VETERANS and their families in Uralla are being encouraged to get socially connected this Veterans’ Health Week.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said almost 400 events across Australia would be run by ex-service organisations and other local veterans groups, both in person and virtually, to support their veteran community with a creative social activity.

Among them is Uralla RSL Sub-Branch which will host a Spring luncheon for guests on Friday, November 13.

“I encourage our local veteran community to come down and raise awareness of staying socially connected to maintain a healthy lifestyle while we regularly adapt to Coronavirus changes,” Mr Joyce said.

“Practising social connection, not only during Veterans’ Health Week but regularly through our lives, is a great way to embed healthy habits into weekly routines that will help improve our overall mental health and wellbeing.

“I commend the Uralla RSL Sub-Branch and other veteran groups in our community who have organised events for Veterans’ Health Week this year, making it a COVID-safe place for veterans and their families to show support for one another.”

Veterans’ Health Week events being hosted around Australia over the next couple of weeks include physical activity challenges, mental health activities, workshops, skill building opportunities, a record number of online virtual events and lots of chances to make new connections and renew old ones.

For more information on attending a Veterans’ Health Week event, visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website. You can also call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au

(ENDS)