Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) has received funding from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program to help expand the reach and impact of the successful Dance for Veterans program.

The project will pilot a new dance program for veterans’ families, loved ones and carers, while also digitising the program’s facilitator syllabus, to increase accessibility and support wider implementation of the program.

Led by classically trained dancer and researcher Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Rick Maher, the Dance for Veterans program enhances wellbeing for veterans experiencing PTSD or other trauma-related psychological injury, through dance and social connection.

GMR Director of Mental Health Research Dr Camila Guindalini said the funding will allow GMR and Dr Maher to conduct a trial Dance for Wellbeing program with the families of Veterans. Additionally, the recording of instructional videos that reflect the syllabus will also facilitate the training of future Dance for Veterans’ facilitators in areas that are outside that of Southeast Queensland.

“We know Dance for Veterans helps improve both physical and mental wellbeing for veterans. This pilot program will explore how those benefits can also enhance the inclusivity and wellbeing of Veteran families as well,” said Dr Guindalini.

Dr Maher said that the creation of a digital syllabus would also help establish the program in other areas of high veteran population and engagement such as Townsville, Darwin, Sydney and Perth.

“While we’re limited in how many veterans are able to complete the program in Brisbane, digitisation will open Dance for Veterans to people in regional and remote areas,” Dr Maher said.

As with all of GMR’s research projects, the program will be subject to robust evaluation to ensure it brings great benefit to veterans and their families.

The Dance for Veterans program is funded by RSL Queensland and facilitated through Queensland Ballet.