In Part 2 and final episode of Invisible Injuries season 5, Andy Fermo continues his conversation with Gillian Yates, diving deeper into the rehabilitation journey for veterans and first responders. The episode explores how Insight Solutions Group customises its approach to help clients overcome psychosocial barriers like social isolation. Gillian explains that recovery often starts with small steps, like casual meetups for coffee or walks, where veterans are encouraged to reconnect with others and begin re-engaging with their community.

A key theme is empowerment—helping individuals take control of their lives again after years of military service or first responder roles where they were always told what to do. The conversation highlights the importance of giving clients the opportunity to make decisions and set their own goals, with Gillian emphasising that rehabilitation is about “doing” rather than just reflecting.

The episode also covers vocational rehabilitation, where the focus shifts to preparing clients to return to the workforce. Gillian explains how vocational assessments help determine whether veterans need additional training or can repurpose their existing skills for civilian jobs.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the first responder community, particularly WA Police, where stigma around seeking help is slowly diminishing as mental health issues are openly acknowledged and supported within the organisation.

Key Takeaways | Insight

1. Start Small, Build Confidence | Rehabilitation starts with small steps, like casual meetups to break isolation.
2. Customized Recovery Plans | Each rehabilitation plan is tailored to individual needs and interests.
3. Empowering Veterans | Veterans learn to take control of their lives after being used to military orders.
4. Rehabilitation is About “Doing” | Progress is made by taking action, not just reflecting on past experiences.
5. Vocational Rehabilitation Focus | Helping veterans re-enter the workforce through training or repurposing skills.
6. Civilianization Challenges | Veterans must adapt to less structured civilian work environments.
7. Soft Communication Skills | Direct military communication styles need softening in civilian settings.
8. Work Trials | Veterans can try new jobs through work trials before fully committing.
9. Support in First Responder Communities | WA Police are becoming more open to mental health support without stigma.
10. Evolving Purpose | The goal is to help veterans evolve, not discard, their military experiences.

Contact - Gillian Yates
Website: https://www.incitesolutions.com.au/
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"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens.
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

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In part 1 of the final episode of Invisible Injuries season 5, host Andy Fermo engages with Gillian Yates from Insight Solutions Group, a veteran rehabilitation provider specializing in psychosocial recovery. The conversation centers around the importance of vocational rehabilitation, particularly for veterans and first responders who face medical transitions that force them to leave their careers unexpectedly. Gillian shares her passion for supporting these individuals in regaining their independence, helping them find new purpose and direction post-service.

The episode explores the challenges of transitioning out of military life, particularly the feelings of loss—of identity, community, and purpose—that veterans and first responders often face. Gillian explains how psychosocial rehabilitation can address these challenges by helping individuals reconnect with their communities, build new skills, and find meaningful work. She highlights the role of social connection in recovery, drawing attention to research on the harmful effects of social isolation and loneliness on both physical and mental health.

Gillian also touches on her experience working with various military groups, including veterans of the Australian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Special Forces, to help them navigate the complexities of returning to civilian life. She emphasizes the need for personalised rehabilitation programs, tailored to the individual’s readiness to engage, and underscores the importance of supporting veterans in regaining control over their lives.

Key Takeaways | Insight

1. Vocational Rehab Importance | Veterans benefit from structured rehabilitation to regain independence.
2. Medical Transitions Are Difficult | Many veterans don’t choose to leave; their medical discharge is unexpected.
3. Grief and Identity Loss | Veterans struggle with losing their sense of identity, community, and purpose.
4. The Power of Social Connection | Reconnecting socially is vital for emotional and mental health recovery.
5. Loneliness vs. Social Isolation | Social isolation has a greater risk of mortality than loneliness.
6. Psychosocial Rehab Promotes Recovery | Rehabilitation encourages rebuilding life through structured activities.
7. Challenges Veterans Face | Barriers like unemployment, financial stress, and health issues complicate recovery.
8. Readiness for Rehab | Veterans must be ready to engage in rehab for it to be effective.
9. Veterans' Unique Needs | Veterans require personalized programs, considering their military experience.
10. Empowering Veterans | Successful rehab involves veterans taking control of their recovery journey.

Contact - Gillian Yates
Website: https://www.incitesolutions.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens.
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

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In this second part of the Invisible Injuries podcast with Robert Kilsby, Robert and Andy Fermo continue the conversation by diving into Robert’s post-military challenges, including his struggles with unraveling mental health and finding purpose after service. Robert recounts his transition from the military and how his drive for excellence kept him going, but he eventually hit a breaking point, leading him to seek help for his mental health. He describes the difficulty of finding the right support and the frustration of navigating the mental health system. However, through persistence, Robert was able to connect with a specialist who helped him better understand his PTSD and how to cope.

The episode then shifts focus to Robert’s passion for motorsport and how he found healing through racing. His experiences in motorsport, particularly tarmac rallying, became a critical part of his recovery, giving him a renewed sense of purpose. Robert shares how his work with Mountain Road Racing, a team that supports veterans through motorsport, is now helping others like him. He discusses the challenges of setting up the team and the importance of providing veterans with meaningful experiences. The episode concludes with Robert's reflections on resilience, coping mechanisms, and his mission to give veterans a chance to rediscover their passion and engage with life once again.

Key Takeaway

• Struggling with Purpose - Robert struggled to find purpose after leaving the military, leading to feelings of unraveling.
• Coping Mechanisms - Despite his PTSD, Robert’s strong coping mechanisms helped him push forward, though they eventually needed professional support.
• Seeking Help for Others - Robert initially sought mental health support for the sake of his family, not recognising his own need for help.
• Importance of Persistence - Persistence in finding the right mental health support made a significant difference in Robert’s journey.
• Motorsport as Healing - Motorsport, particularly tarmac rallying, became a way for Robert to rediscover his purpose and passion.
• Veteran Support - Through his work with Mountain Road Racing, Robert now helps other veterans engage with life and find meaning through motorsport.
• Building a Support System - Surrounding yourself with the right team, including medical and professional support, is essential to overcoming challenges.
• Engagement in Recovery - The key to recovery for veterans is finding activities that engage them, helping them reconnect with life outside the military.
• Structured Challenges - The structure and challenges of motorsport provide a familiar and supportive environment for veterans.
• Legacy of Support - Robert is building a legacy of veteran support through Mountain Road Racing, offering experiential opportunities to others.

Contact - Robert Kilsby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainroadracing
Website: https://www.mountainroadracing.au/about-us
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens.
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