New mental health institute launched for Defence members

A new world-class collaborative research institute focused on optimising the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s current and former military members, emergency service personnel and their families has launched in Adelaide. Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), part of The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group, will have a unique focus on research and programs that are co-designed, guided by and responsive to the immediate and long-term needs of industry. World-renowned trauma researcher and MESHA’s Executive Director Dr Miranda Van Hooff said the institute, which is co-located at the Jamie Larcombe Centre in Glenside, South Australia, will play a key role in informing and improving policy across Australia. “Our institute has a unique focus on collaboration, bringing together both research partners and industry stakeholders to help drive our robust and interdisciplinary research portfolio as well as the development, evaluation and delivery of innovative programs and models of care,” Van Hooff said. “We adopt a person-centred approach to both research and program delivery for military and emergency services personnel, prioritising the needs, preferences and experiences of our service members and their families to guide all that we do. We believe in a holistic approach to mental health acknowledging that symptom reduction is only part of the story. Our aim is to empower all service personnel and their families to be able to live fulfilling, meaningful lives regardless of their past experiences.” MESHA was launched at the annual Remembrance Day Breakfast in Adelaide, attended by members of the veterans’ and emergency services community alongside keynote speaker Curtis McGrath and panel speakers Genevieve Rueger, Graham Cornes and Jock Statton. Babcock Australasia was one of several breakfast sponsors and Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director Corporate and Chair of Babcock’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorship (CSRS) Committee, Andrew Cridland, said the sponsorship recognises an alignment of values between the two organisations. “As a defence, aviation and critical services company, Babcock values the research that will be conducted by MESHA to preserve the health and wellbeing of veterans, reservists, emergency services personnel and police.” MESHA has evolved from charity The Road Home, part of THRF Group, which was established five years ago when THRF Group took over The Repat Foundation following the SA Government’s announcement of the formal closure of the Repatriation General Hospital. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]