For many employees, leaving Victoria Police is not only about leaving a job, but leaving a whole way of life, identity, relationships and sense of purpose and meaning.
Leaving any job can be a big decision, and for those who are considering leaving voluntarily and often at the end of a long period with Victoria Police, retirement in particular may result in a complex range of feelings including relief, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, excitement, hesitation, and in some cases dread.
For others who leave due to ill-health or resignation for other reasons, these feelings may also be present and sometimes at a higher intensity. In addition, there may be feelings of frustration or resentment towards the organisation and possibly even colleagues.
Feelings of anger, shame, and sadness, in addition to the practical components of reduced income or re-employment, can be a normal part of transitioning to ‘civilian’ life. Just as it takes time to adjust to police life, similarly it takes time to adjust to no longer being a police member.
Veteran Benefit Card
The police Veteran Benefit Card provides welfare support for Victoria Police officers once they have finished their career in policing, in recognition and appreciation of their service to the Victorian community.
The Veteran Benefit card is a physical connection to the broader policing family as well as access to a range of concessions and benefits for various mental health and wellbeing services across Victoria. The card provides a range of discounts and benefits to veteran police, from retailers such as Chemist Warehouse, Supreme and Leader Caravans, to ClassPass, FitBit, e&s, Samsung, The Pancake Parlour, and more.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the card you must be a police veteran - a Victoria Police officer (including Protective Services Officer) who has left the organisation after at least one full day of service. Police veterans can apply to register for the card at Police Veteran Support Victoria website.
Contact
Police Veterans Victoria Inc. (PVV) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a peer support program to police veterans, former employees and families of Victoria Police, through Veteran Peer Support Officers (VPSOs) who work as volunteers.
Police Veterans Victoria: www.pvsv.org.au
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