Veteran support group Walking Wounded has launched a public appeal to help eradicate high incidences of suicide for returning servicemen and women who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Supported by technology that allows outdoor advertising screens to collect donations, the fundraising appeal will aid teams in helping victims to overcome trauma suffered during service, and to reintegrate with society.
“It is terribly sad to think that while 46 good men have died fighting for Australia in service since 1999, more than 239 have taken their own life since returning home,” Walking Wounded founder and CEO Brian Freeman said. “This should not happen at all but, unfortunately, these men and women generally do not seek help.”
Mr Freeman says that the only way to deal with the issue was to get out and engage with veterans and that to do so requires funds and resources. To assist, oOh!media has activated its national network of interactive retail screens with tap payment technology to accept donations for Walking Wounded, which will allow Australians to make a $1.99 donation to the charity with a tap of their card.
Mr Freeman said that last year Walking Wounded had held 100 briefings in 89 towns and cities informing servicemen and women on the intervention support and mental health services they can provide.
“We want to give these men and women a lifeline of help and stop further suicides of these valuable Australians,” he said.
