Will you help a veteran feel less alone, this Christmas?

Your kind gift could be a lifeline for Australian veterans, like Bek, this Christmas.

Bek, a former Royal Australian Air Force nurse, understands the impact the festive season can have on many veterans. 

Loneliness is a growing issue in Australia, around one in six Australians (17%) report often feeling lonely (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2025).

For veterans, the challenge can be even greater: almost one in five (18%) report feeling lonely, and nearly one-third (31%) of veterans living alone experience loneliness.

Younger veterans are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing almost half (46%) of veterans aged 18–24 report feeling socially isolated (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).

Thanks to supporters like you, Bek found new opportunities to build community and friendship through Soldier On. 

‘I first met Vashti, a fellow veteran, at a Vietnamese cooking class, part of Soldier On’s Social Connections Program. She’s become a dear friend.

Having people nearby who understand your experiences, and can share a cuppa or a chat, brings something back that I really missed after service. 

Soldier On has been a steady support for me and so many others.

The programs, from cooking to art workshops to wellbeing sessions, give veterans space to connect, learn and feel part of a community again.’ 

Together, we can ensure no veteran is ever left behind.

Please donate to help expand our Social Connections programs and help a veteran, like Bek, feel less alone this Christmas.