Veterans from across the Hastings celebrated Veterans Health Week recently with a ‘Get Out of the House’ day at the Veterans Support Centre in Port Macquarie.
Forty veterans and/or their partners attended the event which included talks by an exercise physiologist, meditation expert, an audiologist, representatives of the Community Garden Project and a healthy eating quiz by a dietitian.
Pulse Health was on hand to do glucose and blood pressure checks too.
“The day provided up to date health and lifestyle information to veterans and their partners in a fun way”, says Ian Robertson, President of the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association, Hastings Manning Macleay Sub Branch.
“We had several quizzes throughout the day and prizes too.
“Those attending also had the opportunity to speak to presenters after each session for follow up or referral.
“This year’s theme was about Social Inclusion and the day showed the importance of reducing social isolation in the veteran & ex-service community and the health benefits from doing so. Social isolation is a contributing factor to ongoing health problems with veterans and anything we can do to reduce that is important.”
The day was sponsored by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Veterans Support Centre.
The Veterans Support Centre is located at 6/14 Geebung Drive Port Macquarie and is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Trained volunteers provide pension and welfare advice and assistance, and information and referral services. There is no obligation and all pension and welfare services are at no charge.
Every Thursday is a drop in day where veterans and ex-serving personnel from all arms of the services and all wars, conflicts and peace operations are encouraged to call in for a chat over tea or coffee and enjoy a meal prepared by volunteers for a small fee.
The centre can be contacted by phone on 6581 5230, by email at hmmvvppaa@bigpond.com, or visit our website at www.veteranssupport.org.au.
