The Evolution of Villy: A Social Enterprise Empowering Defence Families and Veterans

Villy Australia, founded in 2022 by Heather Latimer, is an innovative social enterprise that is transforming the way Defence families and veterans access support, mental health resources, and community connections. In a world where mental health challenges are often overlooked, especially within niche communities like Defence families and veterans, Villy is creating a space where these issues can be normalised, addressed, and supported in a meaningful way.

 A Vision Born from Personal Experience

The seeds of Villy were planted through Heather Latimer’s personal experiences. A veteran herself, Heather recognised the unique struggles faced by Defence families and veterans in navigating the complex mental health and support services landscape. She saw a gap in the system—one where policy, government resources, and lived experiences failed to align in a way that was both accessible and supportive. Additionally, Heather was inspired by the courageous lived experiences of her colleagues, who bravely shared their own stories to create change in an environment that can often feel isolating—particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their openness shed light on the need for a platform that addresses mental health and wellbeing in a more inclusive, compassionate manner. Rather than simply accept this challenge, Heather took action. Villy was born out of a desire to bridge these gaps and provide a tangible solution to the mental health crisis facing modern Defence families and veterans. The focus of Villy was clear from the outset: create a supportive, community-driven environment that fosters connections, normalises seeking help, and re-establishes purpose.

The Power of a Community-Driven Approach

Villy’s primary mission is to help Defence families, veterans, and modern-day communities come together in an organic, supportive ecosystem. At the heart of this mission is the creation of meaningful connections between individuals who share similar experiences. Through a dynamic app and suite of services, Villy enables users to identify their mental health needs, access critical support services, and connect with others who understand their unique challenges.

The app serves as a powerful tool for promoting mental health and wellness, allowing users to find resources, support, and even new friendships, all tailored to their individual circumstances. It’s more than just an app—it’s a lifeline that empowers its users with the tools and community they need to regain control and purpose in their lives.

What sets Villy apart from other initiatives is its emphasis on community-driven growth. Villy isn’t just about receiving help—it’s about fostering a "pay-it-forward" mindset. Users are encouraged to support one another, creating a culture of generosity and organic growth where everyone has a role to play in helping the community thrive.

From Idea to Action: The Role of Government Support

Villy’s development was made possible, in part, by securing a three-year government grant under the Department of Health’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Support Program in 2021. This grant has allowed Villy to create its pioneering app, which is currently in the pilot phase. The app’s design and function are the result of a collaborative effort that includes the input of fellow veterans and key stakeholders from the Defence community. This collaborative approach ensures the app meets the specific needs of its users, creating a resource that’s both relevant, practical and provides ongoing safety measures.

The success of this government grant is a testament to the importance of initiatives like Villy, which seek to address mental health and wellbeing for those who serve and care for those who serve. By supporting Villy’s mission, the government has provided crucial backing to a social enterprise that is capable of making a significant difference in the lives of veterans and Defence families across Australia. 

Looking Forward: The Future of Villy

As Villy moves into its next phase, its impact is already being felt across the country. The rapidly growing user base, Villy is well on its way to becoming a central hub for Defence families and veterans seeking support, resources, and connection. The app’s current pilot phase will provide valuable insights that will help refine and enhance its functionality, ensuring it meets the needs of users as it scales.

The Villy Team remain committed to their vision of empowering Defence families and veterans, knowing that their work is just beginning. The community-driven model and a focus on normalising mental wellness conversations, Villy is setting the stage for a brighter, more connected future for those who have served.

The journey of Villy is one of innovation, resilience, and hope—a reminder that no one is ever truly alone, especially when communities come together to support one another.