Why Open Door?

Separating from the military and other first responder services is a challenging time. Returning to civilian life and family and friends is exciting but can also be a time of uncertainty. Coming from a highly scheduled life to a life that is open and maybe initially without clear direction requires reorientation across the domains of employment, housing, education, justice, health and the community. If one has health issues the transition can be even more challenging.

At Open Door we recognise that opportunity and support are two great scaffolds to making the journey across the civilian military culture gap. Open Door is an Australasian multi-disciplinary research hub that exists to disseminate research information to academics, practitioners and veterans interested in the research policy and service provision for veterans and first responders.

Our networks extend to New Zealand (Otago University), the University Of Western Australia, UNSW ADFA, Australian Catholic University and the University of South Australia. Our aim is to conduct applied and blue sky research that demonstrates what works for veterans in transition.

Open Door is an initiative of the Flinders University Institute for Mental health and Wellbeing.