The Australian Federal Police Former Members Association Inc. (AFPFMA) was launched recently with the goal of establishing a network and community for all former members.
AFPFMA President Mike Doroshenko said the association aims to bring together former members of the AFP and provide them with a sense of community, camaraderie and support.
“Police officers and professional staff that transition out of the AFP and become former members are sometimes at a loss of what to do after their long association with the AFP has ended.
“I see the AFPFMA as now being that association which will bring former members together and help to provide a stable presence and platform outside of the AFP environment,” he said.
AFPFMA will also host a number of initiatives, workshops and programs to assist people transitioning out of the AFP.
AFPFMA was founded to also help reduce the feeling of isolation members often experience following separation from the AFP; provide information to members who wish to connect with other former members; act as a conduit for members to access assistance on mental health issues, such as PTSD; and more.
Mr Doroshenko encouraged all former sworn and unsworn members who served in the AFP to join, regardless of one’s role.
More information can be found at afpfma.org.au
Purpose-built support accommodation opens doors
A new, purpose-built home in Canberra’s north is allowing four individuals with a long-term mental illness to live in and belong to a community, with support in place to assist their recovery journey.
The home is the first to open as part of a $22.8 million ACT Government accommodation project to assist individuals with mental illness to live independently within the community.
Support will be provided by Canberra Health Services (CHS) mental health teams and a community agency chosen by the residents. Each home will include dedicated space for a support worker.
People who have experienced barriers to leaving hospital, including finding suitable accommodation with support, will benefit from the new homes.
In some cases, residents may be re-entering the community after spending long periods of time in hospital.
The project is the result of a collaboration between CHS, the Community Services Directorate and Housing ACT.
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