26 October 2026: More veterans and those who care for them will have access to evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention training, following the extension of Australian Government funding for the Mental Health Protect program until 2028.
Delivered by Mental Health First Aid Australia in collaboration with LivingWorks Australia since 2024, the program has already trained more than 2,700 members of the veteran community with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to mental health problems and crises.
Mental Health First Aid Australia CEO Angus Clelland said the extended two-year investment reflects the growing recognition that early intervention and prevention require community-wide capability, not just clinical services.
“Mental health and suicide prevention are shared responsibilities. Veterans are supported not only by health professionals, but by their families, colleagues, friends and communities,” Mr Clelland said.
“Thanks to the extended funding from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we can equip more veteran networks to be ready to recognise when someone may be experiencing mental health problems, respond with compassion, and encourage early access to appropriate support.”
The extended funding also expands the program to include culturally informed training for First Nations veteran communities. Veteran community members can now train in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid, as well as LivingWorks programs safeYARN and Indigenous ASIST.
Mental Health Protect is included in the World Health Organization’s Guidance on policy and strategic actions for mental health and the defence and veterans sector. The guide lists the program as an example of support for veterans returning to civilian life and reconnecting with their families and communities.
LivingWorks Australia CEO Shayne Connell said the continued inclusion of LivingWorks’ suicide intervention training provides communities with practical skills that complement one another.
“People often want to help but don’t know what to say or do. Equipping communities with evidence-based skills increases confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling and respond safely and appropriately before a situation escalates.”
The funding extension will enable the program to continue reaching veteran communities across Australia through 2028, supporting earlier intervention, stronger community connections, and increased confidence to respond when someone needs support.
Be the first line of support
Mental Health Protect™ is a fully funded training program that builds mental health and suicide prevention skills within the veteran community – at no cost to participants.
Funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and delivered by Mental Health First Aid Australia and LivingWorks, the program equips individuals to recognise signs of mental health problems and distress and provide support when it’s needed most.
By completing free Mental Health First Aid or LivingWorks training, you’ll gain practical skills that may change or save a life.
