By Marcus Uhe
Botanic Ridge Iraq veteran Stuart Couch is using Anzac Day to raise awareness of the Young Veterans group.
Established by Chris and Scott May, Afghanistan veterans who grew up in Berwick, Young Veterans is a volunteer run and operated group open to anyone who has served in the regular or reserve armed forces.
Mr Couch is a volunteer with Young Veterans South East Melbourne and said the group was about connectig those who have experienced similar incidents and telling stories that people would understand.
“It’s about social interactions, celebrating Anzac Day all year round, catching up with like-minded people and sharing that brotherhood and camaraderie,” Mr Couch said.
“Most of the guys that I served with are spread around the country so catching up with them is difficult due to distance.
“Young Veterans helps to make new bonds and friendships in your local community.”
Events run by the group include camping trips, sailing lessons, barbecues, dinners at local restaurants and RSLs.
Veterans are also encouraged to pitch hobbies and projects with a community or group focus.
“If you’ve got an idea of something you want to do, we’ll support you, as long as it involves other people.”
Young Veterans operates separately from RSL groups, as some veterans suffer from the incorrect perception that RSL groups are only for those that served in the World Wars, The Korean War or Vietnam, according to Mr Couch, a committee member at the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL.
He said one of the primary roles of the group was to ensure former defence members had someone to talk to in times of need.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare published in September 2021 found the suicide rate compared to the Australian population for ex-service males was 24 per cent higher, and 102 per cent higher for ex-service women.
Mr Couch put this down to experiencing a lack of validity compared to what we know of the experiences of the original ANZACs.
“Some struggle with living up to the idea of what a veteran is if they’re not running on beaches at Gallipoli, and if they haven’t faced the same type of warfare, their experiences don’t equate to the same thing,” Mr Couch said.
“As soldiers we’re always taught to move forward to the next objective but sometimes when you fall into a hole it’s hard to find your way out.”
“You need somebody to reach in and help you get out and put you in a positive direction.”
To get involved with the Young Veterans group or to find your local chapter, visit youngveterans.com.au/
Young Veterans interested in connecting with the South East Melbourne Chapter can join their Facebook group, Young Veterans South East Melbourne.
If the contents in this story has raised concerns for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue, at beyondblue.org.au/
Veterans experiencing mental health concerns are encouraged to contact Open Arms on their 24-hour support service line at 1800 011 046 or head to openarms.gov.au/about/our-story
