TORQUAY RSL\u2019s newest committee member,Stewart Pritchard, hopes to raise awareness of the contemporary needs of veterans, particularly younger veterans.<\/p>\n
He is especially passionate about work opportunities for veterans and the elimination of discrimination, and also believes in the need for better support for the life-long mental health struggles many face.<\/p>\n
Mr Pritchard knows first-hand the challenges younger veterans face. He served 11 years in the ADF, including significant periods of active duty in Iraq.<\/p>\n
He said the statistics, including those for younger veterans \u2013 who generally rate worse
\nthan the general population in statistics such as physical and mental health concerns, suicide,domestic violence and family break-ups \u2013 show that society could do significantly better to support those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.<\/p>\n
For Mr Pritchard, mental health and suicide are particularly heart-breaking.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo many mates whom I served with are no longer with us. Wars end, but for many, the horrific nature of what we experienced is relived daily.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said career transition and employment was an area requiring more focus, research and pragmatic solutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarting from scratch is tough. I was in charge of a team making security and life anddeath decisions on a daily basis. But on return, I wasn\u2019t expecting my skills to be viewed as near worthless. I wasn\u2019t expecting the level of discrimination or prejudice.<\/p>\n
\u201cVeterans have amazing skills andcharacteristics that employers should be seeking to benefit from.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said he felt fortunate to now be working as a licenced real estate agent with a supportive employer at hockingstuart in Torquay.<\/p>\n
Mr Pritchard said younger veterans were welcome to join him at the Torquay RSL every Friday from 5-7pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TORQUAY RSL\u2019s newest committee member,Stewart Pritchard, hopes to raise awareness of the contemporary needs of veterans, particularly younger veterans. He is especially passionate about work opportunities for veterans and the elimination of discrimination, and also believes in the need for better support for the life-long mental health struggles many face. Mr Pritchard knows first-hand the […]<\/p>\n