Customer-owned banks are a force for good in their communities, and many go beyond traditional banking services to champion community well-being. By supporting mental health organisations and community programs, many mutual banks and credit unions help create positive change and cultivate resilience in the regions they serve.
This R U OK? Day, we’re highlighting three customer-owned banks that are making a significant difference in the mental health space.
Hume Bank: A community united against suicide
Since 2013, Hume Bank has partnered with Survivors of Suicide & Friends to support a moving event in Albury-Wodonga on the longest night of the year. The annual Winter Solstice gathering brings the community together to remember those lost to suicide, which remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.
While born from tragedy, the event also celebrates life and shared memories. Despite the freezing cold, hundreds – and sometimes thousands – attend in person, with many more joining online from across Australia. The event has become a vital part of the local community, creating a space for collective healing and remembrance.
Defence Bank: A unique program for veterans
As part of its mission to support Australian Defence Force members, Defence Bank created the Defence Community Dogs (DCD) program.
This wonderful initiative provides highly trained Assistance Dogs to ADF veterans living with mental health conditions, including PTSD – at no cost to the veteran.
Defence Community Dogs is a unique “win-win-win” program that re-purposes / retrains dogs; provides rehabilitation support for inmates who help with the training; and most importantly, helps veterans to rebuild their lives.
Veterans who have received DCD Assistance Dogs report improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, less reliance on medication, and a renewed ability to reconnect with their family, friends, and communities.
In many cases, these dogs have been described as a truly invaluable part of their veteran’s rehabilitation, literally saving lives.
Beyond Bank: Supporting mental health through research
The devastating reality in Australia is that nearly every week, a young person under 25 loses their life to suicide. This tragic loss creates a ripple effect of sadness and loneliness that is felt by individuals, families, and entire communities.
This staggering rate of youth suicide highlights the urgent need for mental health support in our communities. To help address this crisis, Beyond Bank partners with several mental health organisations, including Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation; based in South Australia, they exist to support ground breaking research that will help to transform the lives of those affected by mental health issues, as well as Lifeline Canberra, a leading charity in the ACT, setting the benchmark for suicide prevention and community-wide awareness for mental health advocacy.
Find a bank that puts you first
If you’re inspired by these stories, consider exploring how your own customer-owned bank supports its community, or if you don’t bank customer-owned, consider making the switch to a sector that puts people and communities first. You can head to findabank.com.au to find a mutual bank or credit union that aligns with your values.