Liz Daly

To design a robust mental health program for endorsement as a set of best practice guidelines for ADF healthcare providers. This will provide a more accurate and targeted method of addressing existing gaps in mental health support for female veterans and to also address any existing barriers to accessing support services and to identify and address any gaps in the current understanding of the mental health needs for female veterans. This will contribute towards ensuring that the number of females serving within the ADF continues to increase by promoting a tailored support for these members and an inclusive workplace.

Primary care facilities are imperative to the mental health care for both serving and ex-serving members. The identification, design and implementation of a tailored health care model, including educational resources for Commanders, the public and family, will not only provide greater awareness of the health care requirements of ADF females, but increase the likelihood of these members being identified as at risk of mental health conditions and appropriate treatment and support provided. This includes changing the perception of what a contemporary veteran looks like to include the diversity of the ADF such as mothers, wives and sole care providers.