Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2008/A program for those stepping out of the Navy
By LEUT David Graham
The Stepping Out program, aimed at improving the transition from ADF to civilian life, will be conducted at a number of Defence main centres between now and late April.
Stepping Out is one of the group programs offered by Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) whose staff are professionally qualified psychologists and social workers with experience in working with veterans and peacekeepers and their families.
The program focuses particularly on lifestyle and personal issues facing ADF members and their families, both in the short and long term.
Areas covered include:
- Cultural differences between military and civilian life;
- Time management and goal setting; and
- Relationships.
Stepping Out helps participants to use skills they already have, as well as teaching new skills.
The program lasts two full days and is free of charge. It is being held at VVCS centres across Australia. A copy of the brochure can be found at http://www.dva.gov.au/health/vvcs/stepping_out/stepping-out.pdf
The Stepping Out program is voluntary. All members who are in the process of separating from the ADF, or have separated within the last 12 months, and their partners are eligible to attend.
Members can either refer themselves or be referred through the ADF Transition Centres, Defence rehabilitation coordinators or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Transition Management Service.
When you register for the Stepping Out program, VVCS will provide serving members with a joining instruction for use within their chain of command. Members are considered to be ‘on duty at another location’ while participating in the program.
Stepping Out programs between now and end April
| Dates | Locations |
|---|---|
| 2/3 December 2008 | Sydney |
| 8/9 December 2008 | Darwin |
| 19/20 February 2009 | Melbourne |
| 6/7 April 2009 | Adelaide |
| 30 April/1 May 2009 | Wodonga |
