The Hon Darren Chester MP
25 Jun 21
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Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Darren Chester MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Media contacts
Rachel Tharratt: +61 419 034 302
Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au
Release content
20 October 2020
The mental health and wellbeing for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, Reservists and their families has been bolstered with a new purpose built app released today as part of mental health month.
Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, said the HeadStrength app would allow users to anonymously check their wellbeing and provide customised information about how to seek the help they need, when they need it.
“The mental health and wellbeing of the entire Defence organisation is an ongoing priority for Government and Defence, and this app is an additional support for current ADF members, Reservists, Defence families, Defence employees and contractors,” Mr Chester said.
“HeadStrength tracks a user’s mental health and wellbeing over time and provides tailored information relevant to a person’s current level of wellbeing.”
The app was developed to build on the ADF approach to mental health screening and in response to recommendations from reviews such as the 2017 National Mental Health Commission Review of Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Services, as well as research studies into the mental health of ADF personnel.
“The app will complement the on-base medical services available to ADF personnel, adding further support to those that may need it,” Mr Chester said.
“This is an important initiative to ensure our personnel have the right tools to manage and monitor their mental health and wellbeing, and importantly, seek help if they need it.
“I encourage everyone to make use of this valuable resource that has been specifically designed for the Defence community. It is an important addition to the work we are already doing supporting the health and wellbeing of the ADF and veteran community.”
HeadStrength is now available to download by those who are eligible to access ForceNet and will be evaluated over the course of the next eighteen months to ensure it is enhanced and remains a key resource for the Defence community.
For information about mental health and wellbeing programs and services available to Defence personnel, visit the People Connect Mental Health Portal or the Defence Health ADF Health and Wellbeing Portal.