It provides participants with the knowledge, skills and resources to further assist them in making a confident and successful transition to civilian life. 

Stepping Out is a voluntary program available to veterans and partners at any point in their transition journey. There are no time restrictions on when a veteran and their family can attend Stepping Out post separation from Defence. 

The program is delivered face-to-face over 2 days. It is generally co-facilitated by 2 Open Arms staff, a clinician and a lived experience professional who have a deep understanding of military life and its complexities, including the transition journey. To find out more or register for Stepping Out or other group programs offered by Open Arms, visit www.openarms.gov.au.

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