Vietnam veterans attend one-stop health expo in Auckland
More than 300 Vietnam veterans and their family members attended a health and wellbeing expo organised by Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand in Manukau yesterday.
Veterans’ Affairs, working in partnership with Ranfurly Veterans Trust and Auckland University of Technology, brought together 16 veteran support agencies, providers and support organisations. Vietnam veterans in Auckland and the Waikato were invited to the expo, which featured support and services in a “one-stop shop”.
Veterans met Veterans’ Affairs case managers, veteran support agencies and local service providers, received a health check, and were provided seminars and tools to support independent daily living.
Head of Veterans’ Affairs Bernadine Mackenzie said bringing together Veterans’ Affairs and affiliated organisations in one place was a great way for Vietnam veterans to get information face to face.
“We know the value in sitting down with our veterans and talking with them about what they need,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“With both our staff and local service providers at the event veterans can get their questions answered on the spot, and can often get immediate access to specialist providers.
“It helps us to make sure that they are getting the support they need for independent daily living.”
Though the focus was on supporting the veterans in the way that best suited them, the event also provided an opportunity for veterans to catch up with each other, Ms Mackenzie said.
“We found at a similar event held in Christchurch that a lot of these veterans haven’t had the opportunity to see each other in a long time. As well as practical support on offer, there’s a camaraderie in these veterans coming together to talk about their experiences.”
The expo was an initiative that honours the Crown’s 2006 Memorandum of Understanding that recognises specific health concerns by Vietnam veterans.
Vietnam veterans who are not currently accessing veteran support are encouraged to contact Veterans’ Affairs through the websitewww.veteransaffairs.mil.nz or 0800 483 8372.
