Christmas can often be filled with happy and memorable times with family and friends.
For many Defence families, Christmas can also be a very difficult time.
Partners can be deployed and families can sometimes be separated, and it can also be a time when we reflect on those we have loved and lost.
It’s vitally important to take some time out for our own self-care and to also keep an eye on other Defence families that we know might be struggling.
✅ Don’t feel that you have to say yes to every invitation, try and have some downtime.
✅ Make a simple meal for a family that you know might be doing it tough at Christmas.
✅ Invite a Defence family who is without their own family to share the day together.
Here are some key phone numbers to save and keep in your favourites.
It’s also absolutely ok to ask for help.
Defence Family Helpline – Defence Community Organisation
1800 624 608 (24/7)
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service
1800 011 046 (24/7)
Lifeline
13 11 14 (24/7)
We love this post from the Option B community about being there for others during the holiday season.
https://optionb.org/