BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
When Royal Australian Air Force veteran EJ was medically discharged from Defence and going through a marriage breakdown, the impact on her mental and physical health was, at times, overwhelming.
During this very difficult period, EJ reached out to Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling which invited her to join an eight‑week Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program.
The experience proved life‑changing.
“It started me on the road to re‑programming my brain, showing myself compassion, changing my mindset towards stress, taking off that protective layer you develop in the military and being vulnerable,” she said.
“It changed my life.”
Since completing the program, EJ has built mindfulness into her daily routine. She says the practice has brought a sense of calm and clarity she had been searching for over many years and continues to help her to navigate challenging periods.
Now a lawyer in Melbourne, EJ says the skills she gained through mindfulness also support her to be the best version of herself — at work and at home.
New free Mindfulness program available to veterans
EJ is now encouraging other veterans, family members and carers to take part in a new free, online Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, funded by Open Arms and delivered by mental health charity OpenGround.
The program builds on the success of a pilot delivered in 2024, which helped participants to improve their self‑awareness and relationships, develop stronger coping skills and better manage their mental and physical health.
The new eight‑week course is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to people anywhere in Australia. You do not need to be an Open Arms client to take part.
What the program offers
Each course includes:
- an online information session before the course begins
- weekly 2.5‑hour online classes over eight weeks, offered at a range of times including evenings and weekends
- individual check‑in calls with the teacher before, during and after the course
- a half‑day guided practice session
- facilitated referrals to additional clinical or counselling support if needed.
Register today
Veterans, families of veterans, and their carers can register their interest to join the program at https://www.openground.com.au/private-events/mbsr-program-for-veterans-family-members-and-carers
Information courtesy of DVA