My name is Hannah Wells and I am a Social Worker and PhD Candidate at the University of Newcastle. As part of my research into the Australian veteran community, I am undertaking a study which explores the experiences of young people when their parents leave the Australian Defence Force.
Until now, young people’s experiences of a parent’s transition out of the ADF have been underexplored. However, we know that this can be a time of significant change and adjustment for veterans and their families.
As we know, ADF families are tight knit and share the unique experience of belonging to the defence community, so when members transition out of this community, so too do their children. It is therefore important that we gain an understanding of these young people’s experiences so that we can develop new ways of supporting them into the future.
By inviting participants to share their own story about what life was like when their parents left the defence force, I hope to learn about some of the strengths and resources, knowledge and strategies that young people draw on when navigating this experience. Hearing young people’s own stories about this change in their lives will ultimately help extend our understanding and create new knowledge that is useful for young people from defence families and those supporting them.
If you would like to share your experience and expertise as part of this study and contribute to an important area of defence research, please get in touch with me via the contact details below.
Hannah Wells | PhD Candidate (Social Work)
The University of Newcastle
Telephone: 0431 430 779
Email: hannah.wells@newcastle.edu.au
I look forward to hearing your story!
