Veteran Advocacy: Good in Theory, Broken in Practice?

Description

Delivered to in-patient military veterans at the Jamie Larcombe Centre, within the veteran mental health precinct of the South Australian Health Department.
This presentation explored the barriers veterans face when navigating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims process, the role of advocacy support, and the lasting influence of military culture on help-seeking behaviours. It highlighted findings from previous research that emphasised how early engagement with advocacy services can facilitate recovery, improve access to essential supports, and reduce the risks associated with delayed care.

The session concluded with an informative group discussion in which participants openly shared their own experiences with advocacy services, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly. This exchange helped those early in the DVA claims process learn from the insights and lessons of veterans further along the path, fostering connection, understanding, and peer-to-peer support within the group.

Period	24 Jun 2025
Held at	Jamie Larcombe Centre, Australia, South Australia
Degree of Recognition	Regional