General News
2 March, 2024
Rapid Relief supports veterans
EX servicemen and women were served up a cooked breakfast by members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church’s Rapid Relief Team (RRT) during last weekend’s Warrnambool Veterans and Family Camp.
Organised by army veteran and advocate Adam Kent, the event provides veterans of all ages with a range of activities including walks, tours, personal training and yoga.
Adam founded the veterans’ support organisation ‘Asset Connecting Communities’ and speaks from personal experience.
“When you are in the military, everything gets done for you. There is always someone there to help fix whatever issue you might have, plus you have a ready-made community always around you,” Adam said.
“Once discharged, everything that you are used to relying on evaporates. Often veterans don’t know how to go about reconnecting and that’s where weekends like our camp help.
“The event creates the opportunity over a weekend to get active and engaged.”
Adam said programs like the Veterans and Family Camp can reduce the time it takes for veterans to transition back into a sense of normal life from 10 years to as little as six months.
RRT local team leader for Warrnambool, Dwayne Earl, said serving up breakfast last weekend was the least they could do.
“It was an honour for the Rapid Relief Team to support Adam and this event,” Mr Earl said.
“Seeing the positive impact it has in helping veterans re-integrate with society, it’s clear just how important this type of initiative is.
“We are proud to be one of many local organisations supporting this event, which allows veterans to come together with their peers to feel support, connect and re-engage with the community.”
In addition to physical activities, attendees learn about indigenous history from a local elder.
There are also family activities for kids, including art, sandcastle building and movie sessions.
The Rapid Relief Team is the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
Established in 2013, the RRT has more than 14,500 volunteers around the world who support community events and assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support.
