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The annual Emergency Services Blood Drive sees personnel from all over Australia help save lives together through blood donation from 1 June to 31 August 2025. Register a blood donor account at Lifeblood & join a team. Please call 1300 886 524.

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Family Support

Leaving the police or considering transitioning can be a difficult time, it often involves feelings of identity loss, fear, isolation and overwhelm. For those struggling with mental and physical health issues as well as career transition distress, it’s a time to reach out for support as doing it alone can be isolating and unhelpful. There are many opportunities for former police, it’s just a matter of finding the best support, programs, care and resources to assist you to navigate this challenging time. Blue Hub is here to assist you to find beneficial information, support, strategies, and resources to assist with moving into the next phase of your life whether it be into a new and exciting career or enjoying a happy and healthy retirement.

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1

Grief and Loss

What is grief?

Grief is a profound and complex series of mixed emotions that follow the loss of a loved one in your life. It can be someone you loved very deeply, your absolute everything, or someone you knew in your community. It can be expected or unexpected. Either way, it can affect you and your family members, friends, colleagues and the extended community in a range of ways.

2

Domestic and Family Violence

Women and men frequently conceal the consequences of physical violence by hiding injuries or making excuses for bruises – or worse. It’s a strange kind of loyalty that stops people from telling parents, siblings or anyone about what’s happening "behind closed doors".

3

Carers Support and Wellbeing, Quest for Life resources

Are you an exhausted career?

KEEP HEALTHY AND ACTIVE
Exercise regularly – 20 minutes daily will help you sustain the physical demands of caring and provide a break from your daily activities
Eat regular, healthy meals to fuel the strength and stamina you need for caring
Get enough sleep – tiredness and exhaustion increase the stress of caring
Look after your back – if you need to lift the person you’re caring for, get professional advice on the safest way to do so. Is there equipment that can help?
Talk to your GP about your caring role and the demands it makes on you.

Helpful Links

  • Fortem Australia
  • Current police only helpful link
  • absolute internal link

Content for family support

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Police Veterans Victoria logo 25 Sep 2023

Anxiety or Depression

Visit the website
25 Oct 2023

ACT Curious

Since 2007 ACT Curious has changed the lives of thousands of Australians through Employee Assistance Programs and therapeutic counselling grounded in evidence based practices.

We have the depth and breadth of experienced therapists who specialise in treating vicarious trauma, PTSD, relationship issues and many other issues.  We listen to you and we match you with a therapist who specialises in your area of need which includes police and their family members.  

Visit the ACT Curious website
10 Jun 2022

Addictions

Addictions are formed when substances or behaviours become unhealthy and start to impact function levels.

Anxiety or Depression

Visit the Addictions website
03 Apr 2022

AFP Legacy

Police Legacy provide professional and compassionate support to families who have suffered a loss through the provision of benefits and services. Children who have lost a parent may benefit from camps, scholarships, trust funds and regular social engagement which is also extended to partners and parents. Each jurisdiction has independent services which may differ from state to state.

Visit the AFP Legacy website
AFPA 03 Apr 2022

AFPA: The Australian Federal Police Association

All Australian Police jurisdictions have Police Unions who provide Industrial Relations, Financial and in some state’s welfare and mental health support and services. Assistance for issues relating to workers compensation, legal matters, necessitous circumstances, and career transition may also be available through your state union. Associate membership for former officers is another way to stay connected to support and services post policing.

Visit the AFPA: The Australian Federal Police Association website
31 Oct 2022

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcohol Anonymous is based on one alcoholic helping another and offers solutions to dealing with alcohol addiction.

Visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website
03 Apr 2022

AMC Change Factor (S.A and online nationally)

AMC provides a multidisciplinary holistic approach to supplying services such as mental health management via counselling and case management for individuals, families and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, stress management, grief and loss, problem solving, alcohol and drugs and dealing with conflict. Youth Mental Health Services are also available.

Visit the AMC Change Factor (S.A and online nationally) website
Solhouette of person looking out window 07 Mar 2022

Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to a threat or perceived threat when fear, worries, concerns and apprehension about the future occupies the mind along with physical changes such as a pounding heart, or shortness of breath

Addictions

Visit the Anxiety website
03 Apr 2022

Australian Federal Police

Each individual state police jurisdictions will have mental health services for serving police which should include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with other specific services. This may include EAP for transitioning police, former police up to 12 months and services for families. Career Transition services may also be included in some jurisdictions as moving into a new career after serving in the police force impacts mental health outcomes.

Visit the Australian Federal Police website
03 Apr 2022

Australian Federal Police Former Members Association Inc

Staying connected to the police family by joining your local retired and former police association may be helpful in maintaining social connection and positive mental health outcomes. Each state jurisdiction has a retired and former police association where regular monthly meetings and social events assist with staying in touch with former colleagues.

Visit the Australian Federal Police Former Members Association Inc website
Bank Vic logo 09 Nov 2022

Bank Vic

We're about people before profits. We're 100% owned by our members and all profits are reinvested into our business or the communities we're part of.

Visit the Bank Vic website
03 Apr 2022

BeachShack Breathing - Yoga and Breath Practice for Serving and Former Police Based in Wollongong NSW

Kate Kilby is a former police officer and yoga teacher based in Wollongong, NSW offering breathing and yoga practice to assist serving and former police to find peace, recovery and hope.

Visit the BeachShack Breathing - Yoga and Breath Practice for Serving and Former Police Based in Wollongong NSW website
15 Aug 2023

Bellator Fortitudinem

Visit the Bellator Fortitudinem website
30 Mar 2022

Benevolent society

At The Benevolent Society, we put people first and work together as one to meet our vision of a just society where all Australians can live their best life.

Visit the Benevolent society website
03 Apr 2022

Beyond the Badge Career Transition Program

An independent culturally aware career transition program with corporate partners who support first responders through the transition process. Based in NSW, programs are funded by corporate sponsors to allow serving or former police to attend without the worry of financial burden. Programs generally run for 3 days and cover transferable skills, resume, networking, navigating job platforms and the application and interview process.

Visit the Beyond the Badge Career Transition Program website
03 Apr 2022

Blue Space (Victoria)

Mental health, resilience, relationship, and wellbeing information via website resources for Victorian Police employees, families, and friends.

Visit the Blue Space (Victoria) website
09 Oct 2023

BUDDY UP AUSTRALIA

Visit the BUDDY UP AUSTRALIA website
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Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Burn out & Compassion Fatigue

Visit the Burnout and Compassion Fatigue website
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Content related to family support

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Anxiety or Depression

anxiety excerpt

Pathways to help

Five introductory videos with Ernst Meyer – Psychotherapist and former officer and one introductory video with Det Inspector Gary Raymond Retired on the work of Chaplains.

Transitioning and former officers

For police considering a career transition who want to learn more about supporting themselves through the process.

For crisis care attend your closest hospital emergency department or contact 000 000

© 2025 Police Care Privacy Policy Site by Osky

This website has been established to provide information to serving and former police along with their families and friends on health and wellbeing, mental health, career transition, and community engagement.

This website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and when making decisions about personal circumstances always seek the advice of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional nor should professional medical advice be disregarded or delayed due to any information contained on this website.

AFPA
Northern Territory Police Assoc
Queensland Police Union- Unity is Strength
Police Association of NSW
The Police Association Victoria
Police Association of Tasmania
Police Association of South Australia
WA Police Union- Strength in Unity
Police Federation of Australia- The National Voice of Policing
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