Vietnam Veteran Counselling Service
VIETNAM VETERAN COUNSELLING SERVICE
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First of all, please note that this board is in no way connected
with, sponsored by or in any other way, associated with the VVCS.
The information published here is available to any member of the
public upon request to the VVCS.
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The VVCS - What is it ?
It's a counselling service for veterans and their families.
Although Australia's military involvement in Vietnam ended in 1972
there are still many veterans who need assistance because of their
war experiences.
Many still suffer from personal, health and relationship difficulties
because of these experiences and, perhaps, an unsatisfactory homeco-
ming.
The effects of a veteran's stress and readjustment difficulties are
felt most strongly by family and close friends, so we encourage ve-
terans and family members to use the service.
Since the VVCS opened in 1982 more than 12,197 veterans have used the
counselling service and, on average, 89 people each month make contact
with the VVCS for the first time.
The VVCS is relaxed, informal, attentive, confidential and free.
Although Government-funded, it's not just another Government office.
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Is the counselling private ?
Yes, all VVCS interviews are confidential.
Your VVCS file and interview notes are completely private. The infor-
mation is not accessible without your permission by any other agency,
including the Department of Veteran Affairs.
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What services does the VVCS provide ?
Counsellors provide or arrange confidential help with:
* personal crisis.
* marital, family and other personal relationships.
* social interaction - that is, getting along with other people.
* stress and anxiety
* employment and financial problems.
Counselling is available for individuals, couples and families. We
also hold group sessions.
Other VVCS services include:
* All centres have a 008 number so that you can ring from anywhere
in the State free of charge.
* volunteer training for veterans and their families, who can
contribute by learning how to help others.
* self - help programs.
* support groups in country areas.
Doctors are available for consultations at some VVCS Centres.
Referrals are made for other specialized services if necessary.
Country clients can be referred free of charge to local counselling
services.
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Who can use the VVCS ?
Veterans, or people with personal ties to a veteran, are most welcome.
Families can get help - if necessary, without involving the veteran.
Most Centres offer family support services, including partner's groups.
You don't have to be experiencing a service-related difficulty to use
the VVCS. Staff will discuss any practical or personal matter, whether
it appears to be service-related or not.
VVCS is the veteran's service --- your service ! You can come to the
Centre alone, with your family, with a friend, or as part of a group.
.....whatever you prefer.
The VVCS is often the main point of contact for veterans and their
families who need welfare or or specialist assistance. In these cases
VVCS counsellors will make referrals to the relevant specialist or
agency.
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When are Centres open ?
The Centres are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but arrange-
ments can be made to see counsellors outside these hours and groups
are frequently held at night.
You are welcome to call into the Centre informally or you can ring
for an appointment.
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Where can I get help ?
VVCS Centres are baseb in all capital cities as well as Townsville,
Launceston and Albury/Wodonga.
Veteran's Line, a 24 hour, 7-day-a-week telephone counselling service
operates in all Centres.
You can get help by contacting your nearest Centre. Phone numbers and
addresses are listed for your information.
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Where are the VVCS Centres ?
CANBERRA
Ground Floor, Melbourne Building
West Row
Canberra City 2601
Tel: (06) 635 9733
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
SYDNEY
108 Wigram Street
Harris Park 2150
Tel: (02) 635 9733
(008) 043 503 ( 24 hours )
MELBOURNE
26 Thomson Street
South Melbourne 3205
Tel: (03) 690 5299
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
ALBURY/WODONGA
91 Hume Street
Wodonga 3690
Tel: (060) 56 1341
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
BRISBANE
Wimpole Place
15 Astor Terrace
Spring Hill 4000
Tel: (07) 831 6100
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
TOWNSVILLE
Shop 17, Kingsvale Shopping Centre
300 Ross River Road
Aitkenvale 4814
Tel: (077) 75 5488
(008) 019 332 ( 24 hours )
ADELAIDE
99 Frome Street
Adelaide 5000
Tel: (08) 213 2300
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
DARWIN
Shop 6, Cascom Centre
Bradshaw Terrace
Casuarina 0810
Tel: (089) 27 941
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
PERTH
44 Outram Street
West Perth 6005
Tel: (09) 481 1955
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
HOBART
2 Castray Esplanade
Battery Point 7004
Tel: (002) 31 0488
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
LAUNCESTON
29 Elphin Road
Launceston 7250
Tel: (003) 31 7500
(008) 011 046 ( 24 hours )
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