In this episode, Rosie chats with Samuel Harris, the heart and soul behind Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA), a charity that's doing incredible things for veterans and their families.
Discover how VGA is building community and tackling social isolation in the veteran community through a shared love of gaming and geek culture.
Sam's own journey, from his time in the Australian Defence Force to overcoming significant challenges, has fueled his passion for supporting his fellow veterans.
Hear all about VGA’s innovative programs, from setting up social gaming hubs and eSports initiatives to their awesome hospital loan device program, providing Nintendo Switch consoles and Kindle E-readers to veterans in hospitals.
This episode offers a look at the positive impact of community, connection, and a bit of fun! It's a great listen for anyone interested in learning more about veteran support and the power of innovative initiatives.
** Content Warning **
Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.
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Find Samuel Harris
Mental Health Resources:
000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)
RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources
LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/
Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/
Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/
MensLine (24/7) 1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/
QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/