Murray Bridge Freemasons back music program for veterans
Thanks in part to a local masonic lodge, a music program to help veterans' mental health has received $10,000 in funding.
Through its charitable arm, Masonic Charities, Freemasons SA and NT has allocated $10,000 in funding to Guitars for Veterans Australia.
The program assists veterans to manage their mental health issues and reconnect with their communities.
The Murray Bridge United Lodge supported the application after discovering the program's benefits for returned service personnel, since several members of the lodge and their families had connections to military service.
According to a lodge spokesperson, providing guitars and lessons to veterans helped them to stay engaged, improved their mental wellbeing and reduced negative experiences.
Research from Deakin University found that music therapy could significantly reduce the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, with music-based programs showing improvements of up to 38 per cent in PTSD symptoms.
Guitars for Veterans Australia was established to give music-based therapy for veterans experiencing PTSD, depression and social isolation.
It relies heavily on donations and community support to deliver its programs.
South Australia has a large veteran population, with around 47,800 veterans registered with health departments and many more who aren't registered.
The $10,000 funding will expand the existing program by providing additional guitars and lessons to veterans in South Australia.
