A GROUP military families headed to Ballarat last week for a four-day camp as part of Legacy\u2019s young families program.<\/p>\n
The camp provided an opportunity for participants to make connections and give a break to parents, with activities including visits to the Ballarat Wildlife Park, Sovereign Hill, and Lake Wendouree.<\/p>\n
Francine Dudfield attended the camp with her twin sons Kyson and Jaxon for the third year.<\/p>\n
Ms Dudfield was in the army for nine years and following injuries received while serving, she was forced to find a new career.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat all happened and I realised I needed a bit of help in terms of financial assistance and some psycho-social help,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLegacy helped me settle into my new house and get the boys sorted so I could get back to study and work.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Ms Dudfield heard about the camp, she thought it would be a great way for her and her children to connect with people in similar situations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been lovely, the people here are genuine, warm, compassionate people so it\u2019s a really safe environment to be yourself,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so much fun and everyone has a good laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also at the camp was Adam Kent along with his wife and 10-year-old son.<\/p>\n
Mr Kent said it was great to see Legacy expanding its reach to other people affected by their experience being in the armed forces.<\/p>\n
\u201cLegacy is evolving and it\u2019s not just about widows, it\u2019s people who have been injured mentally and physically,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also about being proactive and prevention rather than waiting for something to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the array of fun activities on offer, Mr Kent said the most important aspect of the camp was forming connections.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe activities are great for the kids to have fun, but it\u2019s all about the connection,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSitting back and seeing my boy have a blast with kids his own age who all get along so well is great.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s camp also included the addition of an onsite peer support counsellor from Open Arms.<\/p>\n
Community and peer advisor Belinda Matanis spent the four days with the group having informal conversations and being an open ear if any participants wanted to chat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A GROUP military families headed to Ballarat last week for a four-day camp as part of Legacy\u2019s young families program. The camp provided an opportunity for participants to make connections and give a break to parents, with activities including visits to the Ballarat Wildlife Park, Sovereign Hill, and Lake Wendouree. Francine Dudfield attended the camp […]<\/p>\n